Hamb Inspired Caddy build started

Well, after finding a '55 caddy coupe project car, i was inspired after reading the cadillac build threads on the hamb(40studedude & dZac).
I posted a thread about clipping this car and got plenty of flack, but I did it anyway. I'm also ready for the grief about going with a SB -It's gonna have the cad valve covers (adapted)and air cleaner, and it will have more HP and torque than the original 331. It was several thousands more trebuild the shot out motor, frt. end and trans to original (check the prices for old cad parts), and I've been upside down in projects before and not gonna get that way again, especially in this economy. Buy a 50's cadillac and build it your way if you want, this is how I decided to do it:

 

I had the frame blasted, and sprayed it with two coats of por-15.

 

I set the frame on my amazing level shop floor. I lined up the 70's rear steer nova clip. I must have measured and leveled it 100 times or more. I got the wheel center measurement on with plumb bobs. I got the measurements from the '55 shop manual and a parts car that I've got. I stepped the clip up about 3". I used 1/4 plate for grafting (a bitch to bend!) I used my buzz box for a strong weld inside and out.

 

I notched the rear frame about 4". I 4-linked the 70's 10-bolt- I'm gonna need 2" spacers, plenty of room in the rear wheel wells though. I plan on running the '55 caps and wide white radials. The nova disc brake front end is a little over an inch wider, but there's gobs of room up in those fenders. My main concern was that bad wide clip look, I'd rather drive a miata!

 

Thanks for the diary, I'm planning to get a custom Caddy for myself some day.
You might be interested in this one, note links too: http://www.herstiautoshop.com/galleria_caddy.htm

--Mika

 

The floor,rockers and trunk needed some work. In my experience, cars with rust showing are always worse than they look. This car didn't need floor pans but the body mounts on all four corners needed replacing as well as the surrounding metal, and the rear 12" of the trunk, There are replacements scarecely available but they'made to order and expensive,I had a metal shop roll me some rockers out of 18 ga. (gave him a pattern of the profile of the outer rockers).
I fabricated the front and rear braces as well as the trunk floor(I copied the originals) After welding everything in, I applied 2 coats of por-15 and then sprayed the whole underside with 2-part tinted (metallic gray) truck bed liner.

 

Well, give it to me for going sb/700r($850 new goodwrench crate including the rebuilt trans-craigslist), but here's where I'm at on settin' it up.
Also, with the bagged nova A-arms, I'm gonna need to relocate the shocks, looks like they might fit but it's gonna be very tight-anyone done it?

 

Don't worry about what others think. Here's pics from mine last week...



It's about what makes YOU happy.
I look forward to seeing your ride in person in the near future.

Charles

 

Charles,

Yeah those caddy mills are sweet when they're tightened up, but getting them rebuilt and keepin them runnin' is a major mason jar emptier. I've owned 6 caddy motors. Love the torque and looks.
Are you still gonna cut the roof off? That got em' goin'! I just don't see how you could have someone build it for less than finding a pretty decent orig. rag top.

 

I have 2 leads on "decent" (as in needs everything except major rust repair) 1950-1953 Cadillacs. Both want $35,000. That 1950-1953 Cadillac Convertible Rustbucket just sold on Ebay for $7500.

Not as cheap as most people think. I also now have a completely rebuilt and balanced 331 that's just gonna sit in my garage.

I think Airbags will be next...or maybe vert...or maybe airbags... AHhhhhhh! It's tough to decide.

Charles

 

Hey 54Cruzr...thanx for the props...and like most people have told you (this thread and your other): It's YOUR car, do what pleases you.

So far, it looks like you got it goin' on...and no doubt, a Chevy SBC/tranny is very dependable...but as an aside here...we just rebuilt my brother's '54 Caddy 331" engine (got it back on Thursday, March 12 and it's already in the car)...cost $1650.00 total overhaul (boiled, bored, new pistons, rings, bearings, lifters, valve job, hardened seats and new freeze plugs.) The tranny (original Hydra-matic) ended up costing $1500.00 cuz the bands were burnt bad and the cluster gear had a few teeth missing...so, my bro is into his project a little over 3...not much more than a rebuilt SBC and tranny. He wanted to keep it "all original" and that's why he stepped up...give it a few months and we'll let you know how the original engine/tranny runs...

