6219_Rules

Now, now...that would be plagerism.

There is no problem at all in asking. I am not a member...there are limits to how many clubs you can comfortably attend...but the magazine is EXCELLENT so it is well worth it. I may join for that reference. I would sponser you in the CLC or the CCCA for that matter! We need good people like you! I just wish I could find a sponser who could teach me about the cars I love and the mechnical sides that I am so poor at but am fascinated by.

Would you be interested in rebuilding my 35000 mile 346 cid flat head V-8? It needs a basic overhaul to replace valve guides and rings, seals etc.. I would love to have it done so it can stop LEAKING. <sigh> I'd like to have it painted properly. It has all new wiring harness made by the Rhode Island Electrical company. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Cost????

I have a similar problem, Euro...I LOVE cars, especially old ones and I would own 5 or more if I could. Problem is, I am a TERRIBLE mechanic. I just have no feeling for it at all. I do my best, and learn as much as I possibly can, but no matter what I do I still only get by. You should be pleased and proud of what you can accomplish. How many people rescue dogs, cats, horses, elephants, old furniture.?..you rescue old cars. I say that is wonderful.

Did any of you see the topic I opened sometime ago...maybe a week or two...about the 1950 Packard sedan I saw in Denver for sale? They only wanted $6990 for it. It was in about the same shape as my Cadillac, though I do not know if the engine runs..I assume it does. I would love to have that car, with its Cormorant, in my care. Unfortunately I can not do it. I know very little about Packards other than what I read in this forum, but given that, I would cross lines and buy one if I could. I love my Cadillacs. They are solid, well built cars with a lot of interesting lines and features. I think it would be nice to have both. Maybe someday.

a real loss. I did not have the good fortune to know the man other than through other people and the club, but I will miss him. That kind of generous, hardworking solid respectibility is sorely missing these days. Good-Bye Ohly. God bless.

Poor fit, second rate material...but mostly the way the person wears it. People who regularly wear nice suits and have tuxedos wear them as if there were no difference between a Bill Blas and a Target warm up suit. My Uncle was a great clothes horse and took me to see his tailors, and one of the things I was taught was how a really fine suite of clothes is worn. It was a fascinating introduction for me as an early teen to know that there was a difference. His tailor on Savile Row in London was very hospitable. Sadly that is all gone the way of all good things. But the experience remains. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

uh...well....I dunno...uh...maybe. <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="" /> Just kidding, Pete.

I don't know if you would be frowned upon necessarily...laughed at would be more appropriate. Actually I have had nothing but welcomes and pleasant times in relation to the CCCA. They are good folk who focus on the restoration and preservation of cars that would have been scrapped and lost to us a long time ago. Peter, I suspect what you are tilting against is a phenomenon you cannot beat. People, especially Americans, LIKE to be in conflict. They want to be able to say they are disliked, alone and against the oppressor. Our country, our society, thrives on competition and raises the standard of mediocrity to a new high because we LOVE the underdog. I have been noticing this for some time. It is apart of our culture. Anything that is rarified, sophisticated or uncommonly rich in intellectual depth is immediately met with suspicion and derision. I am constantly made aware of how we complain about the level of education in a country with the resources this one possesses and at the same time derides the 'geek', or the intellectual. We thrive in business and in education on maintaining a median ,,, rather than seek the higher level. We curve all grades so that the lazy, mediocre and profiligate minds of children no long must strive to succeed. And punish those that do by isolating them in 'special' classes. I say this because my ex-wife and son were so treated. They have high IQs, and are excellent performers, and workers who strive to do their best. What happens? The education system pushed them into dead end 'special education' classes; my son's last job ended because he was not a team player...even though he constantly worked with his co-workers..his performance was too good and made the rest of them look bad. What kind of Nonsense is this? It is the way of society. Don't rock the boat for good or bad. Seek the middle ground so no one is offended or left feeling inadequate. It is a sickness that raises the lowest common denominator and rejects the highest. So while this is all amusing, it is also rather sad. If you do not like the CCCA, then by all means leave it alone. No one is forcing you to attend or to be part of it. But don't feel you have to put down, vilify or insult the people who do want to be a part of it. That is not only wasteful, its puerile.

That is good to hear. My son is only 18 but is already building a collection. Nothing pre-war yet but if he bides his time, he will get my 47 Cadillac. I guess the 70s are for the most part a period of transition, with some appeal and some other really ugly cars. The 77 Eldorado is a large...strike that...say VERY large coupe and is opulent but it does lack the class of the earlier models. When I compare it to the 72 Eldorado convertible I can see the difference immediately. Still that is what I have for now. It is a good car to drive, leaving me with the 47 to work on and maintain. Good thread! I appreciate all of your comments. Let us hope others add to it.

I certainly would like that and may take you up on it. I have ridden in a 48 Cadillac and a 56, that is about the size of that. Maybe I can get some of the guys in the CLC to give me rides after the local meetings. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I saw a 1953 Packard Carribean at a local show about a month ago, and was certainly impressed by it as it passed on the way out. A beautiful sound. The old 47 is still running beautifully and I certainly do not mind it in hot weather...there are plenty of windows to open. So I guess I need to see what the local Packard group is doing to get a better perspective.

