Elegant decay aka the "Ratty Caddy."

[zzrodder]

[soltz]

!!!!
####

[Torchie]

Did a little light reading last night.
The Cadillac Craftsman code. A much simpler time....
Tomorrow may be a Caddy day. Depending on how I feel after today.
Thanks for all the comments Gang.
Torchie

[soltz]

“Sir, Yes Sir”

[Torchie]

We turned our attention to the Cadillac.
WE pulled the interior handles on the front and back PS doors. Pulled off the door cards so I can make some patterns for the new ones.
Then we went back to the hood.
A collective decision was made that the only way to get the hood to work right would be to do more work on the hinges. Which is best done with them off the car.
Mr Magic (my brother) was able to get all 6 of the rusty screws out that hold the hood to the hinge/brace set up.
With the hinge/brace set up removed, the hood fit darn near perfect.
This shows us just how McGaffered the hinges are.
We also to some measurements for things like a headliner and door card coverings. Yet to be determined as to what I am using for that.
All in all a good day with good progress.
Keep on keeping on......
Torchiue

[lowbudget50]

Damn fine work sir!! Damn fine!!!

[zzrodder]

So what do you think buggered up the hood in the first place? Were the hinges rusted up and someone just forced it open/closed? It doesn't look like the sheet metal is bent....

[Torchie]

Originally Posted by zzrodder

So what do you think buggered up the hood in the first place? Were the hinges rusted up and someone just forced it open/closed? It doesn't look like the sheet metal is bent....

Thats the mystery, ZZ.
The windshield is busted and at first glance it would look like the hood flew back and hit it. As you mentioned, no damage at all to the hood or any sheet metal/ trim.
Not to mention the fact that those hinges are darn stout.
Most of the hinge damage seems to be on the PS.
My brother ran body shops for over 20 years after he stopped wrenching.
I did collision work/ painting for 7 years. This has got us both scratching our heads.
I don’t think they even took the hood off when they pulled the engine out. Just cut the core support. Which thankfully they saved.
What ever happened the old girl isn’t giving up any secrets. I just hope we can fix it.
Torchie

[Torchie]

Moving forward......
Working on the last sill. Patch cut and tacked into place.
The step area on the sill is intact (Unlike the others)and very solid. I moved the under neath brace inboard . The carriage bolts on this side will be under the sill trim cover.
Once I get the brace bolted and welded in I will put on the rocker skin for the last time. Then move on to the main floor area.
I need to keep those 2 seat mounting hole clear.
Closing in on it.
Keep on keeping on.......
Torchie

[Torchie]

Then on to the Cadillac.
Managed to get one last big piece out of the donor Dodge roof.
Pics tell the story.
Torchie