[1963 plates gone 🙁 (the car seller took the original plate off the car.)]

On 2/21/2024 at 11:26 PM, Karla welch said:

 

I thought about offering him money for the plate but money obviously means nothing because he gave his car with 46k original miles on it. It would’ve been cool to have the original plate that was issued with the car. 
 

Can also buy a reproduction set with same numbers/letters and offer him the new reproduction for the originals   Would look nice with a picture of the car in a frame.  

[For Sale Unrestored Cadillac v-16]

On 11/29/2023 at 11:52 PM, jcrow said:

Forgive me if this is the incorrect forum. I am looking to sell a few  special cars from my collection.

The first one will be a very special 1930 Cadillac. It is a V-16. It is a one of a kind, special order convertible

coupe made by Fisher for Fisher. Most 30/31 Cad 16s were built by Fleetwood. Fisher built 16 typical, somewhat

stuffy convertible coupes with boxy doors and upright windshields. They also designed, for themselves,  one sleek convertible coupe with a thin and very slopped windshield, slim doors and a drop down top. Unlike the Fleetwood it had front hinged doors (like the roadster) and was non-coachsill. The car is low mileage, running, with great wood and metal. It is quite complete but it is unrestored. It has the special order markings (LX) all over the body and has its original chassis and engine,  all of which match the Build Sheet. This smaller body is mounted on the long chassis and could be quite a show car. There are NO duplicates. I would like something in the $325k/$350k range. Attached is a recent photo.   

 

Ask me for the build sheet.

 

Johnny

Very nice!   Are you also selling the '65 Cadillac in the picture?  Crimson Firemist Eldorado??  Thanks, Chuck

[Insurance For Vehicle Undergoing Restoration Question]

On 10/10/2023 at 2:38 PM, JMAV8FORD said:

Leomara:  Call Hagerty and get what you want.

Yep, did with the last restoration I did and every once and a while sent Hagerty pictures and they kept increasing the value, no problem at all.  I also bumped my parts coverage up as I have cars from multiple vehicles, and lots of parts.  Once resto was done they removed the under construction option, and I sent them the final appraisal.  Chuck

[What are you bringing to Hershey this year?]

Mostly 65-66 Cadillac parts

also some oddball parts such as '41 Packard fenders-need work.  

Can deliver to Hershey or points on the way, or pickup in Syracuse NY.  Pic is just some of the cars saved from the crusher.  Green field in front of Giant center...will update with spot.


Many Cadillac bumper ends from 1962-1973, some with light assemblies, all good cores and some good daily drivers.
'66 rear bumper ends-commercial chassis-NOS but shelf wear $400
'66 rear center bumper cores (6) $75 each
'66 rear seat vert $150
'66 rear seat sedan $100
'66 sedan front seat $150
'66 Sedan molding set $400
'66 Sedan doors
'66 vert pass 1/4 panel
'66 Bucket seats (no head rests), one set left-poor shape
'67 NOS door-2 door $250
'66 Hood, Surface rust in spots-solid. No molding/emblem, no bottom front piece.  $350
'64 wheels, blasted and painted , $150 each
429 intake manifold, repaired by PO $40
429 heads, used and rebuilt
429 Exhaust manifolds needing repairs.  Have 10 sets in various conditions, some with very tiny repairs needed around bolt holes, to some with larger cracks. Send a PM with side needed and I can send pics or make offers 
'64 429 timing chain covers, al looked over by machine shop, no broken bolts or missing pins.  Oil passages by pump all usable,
Many skirts-almost all 60's
'59 Carter carb core, $100
'55-57 air cleaners $100 each (Not the triangle shape-round with side vents)
'65-66 rear quarter moldings (not Eldo)-some have dings but probably repairable,  have 14 sets. $150 set for the fair ones, $250 set for the ok ones, and $450 set for the nice ones.
1960 grills
50s-60s generators -eight total
'50s NOS trunk carpet
'50 Radios 8 total, $100 each

'66 Center rear bumper cores without trim, 8 total, $90 each
'66 Fenders with typical repairs needed at bottom, $150 each
'66 inner fenders, Already blasted and painted, but were not show quality (had some minor dings and such), so I found another better set.  $150 each
'66 heater core non AC cover, blasted and painted.  Found a better one that didn't have as many pits.  $250
'66 Speedos, used 6 total
'66 Cowl
'66 Hoods
'66 Trunk lid
'66 Wheels, Blasted and black powder coated, or used (sold)

'65-66 dashes 4 total, AC and non

Bumper ends:
65-66 top bumper ends $75 each
62-64 ends $125 each
64 bottom bumper end solid $450
64 front bumper-complete, good core or driver $1500

