944 died

well this morning as I went to leave to go snowboarding, I got into the 944 and the clutch was depressed to the floor. Not a good sign. there was also a large puddle under the car. I am hoping that I will not need to replace the entire clutch. I think it may be the master cylinder(since there were no signs of the clutch failing before), but have no idea what kind of cost or work is involved in fixing it. The porsche place I like is in San Rafael, and the car in in Orangevale. (about 150 miles away).

christmas presents

For christmas I got a trickle charger for the 93 Cadillac (to keep the battery charged while it sits) and a carb adjuster tool which is a flexible driver that makes it easier to adjust the carb.

paint class?

Since I have two cars that really need to be painted and two that could stand to be painted. I'm thinking about taking a auto painting class at my local community college. There is an evening class starting in Jan. It would be pretty much every night though. I wish there were shorter more intensive classes somewhere.

more steering column issues

OK So it IS possible to get the switch out without removing the entire column. you just have to go as far as the lockplate (just before the shifting mechanism). Dad came down to my house and helped take it apart. It was a tight squeeze, but we finally got the old switch out of the steering column.

I am concerned about a couple things though... the parts in my steering column do not exactly match the parts (or the order of the parts) in the diagrams from the Master parts book or the Service manual. I'm not sure if I should try to put it back how it's supposed to be, or how it came out.

I will probably try how it came out since it worked before. I do need to try to paint the gear indicator while it's all in pieces so I can clearly see what gear I'm in.

In the near future, I need to get the convertible up to the house. Dad brought a battery charger down and charged up the battery in the '93 Eldo so it starts now(which means I can move it out of the garage to put the convertible in). I need to remember to start it every week or so to keep it going. Or maybe I'll get a trickle charger for it. I'm not sure what to do with the cars when I have four at home, I don't really have space for them. I might just send the '93 off to a mechanic to rebuild the engine that should give me at least a couple months.

steering wheel pulled

The steering wheel is pulled, My dad went down to my house while I was away for the weekend and did it, so I don't know if there were any issues, but know I need to find out if I can replace the switch without pulling the steering column, it doesn't look like it...

I'm a corvette

apparently, if I was a sportscar, I would be a corvette.

I'm a Chevrolet Corvette!

You're a classic - powerful, athletic, and competitive. You're all about winning the race and getting the job done. While you have a practical everyday side, you get wild when anyone pushes your pedal. You hate to lose, but you hardly ever do.

Take the Which Sports Car Are You? quiz.

I'm so crabby...

I went to sears and bought a steering wheel puller/harmonic balancer puller and the older guy(maybe in his 50's or 60's) who rung up my purchase gave me a look and said "you're pulling a harmonic balancer!?" I said, "no, a steering wheel" then asked what kind of car, and I said "a Cadillac." Then he asked me if I knew how to get the nut off, and I just said "yes" even though the answer is really not specifically, because I was tired and I didn't want to listen to an explanation (that I wasn't going to remember any of) about how to do the whole procedure right there in the store with a line of people waiting behind me. I felt bad, because to that he said "oh, I didn't know you were such a consummate mechanic." then he tried to talk me out of buying the tool "ya know you don't really need a specialty tool to pull the steering wheel..." To which I said, "yes, but it makes it easier." afterwards I felt bad because people really like to feel like they can pass on their knowledge to others, but I also didn't, because he was a little chauvinistic.

need a steering wheel puller...

I will swing by Sears and pick one up tonight. I hope they have made advances in the ability to access this kind of thing in newer cars...what a pain.

The switch is here!

I'm so happy that I seem to have a good source for future parts. The parts arrive exactly when they said it would, and in perfect condition. I plugged it in without disassembling the steering wheel, and the brake lights now work! all I need to do know is take the steering wheel apart to replace the switch.

waiting...

Will my package be there when I get home? I hope so!

so small

The 944 is so tiny...I often do not see it on parking lots until I'm right on top of it. you don't even know how many times I've had that "did my car get Stolen?!" jump of the heart before it appeared. I guess i'm just used to the giant boat cars that you can see from the end of the aisle (or further).

Turn Signal Switch Found!

One of the guys in my Cadillac group totally saved me...He suggested these guys: Shee Mar they also have an 800 number that does not seem to be listed on their site. 1-800-627-8876.

I got the switch for $104 + $6 shipping, Part #SM229 for a non tilt and telescope steering column (I never thought I'd be happy I didn't have one, but they didn't even have the switches for the tilt and telescope). It should be here Tuesday.

Yay! I've been getting way to used to the little car, I need a big boat to drive around.

-c

more hard to find parts

Aparently the turn signal switch is not being manufactured any more. there do not seem to be any obvious suppliers. I was pointed in the direction of ebay, and to places that might hand-make them. Again, I ask...WHY are these parts so diffucult to find? We are talking about GM parts they should be plentiful and cheap and new.

It's Alive!!!

The convertible starts!! I put a new ground strap and a new positive battery cable on and now it starts! That's what I get for not changing out the easy stuff first...I moved it from the spot it was occupying (which will become a pit of mud as soon as it rains) so it would be easy to access it when I can get a trailer to tow it to my house (could not find one this weekend).

I went to go change the brake pads on the 944, but the pads are not worn (at all) this seems weird to me, I usually go through brakes so quickly, and they have been squeaking so much, I'm worried that they are wearing unevenly and the insides are worn but the outsides are not. Also, I discovered that the locking lug nut on the rear drivers wheel is not letting me unlock it with the key I have. It's like there is something stuck in the lock. I will poke around with a toothpick or something to see if there is something in there.

also, My dad came to my house today and helped me track down the reason for the non-operational brake lights on the 67 Eldo. He suspects the signal switch in the steering column. I'll hunt down a place to order one this week.

so lazy...

I haven't ordered parts for the cadillac yet. I'm supposed to work on some cars the weekend of thanksgiving. But if I have no parts, that's not going to happen...

good leads

My next project will be to replace all the wiring in the '67 eldo as well as the carpet, I got a couple of leads for parts suppliers, and it looks like the carpet will run a little more than $200, and a new wiring harness incl engine harness around $500. it's kind of pricey, so I may just see if I can fix the rear lights only.

here's a place I found that has pretty inexpensive struts for my 93: http://www.actionsalvage.com/airspringeldorado.asp

Great parts catalogs

I just got a catalog in the mail from Automotion who specialize in parts for Porsche. this thing is so complete you can get virtually any part you need for any Porsche made. Not only that but you have a selection of manufacturers. There are like 5 different options for brakes pads for my car in this thing!

WHY does this not exist for Cadillacs? Do you realize how difficult it is to track down parts for Cadillacs? you have to get 20 catalogs from 20 different companies and then many of the parts are STILL not available.

Here is a list of parts catalogs you would need if you have a cadillac:

Rock Auto
Steele Rubber
Cad500 (performance)
New Cadillac Parts
SMS Auto Fabrics
electric window parts
lectriclimited electrical parts
Automotive Carpet
Carpet/Mats

Cad Auto Recycler

List of Stuff to Fix

Things each of my cars need:

1967 Eldo
Tires
Repair on electronics to rear lights
radio installed
new dash face
paint
controls in passenger side door repaired

1984 944
Brakes (maybe rotors too)
oil change DONE
coolant leak find and fix
antannae installed
fix ipod hook up

1993 Eldorado
new engine
new struts
new windsheild

1967 de Ville
body work
paint
engine work, tranny work (unknown)
front suspension work
new convertible top?

1979 de Ville
vinyl top needs to be taken off and rust prevention applied
engine rebuild
tires
suspension work
electrical work (I don't think the windsheild wipers work, or the twilight sentinal)

Giving Up

Maybe because it's winter...or maybe because I moved and now I pay more for rent, but I don't think it's possible to get the convertible done by next summer.

