Caddy

A new project!

I mail-ordered a 1960 Cadillac Coupe Deville from Idaho.

It was just like I wanted, CHEAP, factory original paint, complete chrome and trim, as little rust as possible. I bought it in june and finally in october I got it home:

It looks bad to someone whos used to looking ar cars that have a shiny paint on them, but to me its perfect. No bad bodywork hiding under a cheap coat of paint that someone sprayed to make a quick sell. 

The car has no engine or transmission, which is also a good thing. Now I can install a newer EFI engine, and get a much better fuel economy. I actually bought the new engine way before the car had even left USA. 

That doesnt look too good either 😄

Hmm, maybe its time to add something :D

The Buick worked fine the whole summer. I had some trouble with the starter and the air suspension compressors draw so much current that the original alternator is not keeping up.
Heres some pics from the last summer

I made the seat bottom and widened the fender for a Harley.

Here´s a pic from a motorcycle trip with 3 modified bikes. From left: Marko´s wide Busa, my YamaBuell and Jesse´s Fireblade.

The garage.

Car show in Lahti

After the show, the last ride before winter :(

Here´s something I need to fix. The filler in the b-pilar is coming off. The seam between the roof and pilar is too deep for regular filler. I didn´t want to lead it, because the heat would have ruined the paint. So I need to test fiberglass filler...

And here´s my turbo Fireblade. Motohörhö and I got the engine working, now I just need to finnish the bike...

The engine running with "bio fuel" ;)

Another short trip. I tried adjusting the suspension, lowered it to the lowest point nothing hits the ground. Feels really smooth, drives nice!
Heres a picture of the ride height:

Not extremely low but no off-roader either :D

I had to change the rear axle oil  seal:

I was lucky, I had no problems with that.
So first trip was  around the garage, and the next day I went for a longer drive. The suspension works great and the visibilty form the car is good. I still need shorter windshield wipers ;)

Here the drivers side is at its lowest and the other at its highest.

The sun was shining and I got something done yesterday. So I drove the Rivi out of the garage for some pics..

Here it is, bags full..

Front up...

Rear up...

And both down.

Front.
I like the result of the chop, the winter was not wasted :D
Still to do:
Rear window needs to be glued,  replace the rear brakes and bearings, packege tray, interior trim, cover parts of the air hose for protection, rear seat, fit the hood better, etc etc. I hope I get it "finished" in a week!

I had to modify the top of the windshield opening. I used a ratchet belt, hydraulic jack, angle grinder, body hammer etc. No pics, but now the windshield fits a little better. I also used a diamond stone to grind the windshield glass in various places.

The guys from SVH came to glue it in place. Now I just have to hope the trim fits with out too much fighting.
I also sealed some leaking joints in the supension, now it keeps air in every bag :D

Things still on the -to do- list:
Replaceboth  rear brake cylinders, rear wheel bearings and seals, fit the passager side vent window and both door panels, fix the package shelf (eliminates a lot noise!), fit all the window trim inside and outside, install the air hose for the air pressure gauges + connect the wires for gauge lighting, vacuum the interior, mount the rear panels and seat etc etc..
Maybe I can get some pics with the doors finished and the car outside the garage in a couple of days..

I´ve been finishing the suspension.

Heres the passanger side painted.

And with the  shock installed..
I mounted the wheels, everything works fine, no rubbing.
Here´s a video of the first test. With 3/8 valves, the movement is fast enough, almost too fast to control. 

And then more problems with the windshield :(
The upper edge of the windshield is too far from the lip on the roof:

This gap may be possible to fill with windshield glue adhesive, but the stainless trim is not going to fit well..
I was wondering if I´m able to lift the center of the roof 1cm (almost half an inch)...

If I just make some relief cuts in the back side and then lift the roof gently....?