57 Fleetwood bottom quarter molding, pair $400
57 Fleetwood double red lights with chrome, $75 each
'57 Fleetwood rear top 1/4 molding $45

4 1955 Kelsey Hayes wheels.  Nice set with no curb rash $900 (sold)


NOS '55 rocker panels
50s steering column/wheel
1966 front bench seats-core (3 sets, Fleetwood, sedan and vert) without trans/motors, $150 each bench.
1966 rear convertible seat
1965 and 66 bumper cores
66 doors -convert
'64 Transmission
'64 429 bare block (crack in valley pan area)
'65 Grills
8 generators
50's water pump...looks new

15 pairs of skirts, mostly 50's.
50's flat glass/windows-not in best shape

About 250 pieces of moldings 50s-60s...if interested in these pieces, please send me a pic of what you need or measurements.
NOS green 60s mats-have a few cases of these
Thanks, Chuck
 

[Camping at Fall Hershey]

On 8/22/2023 at 12:41 PM, Ernest Palchanes said:

Does anyone know if there is any problems with keeping Motor home and trailor at this camping area ?

Hello again Ernie!  Yes, I parked my 40' Diesel Pusher RV there with 20' trailer attached for 10 plus years, no problems.   Chuck

[For Sale : 65-66 Cadillac parts, 2 '66 cars for sale, 7 parts cars, , some other years too-25 miles from July Hamilton AACA National meet]

For those coming to the meet in Hamilton, I am around 25 miles from the meet location.  If you are doing the self-driving tour, you'll be around 3 miles from my house at one of the stops in Chittenango.  I have 7 65-66 parts cars in the field, along with 2 40' containers of parts.  Have some other years of Cadillac parts too, such as bumper ends from 60s-70s.  Some 50s brake boosters and various moldings.  Even have a set of Packard fenders from the 40s.  

Also have a running/driving '66 Calais for sale for $2500, '66 Limo project, $2500.

 

Thanks, Chuck

[Classic Car Insurance for young drivers?]

As Dave mentioned, Hagerty.  No problem adding my kids years ago when teenagers. Now adults, but was no problem back then with Hagerty.  

[Ford plans to stop putting AM radios in new cars]

On 4/9/2023 at 10:43 AM, Cadillac Fan said:

No one said that it was the number of listeners.   “Talk radio” is thriving.  Everyone has a pod cast.  The point is the delivery of that content via am radio is dying.  You stream it via your phone by way of a data plan.  No static, no range limits.  Clearer and better. 

Yes, there are loads of old cars without android auto or Apple CarPlay, and people have radios in their homes. That is all your numbers say.  

 

If 99 percent of new car buyers (most complaining have not purchased a new car in years) have a smart phone with a data plan, why add AM radio components to a gas/diesel car?  That is a cost savings that 99 percent of NEW car buyers won’t even notice.  
 

How does EV interference relate to f150-350 with gas / diesel engines that won’t have AM components going forward?  

 

Agree and I didn't either.  I could not find stats on the 1%, so out of the 17%, who knows how many are in cars.   Also agree as I stream with Bluetooth in my '66, as AM/FM was modified for Bluetooth, and probably high too, but did not find the stats to back it up as looks like you need a subcription at various sites to see that data.   Also was not disputing the pros/cons of adding, just didn't see anywhere the number pf AM listeners was 1% as stated in an earlier post   From what I saw, the cost to add AM was minuscule, but the research to see if cannot interfere was not worth $ for research, so looks like the cost savings is the research to get it not to interfere.    

[Ford plans to stop putting AM radios in new cars]

On 4/7/2023 at 10:02 AM, Cadillac Fan said:

Corporations should not cater to the 1 percent by adding costs to all cars.  

To the one percent, sorry but time and technology marches on. 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As others have stated, looks like the reason is the EV interference, not the number of listeners (Even though they are declining).  Surprisingly radio still has the highest reach compared other mediums, Radio Statistics in 2023 (Listening & Advertising) - Musical Pursuits , and 1 in 5 are the typical stats for AM vs FM, so if 88% of Americans listen (higher in some other countries), then its more toward 17% vs 1%.  By the numbers, 293 million Americans total AM/FM, or approx. 58 million AM. No data found on streaming/Bluetooth, etc..as that is common as stated by others. 

[2023 Grand National - Bettendorf, IA]

On 4/5/2023 at 2:20 PM, Pat Buckley said:

Grand National now open online

 

Brochure

FYI, been getting an error today on accessing the pdf.  

[How long was your restoration project?]