SEMA

the SEMA show was really great, but there is way too much to look at. Also there was a lack of cadillac representation. The theme was american muscle, so maybe they just got edged out by the mustangs, camaros and mopar...

Las Vegas

I'm going to Las Vegas on Monday for the SEMA show. It should be awesome!

sluggish...

I haven't even thought about my cars other than the fact that the 944 probably needs new brake pads (and hopefully not rotors, I have a nasty habit of waiting too long).

Last Thursday, I went and talked to the guy who runs EPPCO the place around the corner from work that looks like they work on cars. It turns out, they don't they are a machine shop, but he's been doing body work for friends. I was supposed to call him on Monday and ask for some references for people who do body work, but he said I should just sign up for a bidy shop class at lankey college to learn it myself. I don't know if I have the time to do that.

suggestion

I got a suggestion today to check out the neutral saftey switch on the convertible to see if that's the problem.

Also, the lights are still working in the Porsche!

this weekend

OK, so this weekend, was all about electrical. Last week I got a fix-it ticket in SF for my tailights not working(I had forgotten to hit them to make them go), also the light above the license plate has stopped working as well, but when you tap on them they came back on.

Also Thursday night, we took the '67 eldo out for dinner. When I came out of the restaurant when it was dark, I backed out of my parking spot and noticed the backup lights were not working, in fact NONE of the lights on the back half of the car were working. not even the brake lights...Luckily, I got home without another fix-it ticket.

My dad came down to my house with his ohm meter to help me fix this stuff. The Porsche had corroded connections, so we cleaned them and I also replaced the bulbs. Those lights all seem to work now, but I need to go back in and put some anti-corrosion spray on the points of contact. I think when it rains the hatch does not protect from moisture as well as it should.

The Cadillac is a bit more of a mystery. The fuse had gone out for the parking lights, when I replaced that, they started working. But when I replaced the flasher fuse, and fuses for the stop lights and reverse lights(even though they looked OK), none of them started working. Then my dad was trouble shooting, and after reconnecting all the wires, not even the parking lights worked anymore. When I moved the car into it's proper spot in the driveway the right blinker did work, but that was it.

The electrical stuff in this car is a huge mess and really needs to be gone through with a fine tooth comb. There are a lot of workarounds and weird things from the person who "rebuilt" it.

slump

I'm not sure what to do this weekend. I could go get an ohm meter and try to track down the faulty connection in the convertible...or I could try to get the carb running right in the '67 Eldo.

I don't think there is enough time to get everything done on the convertible before next summer, maybe if I skip the painting part and just primer it hot rod style it could be ready.

5th starter

Ok, so I removed and exchanged the wrong part number starter for the right part number starter, but it still didn't have the hole in the bottom for a bracket. I went to two stores to verify this. This sucks, why would one part have the correct hole for the bracket and one not when they are the smae part number from the same company!?

I bought it anyway and installed it, and the car still does not start. Obviously it is something else. I may have it towed to a garage, so that someone else can figure out what the hell is wrong with this car. Before I do that, I'll need to remove the fender I started taking off, and make sure the primer is fully covering the metal so it won't rust away in the hands of someone else.

I also went and bought a new cover for the car, I couldn't find a new tarp, so the old tarp went under the car cover and I tied it down. The old car cover went over my brother's car with a couple bags of bark on top to make it stay on.

starter reciept!

I found one of the reciepts for the starter I bought...now I can return one. Yay!

nothing

I've done nothing, well, I pulled all the cars out and switched which side of the driveway/garage I occupy so that Jim will have an easier time getting into/out of the garage. I also washed the '93. I need to take a clay bar to it than wax it, there's a lot of crap on the paint.

Oh- and I also cleaned and lubricated the lock and fasteners to the hatch of the 944, so it doesn't stick now...

Pretty cars

I washed and waxed the 944 last night, it was looking pretty ratty with the bird poop on the hood and all...I also washed but did not wax the '67 eldo (it was waxed in June).

On Saturday, Jim borrowed my 944 to go to the store and get his hair cut. He turned on the air in the car (which I never do). When I started it next to move it the fans belt were squeeking like crazy until I shut the air off. I hope that doesn't mean something...I wonder if the compressor is going out.

interruption

I am having a party at my house and have been focusing all my energy on cleaning up all the crap in my house, so nothing is done on the car yet.

I need to call eppco and find out about body work, and find the reciepts for my starters so I can get the core charges back, and return the last one...

lazy...

I've done nothing on my cars. I went to LA for the weekend instead.

Poor Porsche...

Jim drove my Porsche on Tuesday because my arms were too sore to shift from working on that starter on Sunday and his car was boxed in the driveway. He used to own the exact same car: same model, same transmission (and year) car as this, but he's so used to his Accord now, that he tried to start the car with out pushing the clutch in, right after he said "oh yeah, it's a stick..." I found this very funny since his favorite running joke every time he is in that car with me is the "Women can't drive manual transmissions." The best part is he did it again later! :-)

Oh, and then on the way home, he got pulled over because my taillight was out. He got a warning(we didn't tell the cop we knew about the problem). Good thing I wasn't driving! I really need to see about fixing that...

Starter Fiasco

Sunday, I went to go put the new starter in the convertible. The day started off well with plenty of time to get the starter in and trouble-shoot in case it still didn't turn over. I took all the wiring off the starter, and unbolted the bracket, and the first bolt easily, the last bolt was a bit of a pain and took a while because it is a really long bolt, and the ratchet would not fit and I had to do with a regular wrench. All while I lay on the ground and held the starter up to keep the bolt aligned. As I unbolted it, all I was thinking was "damn, I wish we had a ratcheting wrench set here."

Then I broke the third starter, and had to go get another...I was trying to take the nut off of the copper bolt that is where the positive battery cable connects to the starter, and the nut was on there so tight, that the entire copper bolt twisted right off when I tried to take it off.

I went to Kragen down the street and got another, got lunch and when I got home I was looking around in the garage and found a ratcheting wrench set that was missing a couple wrenched, but NOT missing the size wrench I needed! How easy it would be to put the new starter in...

...so I thought

Once I got under there and got the new starter positioned, I realized the ratcheting wrench was also too thick to fit between the bolt and the transmission. Uh! What a pain to hold up the (heavy) starter and try to align and tighten this huge bolt at an awkward angle. plus, I must have had food coma after my lunch, because the first few times I tried putting this on, I was turning the wrench the wrong way, and kept wondering why the bolt kept falling back out (Jim says this is actually because I don't know my right from my left, but it's not true! I claim disorientation from being upside down and food coma).

After I get the thing in there with the two main bolts, I go to but the bracket back on and realize that there is no hole in this starter to screw the bracket into. Then I look at where the starter meets the transmission, and notice that it does not line up exactly where the old one did. SO, I check the one I just took off and the new one, and they are different part numbers. Ugh! What a waste of a day.

1993 ETC

I totally flaked on the engine for the '93. I don't want to spend the money. I just want to concentrate on the '67 convertible. I wonder if I should part it out to fund the convertible project.

Also, I was looking at my paint chips for the '67 and '68, and I think I do want to go with the '67 color of Atlantis Blue Firemist the spectre blue from '68 looks too blue.

For Sale

I have listed for sale my '93 Eldo, I'm going to give it another shot on Craigslist before I buy a new engine. I think I'm finally ready to part with it.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/car/201797783.html

To be realistic, there just in not enough time to rebuild all my cars. The Porsche is going to need a new clutch soon, and the convertible needs so much work before next August, I really need to spend my time and money on it.

I'm also really depressed about the dent in the bumper on the '67 Eldo, and the thought went through my head that I should sell it before I destory it any further. that thought quickly left though.

'67 Eldo Broken

Last night I pulled the most bonehead move ever.

