1970 SdV project (was: going to look at '69 SdV)

[blue68deville]

Very cool. Welcome to the Caddy world.
Can't wait to see some pics.

[Speach]

Awesome! You can't beat free. Its sounds like the car was taken care of for most of it's life. No cracks in the dash, thats a good sign.

[blyndgesser]

I'm cautiously optimistic.  It needs attention, of course, but so far the only thing it needs that I can't do here in the driveway is the rust repair and the paint work that goes with it.  And that'll be a long way off.  First order of business is to retrieve it from 150 miles down the road.  Then it'll be time to do a serious recon on the brakes and figure out what the engine will need. 

I'll keep y'all posted, and thanks in advance for any guidance you can provide.

[EZ]

It'll probably take a lot more money to restore the car than you think it will so I'm happy you were able to get it for FREE!!!   

Free is always good. 

[Gary]

I agree with EZ, but I have to add that getting the car drivable first makes the project EZier.
I think your priorities are correct : tires, brakes, then running.
A running car helps sustain enthusiasm, and makes life in the un-blocked driveway more palatable to the signifigant other.
Let's get this puppy on the road.
Gary

[blyndgesser]

Well, the car finally arrived.  Logistics have been a PITA for the last three months, but the car is finally safely drydocked in my back yard.  It is actually an early '70 model (build date August 1969).  I've gotten the top layer of accumulated dust and such off the car, and have found it to be a mixed bag, as expected.  On the plus side, the brakes aren't stuck, so the car will at least roll.  We also found some additional paperwork to document the car's history, and the mileage is definitely original at 77k.

On the negative side, there are a couple of areas of rust perforation along the front edge of the hood, right above the grille.  The biggest bubble is maybe the size of an English pea.  Would it be easier to patch these areas or should I start looking for a hood? 

Pics to come soon.

[CarFreak]

Congrats on the new acquisition.  I had to go back & re-read the posts to remember which car this was. 

Sounds like a triple-cleaning is in order, everywhere then start trying to figure out the mechanicals; should keep you busy for a while. 

If you don't already have, be sure to get a Factory Shop Manual ASAP. 

A Fisher Body Manual is helpful too for some components not covered in the FSM it has good diagrams and explanation of how things come apart and get put back together. 

[blyndgesser]

Thanks, CarFreak. I am really looking forward to it.  It's my first non-runner project, though I've had several runners that have turned into projects.  I agree that a good cleanup, inside, outside and under is the first order of business, probably this weekend.  Then I'll put it up on jackstands and find out just how big a job it's going to be to make it roadworthy.  Brakes, tires, and fuel system, at a minimum.

Where would I go to find these manuals?  Is there a better source than the luck of the draw on eBay?

[CarFreak]

Actually Ebay might be your best source.  I like a real paper book though some people now are using CD versions.  

Here's one, Buy It Now for $40.  Looks to be in good original condition but its not so pretty that you won't want to use it in your shop.  
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1969-Cadillac-Service-Shop-Repair-Manual-FACTORY-OEM-/160781048925?hash=item256f4c1c5d&item=160781048925&pt=Motors_Manuals_Literature&vxp=mtr

And F/B manuals are readily available in a variety of conditions and prices.  

Read the description carefully and check the pictures - stay away from the reprints.  

Good luck!


Don't forget there's a variety of Master Parts Lists, Illustrated Parts Catalogs along with service & tech info in our Documents Section:
 http://www.modifiedcadillac.org/documents/

[blyndgesser]

VERY helpful info.  Thanks again!