Thread: Hello! I need advice on a possible restoration project...

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Google is your friend: Barry's Professional-Car Links Page

Ditto on Mike's Engine ID, and cautionary remarks by others.

I may have mentioned, I'm also looking at a 1952 Cadillac Combo out of California.

If I can get the right price (I'm hoping $3,000 or lower) I think I may go with the '52. I've been talking to the owner over the past couple of weeks, and this caddy is in much better shape. It runs, the body is good, the brakes work, etc. It still needs a lot of TLC and restoration, but I believe the chassis and body to be solid.

I'm including some pictures he sent, as well as those he posted online via the Craigslist ad.

Any suggestions on questions I should ask, or things I should point out in an effort to work the price down?

Thanks for all your help!

I do like the hearse idea and the latest one best.Just to clear up one thought I have is given the wheel base,had you considered how long of a trailer your going to need to get it home??. In fact what is the wheel base of one of those??.

My Uncle has been restoring Studebakers for several decades and has a long trailer that can haul a hearse. He also has a truck with a big enough engine to pull the trailer and a hearse.

I can't find the exact numbers for a 52-75 commercial chassis, but I know the overall length of the vehicle is just a hint over 21 ft.

I am a somewhat dissenting voice. Jump in with both feet...if the price is right. I took a shell of a 1937 Cadillac LaSalle and turned it in to a great car. If you understand that it will cost you ten times as much as you budgeta nd it will take you 5 times as long as you think it will, you will be just fine. the 41 is a far more beautiful car than the 52.

I agree, the '41 has the look that I really like. If I could have either one, fully restored, sitting in my driveway right now, I'd much rather have the '41.



As a friend of mine said, "the '41 definitely has the higher spook factor!".

Sounds as if you are "dying" to buy a hearse

You want the look to be "dead" on

You should "bury" the front end in the weeds

The look would be "killer"

Changing the lines would be a "grave" mistake

The "body" is old but not rotting

i like the roof line of the 41 the and the over all lines looks good .the 52 roof line looks like it has a baseball cap on the roof. the front windsheild just is not getting it for me .41 is better looking . the only thing i can say is what ever way you go make sure its what you want. its going to cost alot of money like many have said body work is going to be $$$$$. gallons of primer gallons of paint and rolls of sand paper alone you will be buying supplys enough to do 4 car s for just this caddy . the roof alone is bigger then most houses roofs i will not even get in to priming and blocking out Big Bertha this going to seprate the body men from the boys not a job for the weak you need a game plan and you hit it like a war

Hey, if I could find a kit car hearse that had the same lines as the '41, but was 16 feet long instead of 21 feet long, I'd seriously look at it. Even if it means going from classic steel to fiberglass. I've just never seen a kit like that.

Originally Posted by Tk421

Hey, if I could find a kit car hearse that had the same lines as the '41, but was 16 feet long instead of 21 feet long, I'd seriously look at it. Even if it means going from classic steel to fiberglass. I've just never seen a kit like that.

hey you do know they sell welders and saws you can cut it to any size you want

did they make a cadilac nomad station wagon ?.. as pat said hot wrench and welder will fix anything .. i made a long wheelbase dodge truck into a short ...

I also like the looks of the 41 better. The other one looks deformed in some way. when it comes down to it i would work on what i love alot more than i would on what i settled on.

that 52 would be much easier and cheaper to do. i like it. i like the old 41 but its gona take major work and more cash.

I'm sure that by now you realize that you have associated yourself with a knowledgeable and very helpful gang of characters.

Welcome! Glad to have you.

I have some items that may interest you. When I get home I'll send you a private message about the stuff.

At one time I considered finding a hearse to fix up and re-configure. I saw one up in the Midwest (forgot where exactly) that a guy had turned into a super elegant big limousine. I'm pretty sure it was a Packard ..... or maybe a Lincoln ... anyway, it had a removable roof over the driver compartment and had fresh cut flowers in little vases on the walls.

He made a few bucks renting it out complete with a uniformed chauffeur (himself) for society weddings, hauling royalty or other big shots around, and for various other events.

He told me that he would never do prom night bashes again. It seems that teenagers don't use very good judgement when it comes to how much they can drink. I think I understand what he was telling me.

Keep us informed,


Jim

i look at both cars needing alot of work the 52 looks better as there is more stuff there but if its all junk or things you can or should not reuse like wiring . hoses . fuel line brake lines . brake hoses. engine needing a rebuild .trans .rear axle. front end. then there is stuff to be more friendly to the eyes paint body .glass .chrome you get the idea so going threw the 41 or 52 going to take the same mount of work as both shells need to be striped . both will need wiring . both brakes . both engines rebuilt . you can see were i going with this . when all said and done the 41 may be less as there less trim work. just the re chrome bumper s and trim on the 52 will be a shocker