'67 eldo fixed

Well, part of it anyway... I haven't been driving it because the battery cable was not connected properly and was dangerous to be using, and was difficult to start from the lack of proper battery connection. I've been trying to find a new battery cable, but no luck. I went to Pep Boys last night; they didn't have the one I needed either ( a 2 gauge 72" or 78" cable).

What they DID have was a new battery cable clamp/attacher thing.



I installed that last night, and now it starts right up no problems! Yay! I drove it to work today, and I haven't really been driving it since the muffler was replaced, but I could actually have a conversation on my phone and hear the other person on the line! Even in the tunnel! My car is awesome.

Shipping Sucks

I wanted to order a battery cable from RockAuto for the Eldo, but the shipping is just as much as the cable, and it's got a 15 day wait to ship. blah... I'm going to try PepBoys tonight after work.

New Dash!

I got a new dash for the convertible this weekend! It's in great shape, I'll need to have it dyed to go with the interior(it's black right now). I'm going to try to sell the old one on ebay, we'll see what I can get for it, it's got a quarter-sized hole on the top, but is in decent shape other than that.



I also forgot to bring the starter with me to the convertible, so didn't install it. Maybe next Monday, since it's a holiday weekend...I really need to get it going so I can get the work done on it. I will try to talk to the place near my work that looks like they do body work to see if they can fix the sheet metal.

I was looking at my '79 this weekend, and I think the vinyl top is rusting underneath, I was thinking that I should strip it off and do what I can to save it now, maybe next Monday I'll do that too.

Starter

OK, I finally bought another starter for the deVille, I will try to install it on Sunday, when I am in the same city the car is in. I also bought a new battery cable for the Eldo, and was giong to install it last night, but I'll need a jack and stands to get under it. Those happen to be with the deVille in another city. So, I will pick those up this weekend, and change the battery cable in the Eldo next week.

Engine/Dash

OK, all is set for me to go check the engine out and/or pick it up. I go to West Sac at 10 am on Saturday to the shop it's at. There's an extra tranny too I guess, I'm not sure why but that also makes me suspicious.

Also, I will be picking up a stereo dash board for the '67 DeVille this weekend in San Jose. It is black and I will need to dye it the blue color I think it is supposed to be.

I will also try to pick up a new starter for the '67 DeVille and a new Battery cable for the '67 Eldo.

Random call

I got a call today from the guy who was selling the 94 northstar engine. He said he was going to check the engine number I suspect that it is not what I need, as he says it comes from a deVille. I thought I read somewhere that the deVilles did not have the L37 model Northstar available in them. but maybe that is only for 93 models, and not '94's?

Dash?

I may have a new dash for the Deville! Yay!

I still haven't ordered the new starter, but I think I can just pick one up at the local Kragen. I also saw on ebay an ignition switch I may pick up just incase that's the problem.

I'll be away this weekend, and won't be able to work on the car anyway. Next weekend, I will try to get it started, then I can bring it to a mechanic to get it fixed.

no new engine for me...

Well the people selling the Northstar engine will not reply again and won't give me their number, so it's looking like that is not an option anymore which turns out to be fine, because I really need to get started on the '67 convertible.

I'm going to order a new starter for the '67 Convertible, and try to get it running (the last one I ordered and installed a few months back is broken (I may have broken it).

I also want to check out a metal fabrication shop around the corner from where I work and see if they can/will do the body work the '67 convertible needs.

Once that is finished, I can get some suspension work and engine work done, and then find someone to paint it.

It doesn't look like a lot of work when you write it out, but it'll be a lot. I hope I can get it all done in time for Savannah!

Wash Wash Wash the car...

I washed the ‘93 Eldo when I got home last night, man was that car dirty! I don't think I've ever seen a car that dirty before, the water coming off it was black. It looks good now.

My brother forwarded me a listing from craigslist about an engine and tranny (which I may possibly need) from a '94 Cad, for $1000, which should work in my car. I emailed and got a reply, so I'll hopefully go look at it this weekend.

Smoking through the night

In the dead of night last night, I brought the '93 eldo to the new place. Jim followed me just in case it blew up or something. He says it was smoking pretty bad. I think this car is done. For now, it is in my driveway I will post it for sale on craigslist.org and see if anyone takes it as is.

One the way home, I saw the funniest thing, I wish I had thought to bring my camera with me...there was a flat bed tow truck that had another flat bed tow truck on it's bed and that tow truck had a van on it! It was so funny to see them all stacked on top of each other like that.

New Muffler!!!

I brought the '67 Eldo to the muffler shop today and had the muffler replaced. It still has a meaty sound because I left the dual exhaust and the muffler isn't quite stock, but it's not Funny-car loud anymore. It's nice to cruise around in a car that doesn't give you a headache when you drive it. $170 installed after tax at Allied Muffler on Gilman in Berkeley the guys in the shop are nice.

moving

I am moving this weekend. All my cars overheat easily so I will have to bring them over in the dead of night when it is cool...

Almost Lost the '93...

So my cars are parked on the street around the block my apartment is on, and the '93 Eldo has not been near a car wash in a number of months so it's looking pretty dirty right now. Apparently, someone is sick of looking at it because there was a notice on it from the city of Berkeley letting me know they were going to tow it if I didn't move it dated 7/21. Luckily yesterday I drove home a different way, and saw the windshield when I pulled up to my place. The part about it that I thought was pretty hilarious was the chalk markings they used to determine if the car had moved...they were a little over the top. there was a vertical mark on the tire from the wheel to the ground then there was a half circle on the ground marking where exactly the tire was and then a crossing mark which also lined up with the mark on the tire it looked a little too CSI...I wondered what they would do if I moved the car an inch so the lines didn't line up anymore...

Actually, there were two notices on it. The other was from a guy who had seen the for sale sign on it months ago, and wanted to know if I still wanted to sell it. Then someone else walked by it and wrote on that guy’s note that they would also like to know if the car was till for sale.

I called the first guy, and he said he'd look into how much it was going to cost to fix and call me back today, and since I'm sure he will not be calling back, I'll call the second guy tonight.

Ordered Muffler

The Eldo was looked at this morning, and a new muffler was ordered. It will get replaced on Friday or Monday depending on when the part comes in. I decided to go inexpensive, and just replace the muffler with a stock-style one that will fit the existing pipe pattern (which is no where near stock).

Loud-ass car!

I went to a Cadillac meet on Sunday, and I was a little embarrassed about my car. If anyone is going to know all the things that are wrong on my car, it's this crowd.

The first embarrassing thing was that the coolant boiled over when I got there.

Then while they were doing the awards, some cars left early and drove out right behind where the announcer was. They were so quiet the announcer didn't even need to speak up, I don’t think many people even noticed the cars drove by. That was depressing, If I had driven by at that point, they would have had to stopped that whole thing until I passed. I was embarrassed for something that didn't even happen...I really want to get this fixed!

On the way home, I turned the heater on, and that kept it from boiling over again. Of course, it was like 20 degrees cooler at home than where the car show was, so that may have helped too ;-)

muffler quote

I called a place right down the street from where I work and got a quote to replace the muffler, he gave me an off-the-top-of-his-head-without-looking-at-the-car quote of $150 installed.

I'm going to bring it by their shop on monday morning, and see about having it done. I'm not sure if I should put it back to single exhaust or leave it dual. I will post on the CML and get some feedback.

I can't wait to have a stealthy cadillac once again!

muffler

Uh I have GOT to get this muffler replaced! the car is so damn LOUD it's making me not want to drive it.

dash dying

So I got some good info on dying dashboards, it seems possible, now I just need to look and see if my car was supposed to be mono or stereo. If it was mono, I may have a new dash!

Dash

I got an email from someone who has a 67 cadillac dash for sale. This was in response to a post I put up on a parts board a few months ago. It is a mono speaker set up (one speaker in the middle) for a deville, and it is gold.