Keep it going on your Caddy...if you need any "extra" parts, I have a few I'm not using...or if you have any questions I can help with, just ask...

R-

 

Looking good so far. I'm running a 350/400 setup in my 60 Cadillac Coupe. There is a bit of a sacrifice in torque but I can live with it.

 

The drivetrain is pretty much done, started stripping the body, getting ready to prime.

 

Lookin' good...lookin' fine...

I see you decided to flatten the firewall as well...did you leave a 1/2" gap at the bottom so the water can escape...???

Once you get the front end back on and all lined up, you'll find there's still plenty of room for those wider Camaro clips...and the ride will be much improved...

We're about done rod running up here for the summer...but I have to tell you my bro is getting 20.8 mpg (hiway miles) with his rebuilt 331" that I mentioned above...and that ain't nothing to bitch about. Mine, however, is about to get torn down...so all of you Caddy aficionados can watch the progress on this thread:
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=329070&highlight=the+best+55+caddy+build

Keep going Cruzer...it's coming out nice...

R-

 

Chevy in a Caddy what will they do next put a Caddy in a Ford haha.

 

Man I'm lovin those caddys!!Great Job!!

 

car looks sick in bare metal

 

Hey 54cruzer hows about a progress report. My 55 Caddy will be delivered here in west chester pa and i need a fix in the mean time. Build it how YOU want to, after all its your toy to play with. All my suspension is about to go into the dumpster for something far better

 

Well, here's some pix in primer(tinted ppg cre-ct), wasn't crazy about the color, but it's kinda groin' on me. I think it'll work for a while until I can get on the body work.
I think I'll pinstripe it, not sure about the wheels either?

 

More pix!

 

Kool beans man. I used that CRE on my 97 Ram. Great stuff and way cheap. Just be warned UV KILLS that stuff if not topcoated with something else , then its a bitch to sand. Flat clear would probably do.Your color is Krazy, lay down some stripes and roll

 

great stance

 

You sure you've used the same stuff..??? We used Cre-CT on Dan's (my bro) '54...it's still the same color it was when we put it on 5 (plus) years ago...

What color did you use, Hoboy...???

R-

 

Cad is lookin great. Thanks for sharing the build pics.

 

Hey Roger, yes I used the PPG CRE on a truck of mine. It was a bright orange. I didn't was or maintain it and it faded to an orange sherbert kinda color. Then it was a bear to sand. My 55 is now here in Pennsylvania with me. Man 2 years of sitting in my driveway not covered or driven have taken its toll. Rear brakes are pouring fluid. guess i gotta order new wheel cylinders real soon.

 

54cruzer your car looks great. Being able to drive your car is the most important thing. I am planning on firing up my motor transplant next week . keep us posted build looks great and should run good too.

 

I didnt keep the 331 for our 49 caddy either. it is setup with a small chevy at the moment. but since i still havent finished in the last 4 years im going to retire my suburban soon for something with better fuel mileage ( we don't need two big trucks for daily drivers) im going to use it for a donor for the 49. the 454 and 4l80e in it should go well down the road.

Love the idea for treating the underside!

 

clouderback the 454 fits in there REAL NICE.

 

I hope so. the suburban is a great truck. it was top of the line in 93. it has a road hawk conversion with leather captains chairs front and middle, alond with a tv and dvd player ( it was VCR! HA) im thinking i can use alot of parts from it and make the caddy one sweet cruiser. Nothing wrong with the burban i just rebuilt the trans. just to much to fill the big 40 gallon gas tank. id rather be cruising in the caddy.

everyone has been telling me to use my 71 caddy as parts for it. but that one will be a stocker. It was grandpa's last car.

i will have to post some pics!

sorry for highjacking the thread.

 

Hey, to each his own. Its your car so your opinion is the only one that matters. If I had one of these I'd put a 460 Ford motor in it just to piss off the GM purists!