6219_Rules

Dynaflash and Poci1957 make excellent points. Times have and continue to change (Heraclitus would have been proud). My son, Jonathan, is 18 and a keen car lover. But he has 0, zip, zilch, nada interest in junkyards. There is a Cadillac yard about 4 miles from where he lives. I could spend all day there...of course you are not allowed in and have to order from the counter because they are eco-friendly etc, etc., etc.. All of the parts are neatly stacked in bins. Its pretty cool really. But he would rather surf the web for parts and I cannot really blame him. It takes me mear minutes to find parts or sites concerning parts I need. My biggest problem is where to find the best deals. What with eBay, we rarely have to leave the house to get what we want. It is a remarkable tool...but it kills the fun of searching through old cars and seeing maybe that special hulk that thrills the soul. Since Jonathan is into antique luxury cars as well as American Muscle, Euro-sport cars and Japanese racers, with a healthy interest in old trucks, I think the computer is suited for his needs. Now instead of walking the rows of old metal, he and I surf the auto traders and ooo and ahhhh over cars we would love to have. At least he loves cars. But he will have nothing to do with the clubs. Not yet at any rate. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

I love my Twilight Sentinal and Auto Dimmer. It works wonderfully and while I don't NEED it per se...it sure is fun to be driving along at dusk only to have the lights come on! <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> That and the climate control is VERY nice. I finally figured out how to use the Economy feature..its vent with a little help from the thermostat. Normally I just drop the window but since mine is not working <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> I use the climate control alot.

It should be wonderful! My '77 Eldo has essentially the autronic eye hidden in the grill and it works beautifully. Certainly not a necessary item but fun non the less. Now they no longer include them...too many complaints or something which is odd considering all the electric computerized goo gaws these cars have today.

My pleasure, Brian...I received a response from Dorr Engineering, and Mr. Dorr stated that the autronic eye for 59 on was solid state, so your system would have a better chance of working. The '56 NOS part I found still in the box would most likely have gone bad. He concurred that $100 was a good price.

Hey Mick! I did too! I found and bought two original NOS manuals, one for the '47 Cadillac Shop Manual and one Fischer Body Manual for the '47. I also found the Original '77 Eldorado Shop Manual, and a 1972 Cadillac Shop manual for my son's Brithday...all around $20 a pop! <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

BINGO! And I even got the year right! That is exactly what the car looks like except four doors. I will have to look at it again...but from the shape (identical to the photo) I doubt ANY body work has ever been done. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

It is a 1966 Buick 4 door, full size with no badging other than Buick, in a light champaigne color. It looks like a LeSabre but there is no badge or script to indicate if it is or not. There are no missing scripts that I can see. I walk past it occasionally. Any ideas?

I think, in my humble opinion, that postings, like everything else, go in cycles. There is a surge of posting over an event or triggered by something and it generates a cascade of responses, and original thought. Late fall is here, shows are closed, clubs are hybernating planning the spring events, cars are being stored like nuts for the winter...it gets quiet. But there is still people posting, looking for information, selling cars ... doing things they wish to share. It is good to see you posting again, Howard.