5 years for my late grandfather's '67 Nova.   10 years for our 66 Cadillac (father/son project).  Did most of work on both cars, except for some upholstery/top and some body work.   My grandfather had a $99 Earl Schreib paint job in the 70s, which preserved the car   Both AACA Grand National award winners.  Chuck Swanson

 

[Have you ever bought a car just for one part?]

Yes, bought a '65 Eldorado about 8 years ago with damage on the driver's side of car, just to get the rear chrome taillight molding.  Put the damaged rear chrome taillight molding pieces from my Eldo on that car.  I then replaced the driver's door as I have many spares, and fixed an area in the 1/4, replaced any other missing parts,  and then sold the car.

[Our 1966 Cadillac DeVille convertible reunited with owner from 40 years ago-enjoyable part of hobby!]

Imagine being contacted by someone who said they have the car you owned 30+ years ago! When I bought my '66 Cadillac DeVille Convertible from Adams NY, luckily all the old registrations were in the glove box. In 2010, I searched and found Neale Cummings, who owned the Caddy in 1981 at around 18 years old! He traded his '68 Mustang for the car. Neale did a lot of work on the car in 81-82 to get it running, and unfortunately had to sell it a year later due to knee surgery bills (See story of car in pic-collector gave him $1000 cash for it).  He regretted selling the Caddy.   Shortly after, he joined the Air Force and moved to VA (thanks for his service!) where I contacted him in 2010...luckily he had a unique first name . He was very surprised when I called, and I said I will let you know when we get it running so you can check out. Neale eventually retired a short time later and moved back to Watertown area, where he grew up.

Fast forward 10+ years and I asked Neale last month if he finally wanted to come visit, now that we are done with all the major shows for the year.  He drove down to me in Syracuse. NY area and it was a great day with Neale Cummings and his wife Sue! Son Alex took a video as we pulled the Caddy out of our garage. First time Neale seeing the car in person in over 40 years (3/18/82).  Mentioned to son Alex that this is a fun part of the hobby that makes other people feel good as this meetup was not really about us, but more about Neale.  

After pics we took Neale, Sue and son Alex for a ride. For the first time after resto, we took the top down and it was an honor to let Neale be the first one to drive the car with top down after the resto. His wife said it made him so happy and he was like a kid in a candy store   After 40+ years (1981) Neale finally got to drive the Caddy again!

 

 

YouTube below of Neale's reaction after seeing car in person for first time in 40+ years. You can see the dent in that fender mentioned in video in another pic in '81...we finally straightened out all that can be seen on the outside

 

Pic with blanket on top is the pic from 1981 that Neale mentions in video.  Primer one is day I brought home in April 2010, then the day of meet is last pic.  

 

  

[The Harvard of Automobile Restoration Gets $500 Million Pledge]

11 hours ago, alsancle said:

You are perfectly describing the “laptop class“.

 

 

May not be the best label   My 22yr old son went to a different automotive college and now is a service tech at a Cadillac dealership (for over a year).  He uses the laptop on new vehicles around 70% of the time diagnosing sensors and other issues on new vehicles.  He also works on engines and other major mechanical issues, brake overhauls, electrical, etc...but I was surprised how much time he spends on the laptop.  

 

He has been working on cars with me since 5, so they were surprised how much he knows.   Feel free to call me the "laptop class" as I have been working for decades at the largest software company in the world

 

 

Proud of him as he quickly (over 3+ years) worked his way up the ladder in multiple dealerships (starting with just oil changes and tires after college)...to now working at a luxury car dealership and pretty much doing everything possible on new cars.  He also enjoys driving some of the new Cadillac's as he gets to take them home once and a while  

[My insurance company says it does not cover my trailer or vehicle when towed...]

To answer the question for my setup with Hagerty:
 

Classic cars all insured that get towed

Trailers are on the policy as separate items, fully covered. I just called and gave them my trailer Vin and they added.

Tow vehicle truck on my regular auto policy

 

Hagerty will not cover an antique truck towing your trailer and car.  Even if the antique truck is insured with Hagerty, policy states you can't tow with it.  If you had a 1980 Ford truck to use for towing your cars for example, you'd need to insure on regular auto policy.

Chuck

[Show me your Foliage!]

Some pics last week just after peak foliage!

Son in our family owned since new Nova, and me in our '66 Caddy (father son 10 yr resto).

