Thursday, November 30, 2006

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

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

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.

Sunday, November 26, 2006

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.

Friday, November 17, 2006

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...

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

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

Friday, November 10, 2006

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

Thursday, November 09, 2006

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)

Monday, November 06, 2006

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...