CADILLAC: 1957 COUPE DEVILLE. THE ULTIMATE LUXURY RATROD CLASSIC RESTORATION

I originally bought this car to be the ultimate "luxury Rat Rod ". The patina you see on this car is real. None of this has been faked. It even has texture where areas were hand painted over the years in an attempt to control surface rust. The body is straight as an arrow and solid as a rock. The only real rust issues are in the floor pans. The floor supports are solid, so it is a relatively easy fix. Pans are easily available from many sources. The trunk needs a spare tire well replaced and two corners repaired.

There are four spots on the body that have small rust perforations, but are solid around them. I have identified them with post-its on the photos.

BODY

• Door and window margins are perfect

• The hood fits nicely

• All stainless trim fitting and mouldingsare there and in excellent condition (except for the rear side mouldings which have dings and grocery cart rash)

• All glass is tinted, clear and in good condition. One vent window has a crack.

• Front bumper is real good. The lower bumper is straight, but has surface rus, but looks great with the scheme.

• The crate style aluminum grill is perfect and the iconic "Boob" bumper guards are beautiful.

• The unique rear bumper exhaust ports are there and in good shape as well

CHASSIS

• The frame is straight and rust free

• Steering feels tight

• Front suspension appears all right using "the wiggle and bounce method" of inspection

• Has relatively new shocks

• Gas tank appears to have been removed and cleaned up

• Exhaust system appears to be in good condition, with no obvious issues

• Brake pedal is firm

• Emergency brake works

• Whitewall tires are in good condition. The original hubcaps are near perfect end are extremely difficult to find

ENGINE

• The motor is the original 300 H.P. 365 C.I. V8. It is rated at 400 ft. lbs. of torque .It was the go-to motor for all Hot Rodders at the time.

• It was started by the previous owner recently and had a stuck valve. I I removed the heads to have them redone. While apart I rebuilt the AFB 4 BBL carburetor and boiled the intake. The heads were cleaned and checked, but not completed. As far as I know, the engine is ok. I know nothing about the transmission. The transmission is a Hydra Magic 4 speed .I had this transmission before in a Pontiac and was a great transmission.

• The engine bay and firewall have no rust and will clean up like new.

• The battery tray has no rust, and has a new battery

• New starter

• Rebuilt AFB 4BBL

• Radiator appears excellent with no bent fins

• Points, plugs, and distributor cap are new

INTERIOR

• All gauges work

• Headlights, tail lights and directional's all work

• Radio is untested

• Power antennae is functional

• Wipers tested and work

• Power windows, 1 works,2 make an effort and 1 clicks. They have not been operated for a long time. I'm sure all they need is oil and TLC. I didn't want to damage anything so I didn't push it

• All interior stainless trim and stainless door insertpanels are in great shape. They actually shine like a mirror.

• Headliner and chrome trim and cross pieces are in good condition. I would leave them alone.

•The leather is dry, but the seat frames are in good condition. I didn't have time to test the power seats, but given the condition of everything else, I would be surprised if they weren't functional themselves.

• The entire wiring harness is pliable and unmolested. I didn't see any hack jobs half ass splicing

• All door panels and trim are there and in good condition, but in need of reupholstering

•The dash pads is undamaged with no cracks. It is rolling back from the windshield a bit but should re-glue and look almost perfect.

• The dash itself has a smattering of surface rust and could work with the look. The chrome and stainless are near perfect and will clean up nicely.

This car is screaming to be a class Rat Rod (for the want of a better term). I'm not in the position to do it anymore. As been said many times, I hate to see it go.