C Carl

I see kings32, Howard, is in Maryland. Always important to Include location. - Carl

So have the parts been sold then ? - Carl

As Mark accurately predicted, there was no interest at all at $8500 in todays soft and tanking market. At zero bids, the ceiling on this car was not established, much less the '22. The engine on the '22 has been sitting for 40+ years. It may be frozen also. In any case, if not already dismantled, it will need to be at least partially dismantled. Serious expensive damage to valve train components will result from turning the engine for more than a fraction of a degree. Ask Stuart, (Hidden Hunter), about this vulnerability. All things considered, including the effort and expense of packing and transporting all these parts, I think Dr. Davis made a fair and realistic,perhaps generous, offer, at, over or near the ceiling of the "market value" for this project these days. Economic and pandemic conditions, along with the continuing downward trend of Nickel Era project cars, will further erode the valuation with the passage of time. No, when we all wake up to find that 2020 is NOT 10-15 years ago, Matt Harwood 's expert recommendation will be seen as accurate. I was offered a similar project of a LATE '27 (the very best of the model 314s) Cadillac sedan for $3000 about 5 years ago. I declined, but it did sell. A couple years earlier, I had found a mid-period '27 Cadillac sedan needing attention to an overheating problem. Most of you know the car. Nickel Era cars were already in decline, and I was the only person who went to see it. Totally original down to the paint, etc. Truly superb condition, I paid $12,000 for it. As per S.O.P. I kept dismantling things in order to take care of the known problem, and known unknown problems all old cars have. Approximately another 12 in, and I can drive this car anywhere. Good luck to both buyer and seller of this parts pile. Should have been left alone. Here is what I bought :

Whereas the debate regarding oil preference goes on forever, turbochargers live longer, healthier, happier lives when lubricated by the highest quality full synthetic oil. - Carl

Yeah, I'm with you 100% Mike. And anyway '71 cars and their engines are antique 'round these parts. I am in favor of being gentle while giving newbies advice. Let them hang out with us for a bit and see if they like what we do. - Carl

Because of potentially serious internal engine water leaks, as yet undiagnosed, it might be time to break- out the Wahl clippers. Cardinal rule in purchasing projects like this is : assume the worst unless proven otherwise. Does that make sense in the case of this '25 Dodge ? - Carl

Thanks, Greg. I don't think I could add anything beyond Mark's summation. I might say that when I weep over these now neglected projects, I am reminded of the description in song, of bad, bad Leroy Brown when they pulled him off of the floor. - Carl

Can anyone provide a link to that project, please................... - Carl

In spite of the dust, you can see that it really looks great, especially with those real wire wheels. I hope it does turn out to be a keeper for you ! - Carl

Or perhaps a year or two too early ? Kgreen has just proved that 15 will get what you want right now. Iiterally today ! Certainly Dodge is also a very good choice. If you need to get one for 10, as I say, in Today's market, just wait a while. You won't have to wait too long, but you might have to face up to slower cruising. 40-45 steady would be optimistic for an inexpensive car of + or - the 1920 period. Forget 55. My big mid '20s Cadillacs can do that, but, having the stump- puller gears, they prefer 40 or less. They have 4-wheel brakes, and are in very good condition, but you absolutely must consider the archaic, dangerous handling of these old crates. For my Cads, I have been in situations where I have to drive that fast in order to keep up with traffic, where not doing so would be dangerous. Don't put yourself in that predicament. You will find what you want in your price range. Just make sure you fall in love with it. - Carl

P.M. Sent. Thanks, - Carl

Well, that being the case, taking on a project of this magnitude that you are not familiar with, would be time poorly spent. This would be a complicated, highly specialized project which would require a significant fraction of a lifetimes experience. That Studillac was built by a very experienced hotrodder, and professional mechanic. By posting here, hopefully you have got a peep through the keyhole into the futility of your proposition. Sell the 472 if you can. There is some market for them, although the market is very soft these days. 472/500 Cadillacs are lighter than a Chev 454, and there is as much speed equipment available for them as most guys would ever want. To sell it, keep it in the car, and hopefully you can demonstrate it running. As I said above, you are most welcome to AACA forums, where I hope our centuries of collective experience has lead you to the water. Please take a drink, and hang out with us. You obviously have a curious degree of automotive interest. Perhaps you will become fascinated with what we do. I will be 76 in a month. How old are you ? - Cadillac Carl

Yes, from where I stand, Padgett has suggested a couple really great "old school" possibilities. Allard is fantastic, BUT, in Today's world, you might have to pack an impractical lunch in order to pull that one off. Sonny Wisner's 514 Cad powered beauty, is a great take on the "old school" Studillac theme. (That is Sonny standing behind his creation - in black to the left - says if he wasn't happily married he'd take the "E" off his license plate). My pick would be an "old school" snakey lead sled. '47 Cad fastback, chopped about as low as "Cadzilla", flat black, fairly complex Crimson pinstripes, NO FLAMES, you get the idea. All Cadillac, soul intact. Oh : and purple, kind of "Black Light" - UV looking interior lighting. I have never seen one done like this, though I hope to live long enough to see one. YOURS maybe ? But please don't cut up a restoration candidate. I would get in trouble for suggesting this. AACA is about presservation, and I agree. Welcome, Pace ! Please stay with us, and give us a few sneak peeks if you figure out what to do with that 472. - CC