I would love to visit you in Berthold. My old history professor at UNM in CLASSICAL history was named Berthold. Let me know when would be good for you! "Don't give up hope! Even Whales have a swimmers build! " My new motto?

What is going on out there? ANY opinion would be nice...I will do some digging but it seems like there is more on this in the Rant & Rave section than posted here. Dave, where are you when we need you! You are one of the most erudite and current members on this forum! <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

I was very concerned but the topic seemed to die. What can we do to bring it back to life?

Here was some suggestions by Matt Harwood on CLC. More power is easy, and keeping it stock appearing is entirely possible. There are several levels, so you can decide how deep into the engine you want to go. Some of the basics you have already mentioned--better carburetion and exhaust. Instead of duals, I'd suggest a larger diameter single exhaust without a catalytic converter--perhaps a 2.5" to 3" exhaust with a nice quiet muffler (this is a Cadillac after all). Most people won't notice the increased pipe diameter, and if you use a stock resonator at the end, nobody will ever know. Port the heads. Cheap horsepower and it can really make a difference. You can even do it yourself--just be careful not to go into water jackets. You could also have your local machine shop take a few thousandths off the head to raise the compression a little bit (I think these cars are 8.5:1, and it could probably handle closer to 10:1 with good gas). Upgrade the cam at the same time, and I'll be that these two mods would yield 50-60 real-world horsepower and probably and equal torque. Once it's all back together, nobody will ever know. Driveline improvements--a higher-stall torque converter will make it feel snappier off the line, and a shift kit will improve shifts (providing either of these items is available for the FWD TH425). If you really want to go radical, drop a 500 in there and do the same mods, upgrade the pistons to get some more compression, Extrude Hone the intake and exhaust manifolds, and add all of the above. Is this a show-caliber car? If not, I wouldn't worry about originality. It is YOUR car, do it the way YOU want. It isn't particularly valuable (sorry--I mean that in the best possible way), so I don't think there will be many purists objecting to your changes if they are visible. Here's what I did on my '76 Eldo convertible when I rebuilt it: + .060" overbore (515 cubic inches or thereabouts) + Reground stock camshaft + hardened pushrods + rebuild Q-jet (I would go with the Edelbrock today, but it wasn't available when I did my car) + port & polish stock heads, intake manifold and exhaust manifolds (all by hand). Shaved .100" off head to bump compression to approx 9.7:1 + Exhaust from a '73 Eldo (no catalytic converter, 2.5" tubing, off-the-shelf at the local auto parts store and it was a direct fit) + recurved HEI distributor with hotter coil With those simple mods, the car was a VERY different animal. I could run down much faster cars at will, and it would launch HARD and pull forever. It felt like a freight train hammering along. I pegged the speedo (120 MPH if I recall), and it was still pulling like I was going 50. None of these mods affected reliability, driveability or appearance. I used premium fuel (ouch!), but the performance was nothing short of amazing, especially considering it weighed 5200 pounds. More than a few kids in Mustangs and Camaros were startled when the big boat walked on them. Hope this helps. -- Matt Harwood Cleveland, OH My thanks to Matt for his and the others suggestions. One thing I found might be a source to the problem (besides the obvious catalytic converter issues and possibly plugged exhaust systems) was the kickdown switch may either be broken or stuck. That happened on my son's 1972 Eldorado which made it appear as though the transmission was failing completely. So that is another possible area to investigate. I am not sure I want to go to such lengths to jazz up the car's performance, but I do think some of the ideas will help give the old girl new life!

I just love a man with a vocabulary!! Would that mine were so polished. I feel the same about my Cadillac (the 47 that is). I was just saying on another thread that while the car is a CCCA recognised Classic <hehehehehe> it is neither valuable monetarily nor desirable from a collecting stand point, as I have been reminded so often. Well screw 'em. While my opinion is like canine excrament of the heel of PH, I still think it is a beautiful car, a lot of fun to drive and a joy to own. And if the chrome and paint aren't perfect, too bad. The Flying Dutchman is a marvelous car, 55 years old, and still going strong. Nyah! So Bwana, I would still love to see your cars...they sound marvelous too. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Hazzah! A man after my own heart. While I kept most everything original or period, which is more appropriate, I have also kept the dingy, imperfect chrome, the chipped paint and the slightly smoky exhaust (that will be changed soon) because it is essentially an OLD CAR. I like one poster who so aptly quoted this as the patina of age which the car has earned in its 55 years of life and service. Sure I will continue to keep it as best I can but I recognise the fact that the 1947 Cadillac is an old car, and a valuable reminder of days gone by. Not valuable to collectors it is still a beauty and a hell of a good ride!! Get out and drive them! While you still are allowed the freedom to do so.

WELCOME home, Howard! How was the tour? I thought I would tell you I have decided to keep the 47. No one wants it anyway and what the heck, my son does...he will have to wait until I am dead though. I PROMISE I will drive it next time! "You will get my Caddy only when you pry my cold, dead fingers off of the steering wheel."

