Site Home : 1967 Cadillac Restoration

Well, I should really say that I bought a 1967 Cadillac convertible kit.

The ad in the newspaper said "Some assembly required". That didn't really deter me, because I consider myself mechanically inclined. And when I went to see the car, it sort of looked like more or less everything was there, and there was one big semi-assembled chunk that pretty much constituted a marginally driveable "car-thing".

And then there were the parts. Many, many parts. They filled the "car" to the brim, and more. And a few buckets of bolts too. Altogether more than enough to complete the car - I think I have at least one of everything. Usually more. Very few missing pieces. But determining where everything goes, that is the real dilemma.

I have been working on this puzzle and off for many years, trying to guess where everything goes. I am making progress, very slowly.

Next time I see a "some assembly required" ad, I think I'll pass.

In 2000 I noticed that the engine needed some attention. A deep pounding when it had been running for a while was a clear indication that one of the main bearings was deteriorating, and therefore, a bottom end rebuild was in order.

Note on the pictures: these are all scans from 7x5 prints of 35mm taken with a really cheap capera - and yes, they look terrible and so do the prints. Sorry.

	The beginning: removing the engine. I built my own lifting frame in wood, and used a chain hoist to lift the engine. When you work over gravel and dirt, the only thing that can move is the car itself, so a fixed lifting frame is not a big drawback. Yes, that is a '75 Eldorado (in somewhat poor shape) facing the '67.
	Then with the engine out, the car is pushed back. Observe how high the car rides then. The engine is very heavy. Pushing an engine-less old Cadillac is surprisingly easy, even over gravel. Well, it is still probably harder than pushing your average modern car. Speaking of which, I once had the pleasure of pushing the Eldorado featured in the above picture, across a (thankfully deserted) intersection one morning, all by myself. That was probably the closest I ever came to a heart attack.
	Pretty grimy engine. It actually doesn't really look that bad on this picture, because the combination of cheap camera + cheap print + scanning has pretty much smoothed everything out. But that engine was just a mass of gunk, I would get dirty just by looking at it.
	Starting the cleanup. The lifter valley was more or less OK, I did a minimum of cleanup there because I did not intend to do the top end this time around.
	This is when I took my first look at the crankshaft. It was, after all, what this whole expedition was all about. The first cursory examination of the crankshaft revealed no visible damage at all, although I did notice that some of the bearings were a little thin. Was just a little thinness in the bearings enough to explain the Pounding of Doom that I heard every time I drove the car? Maybe. In any case, I breathed a little easier after that, because it looked like the crankshaft work was going to be fairly simple - provided it was straight.
	Upon inspecting the connecting rods I remember noticing that the last one in the back looked a little different, but I paid no special heed to that. But a bit later, as I was cleaning the oil pan, I discovered these strange marks. Like of something had hit it. From the inside. There is also a repair on the side of the pan, and slight damage on the counterweights of the crankshaft. I think my engine threw a rod (in all meanings of the word) some time in its past...
	The valve covers cleaned up pretty nicely - and then they just needed one coat of paint. Note that I said ONE coat of paint. I made the mistake of applying a coat, and waiting for it to dry, and then, not finding things perfect enough, trying to go for a second coat. Catastrophe. What happens is that there are some types of paints with which applying a second coat will cause the first coat to PEEL OFF. And you end up with something looking perfectly horrible. Read the instructions. Don't do what I did. That took forever to correct, and never looked as good as the first coat.
	The oil pan after painting. I used a Cadillac Blue engine paint from Eastwood. I see Cadillac engines out there with light blue engines, but I was told that the official blue for a '67 is this nice deep blue - it matches the old paint on the valve covers too. Hopefully I'm right - too late to change now.
	The engine mounts turned out to be in excellent shape, after extraction from their shell of gunk.
	The engine, finally cleaned up and ready to paint. The area around the engine mount ears was really hard to clean. I turned the engine upside down to work on the crank and for easier cleaning. These engine stands are supposed to enable you to rotate the engine as you wish, however I never found that to be the case with the engine stand I used - I think it was too wimpy for it. It was only a 1-ton model. Turning the engine over always involved my trusty lifting frame (reconstructed inside the garage) and much cursing.
	After painting - looks good! This is where the engine really started looking good. I didn't paint the heads, because there didn't seem to be any paint on them - and also I was concerned as to the ability of my engine enamel to withstand the heat. As it turns out, and as I learned via a little discussion on the Cadillac mailing list, the engine likely had had a head rebuild already, and the heads likely had shed their paint whilst being hot tanked.
	Close-up of the (rebuilt) crankshaft in place, new bearings, everything. Much anguish and second guessing went into instaling that crankshaft - I was unable to find new nuts and bolts, so I had to use the old ones and risk having some with cracks. These are not like head bolts, which are tightened just to the point of deformation, so in theory they are reuseable - but still. Getting the torque just so was also quite critical, I spent a lot of time on that. Also it is absolutely necessary that everything be clean clean clean for this - easier said then done when working in a garage that is also used for woodworking.
	My favorite picture of this whole adventure - taken after a long day of work on the engine. It has a meditative feel to it.

