1977 Cadillac Coupe de Ville in rare Triple Black
That's Black Paint, lack Landau Roof and Black Interior
Original California Car Barn Find
This gem has only been driven 2,000 miles in the last decade by a gentleman who probably bought it new.
Engine: I did some work to ascertain its condition, ew battery, lugs, lug wires, istributor cap, uart of Marvel Mystery Oil which I'm about to drain and replace with Castrol now that the lifters are pumped up. Engine runs great, ong, ide torque curve as one would expect from Cadillac. We have cleaned the engine compartment and found no major oil leaks but the left side exhaust manifold to header pipe connection has a minor leak. Coolant recovery tank (plastic) leaks, robably a hose, ut radiator does not and the coolant looks like new antifreeze. Exhaust system looks like it has been replaced recently. (recently, ew miles but perhaps many years) (photos soon)
Transmission: fluid leaked out as fast as I could put it in. Discovered that the oil pan gasket wasn't just leaking but loose! So I replaced the pan gasket and almost all the seepage went away. I did note that there is some light leakage at the filler tube to transmission 'O' ring ($0.60) and a drop or three under the speedometer cable. Possibly one drop at the gear selector input shaft, ll typical Turbo400 problems that do NOT require transmission removal The front and rear seals appear to be ok. Runs, hifts and downshifts normally.
Body/Finish: I also wet sanded the hood and trunk with 1600 grit then polished with professional 3M products and one coat of Turtle Wax so compare the condition of the fenders, oof and door to the hood and trunk. World different, he paint buffs out great. Note that this is a California car, o body rust at all. All four wheel wells, oor jamb, oot plate, are completely rust free. What confuses me is that there are paint blisters around the Landau roof and two on the hood. Maybe it was just poor surface preparation at the factory.
Accessories: Power Windows work, ower Seats worked but jammed when run to stop (lubrication will free again) Power Antenna works with dashboard switch and/or automatically with radio, lower fan works climate control probably doesn't, adio works fine, utomatic headlight dimmers work, ruise control untested. Car hasn't been licensed since 2008 or so and I am unwilling to risk a ticket driving on the freeway. Well, did a couple of times but no more!
Interior:Cleaning up well. Carpet has been roughly cleaned with an Amway product and may be reusable with another, etter, leaning. Door panels are very good, eats are very good with a broken seam in drivers seat. Headliner requires replacement, riginal left in place as model to copy in case you wish to restore to original condition. Door plastics, eteriorated, ood grain coming off, rivers door window switch group does not hook in place (but works fine).
Tires: Original, tarting to age crack but full tread. We have not changed the ride height although that is exceedingly easy to do with coil springs on all four corners. Room for 20" rims but I'd put short, ide tires and drop the body 3" to 4".
Overall: The car runs and drives fine. I wouldn't hesitate to drive to Los Angeles just as-is. (but only with a California trip permit)
New Interior and Engine Photos Coming Soon.