Heck yes!! Bring it on...it would be great to meet you. I have been reading your posts with great interest.

Maea culpa!!! Would anyone like to give me a ride so I can hold an opinion too?

Shawn, I agree with you on the quality or lack of it on 70s cars. I graduated in 1975 and loathed them. However, time has a way of moving on. My Dad has told me that he recalls how disenchanted folks were in the late 1940s with their cars...poor quality, lack luster and basically unappealing, where his words. But they represented a time when the American industry was swinging into a new era of granduer and opulence...not to mention cut throat practices. My grandfather Pieper was laid off at the age of 54 because the company he managed wanted a new, CHEAPER man in the position. Grandpa was a Harvard business graduate and very good at his job. He ended up selling shoes door to door until he found a better position, but he was never able to recover completely. Just like today, people were looking for something New and Modern. In the 70s we were coming down from the heady times of the 50s and 60s...the economy was limping and new regulations began to take their toll of profits which drive the big automakers. There are very few cars from that era I would even consider owning...some Cadillacs, the BIG Lincoln Towncar from 1977-1979 (Signature Series or Collector Series) and maybe the last year of the Chrysler Imperial. From 1970 to 1977 there are still some really good cars but the quality was falling fast. I looked at, and rejected, a Cadillac Brougham from 1976...it was the ugliest puke green and only had one or two poorly placed plastic wood trim pieces that looked ridiculous...forget that it had the first airbag offered..the car was FUGLY. That really says it all for the 70s. I think my Eldorado Biarritz is probably the best of the lot, although the Lincoln is really good. That does not say a lot for a decade. Of course I am only talking luxury cars.

Hi Myron, From my understanding, modifying is fine but be careful not to destory the integrity of the body..by that I mean, taking a sedan and making it a convertible is doable but requires a lot of reinforcing of the frame. Most of the threads I have read say "Don't do it" and I would agree. Otherwise, chop, paint and go as you please. My preference is for original but I recognise the value and expression of the modified cars. Carpe Deium!

John pointed it out correctly, The word 'classic' means something that has an enduring significance. The word "Classic" is used in more specific contexts but again carries the same meaning. The CCCA was founded to restore and preserve cars of a particular era that were being lost to time and apathy. They have a unique application of the word, to the point that even members argue over its use. My 1947 is barely a Classic...in that is the last year they will accept in their club. It is a classic because of its place in the history of the automobile and GM . The word has become an affectation used by marketeers to push their products to a public tired of crap, which is about all you get now. "Classic" has become the label to mean 'that which is not crap...but acts like it cause we can't make our profit margins if we give you something of value". I have used the word with a capitol "C" to indicate a specific meaning, almost invariably within the context of the AACA or CCCA. However, I will use the word "classic" to refer to something with that general meaning and appropriate value. The English language is both extremely variable, and subtle. It is as descriptive as any language on the planet. Thanks for participating...your Classic Pain in the A**.... Randy <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I think it is a combination of things really...I left my cars all original EXCEPT when it came to the radio. I loath and abhorr AM these days. So I had the old Delco rebuilt with an FM modulator chip to handle that and the RCA jack for my CD Disc player or MP3 player. It was all done internally to look original...same mono system, no additions. Why? I could have left it that way, I just wanted to be able to listen to music I enjoy on trips...which I have not taken yet for a variety of reasons. Otherwise I like having the old drum brakes, 6Volt systems, the smell of horse hair ... all of these things I remember from my Grandfathers cars. I am never so happy as when I am rumbling around Longmont in my '47. Nuts to modern computers, air f'iing bags and plastic EVERYTHING. Comfort is what you make of it. I am more comfortable in my 47 Caddy than any car I have ever owned. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I completely agree with you, Brian. It is a good option. A dog trainer once told me, if you do not like the way a dog behaves, ignore it. Literally turn your back and walk away because they cannot stand to be ignored. Remember, most dogs (and bad pennys?) have the social level of a 5 year old. Given that, they will either change their behaviour or leave. Now I would not presume to say that is true for anyone on this forum, I am simply pointing out that in many cases it works. However I should also point out that 'time out' does not work with incorrigables. As any behaviouralist will tell you, there has to be a social boundary that is in place to make the punishment work. If the subject doesn't care, it won't be effective. back to cars.... I think Peter is making some extremely valid points here. Just because the bar slipped on quality in the 1950s does not mean that the cars were not very good cars. They just were less of what their 1930s predecessors were. I feel the same way about my 1977 Cadillac. It is a wonderful car but is not what its 1950 predecessor was. I would honestly prefer to own a 1956 or 60 than the 77. But that in no way detracts from the value of the car itself. We could be having the same conversation about the change in Caddys from 1960 through 1980. What is interesting is that there were some major technological improvements and developments in the 1950s Packards, and the cars themselves are clearly superior to the run of the mill luxury sedan of the day. I love Cadillacs and have never ridden in a Packard, but I hope to one day and who knows, I may switch ... not that I can afford it but that has never stopped me. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> This has been a very interesting thread. I read the Packard forum because you guys DO know what you are talking about. Keep up the good work, and thanks for letting me sit in.