i was wondering if you knew a place where i could get some parts for a 1970 cadillac deville particularly a driver side fender and a bumper but any parts would be nice. thank you Isaac Bernal
---- Isaac Bernal -- isaac_162001@yahoo.com    01/18/2004

I am trying to start my own small collection of \"The standard of the world\" car. So far I have a green 1975 Eldorado like yours, a 1969 Fleetwood Broughm, and a 1979 Seville. I am thinking of adding a 1967 Sedan deville. The one I am looking at has a 425 cu. I was wondering if thats what yours has. I\'m a huge fan of the big ones like the 472 and the 500, but I test drove that 67 and it moved like a bat out of hell. Just wondering if yours was the same.
---- Ryan Mclaughlin -- powerwagon58@worldnet.att.net    01/22/2004

I was wondering if anyone knew where to find restoration parts such as interior items. I have a 67 convertible, thanks any info helps
---- matt -- h2okte@hotmail.com    01/31/2004

I just purchased a 67 convertible. I need to register it but cannot find the vin number on the frame. It is just like yours I am hoping you can give me some guidance. THanks, Steve
---- Steve D -- sdrapeau@accidentalgroove.com    04/20/2004

I\'m looking for back and back side window for a 1967 Cadillac Deville four door. if you know anyone that may have these windows. Thanks
---- Bonquisha J. -- jaylove500@blackplanet.com    04/27/2004

Hi, that engine looks great!! I have a 72 Eldorado 500 I need to get rebuilt. Any good parts sources out there? I would like to upgrade the cam a little and a couple other items to pull a little more power out. Also, is the correct blue for this engine a light blue metallic? Thanks, Dennis
---- Dennis Joseph -- 1jjoseph@comcast.net    07/05/2004

I just purchased a 1967 deville convertible. It is regent maroon with maroon interior. The top was a tan color. My question is about the boot color. Should the boot match the top or the interior? I am having a dificult time finding an answer to this. If you can help PLEASE respond. Thanks, John
---- John K -- nwoesc_jkay@nwoca.org    08/16/2004

Hello ! That is funny to read your description on the work on your 429 engine, i felt exatly the same when i rebuilt my own. If you know about good timing covers and exhhaust manufolds to 429 engines i would like to by it. To all of you others with qeastions about the car of 67,i recomend you the shop manual and fisher body manual, then you get answers all yourqestions. Thank`s Kurt . Kurt H (Norway)
---- Kurt Hjelle -- kurthjelle@c2i.net    09/17/2004

I have one car of these , any person help my , I need very much parts for these car. I need soon place for buy my parts, e-mail my name and place for buy these.thans jose my e-mail is autoamerica@verizon.net.do
---- Jose Cortines -- autoamerica@verizon.net.do    10/06/2004

I have parts for 1965-1967 Cadillac 4Dr DeVille & Coupe. 429 engines not fully complete,Trans,Driveshaft,Rear ends,Diff. Fenders, Doors, trunk, Windows, Hood and Drive train, etc. Parts or whole car will take best offers. All parts are as-is-only due to age of parts or car. I own a 67 Cadi Coupe and used a pair of heads and crankshaft. All the engines are stock spec. Meaning the heads and crankshaft can be rebuilt to .10,.20,.30 . The heads can have New Harden Valve Job.
---- Craig -- malibu_72209@yahoo.com    10/08/2004

hi, i have a 1967 cadillac convt and need a drivers front fender! please email me at lodi@okeechobee.com with price with shipping to fla! thanks and have a nice day!
---- christina v. -- lodi@okeechobee.com    11/21/2004

I have a 67 fleetwood and I need some body parts like a hood and grille and a trunk lid. I want to find a good parts source eather new used or reproduction. Thanks for any help you can give me.
---- Doug Briggs -- dbriggs@midlands.net    12/05/2004

I am looking for a gas tank for a 1967 cadillac deville.
---- Charlie -- charliebreeze@hotmail.com    01/11/2005

Hi I have a 67 convertible, I need fenders, bumpers, parts for the top, please, provide any information that will be practical to me in my restoration effort, also I need a hood for a 1960 cadillac
---- Alister -- mauricebrandy@yahoo.com    01/18/2005

Hi, I own a 67 coupe deville caddy convertible. Any body got a windshield for this? Thanks
---- Sandwich -- Sandwich4@hotmail.com    02/22/2005