Now, I know it's possible to dye these things, but I don't know if it's possible to succesfully dye one blue if it is gold to begin with. I have posted that question to the Cadillac Mailing List(CML), hopefully someone there has tried it, and can tell me if it will work.

Uhhhh...

Today...I have no cars that work. The 93 Eldo smokes like crazy if I drive it, the 67 has a bad battery cable, and the Porsche has a flat tire.

Taking the Month off

I'm taking the month of July off from any car restoration (unless it's neccesary or in credibly cheap). Our lease is up and we are expecting to move(hopefully to a place with a garage!), so my car restoration will resume in August.

last week

So on Sunday after the show, I thought “wouldn’t it be nice to listen to music on the way home?" so, I attempted to have the radio installed at a Circuit City in LA somewhere near El Segundo. They wanted to charge me $120 in labor (what happened to FREE Install?!) because I wanted it in the glove box. What a rip-off. The guy working there seemed kind of shady too so I skipped it. I'm at the point where I think I will just do the install myself. I just have to figure out where to buy a bezel (or maybe I can make one).

Also, on the ride down my car started to not start after I shut it off. I had it jumped twice before I discovered through the help of a couple other people that my battery cable was the problem. So I got a battery terminal cleaner (most awesome invention ever!) and cleaned and tightened the cable almost every time I wanted to start the car. On Sunday, the car over heated and spewed coolant all over the engine compartment, but mostly all over the battery. I sopped up all the coolant, and cleaned the battery terminals and after it was all dry it would start again. Though not very well. The last time I started it, it sparked a little, and I noticed the plate that holds the cables down was not tightened enough, the whole set up is kind of janky. I think I will go get a new battery cable as soon as I can.

GN was AWSOME!

I'm so tired... but the Grand National was a lot of fun. I should have taken another day off.

There were so many really nice Cadillacs. There were 5 Eldorado Birritz's (which are pretty rare).

I also went on a tour to the nethercutt museum that was really neat, but I lost most of my photos from the trip, because I lost my camera. That sucked. I tried to go with out one, but I couldn't, so I broke down and bought another one(luckily there was a BestBuy across the street.

I met one of the guys who designed the '67 Eldorado who later became GM's VP of design, who basically told me he didn't like the color of my car.

No radio yet, but running better

I tried to have my radio insatlled on Saturday, but the radio I had didn't have an ipod connection, and they didn't have the stereo I wanted that did have the ipod connection. So I had to skip the install.

On Sunday I was able to fiddle with the carberator and get it running smoothly(well much smoother... Of course, in the process the bit of the ratcheting screwdriver I was using fell off, and through a gap in the intake manifold to a place I could not get to it from. I had to go to the local hardware store to get one of those magnetic tool retriever things. I found one that was really perfect, it bends to whatever shape you need it to. I don't know how long it will last, but hopefully I won't have to use it much.

still to do:

1) get stereo installed (Sat. morning)
2) stop squeek (Sunday)
3) polish chrome and wax paint (Sunday)
4) replace muffler (Monday?)
5) get tires that match (may have to skip)
6) try to fix doors to headlights (may have to skip)

Opulence

So I've had this car for how long now, and a friend of mine just pointed this out to me... the doors on my eldorado have TWO door handles on the inside! one for the front seat passenger, and one for the rear seat passenger. How awesome is that?

Calling Cards

I made some calling cards for the show with photos of my cars and contact info, I made them mostly as a test to see if this printer would be good for another project I am working on. I picked them up today, and they came out frickin' awesome! I used the orange photo by the water from about 5 posts back, and then put small images of my other cadillacs on the back.

Compliments

Getting copliments on cars is always awesome, but when you get them from people you know are into cars, it's even better!

Duh... and Vette Racing

So, it appears as though I didn't need the radiator. One of the hoses on the back side of the radiator was not clamped tight enough and was dripping down, making it look as though it was leaking from the bottom of the radiator, if I had looked close enough, I would have noticed this. I think I'm just in a rush to get this car finished, and I'm not really paying attention.

My brother made a makeshift overflow tank (since I did not have one) for me out of a water bottle. It doesn't look too bad; it's hidden away in the battery compartment.

The guy on Ebay claims he's going to send me my parts (the bezel and whatnot) so I get them before my show...we'll see.

On a side note, I went to 'Vette Magic (yearly corvette-only drags) yesterday with my brother and dad, and did pretty well. I raced the '73 'vette and got to the semi-finals for my bracket before the tranny fluid started leaking out and I got disqualified. I think I got fourth place, but since I was disqualified, I don't know if I actually get fourth place (we didn't stick around to find out). Unfortunately, my brother did not get to race because the car was disqualified. Dad raced his 99 vette, and was eliminated the first round. Since the car is new I don't think he knows it well enough to pick a time.

Ordered Radiator

...Ordered it from Radiators.com which has a warehouse in Sac, they are delivering it to my parents house today. While I was on hold, they had as their hold music the comedians from the Blue Collar Comedy Tour. Gives you a little insight into the company. It cost $181 after tax with a lifetime warranty.

I also called d'Bears (cadillaville.com) about a dash board, bezel, and stereo, but they did not want to send me the stereo, and it would take two or three weeks to get the dash and bezel. I decided to skip it and wait until after the Grand National to order these parts, who knows, maybe I'll find some of them at the show.

New Carb in

Jim and I put the new carb in last night. Right on the side of the street, because we have no garage. It seems to work OK, starts right up! Though I'll have to adjust the idle a little, it's running a little fast.

Two problems we ran into, were the part that connects to the throttle linkage did not line up properly, (see the image above)so we had to swap that part off the old carb. It could have been bent, or maybe that's what's different on the deville version?

the other problem was while taking the old carb off, I sent the clip that holds the throttle linkage on flying and it (of course) fell between the radiators in the front. As I looked down to see if I could get it, I saw a big puddle of green staring up at me. It was pretty obvious that the radiator was leaking. So, that goes on the top of the "to fix" list.

Oh- yes Jim fished the clip out with a magnet off the refrigerator (thank you Affluent Travel!) and some string.

Things to do by next week:

- stop squeek
- get tires that match
- replace muffler
- put new carb on
- get stereo installed
- see if I can find a new dash bezel
- polish chrome

Car Back From A&A

Well, I was able to pick up the Eldo at A&A this weekend! It actually worked out perfectly! Some of the online Cadillac group was meeting to go to A&A and I got a ride from them to the yard. I hadn't called to let them know I was coming that day, luckily Nick, the mechanic working on my car, was there and was able to finish up a few last-minute things before we had to leave. The final cost on all the repairs was $2300. I usually would be pretty angry about spending over half the cost of the car on repairs (actually I did a quick calculation - to date I've spent $5240 which IS more than I paid for the car) But it's totally worth it. I love driving around in this car!

Here's a list of what was done:
-The engine was completely resealed
-new freeze plugs installed
-they fixed the power windows so I don't have to switch to "emergency" to use them
-they took the toggle switch out for the tail lights and made them work from the headlight switch again
-the power seat works now
-new heater core
-the defrost works (with a switch below the dash)
-new thermostat
-new hoses
-resurfaced the exhaust manifolds
-replaced the broken bolt on the exhaust manifold
-the headlights now make an attempt to work, so some of the vacuum system must have been fixed.
-New rear shocks with air hoses accessible from the rear near the gas tank instead of in the trunk
-

After I got it back I took it to the car wash(which I should probably not do again until I get it painted, as every time I wash it, more paint seems to come off). And took some photos, I will post a couple here.

Carb Here!

I got my carb in the mail today! It's so pretty and shiney...and smells like metal and acid :-)

I opened it as soon as I got it at work, and was promptly laughed at by my co-worker when I sqeeled "Oh! My carb is here!"

