restoration of a 1958 Cadillac Extended Deck Sedan » Events

Buster Miller — This Ones For You

Steven — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 01:09:44 +0000

OK Buster, finally got them. The way I did it was to go from the fuel pump, across the front, under the generator using clips to hold it to the bracket, then out from there. Not sure if this is the correct configuration but it look like everything fits without to much modification. Then it transitions to a rubber line that connects to the line coming up from the tank. I cut the fittings off to put the rubber insert in because I was worried about stress from engine movement, much as I had done to my boats in the past. The picture does not show that I put a final clip to one of the lower bolts holding the inner fender, using a rubber insert to insulate it from any chafing and secure everything. Hope it helps.….……

One final note, I have replaced the generator with a Delco 10SI 63 Amp alternater, but used the same bracket so it should not really make a difference.

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Sad Day Today

Steven — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 11:21:26 +0000

The assets of Orr Cadillac in Springfield, MA were sold at auction today. The end of another era. The family came to Springfield in 1921 and began selling Nash, Studebaker and Pierce Arrow automobiles, later adding the Cadillac line in 1940. Still a family owned business, GM pulled the franchise when taken over by the “Chicago Mob” currently in the White House. They attempted to make a go of it as just a used car seller, but finally gave up. Here in Western Massachusetts our closest dealer will now be in Hartford, Connecticut.

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Happy Memorial Day

Steven — Mon, 31 May 2010 11:48:33 +0000

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Time To Hit The Trail

Steven — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 12:05:35 +0000

Well, it’s that time of year again…Time to hitch up the dogs and hit the trail to begin that long trek back up to the still frozen North. Global warming my arse. Tomorrow wraps up what has been the coldest Winter season we have ever experienced in the last 29 years.

I’d like to stay longer, but frankly I’m bored and have a bunch of things to do back home before Mary Lee and I repack and head off for a new adventure in the “Big Easy” 2 days after Easter.

I recently got a call from NE Chrome Plating down in Hartford and my parts are ready, while on hiatus I sent out the tail light bezels, tailfin trim, hood and trunk vees and crests along with the Cadillac letters from the fins and all are ready to be picked up.

Once back, my focus will be on removing the interior door trim and generally prepping the car for paint. In fact, if anyone has any advise on how to remove those door panels, I’m all ears and would appreciate the input. I promised the body shop that when they finally got the car it would be completely stripped of all trim and we are about half way there at this point. Our 1500 mile journey begins tomorrow, we should be in on Wednesday.

Until then…

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Happy Valentine’s Day

Steven — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 13:45:29 +0000

Happy Valentine’s Day!! We are still here in South Florida experiencing what will go down in history as probably the coldest Winter season in 100 years.… Yesterday we had temps of 56 degrees with winds blowing 20–30 mph. I know, before you all jump on me, it still beats 4 feet of snow and temps in the 20’s. Two weeks and we will begin the trek back up to Massachusetts, where we will have a Month to get things organized before flying out to New Orleans for a few days of partying and then boarding the NCL Spirit for a 12 day cruise through the Carribean before ending back up in Boston. Stay Warm.…talk soon.

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Art Deco Weekend

Steven — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:44:12 +0000

Went down to South Beach in Miami with a friend Sunday, they were having their annual Art Deco Weekend festival. Ocean Drive was closed between 5th and 15th Streets where they had many booths, vendors and the cars displayed. The weather was a little iffy with overcast skies and a high probability of rain. I think the weather tamped down attendance some and there really were not many cars being displayed.

I did see a very nice LaSalle, along with a few early sixties Cadillacs and one nice example of an earlier model Caddy, but was somewhat disappointed to not see any of my favorites, the 58 & 59 Caddys. As it turned out we were fortunate that we decided to go down early, we arrived as they were opening and when leaving after lunch it started to shower as we headed for the car. What looked like a shower turned into a deluge and it poured the whole time we drove back up to Boca.

It has been hectic since I arrived here, what with getting plumbing repairs done, tile floors fixed, cleaning and opening things up, etc. Last year saw us hurry out of here on very short notice, leaving projects unfinished which is causing much more work as we open up this season. The weather has improved greatly and is back to what we come to South Florida to enjoy. Only regret is having to leave my car behind, but I will be back to it in March…

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Happy New Year

Steven — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 23:16:27 +0000

Mary Lee and I wish you all a very Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year.… As we look back at 2009, we’re glad to see it end, it has been a very stressful, strange and sad time for us. Business has been less than robust, but like many, we count our blessings that we are still here and working. The challenges we faced were overwhelming at times, but we shrugged them off and continued to try to move forward every day. Strange is the only way to explain the situations we encountered and had to endure throughout the year. It is times like these that bring out the absolute best and worst in people, we were confronted with situations from people that had no regard for anyone but themselves and blindsided by their sheer lack of compassion. Then aided and comforted by others whom we would never have imagined would pitch in and help. Sadness was the main theme throughout the year as we both lost very close family members, which by itself is very difficult, but also found ourselves in the positions of being primary care givers and having to watch them slip away on a daily basis, while still trying to maintain our own lives in the little time that was left. Thank God it is over. We look forward to 2010 with renewed vigor and know that it only gets better from here.

The bright spot for me this year was the project car that inspired this site. I am thankful that I had it to occupy some of my time and enable me to forget things going on around me as I immersed myself in it. We have made amazing progress in a short period of time and very much look forward to cruising in her this coming Summer season. With only 10 days left before we move South for an extended break from everything here, little else will be accomplished until we return sometime in March, but rest assured we will ramp it up dramatically when back.

For us, 2010 will see us traveling more than we normally would as we try to make up for this past year. We both agree that we deserve it and will use our time to maximum advantage.

So much for the depressing stuff.… These two denizens of the deep are about to take the plunge and will be the centerpiece of our New Year’s celebration starting tonight and continuing through out the weekend.

See ya next year!!!

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MERRY CHRISTMAS

Steven — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 14:01:06 +0000

I hope everyone has a very Merry, Healthy and Happy Christmas Holiday

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Happy Birthday Mom

Steven — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 23:05:18 +0000

We know you are smiling at us from above.…
The Holidays will never ever be the same without you.….

Naida Lachowetz December 23, 1927 - May 4, 2009

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Happy Thanksgiving.…

Steven — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 14:11:42 +0000

Mary Lee and I wish all a very happy and safe Thanksgiving Holiday.…..

We thought about cooking the bird on the exhaust manifold while cruising, but unfortunately we are not yet running (this weekend is the target), so we decided to send the bird to the beach instead.….

As you celebrate with family and friends, take a moment to thank all and pray for those who cannot be with their families today because they are protecting our right to do so.

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