Customs *** 1961 Cadillac CDV Kustom build ***

Thanx everyone for the nice comments.... So motivating!!!

James, I use 70/30 lead , the lead free stuff is TERRIBLE and IMPOSSIBLE to work with... A lot of people get on my ass for using lead but i know I'm safe.... Medical gloves, high end mask, safety glasses when i file and sand. My wife is a doctor and she doesn't seem to have a problem with it, and she's seen me lead!

Just sayin'!!

I'll post a few more pics of the lead work that has yet to be filed on the inside fin!

 

Jordan, I was actually gonna give the top fin a 20 degree tilt so both top and bottom fins are flared out , but I'm too scared It'll look cartoony and lose the subtle changes im trying to make!! Its a lot of work to do so, and if it looks terrible , it'll be a bitch to put it back together!!


Hey if anybody out there has a 61 and would like to measure the height from the top of the door at the rear gap to the bottom of the drip rail, i'm curious to know how much vertical chop i have?!?!?!?!

 

Looks really good!

 

What a hack! Just kidding, awe inspiring work.

 

Thank you!!!

Here's a few more pics........... C'mon we all love a lot of pics!!! LOL!

















And the MOST important ingredient , after lead of course, BAKING SODA!!!



In the past i have skipped this step and WHAT A MISTAKE!!!! I go overkill with this stuff now !!!

 

Awesome work as always Ian!!!!

 

Question, Ian, why did you leave the small taillight in the fin when you've got those massive taillights below the fin...??? Wouldn't it have looked better if you'd have eliminated those fin tailights along with modifying the fin...??? Or...???

R-

 

Coming along nicely! Keep it up!

 

subscribing.

 

Thanx very much guys!!!

40stude, I understand what you're saying, and i did consider removing the fin tail light altogether..... But i really dig the '60 lens I can't recall seeing them on a 61?!?!?! I think they work nice , but i do understand where you're coming from!!

I have a great plans for the tail lights in the bumper, as for the bottom chrome fins!!!

I am really trying to do a classy Kustom without repeating what's been done, MAYBELLENE, JIMMIE VAUGHAN...... Not always easy!!!

Thanx for the head's up brother!!!

 

I had dreams of this car last night. Can't wait to see it done and in person. Thanks for the lead info Bro. Have a great weekend.

 

Fins look great Ian!

 

Thank again guys!!!

hey 40, You got me thinkin' ya know?!?!?! so i went to the garage and got some measurements to give it a better perspective!!

the 60 lens is pretty much the same width and height as the stock 61,





As for the measurements.....to give a better idea of the size compare to stock stainless fins









Now, wanna make clear that im not trying to debate my decision, i like them and the size works for me, AND TO EACH HIS OWN!!!

Thanx for the suggestion!!

 

Ian those fins look like they want to jump out and IMPALE someone .....Awsome
Keep it coming

Mark

 

I'm hearing "Jaws" music in my head.... da-dum......daa-DUM.....

Ian, I gotta ask(my nature)....you figure out the windshield yet? From the early pics, it looked like it was gonna be a challenge You must have some kind of secret windshield stretching tool, eh? Yeah, that's it!

 

Hope kids don't poke their eyes out at shows!!!

Earl scheib, here is some pics of the glass. I think the front glass will work pretty good after a top cut.....it's been done before!!! I might have to do minor adjustments on the a pillars to let the glass in a little deeper and that's no big deal! as far as the back glass, i have to make a little cut at the bottom of the c pillar and along the bottom to allow the glass to sink in another 1/2 " ...... Like i said...... it's been done before!!! Im not too worried!!





The bottom of the a pillars were not moved, the top part was relieved about 1/4" on each side!

 

Ahh...I gotcha....I was having a blonde moment, but I see it now
Man, you really nailed it. Subtle....less is more. Awesome job on everything--looking forward to what else you'll cook up! I've got 3 Caddys, so this is very interesting to me

 

Looking really good.

 

looking really really really good!

 

Really nice lead work there. I am in the middle of learning the lead ways from pops who has been doing it for ever. What those wheels on the car? They look killer. Hope to run into you at round up. I am leaving on the wensday before the show driving the coupe on the I-10 and will keep an eye out for you.

 

SEXY!!!
Man there are few thing's as slick as an early 60's Cadillac, especially one with such subtle, yet striking mods.
A 60-62 Cad is another car i'd LOVE to own someday!

VERY nice work!

Tony

 

Wicked awesome!! I'm workin on a 61 caddy conv. Great inspiration!! Now if only I had more talent..........

 

thats beautiful, love the fins

 

What gave you that idea,for the fins? It's gonna look great! I bet most people won't even notice unless you park next to a stock one,haha! It's always the little things that get you the most respect from your peers. Not the obvious changes. Any thoughts on a color yet?

 

Thanx a bunch guys!!! Im very stoked you guys like it so far!!!
I have a bunch of hours on that one damn fin!!! the other should be a little faster though!!!

Ron, im leaving monday early am , i will be past you by the time you get on the road!!

Bad Bob, subtle im trying to be for sure!!! Carie is the one who's gonna pick the colors, since it's her car!! Right now she has her mind set on a white pearl with light fades , ghost lace, and all that good stuff!! Its definitely not gonna be loud color wise...... i think she 's dead on!!!

 

Awsome build. I look forward to seeing what you do to customize the grill area and the rest of the rear

 

as a caddy nut this thing is cool and will be even better when dome i'm sure ......a quess ? little fin lights on the bottom fins ?

 

Nice work Ian, I'm diggin the profile...

 

The back glass on these cars is unreal. With your chop... it really looks slick.

 

Thank you so much!!! Kustom front and rear grille for sure!!!

Thanx man!!! I got some ideas for the rear bumper fins but nothing solid yet!!!

Thank you!!!

I love the rear glass, IMO, It has a better flow than stock..... a little more bubbly, like the stock '60!!