Caddy meet

Well it looks as though the Cadillac group is going to have a small meet and they will be going to A&A on Saturday morning! I'm trying to see if I can hitch a ride up there with another caddy club member, so I can drive my car home. Hopefully the car will be finished by then.

Cadillac close to being finished!

Today I called A&A, and they said they were waiting for a turn signal switch (which was not something on the list of things to fix, so I assume it is part of the electrical problem). They said it would definitely be done by early next week, but could possibly be done by the end of this week.

It would be great to get it back this week, because there is a small Cadillac meet on the East Bay this weekend, and it would be great to be able to show my car off this weekend! That also gives me more time to get the remaining things fixed.

I emailed the guy who I ordered the dash parts from last night, and I have not heard back. I may be screwed here because he just recently got two major negatives on Ebay for stuff similar to my problems (really late with ship and milking you for more money later). I'm going to hold off a few more days and see if I get anything from him. It sucks though, because it's been two months since my initial order and another month and a week since the second order. RRRRRR...

Only three weeks until the show!

Carb Done!

I called today to the place that I sent my carb to be rebuilt just to make sure they got it and my email, and they said they received it Friday and it was finished already! They are shipping it tonight so I should get it by the end of the week.

The lady I talked to also said that it was a good thing I put the number of the carb in my email because they got two carbs in the mail that day, both with no information on them, and they had to use the carb number to figure out which was mine.

I can't believe that it's already finished...I can't wait to try it out. I will call A&A tomorrow and see when they think they will be finished with my car.

other cars...

Here’s a quick update on my other cars while we are waiting for the 67 Eldo to come back.

'93 Eldo - I was going to try to drive this car to my parents house so I could leave it there for a while and not have to worry about it on the street (the tags are expired [I just got the new one in the mail this weekend so they are going on the car tonight] and I have to move it once a month for street cleaning) I got the car to the gas station about 2 miles down the road, and it was already smoking so badly from the coolant leak, that I turned around and left it at home. There was a lady who was interested in the car last week I told her I'd sell it to her for $2100, and listed the work it needed with my phone number. She never called back. I think I will see how much I can get either a used engine for, or see if a shop nearby can re-seal the engine for less than $2000.

'84 944 - I think it needs a new clutch. Which will cost me another $2000. It’s still running fine, but recently it's had a little bit of a hard time starting in the morning(this could be the starter, but it seems to start only when I push the clutch all the way into the floor), and the "clunk" sound that came with it when I bought it seems to be getting worse.

'67 Convertible - I am still trying to get this car officially insured so I can tow and or drive it around to mechanics in the upcoming year. The last notice from the insurance company told me they needed proof it had headlights. I put the headlights back on and took more photos, but wasn't able to turn the lights on (I will need to charge the battery to do that) so hopefully having the lights on the car will be enough. I would like to have this car finished for the 2007 Grand National in Savanna, Georgia. It needs engine work, a new top, and paint, but the cars listed above will also need to be fixed this year, so I'll have to budget wisely.

'79 DeVille - Still sitting under a car cover (which is almost disintegrated) and I'm sure there must be a major rust hole under the vinyl top, since there is now mold on the headliner inside the car. I would really love to work on this car this year too, but it's just not going to be possible. I really wish I had been able to garage this car years ago.

Carb

I just sent an email to the CarbsOnly guys letting them know that I sent them a carb that I'd like to have rebuilt.

I also just looked at the list on thecarburetorshop.com to verify that the number on the carb is right. it's not.

The carb AZ vintage sent was for a deVille with A.I.R.(California only emissions control) and A/C, which is slightly different than the Eldorado with A.I.R. and A/C. Luckily I have a '67 deVille (California car) as well, so this carb will probably end up on that car.

In the meantime, it will probably do a much better job that the Holley carb (aftermarket) that's on the Eldo now.

Carb is sent!

I finally sent off the carb to be rebuilt. AND I got verification from my Cadillac club, that the bezel I ordered will fit my Eldorado! So I will have a decent-looking interior when I get to the show(assuming I actually recieve the parts - so far it's been over a month since I ordered them).

I think all I have left to find is a radio, but I was thinking that I could take the one out of my deVille, just to fill up the hole, if I don't find one in time.

Crap...

I forgot to bring the carb to work.

So little time left

I really hope all this work I'm having done makes the car well enough to get to LA and back. I will have two very short weeks (if I get the car back on time) to finish off anything that is still not working properly (which includes the new rebuilt carb).

I will need to replace the muffler and possibly the exhaust pipes, and the carburetor. The cosmetic stuff will have to wait. I'll look for a dash bezel and a radio (if only for show)for the Eldorado.

I still have not sent the carb to the rebuilder yet. I do finally have it off the intake (which I brought to A&A this weekend) and in its own box, it just needs to be tightly packaged and shipped.

Adding some work

I called to ask the guys at A&A to replace the freeze plugs while they have the engine out of the car. also, to replace the intake manifold (which I will bring to them) and the thermostat.

Authorizing work

I authorized A&A to do the seals on the engine(all of them), the rear shocks, and the heater but not the air conditioning. I'll get the air conditioning system done when I return from the show in June.

Photos

It has come to my attention that there are no photos in my blog.

For the time being, you can view some photos of my car here: http://photos.yahoo.com/cadillacrazy

Oh- Yesterday I called A&A and got some info, but not all. They fixed the power seat. Apparently, it was just a ground wire that was not connected.

The window switch was a relay, so that is fixed and the gas leak was a hose, so that is fixed.

They are pricing out the climate control system, but guess it to be $1000+ to repair. They also let me know that my oil leak is actually many, many small oil leaks. Estimated to cost $800 if I want them all fixed, and $400 if I want some (that do not require the engine to be pulled) fixed.

I'm waiting for a more specific cost on the air/heat. etc, and a verdict on what is banging around in the back ( possibly a worn bushing?)

silence...

Well, here it is the end of the day on Monday and still no word from A&A. I will call tomorrow if I don't hear from them. I still have not sent the carb off to be rebuilt. I just keep walking right over the box in my living room doing nothing with it.

I hate waiting

I know I'm not going to hear from A&A until at least Monday, but I want to know what's wrong with my car now! I'm so impatient...

In the mean time, I still have not sent the carb off to be rebuilt. I will package it up tonight and bring it to work to ship tomorrow.

I also need to follow up with the guy I bought some dash parts from through Ebay. he was supposed to ship them last week but I haven't seen anything yet.

a long drive

Last night Jim drove me down to Fremont to pick up my car from the Fremont Air and Electric place, where the mechanic was kind enough to let me pay over the phone and leave the keys for me in an undisclosed location(i really need to have a spare set made).

Then we drove to Brentwood (we stopped at Red Robin in Pleasanton for dinner, and stopped again, because I remembered I wasn't in the Porsche and I needed gas) to drop my car off at A&A Auto, the Cadillac wrecking yard which apparently also does repairs.

The drive from Pleasanton to Brentwood was so nice, and I'm so glad the car did not break down while on this journey. I have not renewed my AAA roadside service yet.

Then we drove back to Berkeley. It took us about 4 hours (including eating time) and 135 miles.

A&A?

Well, the air guy called and said that my car was pretty rigged up by the previous owner. He pretty much doesn't want to touch it. He suggested that I bring it to A&A(the cadillac junkyard in Brentwood) to have the work done, since they know how it is supposed to be and supposedly know what they are doing.

I feel like there is no way this car is going to be road-worthy in time for the show in June. I thought it would be better to bring the car to specialists for the different problems, but now it's looking like it would have been better to bring it to a cadillac-only shop.

I'm really annoyed that I can't just work on the thing myself, I hate apartment life!