A great point, Wayne. It was what I tried to get to but failed in elucidating...we have been inundated with material things. That is not where life is good. You find that within yourself. A Palm Pilot WAS a simple tool to hold addresses, notes, some email and allowed for quick access to that data. It has become a pocket PC with all the features a desktop has, but with less memory. I use a Palm because my memory is poor...until I forget to bring it, then it is just one more thing to clutter my desk. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> We need to buy less, and use better judgement on what we buy. I look at all the junk that accumulates in my house once a year, and donate most to Good Will. If I don't pick it up or use it in a month, it is superfluous. But he is right...life has never been so good or so safe. Safety...security...is an illusion in any case. There is no such thing. However we are relatively safer than people in the 40s. But at a price...a heavy price. I completely concure with RWJ on the state of our hysteronics. We have made major inroads on child abuse and death, and while it still occurs, our society is FINALLY protecting the child. Do you remember in the 60s when people started to hesitantly talk about child and spouse abuse? Sure everyone KNEW about it...it was private and embarrassing. A man could beat his wife because that was between the husband and wife...it was no one elses affair! Today we have no privacy. We have given it up to shine the light on such evil...to rescue those who had no hope before. Divorce is up again...relationships are disposable and open, a real oxymoron if ever there was one...Open Relationship (a MAJOR pet peeve with me), but we now protect and rescue those who were once in the shadows away from society's notice. More and stronger laws to protect us from the violence and thoughtless evil of people....and less freedom from the prying eyes of government. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> yadah yadah yaaaa. Is it just perspective? I wonder. But I still maintain that the simple pleasures we remember are availble even today because they are not bound to 'things' but to experiences. Good friends...good times...beautiful days...peaceful nights. These are the moments we really cherish.

Gentlemen...a thought. Post your pictures on the Photo Gallery here and view it that way. Most email has a cap of 3 M, unless specifically set by an admin. Usually it is less. This is to keep the throughput even and prevent bottlenecks. The best suggestion is to save pictures in a program like Photoshop in JPG format using the the smallest file size possible without losing resolution...about 40% seems to work for me...then upload to a server like the forums Photo Posts for viewing. You can also use Yahoo or any other service. Normally they are free. Hope that helps. P.S. I would like to see them too! <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Hi, Sig17, and welcome to the forum!! I have found that generally commerically available safety glass can be traced back to 1932 with the Libby-Owns-Ford ad with Lefty Gomez pitching a hard ball into a windshield that was made with a new laminated glass. Here is the url address for the site on the history of Glass. Auto Glass History Link Another great site is the Automobile Glass Repair site. They mention the early 30's but focus more on the developments of the 40's on. History of Auto Glass Repair I hope that helps a little to answer your question.

My vote is that there were fewer people.... <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I think both view points are valid. Dave pointed out how far we have come as a society and people, and JR showed us how things were when simple things made life pleasant. I do not see a incongruity here. You know, I still feel the way I did as a kid when I look out my window at the trees, and sky, or take a walk...there is so much to enjoy. Life does intrude with its taxes and horrific news reports spewed out with about as much feeling as dog food commercials, still it is instantaneous communication...we know now what is happening in real time where in the past it was old news even new. I saw something, I think it was an historic note on a new technology, a traffic hot air balloon that allowed the paper to report what cause traffic problems the very next morning. Probably a joke but it reminded me of the Scientific American report in 1896 (I think) on the future of the horseless carriage. It seems it cut pollution incredibly since it did not leave stool in the streets. The numbers were incredible per year for cities like New York, not to mention the odor. The promise of technology which lead men like H.G. Wells to believe that Man had finally loosed the bonds of bestiality for enlightenment...the fullfillment of the promises of the Age of Reason. Until he realised, as so many did, that it also brought terrible consequences....World Wars...atomic weapons...etc. Interesting how things advance. But we still enjoy the things people have enjoyed for millenia...a walk together, hand in hand with someone you love; a drink of something truly wonderful; a quiet moment away from the rush of life...the scent of roses wet with dew ... freshly mown grass... I still think this thread was a marvelous moment to savor...like sitting here at my desk and watching the clouds skuttle past bare trees on a chill north wind. This feeling...this moment.,..is the greatest joy in life. Feeling alive and connected. Everything else is just packaging. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

My vote would be on the head lamp. It has been around since the beginning. Of course, Mr. Lucas did feel that lights were a mear accessory since a gentleman never drives at night. He must have been a hoot at parties. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I would certainly be interested in talking about it, Mr. Burnett. I have a 1947 Cadillac 6269 sedan in decent shape. If you are interested, you may see some photos at : My '47 I would be interested in the '55 Eldorado since I have a particular fondness for the Eldorado line. John Washburn has seen the car. He could tell you his opinion of it. Just a thought.

