1951 Cadillac Coupe Deville questions

[Cadillac Jack 82]

After some thought I've decided to split ways with my Oldsmobile Toronado.  She's a wonderful car but I've somewhat lost interest in her.  In her place I've spotted a very clean #3 condition 1951 Coupe Deville that I wouldn't mind having.  With this in mind are there any items that might be of concern for this year/model?  She has all the accessories, and they seem to be in working order.  The paint is original but shows well similar to the 59.  If anyone here has any input/advice I'm all ears.

[jdemerson]

Tim,

I think the '51 CDV is an excellent choice.

You know that the '51 is in the four-year generation of Cadillacs, 1950,1951,1952, 1953. My car is a 1952 sedan, not especially sought-after by collectors but I like it a lot! The 1951 model has some possible advantages as follows:

• Some people prefer the 2-barrel carburetor to the 4-barrel on '52s and 53s. It is considered reliable and trouble-free.
• The single exhaust tailpipe is underneath the rear bumper. The '52s and '53s have duel exhausts THROUGH the bumper ends -- sexy but not very practical.
• All bright metal is silver in color, whereas on the later models much of is is gold. I think the bright silver chrome is cleaner and classier, although this is a very small matter and subject to personal preference.
• The bumpers are not as "heavy" in appearance as those in the '53. In general I find the aesthetics of the 1951 models as especially "clean".

One note about all models prior to 1954 that have the hydraulic windows and seat. That system is especially complex and expensive to repair. If original, it has brake fluid, which is a DISASTER around paint. It is a big advantage if it has been converted to transmission fluid, but the change needs new lines and cylinders.

Overall, I say Go For It!  Good luck!

John Emerson
1952 Cadillac sedan 6219X

[Mowerhoarder]

Hey! I know a lot about this! I've been daily driving mine for almost a year now and put about 9,000 miles on it. I haven't had any real issues with it but normal old car stuff, the fuel pump went out, the gas tank leaks around the bung for the fuel line, stuff like that. I would look for rusty brake lines and gas tank as long as the car is in good running order and not totally worn out. The generators are also kinda not super good and I ended up replacing mine with a powergen alternator. The 2 barrel carb is fine and mine starts just as fast as a new car even with 6 volts. Look for coolant leaks near the heater box, it's probably the heater control valve thats leaking and needs to be rebuilt.

[Jay Friedman]

....Some people prefer the 2-barrel carburetor to the 4-barrel on '52s and 53s. It is considered reliable and trouble-free.[/li]
[li]The single exhaust tailpipe is underneath the rear bumper. The '52s and '53s have duel exhausts THROUGH the bumper ends -- sexy but not very practical.[/li][/list]

.

I have a '49 which has a different body but the same motor.  Based on 40 years experience with mine I can say that the motor is excellent. Parts are available. The overhead valves make it relatively easy to do major repairs. Also, as per JDEmerson's comment, I'm one of those who feels the 2 barrel carb is preferable to the 4 barrel carbs used from '52.

[Cadillac Jack 82]

One thing of concern with the vehicle in question is that the interior looks to be redone in a pattern thats period, but not a cadillac pattern I'm familiar with.  Here's an example of what I'm talking about:

[Cadillac Jack 82]

Example below.  I'm being told it was a "Dealer" installed cover?

[harry s]

Sounds like a good choice to me. Those do look like period seat covers and with any luck they were put on when the car was new.    Harry

[Cadillac Jack 82]

Well I'm very tempted.  I just need to get the 66 sold.  I'll be taking photos of her this weekend and listing her Monday.

[Carfreak]

Where are you located? And what color is the tornado? Is it nice or needs restoration?

[Cadillac Jack 82]

I'm located in Mesa, AZ.  Cars a #2 show car that's been repainted in the last 3 years and has had both the engine and transmission rebuilt within the last 5.  Color is autumn bronze.  I'll send you a few photos here shortly.

[Carfreak]

Great. I will share the pics with a friend who lost his due to fire a few years ago.

Friend has mentioned a few times about wanting to replace it. 

[Big Fins]

We're both thinking of the same person. He did love that car. I rode in it while I was at his house. Smooth and it held the road well, even going 90 through downtown.