General Automobile Restoration Advice And Opinions Needed

[Floogeldy]

I've got a 1972 Cadillac that I've had for about twenty years. I actually drove it semi-regularly for about 10 years and kept it looking pretty nice. I LOVE this car but it was a bit of a money pit. The damn thing ate air conditioner compressors like candy.

It has been sitting in the driveway now for over six years. It was running when I parked it there. I don't think it is using a lot of oil or leaking oil, which might be amazing because it probably has close to 200,000 miles on it (when I got it the odometer was stuck at 96,000).

I suppose if I were going to drive it again, it would have to have a thorough going-over mechanically, and possibly even an overhaul. The seats need to be recovered, it needs painting, new tires, a new vinyl roof, and new carpet. It needs all of this to look really nice, instead of an old klunker.

I guess what I'm asking is whether or not I should bother spending the money for all of this? Will I end up eternally replacing old parts? What is the cheapest way to go about doing this sort of thing? If I need an overhaul, should I just try to by a rebuilt engine instead? I'm sure there are more questions a professional or knowledgeable person would ask.

Any suggestions, opinions and advice will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Floog

[onager]

1. Strictly my opinion...

But it probably isn't worth it. I know how easy it is to get attached to old cars, and I'm not the one who loves it--you are. So think of this as a cold, objective opinion and nothing more.

If you fix her up anyway, you'll have to approach it as something you're doing strictly because you love the car. Don't fool yourself into thinking you might "get your money back" or "create a future collectible."

You can probably find a clean, well-running 72 Caddy for less than the cost of restoring this one. And you could still keep Old Faithful as a parts car, if you have the room. Trust me, you'll NEED a back-up parts car!

Will you end up eternally replacing old parts? Probably. I don't have any old cars now, but I sure have in the past. It's amazing what can break, and always when you least expect it and can least afford it.

Another thing that might influence me in a case like this--do you have a good, do-it-yourself junk yard in your area? I'm in the Los Angeles area and we had several of the "Pick-Your-Part" type yards.

You took your own tools, paid a dollar to get in, and pulled off what you needed and paid for it. The cars were arranged by make in the yard, so you didn't have to troll all over looking for the right corpses to rob. :-)

If you decide to keep her, good luck!

[Floogeldy]

2. Your opinion is appreciated

I am going to deliver the vehicle to my mechanic to find out what problems it has. If the fixes are "relatively" inexpensive, then I will price seat covers, paint jobs, vinyl top, tires, and take it from there.

I'm not looking to fix it up and make a profit. But I would like to eventually get my money back out of use of the car and perhaps an eventual sale.

Thanks again,

Floog

[CanuckAmok]

3. Do NOT drive or hang-tow it to a shop...

brake systems which aren't used regularly deteriorate like nobody's business. Pay a little extra and haf it flat-bed towed. Even something as simple as a deteriorated rear axle seal can cause a dangereous, flammable leak gear oil. Any metal on metal friction could cause a fire...

It happened to me last summer... trust me on this!

[Floogeldy]

4. Thanks for the heads up

B-)

[RetroLounge]

5. 1972 Cadillac ?

Well, if you don't drive it, it's big enough to rent out as a studio apartment :D

RL