Hi Brian, I posted this on the CLC forum and should have an answer in a day or so...will that be soon enough? I will also look and see what I can dig up for you. I found this site : http://www.dorrengineering.com/autronic_eye.htm I am sending email to them but you might want to check it out. Their price to recondition and retrofit the device is $475.00. On eBay, I found Autronic Eye going for $104.00 - NOS '56 Cadillac and working. Check it out! eBay Autronic Eye item I will let you know what the others think when they respond. But that should get you going in the right direction.

That is probably a little oil getting into the cylinders. It can be an issue, but I found recently what I thought was a real bad problem, turned out to be an over-enthusiastic owner putting too much oil in! <sheepish grin>. I have no doubt the engine will need to be overhauled to replace rings, seals and valves after sitting for 40 some years but other than that it runs like a top! I have found an occasional dose of non-lead substitute works wonders for engine noise. Just my observations....I would love to see pictures of your car. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

that is a good point. Keeping a car mechanically original is not written in stone, but changing out the interior appointments, at least to this person, looks odd...out of place. There was a 1947 Cadillac 6269 sedan, like mine, out on eBay : http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayIS...p;category=6152 I got very excited to FINALLY see one for sale! Until I saw what they had done to it. Exterior is fine (modern radials always look a little small for the car) but the interior...oh god no. Please take a look. If this is OK, then I (for what it is worth) support you completely in your choice.

Don, that is a tall order...however I did come across three. I was just looking. I may be able to find others but I thought this would be a start. Nothing is listed in the Self Starter. The cheapest so far is $27,000. They are total restores and WAY overpriced. http://www.collectorcartraderonline.com/adsearch/collectorsearchprocess.html You might try the Cadillac-LaSalle Club Buy/Sell forum too. Here was a post from the 10th. Check it out. http://www.cadillaclasalleclub.org/cgi-local/user/forum.cgi?select=%2Fclc%2Fclcsale%2F33629 This one is $3500. I hope that helps a little, Don. Good luck on your search. Someday I want a 1956 Cadillac...a 6269 sedan or Series 60 Special.

My dream house is a garage, four cars wide by four deep, with lifts, an oil bay and a spiral stair case to the second floor where there is a full two bedroom apartment, 1/5 baths and a deck on top with a garden. All the comforts of home and a fully heated/airconditioned garage for my cars. Now if only I had the money to build it. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for the pictures Steve! The models...eh...cars look GREAT! I especially liked the Hummer/Escalade, hehehe the new Cadillac Behemoth! <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

The Aztec design does tear the heart out of you when you see it...its SO D*&^%# UGLY...its FUGLY! Perhaps that is appropriate after all. Wouldn't it be nice if the oil companies figured out a fuel that could be used in all cars...old and new...that is efficient and clean? Perhaps if we allowed them a monopoly on the returns they would. I would convert my fossel fuel burner to chicken droppings if they made it available and cheap. Hmmmmmm guess thats not happening.