HI, I have a 1969 Cadillac Deville. Does anyone know who originally made the rear end? It is a 14 bolt rear end? Thanks.
---- Biromania -- ebiro03@jcu.edu    03/12/2005

I was wondering if anyone knew where i can find a chassy and a body(fenders, qouarters, hood) ect. for a 1967 deville conertible
---- chris johnson -- roadracer1000@sbcglobal.net    03/13/2005

Hi, I own a 67 sedan deville and am in dire need of the passenger side front fender. Even help to find possible links or wrecking yards would be much appreciated.
---- Eric -- thediariesvol.1-8@sbcglobal.net    04/06/2005

I have a 67 Sedan Deville and I need some parts for it. I need a good timing cover, a speedometer that is not rusted and the metal shift indicator. If you have sources could you E-Mail me the name? Thanks.
---- john Funkhouser -- grandpap@shentel.net    06/09/2005

I have a beautiful 1967 Coupe Deville for sale, it\'s located in Winnemucca, NV. Will sell as is where is, runs good,head liner and back seat are perfect. front seat needs redone. If interested I will email pictures unpon request, serious enquires only. $2000
---- Charlotte -- charparker61@yahoo.com    06/27/2005

I have a 1970 Cadillac Convertible, just put on a new starter. car still will not start or crank. Six wires go to the starter, which color goes were? please help
---- Cyrus -- cjohnson@harpercollege.edu    07/11/2005

I have new original genuine Caddy, GMC parts. Some Ford. All parts for Engine, Transmission, Carb, Brakes, Heads, Air con., etc., etc., etc. This parts should be purchased and are suited for original restoration purposes only. I have parts from 1928 to 1970 approx. I have the manufacture (GMC)(FMC) numbers. Please post your comments, so that I may gauge your response and you may contact me directly at my e-mail address. If possible please send wit year of part and manufacturer number a photo (clear) if possible. I have been holding on to the parts for years and am now retired.
---- Cyclodian@prodigy.net    07/18/2005

Could someone please tell me where I can find the VIN # on a 1967 Cadillac Sedan Deville?? Thank you
---- Gary Murray -- gdwmurray@ yahoo.com    09/02/2005

I have a 1967 conv deville that needs windows.I have them but there not useable.Need some that is in good shape.Also door panels.What other outside and inside door hanles i can use.Or where can i get the ones for my 1967.PLEASE HELP!Thats all i need to be complete.
---- mike -- executive1ent@yahoo.com    02/16/2006

Can anyone help me??? I have a 78 Deville that my deceased grandfather left me in his will. I would love to restore it to its original condition to honor my grandpa, but I cannot seem to find a legitimate manufacture that sells parts for the car. I live in the San Fernando Valley (California). Can anyone help me out… (Please Email, if possible) Alex
---- Alex -- alex123hj@yahoo.com    03/02/2006

My father is restoring a 67 Cadallic Deville. My sisters and I would like to assist him. If we can find a parts car that would be great, if not finders, grill,and other partsare needed. Thanks for any help. Were are located in California
---- erekdasia@yahoo.com    03/05/2006

i have a 1967 deville convertible and i need to replace the rear speaker. If anyone has any info on how to do so please share. thanx
---- christopher -- miller1455@sbcglobal.net    04/02/2006

My 67 coupe devilles front parking lights go out when I turn the headlights on, is that normal or do I have a problem?
---- Matt -- matt@baylimited.com    04/30/2006

I have a \'67 coupe de ville with original 24,000 miles, grecian white with blue vinyl top and medium blue duchess cloth/leather interior. I learned to drive with the same car in Pinecrest green. In response to to Matts question dated 4/30/06 the parking lights do go out when the headlights go on this is normal for 1967.
---- brian rapaport -- brianr@kw-realestate.com    06/01/2006

i know where i can buy a 1967 cadillac calais for what i consider reasonable but was wondering how popular of a collector car these are and how much they can sell for when they are in good drivable condition.This piticular car appears very solid and complete outside and the inside interior looks complete except the carpet could be replaced. Mechanicaly,it runs and drives but has issues i can fix.I was just trying to figure if it would be worth the investment especially sence i already have a el camino restoration project going now.Thanks for any estimates as too the value.
---- Bruce -- badennis9@netscape.net    07/07/2006