Coolant leak

Well, I decided not to bring the car up with me to Sacramento which was probably a good thing, because when I brought it down to the mechanic yesterday, it sprang a coolant leak as I was talking with Rich about what needed to be done. It was only a hose, but that would have been a pain to fix on the side of the freeway.

So, Rich either works at or owns Fremont Air and Electric. He has a ton of Polaroid’s on the walls of all the old cars he's worked on, I hope he takes one of my car! He seemed to really know what he was doing. I'm hoping I finally found a good shop.

I need to send the Carb to the Carbsonly place tomorrow; I'll send it from work where I get a discount on UPS ground rates.

To do

I'm trying to figure out what to do this weekend. I originally wanted to swap the intake and carb but I need to send the carb off to be rebuilt, so at least half of that needs to wait. And my brother said the garage is pretty non-functional at the moment, because his jeep is torn apart, so realistically, replacing the intake manifold is not really feasible.

I was also going to try to have the muffler replaced and any exhaust pipes replaced that needed to be. I don't know if it's worth it to bring it up to Sacramento to do that though, there are plenty of places near me I can have that done during the week. Since it's not running right, and I run the risk of blowing another carb gasket out, I'm leaning toward not driving it up. Maybe I will just bring the Carb up and package it up to send to the CarbsOnly rebuilders.

Compliments

I have gotten a lot of compliments on my car. Funny because I think it looks like crap, and I just keep seeing all the work that needs to be done on it. But I guess it still is a unique car even in its partially done condition. One guy said "It's in great shape and is all original" and I was thinking "Did you actually look at it?"

air...etc

I scheduled time on Moday to bring my Eldo to Fremont Air and Electric so they can check out what's wrong with my car's climate control. I may ask them to look at the electric in the seats and doors too. It will probably be there forever.

Today I showed a couple of my coworkers my car, since I've been talking about it so much they wanted to see it. After she saw it, Jeannie said she didn't think I was quite so crazy anymore. I'll take that as a compliment.

Yay! I have real seats!

I picked my car up from the upholsterer tonight, it's so nice to have a car with no holes in the seats, and that doesn't make me want to puke from the smell of death...

I should have listened to myself about calling Napoleon about the direction of the fabric. He ended up putting in it wrong. It doesn't look bad, but it would have been better for it to go the correct direction. Oh well, It's my own fault for not making sure I was clear.

I only had one small section of vinyl repaired and the insets replaced. I'll have to have the interior re-done again at some point as the vinyl doesn't have that much life in it...it's not bad but it's not perfect.

sooo sloooooooww

Why won't this day go by faster! I want my car back.

Since they didn't already have that one I needed in stock, I got a quote from the CarbsOnly guys to rebuild the carb I got from Arizona Vintage. It's not as expensive as I would have thought. I may just send it there.

Interior is done!

I got a call, the seats in the Eldo are finished a whole day early! I go pick it up tonight. I feel so bad though, they found the dead rodent under the back seat. I'm hoping that's why the car smelled so bad.

Climate control

So, I have a confirmed meeting at the end of this week (for when I get my car back) with the air resto guy Rich. I think I'm going to wait to order parts, until he looks it over. I'd like to talk to him about switching to a hydrocarbon refrigerant, and there may be different parts I need for that.

Actual Progress!

I brought the Eldo to Napoleon, he has been working on it this weekend, and is aiming to have it completed by Wednesday. I'm so happy it's going to be done, but when I left it, some of that paranoia about leaving my cars in the hands of other came in...

And as we were driving away, I started thinking about the potential for the car to get a huge scratch down the side if he tried to navigate my giant boat of a car in and out of his little garage very often. Then I started wondering if the smell was really going to be gone when I got it back. and then I started feeling bad about the potential mess inside the seat that he would have to deal with.

I woke up Saturday morning paranoid that I wasn't clear on the fact that the grain in the new material was supposed to go horizontally instead of how the current material goes vertically, and I wanted to call right then to be sure, but it was kind of early, and I thought since his English is not so great, and my Spanish is non-existent, that I didn't want to risk a conversation over the phone that might confuse him more than anything.

Yes, I know, I'm insane, this is why I like to do things myself… it’s so much less stressful.

feels like progress

So, I ordered an intake manifold and a non-rebuilt but correct carburetor from Arizona Vintage Parts they should be here next week. And I've confirmed my appointment and gotten directions to Napoleon's house to drop the car off for upholstery tonight.

I'm working on finding parts for the air conditioning/heating system. I am supposed to take the car in during the week next week for inspection by Fremont Air & Electric. Rich, the guy there seems to do a lot of older cars, so I have high hopes that this will go well.

inspection

I went out to the Eldo last night and found out it has the switches and gears for the power seat, it just isn't working for some reason. I'll have to take the seat out to find out why, I'll probably have to order a new motor or transmission for it, but it's possible that it was just not connected properly. I also got some pet scent eliminator and sprayed that into the seat cushions, hopefully it will help with the smell a bit. My theory is that if I spray that in there, any foam that does not get replaced will at least be neutralized.

I also check the carburetor to see which it was... it turns out to be an aftermarket Holley carb so I'll have to try to find a proper one.

Fabric is Really Here

It was delivered to work today, I now have it in-hand. I want to find some of that pet odor eliminator to put in the seat before I bring it to Napoleon, just to make sure that none of the smell is there when I get it back.

A couple of other things I need to check out before friday; I want to look and see if the seat has the mechanics for power. I also need to get the number off the carberator, so I can verify that it is right for my car, and possibly order another.

climate control

I found a person to do the climate control system in the eldo. I'm not sure what doesn't work yet, but I'll find out next week. I may end up spending a LOT of money to get it fixed.

things left to do:

I still have to do:

-upholstery (lined up for this weekend)
-replace the gas tank
-fix bushing in rear
-get the defrost/air/heat working
-replace carb/intake manifold

things I'd like to do:

paint
replace carpet
get new rearview mirror
replace air ride system for rear suspension
motor mounts(not sure if this is actually the problem?)

Paint?

I'm not sure that I will be able to paint the car before the show, but I want to at least look into it. I got a couple of good leads, one from a friend who is rebuilding his '69 cougar, and one from a guy who was selling a '67 convertible on craigslist.

The fabric is still trying to be delivered, because I walked out of the house this morning with the note with my signature on it, in my organizer. What a dope I am! I called UPS and had the receiving address changed so that it will be delivered to my work tomorrow.

Fabric is here!

I got a note from UPS that my fabric was attempted delivery today. I left my signature, so hopefully, they will leave it in front of the door the next time they come by, otherwise I'll have to have them deliver it to me at work.

Next weekend

I've made arrangements to have the upholstery done next weekend, the fabric should arrive on Monday, and I will bring the car to Napoleon on Friday. So all seems good with that, I can't wait to have a car that doesn't stink!

I am also working on the purchase of a instument cluster/chrome bezel replacement for the convertible from a guy on Ebay. I know, it seem a little unfocused to be buying things for the convertible when it's the Eldorado I'm trying to get done for June, but I could use some of the parts out of this for the Eldo (the clock and the climate control unit) The climate control issue is really the most pressing issue on the Eldo(everytime I drive it the windows fog up and I can't see).

I also need to order a new gas tank, and rear bushings, and possibly new shocks for the rear and motor mounts, when the car is idling, it's very bouncy...

Seats

So I met with the guy, I made arrangements to drop my car off with him this weekend, but I don't think I will be getting the fabric until Monday. I'll have to call him and ask if next weekend is OK. They are ordering the foam for the seats, and it's going to run me $800 for the foam and the labor. I think I might call another place to see if that's a reasonable price.

Found an Upholstery Guy

I think I have anyway, I'm cutting out a little early today to go to the place this afternoon for them to check out the job, and for me to find out if I can order just the fabric inserts for my seats or if I need to order all the vinyl too.