Thank you, RJ. I reread this and just sat thinking about it all. I have very fond memories of those days when my Grandmother and I would take the dinky bus (a tiny yet exact miniature of the large buses) down to the little grocery store (now called a convenience store) where she would by some 7-UP and a loaf of bread, chat with the owner and let me get into all the interesting smells like the potatos in large boxes, coffee in a barrel ready for grinding. Then off we would go to the smells of the town, exhaust, flowers, cut grass, the wind as it came in from the north...carrying with it the smell of fall and the ever present odor of soybeans which were processed down near the rail road tracks. Oh yeah! And the trains!! Those wonderful trains. I don't know a generation that does not have these memories and fondness for their past. Most of us had little to worry about and those times marked an innocence that is lost with puberty and socialization. Those have good memories too. Was the past better? I doubt it but for me it was good. Dave is absolutely correct, there were problems...there are always problems. Poverty, violence, hatred, prejudice, disease...all there from the beginning and will be at the end. Remember, it depends on how you look at it. Pandora released the ills on this world and slammed the lid on Hope. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Do you remember the terrible problem with teenage delinquency back in the 50's? It was a major issue, one with no answer frustrating the police, parents and good citizens. Or the college boys in the twenties in the raccoon coats and straw hats...or the Molly McGuires...we all remember prejudice against Blacks, Orientals, the Irish, the Italiens, the Germans...etc, etc, ad infinitum. We recall the 60's with its drug use and social anarchy amoung the young and disenfrancised. How about the Teddy Boys? Or drug use at the turn of the century when marajuana was legal and smoked in the coffee houses, when cocaine was a miracle drug and was infused into soft drinks and tinctures. Its all there. It always was ... so why focus on it? Today we have legalized behaviour, catagorized life into self-help books on how to be a healthy person; legitimized poor behaviour and excused criminal behaviour with environmental influences. No one is responsible because the devil made me do it. The twinkies I ate caused my blood sugar to rise critically then crash exacerbating my depression....I killed but I didn't want to...or the medicine I take made me a nymphomaniac so its ok that I turned my home into a brothel servicing the good and righteous of our town...my husband pimping for me...because I took that medicine. And so on, and so forth. Perhaps we have let our good intentions overwhelm our common sense, but that does not mean these are not good times. There are wars and young people dieing senselessly, hopelessness and genocide...and there are good people helping without a thought of gain, charity and compassion. It is all there. I am glad you posted this, RJ because it reminds us of the good that we have, and the memoriess that make us glad. We should be more thankful of that, and share them more often. There is plenty to be miserable about, and yet, somehow I feel in our country, with all that we have and all that we share, it is almost a sin to bemoan our fates constantly. Yes materialism is rampant, but so is the standard of living we enjoy. Yes, our country does questionable things in foriegn policy, but it also does wonderful things in sharing food, medicines and supporting the major organizations that keep other countries on their feet. Its all there. The good and the bad. As citizens, I believe it is our duty to question and probe into what our elected officials do, it is our duty to raise a flag when we see something not quite right. It is our patriotic duty to correct the inequities in our society and government rather than go along because they had our vote. But as good people, it is our right and priviledge to bring out the good that is there, to hold high our beliefs and to enjoy our lives rather than wallow in despair and want. We have it very good in this time. We have every reason to be happy and to enjoy it. Just as we have every right and duty to protect it and to be vigilant from within and without. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> A good thread...very thought provoking.

Dave, ultimately the decision is up to you, your tastes, what you want to use the car for and how original is 'original' for you. The whole point to these clubs is to preserve, restore and maintain a car of a given era as it was delivered to the first owner. That is your baseline. You may do what has to be done from there....for instance, if the broadcloth is not available or too expensive at this time, put in another type that was availble from Packard at that date. Failing that, use a material that is like the desired cloth. Remember, you can always redo it later when availability and fortune changes. I would rather see that beautiful car out on the road with an interior done to look original than have it in a barn waiting. But my focus is on use and visibility, not awards. Like I said, it ultimately comes down to what you want. I approach my cars this way. While the cloth may not be right, the look is close and in the meantime I am using the car happily. Later, I will have it redone as original. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Tempus fugit. Enjoy your car while you can.

I agree...I too hate the new mnemonics used by GM. Cadillac used to be a marque to desire as was Buick. Now in order to compete for the younger market, they are all becoming equals. I am as Democratic as the next person, but I like a little elitism in my choices....Cadillac and Buick were the elite of GM. Now they are just another modern sporty plastic nothing line of SUXs. Sad to say but there it is.

The color is a dark blue, but I think I would like Antionette Blue, a Cadillac color of the period also offered in 1947. I like the near black quality of it.