I am looking for solid fenders, a black dash pad, and a nice steering wheel for a 67 Cadillac. I have a 67 rag top that I am parting out. Lots of rust, but lots of goodies too, so let me know (email me) if ya need something.....Bill
---- Bill -- ebaysfun@hotmail.com    07/08/2006

hey, I have an all original 1968 sedan deville no-post all #s matching. The 1968 cadillac I have came with the 472 big block cadillac engine. I have also had numerous other cadillacs, 1964,1981,1990 and a 1987. I can usually track down parts for these and other vehicles no problem but can\'t seem to find the \"cadillac blue\" paint for the engine. That \"cadillac blue\" was used from 1949 to 1976 before they changed colour. If anyone knows where?.. please let me know and if anyone has any questions, please feel free to email me. I am also pondering the thouhgt of selling the 1968. the car is complete with all paper work dating back to 1968. thankyou from Lyndon in CANADA
---- lyndon -- cadillaccruizin@hotmail.com    08/02/2006

super
---- elvis -- saletra666@wp.pl    08/07/2006

i love cady
---- elvis -- saletra666@wp.pl    08/07/2006

I am looking for a rebuilt 429 cadillac engine or a great block to rebuild with. The engine you rebuilt above looks good and I was hoping you knew something or could lead me in the right direction.
---- Danois Allen -- DANOIS.ALLEN@KY.GOV    08/09/2006

Hi All, I have a 69 Cadillac deVille convertible the rear quarters around the wheel wells are rusted pretty bad. Is there a place that sell repair pannels for this? Thanks all for any help. George
---- George -- ppk_57@yahoo,com    08/15/2006

Looking for a 67 cadillac convt. body only. Good body!
---- Michael Shane Jones Sr -- jonesmichael8483@sbcglobal.net    08/16/2006

i have a 67 convert, that ive just had rebuilt and the gut has charged me 3500 for the job. tryin to find out if this is a good price this job. he says it that much because parts were hard to find and i know some of that to be true but im i being over charged. pls comment asap
---- lee -- CLASS3_NO@CNRC.NAVY.MIL    09/22/2006

I have a near mint condition 67\' cadillac Deville and all that is needed to make it look like it just came off of the assembly line is a new bumper with inserts. If you are selling parts I pay cash. thanks for you time.
---- joseph -- porter70g@yahoo.com    11/14/2006

I NEED TO RESTORE A 67 CADDY CONVERTIBLE. I WOULD LIKE TO DO A COMPLETE INTERIOR SWITCH... leather if posssible... DOOR PANELS/ REAR PANELS/ FRONT AND REAR DECK/ BOTH BENCHES AND CARPET ...ANY HELP WOULD BE APPRECIATED... THANKS IN ADVANCE josh
---- JOSH -- MARQUEZMORRIS@YAHOO.COM    12/11/2006

HI I HAVE A 67 CADILLAC DEVILLE CONVERTIBLE THAT I HAVE ALMOST COMPLETLY RESTORED, I SENT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER OUT TO HAVE IT RESTORED PROFESSIONALLY AND WHEN IT WAS SHIPPED BACK IT WAS BROKEN, I NOW NEED TO FIND A NEW ONE, WOULD YOU HAPPEN TO HAVE ONE? IF SO PLEASE LET ME KNOW...........I WOULD REALLY APPRECIATE IT!!!!!!! THANKS PAULINE
---- pauline -- pauline_conlon@yahoo.com    12/19/2006

im looking for a timing chain cover that will fit a 1967 cadillac deville 429 7.0
---- Chad -- layinframesonoma@yahoo.com    01/08/2007

looking for a motor for my 1967 cadi coupe must be running and complete
---- phil -- cohran_03@yahoo.com    01/16/2007

I NEED FRONT DOOR PANELS/REAR PANELS FOR A 1967 CADDILLAC COUPE DEVILLE CONVERTIBLE 1966 cadillac coupe deville convertible will fit too any help will be appreciated thanks alot.
---- michael -- executive1ent@yahoo.com    03/19/2007

STAY CLEAR IT\'S DANGEROUS TO INTERFARE
---- mrp4god@yahoo.com    03/28/2007

i am restoring a 1964 deville sedan and would like a few good places to find exterior and interior parts to restore mine with
---- artie -- artief51@yahoo.com    04/04/2007

I have a 1967 Cadillac 429 motor low milage runs good clean for sale
---- Scott -- scotthenshall@hotmail.com    04/18/2007

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---- Braulio -- jerome@royalmail.com    05/14/2007

I have a 67 Cadillac Deville for sale. Great body and paint, needs upholstery and ignition wires everything else is in place.selling whole only for pictuers go to email.
---- JB -- roughneckgarcia@yahoo.com    06/06/2007

i have a 67 cadillac Calais, this is a great car i just need a few part before she heads to paint... email if you have a front right fender, ect...
---- Yianni Bellis -- YBellis@aol.com    06/16/2007

I need right side panel for a 1967 coupe deville cadi hard top.
---- Randy -- cominguptowing12@hotmail.com    06/21/2007

I am looking for a gas tank for a 69 Deville convertable.
---- cj -- finalanswer@aol.com    06/26/2007

I am looking for afront seat for a1967 cadillac fleetwood
---- dave cook -- thecookhouse@sympatico.ca    07/05/2007