Driving the Massive Cadillac

I picked my car up this morning, really early, because I got a ride from Jim on his way into work. When I started it, it was obviously running better than when I brought it in, but the idle was really high. I drove it home, and about halfway there, it started to calm down. I parked it in the parking spot behind the building (which is very narrow, so if you pull in front end first, you pretty much have to back out the long driveway) what a difference between the Porsche and this Cadillac! It's huge! I had almost forgotten what it was like to drive a car with such a huge front end.

Then I drove it into work. I had a really hard time getting out of the car because I park on the side of the road (parallel to the curb) and the road has been paved so many times there is a slope to the curb from the road so you push your door uphill. It's difficult in the Porsche, because the door doesn't stay open very well and you have to get up off the seat as well as out. But in the Cadillac, I can barely open the door! The weight and gravity combined make it pretty hard. I better start lifting weights. But still it was awesome to be able to drive it around. There are obviously some other things it needs there is still an exhaust leak somewhere, and there is a rattle in the back that sounds like a bad bushing...plus it needs a stereo, but priority number 1 is to get the upholstery done so it's not so smelly...

Done!

The mechanic is finally finished with my car! He ordered the carburetor gasket kit new so avoided working with A&A again...He says it is road-worthy now... we'll see. I can't pick it up until tomorrow morning...But the final price for the work is a little less then I thought it would be, which makes me very happy because I have just realized I don't have as much money as I thought I had. Maybe I will ride my bike to work and then ride to the mechanic to pick the car up. Or hitch a ride with Jim on his way to work tomorrow. Probably the latter.

I never heard back form the upholstery guy I emailed before...I called and left a message today so we'll see if he gets back to me...I'll have to look around and see if I can find someone else.

even more waiting

I contacted the upholstry guy to schedule a time with him sometime next week to see the car, I hope I get the cadillac back by then...I called today and they are looking for a part from A&A. Which doesn't sound like it's going well(those guys are slow up there). I'm tempted to take the car back and fix it myself.

When I called though, they started talking about the car and it sounded weird, something about brassfittings on the line, and I questioned if they were talking about the carborator, and it turns out he thought I was a totally different owner.

more waiting

I still haven't heard from the mechanic. I think he's stolen my car, it's so awesome, I'm suprised he waited this long... I miss it. and I am rapidly losing my motivation to have everything repaired by June.

More waiting

I still haven't heard if they have found the part for my car. I'm getting kind of antsy. But I'm happy I brought the car in, it feels like a lot more is getting finished than if I had it sitting in the street with my '93.

Never tell your mechanic you're not in a rush...

I finally got a call today, and the new timing cover housing is installed, apparently they patched up the few little places on this "new" one. The timing chain was already new so they did not replace it. they put my oil pump back in because it was in good shape, and they don’t like to switch them out unless they need to because they wear along with the other parts and fit better. It still needs some kind of plate for the carb, which of course they are trying to get from A&A, which will end up costing me $$$. He forgot to check the heat riser valve, so he's going to look at that. I'm bummed I was really hoping to get it to the upholstery guy this week, so I can order the fabric.

Outsourcing

I've maybe got a guy lined up to do the interior in the Eldo, as soon as I get it back, I'm going to meet with him so he can see it. I also have a possible shop for the body work and paint on my convertible, I need to send that guy photos of the work to be done. Or I might try to meet him at his shop so I can check it out. I may bring the convertible to Nielsen Auto in San Carlos first to get it running, then have the cosmetics done after, that might make more sense.

Waiting...

for the mechanic to call with a new list of things that are wrong with the Eldorado. Also waiting for someone to buy the 93. I've got plenty of calls after I put a sign in the window, but once they find out what's wrong with it, they don't want it. I'm thinking I should just fix it and then sell it. Of course if I do that, I won't actually sell it, I'll just drive it.

Timing Cover Housing, etc...

So, I took this morning off of work to drive up to A&A in Brentwood which is an all Cadillac parts yard to pick up a timing cover housing for the Eldo. Apparently, this part is much coveted, and therefore runs some serious cash. I paid $275, and while I was there picked up an "E" for the side emblem that was missing. which ran me another $10. A&A is expensive but they have the parts and they are close. There was one in Arizona for $212 shipped, but it would have taken until the middle of next week to get here and I wouldn't have to car out of the shop until at least the end of the week. At least this way, I may have the car done earlier, plus I got to see the part I was buying before it went on the car.

I have also attempted to contact an upholsterer that advertises on craigslist a lot, he has not replied to me yet. I want to hold off on buying the fabric until I can verify with the upholsterer that I don't need to purchase the vinyl parts of the seat too. If I don't hear back by Monday, I'll try to find a shop in the area.

One the way up to Brentwood, I thought I smelled a burning fluid in the Porsche... At first I thought it was oil, but them I recognized that smell as differential fluid. I'll have to check it when I get home tonight. I need a garage so badly!

pandora's box

So, my mechanic, Jeff called and said my Eldo a Pandora’s Box. The timing cover housing is apparently disintegrated and needs to be built back up or replaced, so that the water pump can be replaced.

I'm looking for the part at various specialty yards around the country and two places have it. one is local and is $275 and one needs to be shipped and is $200, but I don't know what shipping is yet. I should probably just go for the local one. I can see it before I buy it.

$95/hr

It's going to be $611 to replace the water pump and fix some of the vaccum hose routing. This guy charges $95 dollars an hour! What the hell? I think that's insane. I don't think I'll be going back to this guy. I wonder if I could get the Porsche mechanic to look at my Cadillac. He was so much more reasonable, how sad is that?

Mechanic

I left work a little early yesterday to bring my car to a mechanic that was recommended to me from a fellow Cadillac owner. Conveniently, the shop is not too far from where I live, and I was able to limp it in.

I just got a call from the guy, Jeff, saying the water pump was out and there was in fact a vacuum leak and that some of the stuff wasn't hooked up right. He said it would be at least two hours to diagnose the problems. So I'll probably be looking at a pretty stiff bill when all is said and done.

But on the up side, I have someone interested in my '93 Eldo who is planning on fixing it himself, and is not frightened by the repairs. Maybe he'll actually buy it. Then I'll be able to pay for the repairs to the '67 Eldo.

Coming Home

Well, This weekend, There was an exhaust leak coming from the bottom of the carborator...so I put a new gasket on, but it didn't help(of course, no one had exactly the right gasket, so that may be the problem...). Even though this wasn't exactly fixed, I brought the Eldo to where I live, and it drove OK the 50 or 60 miles on the freeway, but once I exited, it didn't like the lower RPMs and started stalling on me. I made it to my apt. (after having to re-start the car about 4 or 5 times) but I don't think it will run well if I try to go anywhere. I'm going to call a mechanic, and get them to fix the exhaust leak, and whatever else it may need. I'm tired of not having cars that work. I'll fork out the cash to get it to run right.

Foamy

Jim doesn't think I will actually make the seats. He may be right, but still, he could lie. I'm not sure where to get the foam for the seats maybe I will ask the guy at SMS fabrics where to get the seat foam.

Fabric

So the seats in the 67 Eldo had been invaded by a rodent of some kind who decided that the seats would make a great place to live (I don't blame it, they are comfy). This means that I have to re-upholster the seats. I contacted SMS Auto Fabric in Oregon, and it turns out I don't even have the correct seat fabric in the car anyway the current fabric is from the '61/'62 Mercury. So I'll have to re-do all the seats instead of just the front. It's also going to cost about $300 in fabric just to replace the fabric insets. I will probably sew the seats myself to save some moola, but I always run the risk of not finishing the project doing it that way.