Last pic is a re-creation of son Alex at 22 and 10 yrs old

 

Chuck Swanson

 

 

 

 

[Audrain Concours d'Elegance pictures and class award]

My son Alex and I were honored to be selected as an entrant to the Audrain Concours d'Elegance.  We did most of the work on our '66 Cadillac ground up resto and it was a great father son/project, bonding experience.  We were surprised and honored Sunday to be awarded 3rd in Class in the Cadillac Standard of the World display! (2nd was a 1929, 1st was a 1957 Eldorado. )

The Wed-Sun event was fantastic!  The event organizers and teams putting on this event were superb!  Appreciated all the VIP events and can't thank them enough.  Steve Moskowitz was right when he commented in the other thread "Audrain is a well-financed show and done well".  It was so nice seeing and meeting many AACA members too at this event.  Jay Leno spoke to us for a while on our '66 and was very knowledgeable on our car!   Wayne Carini and Donald Osborne were also very nice when we met!

Below are some pics of various events, along with my son and daughter.  Also, two before pics of the car, with my son at 10 years old as this was supposed to only be a driver car   Brought it to Hershey this week (Preservation-27g).  Nice to win all of the awards, but the best part was the father son bonding!!  Alex now is a service tech at a Cadillac dealership, CLC Judge, and an AACA Master Judge at 22 yrs old!  He is passing me in knowledge of Cadillacs.  

 

Chuck Swanson

 

Edit:  FYI, the event organizers put down probably 400+ sheets of plywood over any muddy areas due to all the rain before the event!

[HERSHEY 2022- what are you bringing and what are you hunting?]

8 hours ago, qbansmokr said:

That narrows it down, LOL

LOL gcj41-45, walk right out the doors of the giant center front entrance and head down towards the road.

[HERSHEY 2022- what are you bringing and what are you hunting?]

On 9/27/2022 at 2:20 PM, qbansmokr said:

What are your space numbers?

j something in 40s I think...will have to double check, right outside the giant center, toward car corral.

[Weather at Hershey???]

I have only been going to Hershey for around 20 years but the best day of finding parts was around 7-8 years ago in the pouring rain on a Friday.  We found a nice '66 Cadillac fender, and NOS side light that is on my '66 now among many other items. NOS light was sitting in a stream of 2" of water on the blacktop   My son and I also made 4 trips back in forth to the dry camping area in the rain filling up carts .  I have walked for two days sometimes in beautiful weather finding nothing.  We chuckled when we heard people commenting on how the day was a wash for parts hunting as they staying inside.   

Best day of buying at Hershey ever!     Chuck

[HERSHEY 2022- what are you bringing and what are you hunting?]

Have many 65-66 Cadillac parts.  Some other 50s, 60s and 70s Cadillac (Many bumper ends!), along with 50s Buick fenders, 42 Packard fenders too.  Will be bringing large items, but if anyone needs anything, please message.  Thanks, Chuck

[Audrain Concours 9/28-10/2-anyone else an entrant or attending?]

Our Cadillac was selected a while back as an entrant in the Audrain Concours d'Elegance event in Newport, RI which is at the end of this month.  Anyone else here going or have a car entered?  If so, please stop by and say hi on the show field Sun (at The Breakers mansion) or tour day Sat.  Will be there 9/27-10/2 and then off to Hershey with the Caddy right afterwards.  Looking forward to the two weeks or so of events!  Thanks, Chuck Swanson

[Need some NOS parts picked up from Wisconsin and brought to Hershey]

Need some NOS parts picked up from Wisconsin (about 2 hrs from Chicago) and brought to Hershey.  Beside a center front bumper pieces and door skin, most are smaller parts, maybe 1/2  pickup truck bed or less I would guestimate.  Please message if interested and we can work out a price.  Delivery to upstate NY  would work too at any time too.  I have delivered parts myself for others to Hershey, so thought I would try here and ask too    I once delivered a huge fragile model RC plane in my RV!   

Thanks!  Chuck

[Parts pickup needed from Wisconsin to Hershey (or NY)]

Need some NOS parts picked up from Wisconsin (about 2 hrs from Chicago) and brought to Hershey.  Beside a center front bumper pieces and door skin, most are smaller parts, maybe 1/2  pickup truck bed or less I would guestimate.  Please message if interested and we can work out a price.  Delivery to upstate NY  would work too at any time.  Thanks!  Chuck

 

[Just out of curiosity, was your vehicle ever used in a parade?]

On 8/19/2022 at 11:34 PM, John_S_in_Penna said:

In the parades I mentioned, the antique-car owners

required of the organizers that the cars be first in the

parade.  That way, the starting and stopping was

minimized, as they were not being held up by others.

 

For example, a marching band might stop for a minute

to perform some special number;  or the twirling girls

might stop to do an act in formation.

 

Agree!  Tried to do that in my hometown as my Nova started to overheat one time a decade or so ago as the club was last.  Asked the organizers to go towards the front/first for the next parade and we were denied, as the dignitaries have to go first was the reply I got 🙄  Since then I heard they only get maybe 5-6 cars for the two yearly parades, if that, as no one wants to sit that long idling.