6219_Rules

I have the wrong size on my '47. Do you know what tire I should put on it? I know the size, but should it be Goodyear, Firestone (God I hope not), or some other brand? I have considered just putting on Goodyear Riatta IIs with tubes in a black wall. Any suggestions? This is not critical just something I need to plan for down the road.

First car to do 100+ was my 1969 Olds Cutlass sport heading to the Jersey shore. Last time was in my ex's 2001 Porsche Boxter. I was allowed to take it for a spin while in Dallas, soooo I went out with Jonathan and he said, "Dad, open her up!" About 135 mph easy with plenty more to go. Oh,...I forgot...I got the '47 Caddy up to 95 last summer. The speedo read 102 but its off by about 7 mph so I really can't claim it. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> But it was a steady and smooth 95.

In my humble opinion, the only way to impress the young people with our love of these cars is to expose them by driving the car out where everyone can see it. Interest is something generated within, and outside of outright solicitation or advertising, the best way to stimulate interest is to show the car in normal, day to day, mundane applications. You do not compete with the rice rockets, simply show off what the past has to offer and that anyone with the desire, the discipline and the commitment to spend the time and money necessary can achieve. Praise for a modified car is just as important as pushing originality. No one likes to be dismissed or put off because their vision and hard work do not coincide with a righteous mission. Just my thoughts on the matter. By the way, my son is 19 (Nov. 28th) and has had the car bug a while. He loves hot, muscle cars...in fact he just bought a 1970 Dodge Charger...but from a very early age I have instilled in him an appreciation for the Automobile...all automobiles. He had a 1960 Cadillac sedan he was restoring to original, which burned in a garage fire. And now he is in process of restoring a 1972 Cadillac FLeetwood Eldorado convertible. He loves cars of every era, and while he likes customs and hotrods, he is slowly starting to admire a fresh from the showroom restoration, or better, an untouch original. I never pushed him to this, I simply included him in my love of cars, from models when he was very young (I made them) to going to shows and dealers to just look. Instruction by example and practice rather than preaching. It worked. But he still isn't interested in clubs. That comes, I think, in general with age and experience.

I am looking for a good electrical technician to put in a wiring harness for a 1970 Dodge Charger. Thank you.

I have not had the pleasure to meet or know Dave Wunsch, a loss now to be sure. My condolensces to all of his family and friends. A good man is treasure and will be sorely missed.

Peter, if you still need volunteers, I would be happy to help.

I just want to interject here that being an Older person is not a disease (although aging has been likened to a disease...hmmm). We all age. Everyone, even the smarty mouthed punk with his tats and piercing will be 56 in, oh say 40 or so years (and boy won't those tats be pretty then!). He will walk into a convenience store or movie theater and feel the looks of distrust and dismissal from the younger crowd, hear the not so muted comments about Gramps and wonder what the hell do those punks know. Well they don't really know that they will be in his shoes one day too. The real shame here, one that haunts this country, is that older citizens are being excluded, shunned and dismissed as worthless as early as 45 from business, and life in general. Isn't it odd, that with all that experience no one wants to tap into it? We just keep reinventing the wheel because the Old Folks are out of step, over the hill, stuck in their rut...well you get the idea. It bothers me that we as a nation ignore and isolate the elderly. We are so caught up in looking and being twenty that we have forgotten that when you are twenty you generally haven't a clue...its a whole new ball game. I have embraced the aging process because of the perspective it lends me and honestly because I have no choice in the matter. I watch as the elderly shy away from the radical youth out of some fear and revulsion at their no holds barred approach to life, and the youth turn from the elderly because they feel dismissed as irrelevant, ignorant and too immature. This is an old controversy but it takes on a new impetus when advertising and the media constantly play to the 18 to 30 crowd, leaving the aging members of society feeling left behind, abandoned and impotent. It should be an indicator of desirability and prestige if an older successful man chooses a Buick, or a Cadillac, rather than a badge of decrepitude. The marque is not dying...we are. And were someone of taste, education, experience to buy a car, it means something. When a child buys a car because it is flashy and immediate, it means something too. They are testing the water, finding out what they like, experiencing freedom for themselves for the first time. Yet we base our modern values on the immediate, the gratification of whim rather than experience and taste born of that experience and its education. Sure it is wonderful to be young and beautiful...but that is all transitory. Experience and culture are brewed in time and that takes age. Just a thought for the day. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Chris, I agree with Dave's point completely concerning the three on the tree. I have one in my '81 Chevy pickup and would really love to have on in the '47 Caddy. The hydramatic is a great transmission in this car but I still prefer to shift myself. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I think your '55 sounds like a decent deal. Do you have pictures? <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Good luck on it! I know the folks here on the BCA forum will be a great help to you!

In my humble experience, I have had nothing but good luck when pulling into a 7-11 next to a couple of kids in their nissano-rockets. They not only give me the thumbs up but come over to ask about the car. It's easy to make derogatory comments, even in jest, about things we feel are inferior, and a whole lot harder to be open minded, less judgmental, and welcoming. The kids are interested...they simply feel older folks don't care and look down on them....which they do.