New Focus

So now instead of bringing a '67 Convertible to the Grand National, I will be bringing a '67 Eldorado. I have a few things I would like to do to it before I bring it down:

New upholstery on front seat (repair hole mouse chewed in it)
Refresh the paint
Change mufflers back to stock
Fix dashoard
get radio


things I don't absolutly need to get done before the show, but would like to fix:
power seat controls
power window controls
dash mechanics

So I need to get cracking on this...I've been in contact with the seat material guys, but they sent the wrong sample, so I'll need to find out if they have what I have.

I need to find an auto painter. this is the most scary part for me. I'm so afraid of it getting messed up.

I need to learn how to fix all the crap in the dashboard.

2 67's

So, I bought the '67 Eldorado. It's Ember Firemist, with a black cloth interior. It's pretty awesome... I might bring this one to the Grand National in LA instead of the convertible. It will take much less to get it in shape for the show.

I have brought home some of the chrome from my convertible to polish. I'm going to try with a dremel.

My Cheating Heart

I have found one of the cars on my list! The list being the cars I want to have in my garage when I die. This list changes slightly every time I get into a new tax bracket but so far none of the cars have fallen off the list, it only gets added to.

1) 1983 Datsun 280zx - 5spd, non-turbo, with voice warnings in silver, blue, black, or charcoal*
2) 1992 Toyota Supra - 5spd, Turbo, with Targa top in medium blue*, black, charcoal, or silver
3)1975 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible - any color except brown, yellow or gold, built on my birthday
4)1968 Cadillac deVille Convertible - Spectre Firemist*, black, charcoal
5)1967 Cadillac Eldorado - Ember Firemist*, black, blue, green,
6)1985 Cadillac Eldoado Biarritz - with stainless roof, no brown yellow or gold
7)1949 Cadillac fastback - any color
8)1957/58 Eldorado
9)1957/58 Coupe deVille
10) v-16 Cadillac

Anyway, I have found #5 1967 Cadillac Eldorado in Ember Firemist. It is CA, and is $5500. I emailed the owner and was not hearing back from them, and was terrified that they had sold it already. I've been looking for this car for years! I passed on one maybe four or five years ago, because it needed a lot of electrical work, but now I wish I had just bought it. Now I have another chance, finally! Buying this car means that I will not have the cash to finish the convertible in time for the show, since the proceeds from the sale of the Porsche and the 93 Eldo will be going to buy this '67 Eldo. But at least I could bring the '67 Eldo to the show!

For sale again

So I went to list both my '93 Eldo and the '84 944 on craigslist, and the posts won't take for some reason. I'm getting a bit frustrated, I've tried 3 times now, with different addresses. Why won't it work!

On top of that, I think I've found a '67 Eldo in Ember Firemist right in my backyard for a resonable price. I hope it works out. Maybe they'll trade me for a '84 944 with a little cash thrown in.

reality

Well, now that I have slept I realize that my dreams of making the World's Fastest Cadillac will have to wait until I have the World's most finished '67 Convertible Cadillac...

world's fastest indian...

I just saw this movie, The Worlds Fastest Indian it was awesome! Now I want the world's fastest Cadillac...Where do I find a racing club that will allow Cadillacs?

cadillac meet

I went to a Cadillac meet this weekend, it was a dinner, and it was so nice, I hadn't gone to a Cadillac event in so long. Even though this one was not a car event, it was still great, and it got me a little motivated. I talked to Jeff, who I had contacted before about working on my car. He said he could still do it, so I may just have it towed up there. I had also intended on going down to where it's at on Sunday and trying to do something, but instead I alphabetized and sorted my CD's and cleaned a little. So here is another wasted weekend (as far as the car goes, It was productive otherwise). But I am taking an extra long weekend next weekend, so maybe I will be able to get something done.

where do I get an ignition switch?

I can't find one...

Things left to do:

sand car/prime to prevent rust
take off fenders
take out glass from drivers side door
take trim off of rear fenders
take trim off drivers side door
get metal repaired on pass fender and both rear panels
get car running
get all window motors working properly/fast
remove all weatherstripping
buy new weatherstripping to install after paint
remove top/interior
get car painted
get new carpet for interior or clean existing carpet
rebuild engine(?)
fix tranny(?)
swap out drums brakes for disks in front(?)
get new clock for interior
get radio working or new one
get speedometer working

New Starter

I installed a new starter in the '67 cad, but it didn't fix the problem. It was a huge pain in the ass too...

I had to go buy a jack and jack stands since there were none at the house(I don't know where they went). I had to move my brother's '56 ford out of the way, which is a three-on the tree, and is missing the part that indicates which gear you are in, and having never driven a three on the tree it was pretty difficult to figure out where each gear was. Also the battery was pretty dead and it had a generator not an alternator, so I would charge the battery up and get it started and if I stalled it, I would have to charge the battery up to get it started again. The whole process was quite a pain in the ass.

Then, I had to move all the crap out of the garage, which really wasn't hard. And push the caddy into the garage, which was difficult, that sucker didn't want to move...the gophers had dug out all the dirt around the tires and effectively buried the car in about 5". We pulled it out of it's divot with Peter's truck, but it really didn't want to move (we only moved it about a foot, and Peter dug a pretty nice divot into the ground trying to pull it out). then we dug the dirt out from under the tires and filled in the divots to make a smooth pushing surface, it didn't really help even though the car was angled downhill we still had to push incredibly hard to get it to move. Then we couldn't get it over the lip of the garage and used Peter’s truck to push it in(using the plastic garbage cans as cushions...I think in the process we bent my bumper, which I'm pretty bummed about.)

Anyway, I got the starter installed and it didn't make the car go, so I'm onto the next part...fusible link or ignition switch.

Engine

I saw on Craigslist a rebuilt 429 engine, and considering the short amount of time I have to get this car done, and my suspicion that my engine is not running right and needs to be rebuilt, I thought, maybe I'll just swap it out for one that runs right to begin with. But the 429 that's for sale is from a '64 and it won't bolt into my '67 without a new tranny (which I may need anyway). I think I'd rather get a engine from a '67 anyway even if I were to swap it out. Oh well.

I Suck

I'm going snowboarding this weekend instead of working on my car. But I am going to be riding in style on my Fleetwood snowboard.

Nightmare

I had a dream last night that all my Cadillacs were at a storage place and they had been left outside uncovered to rot. I guess in the dream I had been away for four or five months and when I returned they were all destroyed. The convertible was completely destroyed, the top had been left down and the interior was destroyed, and the body was covered in deep rust holes. Weird thing is, it was triple white, so you could really see the rust. it was just dripping down the sides of the car. I was so angry!

I need a Garage!!!

The mud is so squishy, there is no way I can jack the car up where it is.

starter...

I bought a starter, which is probably where I should have started, and went to go install it on last Saturday, but it was raining so hard, I couldn't get under the car. I will try again Sunday. I also registered the car non-op for the time being. I will register it operartional when i can get it started.

Still not running

Jim and I went down to where the car is this Sunday to try to get some stuff done on the Cadi. With all the recent rain, the area around the car was pretty muddy, my shoes were caked with mud and it was difficult to maneuver around it. Also the gophers are tearing the ground up around the tires so once we do get it started it may still be pretty difficult to move. I hope they don't chew right through the tire like they did on the Ford a few years back...

With the storms the covers kept coming off so the interior got wet. The carpet was pretty moist, I tried to open the car up to let it air out a bit. I would have liked to have opened the top to let the sun dry to carpet out, but the car is still dead.

We put the new ignition coil in, but it still won't start. I get one click then nothing after that. This is very frustrating. I don't know what the hell is wrong with it. It's probably something really stupid and cheap. I'll need to crack open the service manuals this week and see what else I can try.

Oh! and the power to the house was intermittently going out, so I couldn't even sand down the areas that were getting rusty to re-prime them. The list is becoming a little too long to be complete by June. I'll have to prioritize the to-do list. I'm not sure if I would rather have it running and not painted for the CLC meet, or look pretty but not run well. Probably running but not pretty.