First year of the low compression Cadillac Engines. Run far better than the earlier 10:1s on modern gasoline. This is the only year Cadillac put a long duration camshaft in the low compression big block engines. Would have let that CDV loaf along on down the line all day at around 115 or so. Put the very best high pressure radials on it, gas shocks, urethane sway bar bushings, urethane air bags at 6 - 8 psi in the rear coils, and then drive it like you do a VW bus. Just keep that right foot on the firewall. But with those cheap easy mods, you will enjoy it at any speed. CC

I love it ! On special occasions, I display the 48 version to which I pledged allegiance up into my early 'teens. Have some period correct 48s for my cars when they are shown. - Carl

Hi Lydia, Indeed, not just a "Winter cover" ; that very expensive car really did have two separate bodies. Actually, not too terribly difficult to remove and re-mount for seasonal use. One period option some owners found convenient, as this was done more often than one might think. Would you regard this as a somewhat extravagant luxury ? Or : perhaps a wise and frugal practice to avoid the necessity of owning separate winter and summer cars ? Welcome to AACA forums, and thank you very much for posting ! I took the two Cadillac alternative. The newer "Winter Car" is a 1927 with the expensive optional factory heater, VERY effective ! The older, the convertible, is a1924. The only times it has ever been Winter driven in its almost century of use, has been on rare, totally dry days, with occupants dressed appropriately. These well-preserved old cars have never been restored ! Do you think there is any chance your grandfather's Packard survived ? - Carl

I believe that is the easiest question I have ever been asked. Picture taken during the 1924's first West Coast cruise, Immediately after wheels on ground after transport from Eastern Ohio. T-shirt made for me by my friends "Hillbilly Willy" (who went with me to bring the Cad back - I deeply regret not having it prepped to drive across the country under its own power), and his wife Dianne. But I have shown this seldom worn T-shirt here before, so here is a cap with my name on it, too : Yo's truly, - Cadillac ' P.S. The only 2 years I have been to Hershey, I have worn pizza box sign boards over my raincoat with my Cadillac parts wish list. Had hoped to make 2021, but if I ever get there again, I will wear these and stay out of the rain. I know some of you must have been right next to me without my having the pleasure of meeting you. Can't put the miles on anymore, long wish list has become a short bucket list, so hope to see you in the Corral, or at the show. - CC

Shiver !!!! That is literally the reaction I had upon first seeing your posting, Hudsy'. If I am not mistaken, North Dakota and Minnesota are the coldest places in the U.S. But I could be mistaken, maybe Montana is. Too cold for me in any case. Some people, even real live folk who study such things, people who actually know such trivia, experts, make the astonishing claim that back then about 100 years ago, things were colder yet. I might think that is a dubious claim, but for the approximately 65 years of experience I have had remembering being aware of Winters conditions. Where I cruise, Winters ain't what they used to be. Shiver !!!!!!! I shoulda bought a piecea California when I coulda. Then again, those same experts are saying parts of that state might be getting TOO HOT for comfort. Cool contribution, Hudsy'. REAL cool !!!!!!!! - CC

Well, new style hose clamps do a better job clamping hose than the old style does. That is why distance driven ancient cars often use the newer ones. My '20s Cadillacs are driven, but if they were trophy hunters, I would go old style. - Carl

Yeah. My memory is nothing like it was, but no different from most others in their mid-70s. That being said, unless I am suffering from deja vu, or some kind of a hullabilusion, I clearly remember this car. But I am pretty sure that the posting referenced, and provided a link to CL. Just like we see here. Cool car ! Wonder if it is still in possession by the same owner as before ? - Carl

I sure can't go back anywhere that far, ply'. Best I can do from where I am sitting now, is this pic of a photo a friend took of me just after I brought the '24 Cad back from Eastern Ohio 30 years ago. - Carl

After reading the full text in your offering, I infer that this car has had significant recent mechanical attention and upgrades/improvements. I would think this is a superior "A", and a better deal than the recent BAT auction. As I said, "I would if I could ..................................." - Carl

Dr. Bob, as your respectful forum friend, I recommend you do so. I would if I could, but I can't, so I won't. - Carl P.S. Appropriate, it is, indeed, a "DOCTOR'S Coupe". 😎, - CC

Hi Kyle ! As you know, I was worried about you too. Very nice to have you back among us ! - Carl

Yes, it is one of these. That spring-loaded pawl is rather delicate. Probably a good idea to keep it lightly greased over its travel. - Carl