I don't know if you have tried this site yet, but www.bumperfillers.com has a whole line of decent fillers. I replaced the front left filler on my '77 Eldorado with good results.

I thought I might tell you both that there is a really nice 1956 DeSoto Firedome available at a local car lot here in Denver. It is yellow, I think, and in good original condition. I posted the name of the place under the Cadillac-LaSalle forum but would be happy to share that information with anyone interested. Its at the Oldies But Goodies lot and you can ask about it by emailing Mark Fyke at OGAutoman@qwest.net. I think pictures are availble at www.collectorcartraderonline.com.

Dave, I agree whole heartedly. I watched that episode and thought the same. I was relieved that Cadillac was conspicuously absent! Maybe the attempts to change its image is working. However, the Cadillacs of the modern era are not what a luxury car means to me (I'm only 47). Now they are cramped, luxo-sport cars like the Mercedes or BMWs (which I find just as uncomfortable). I like the fact that Cadillac is shooting for the up and coming execu-bum but is some ways it changes the whole face of the car. Then again, I guess that could have been said back in the Fifties or late Thirties even, when a elegant, exclusive machine became the gris for the middle class product mill. Change is always hard. In your opinion, as well as others here, how did the mid-ninties Roadmaster fair as far as design and durability? I have heard the engine and drive train are excellent but the cars I have seen looked tatty after a few short years of use. Will Buick ever make a full size car again or are we stuck with the Mid-size masquerading as a full size?

Could either of you tell me what the weight of the 318 engine was? And where can you get parts like the head light toggle switch? The dashboard is in relatively good shape but needs to be reconditioned and repainted. The light switch, heater controls (slide controls) and gauges all need work. Oh and what is the basic 318's 0-60 time? Anyone know?

Oops my bad. $12000.00 That is reasonable as far as I can tell from a cursory look at the car.

Thanks, Dan! That's great...we have been looking at the Firm Feel and other sites, like Jegs, and has already tallyed up $3K worth of goodies. Thank God it isn't MY money. hehehe <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Dave, thanks for the prompt response. My son bought the car for vintage racing and was curious. It needs some other things, like tightening up the front end, new gas shocks, etc.. But the car is in good shape, new paint (orange/red no less) and will make an excellent car to race.

The steering is a little light, kind of loose actually. What I need to know is if you change out the pump will that change the way the car steers? What will make the car steer a little tighter and firm? Thanks

This car is at the Oldies But Goodies lot on Broadway. This is a great car....dark green with light green top, in wonderful shape - repainted 35 years ago. It is a one owner car, with chrome wire wheels (original or at least period) wonderbar radio, 60,000 original miles; engine is quiet and runs very well. The interior was reupholstered only in tuck and roll vinyl with original seat covers under. Manual windows, no a/c. The car is gorgeous. I wish I could buy it. It is listed at $12000.00. I hope someone is interested. Email me and I will give you the number.

I was in the back seat in my bassenette when about 6 mos when the 1948 Chrysler my Dad had started rolling down the driveway only to come to a stop. Eh....well that isn't exactly driving. My Dad let me back the 1960 VW out of the garage when I was 12. But the first time I drove on a street was in Mankato, MN at 14 years, and I drove...shudder..a green Gremlin, I think it was a 1971.

I used to get it...do you get it through CCCA or AACA? I want to get it again. It is a great magazine.

Gee, that was very nice!!! THank you. eh, OK, to put your membership number in, go to the My Home, then edit your profile, at the bottom. Go down the page to the Signature field and insert the information there. That is how it shows up under your name. You may also place other information, limericks or what have you there. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Don't forget to press the Submit button at the lower left. Thanks again, Steve! <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I have not received mine yet. I will post it when it comes in.

Pitman, Welcome to the forum. The series 75 is a limousine, with the Imperial being the top of the line with glass partition between the driver and passenger compartment. The 1939 Cadillac Series 75 is an impressive machine. I do not have a picture here but check the Cadillac-LaSalle club's Database for pictures. Here is the address for the specifications of the year : http://www.car-nection.com/yann/Dbas_txt/Cad38-45.htm Hope that helps.

Says that you are a man that likes quality and durability! VWs are wonderful cars...and Fords are solid, dependable vehicles. I have had a soft spot in my heart for certain Fords like the 1949 Ford Fordor, the 1957 Ford Fairlane...skyliner etc., the 1965/66 Ford Galaxys. I have never owned a Ford but my son does and loves it, a 1967 Ford Mustang. It is a great car to drive. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Claire! What a beautiful car! I would love to have a garage like that. I tried to get my Father to look for a large garage (4 to 6 car) with an apartment above it...the perfect solution...but no deal. I may still look for something like that in the future. Probably in the crappiest part of town too...but it might be worth it. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />