Thread: 1960 Cadillac Coupe modernization

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Sorry if this is the wrong forum...

Anyways. I recently aquired a 1960 Cadillac Coupe, and I want to modernize it. What's the best way to go about this? I know little about mechanical stuff and working on cars in general, but when I saw this car I fell in love with it and had to have it.

Basically, I'd like to eventually end up with the following stuff...

-A good engine
-Tires that grip the road real good
-A good sound system
-Good electronics (of course)
-A climate control system
-Dial up air suspension ("hydraulics")
-A good sound system
-The transmission will remain manual, though I have no objection to putting in a new one if neccesary.

Money isn't too much of a problem.

This car is intended for normal street use and occasionally racing.

Any suggestions or tips in doing this project?

James

Have you thought about the cadillac northstar engine? They need to be adapted for rwd applications but at least youd be putting a caddy mill in a caddy.

Originally posted by techinspector1
HUH? You have a 60 Cad with a manual trans??

Ditto How the heck did you get one with a stick in it?

On to my suggestion. Drop it on a late model Caprice chassis.

Abe

It had the stick when I got it. Why, is this model supposed to have an automatic or something? O.o

I suppose the previous owner put it in or something. *has no idea*

Berrik

I have 2 59 Caddies and here are my suggestions for what you should upgrade. Front disk brakes! Stopping these beasts with drums is dangerous. Do your research, but I think I read that spindles off a 69 Cad with disc can be used. Also need the proportion valve, change over to a dual resovior master cylinder.

As far as engine swaps, the X frame design will give you problems if you try to drop a 472 or 500 in there. Really curious about you having a manual trans, must be from a Buick/Olds/Pontiac? I believe a 64 Cadillac trans (this year only) is a Turbo 400 with a bellhousing bolt pattern that will bolt to the 60 390 block.

I'd get it looking good, put the disks on the front for safety, and just drive it.

The 60 Caddy engine is a good engine. If it needs rebuilding you could bore it out for more cubic inches. I had a 60 Caddy limo and I agree that the brakes need upgrading.
That manual trans is very rare if original. Is it a column shift or floor shift? Three speed or four speed?
I thought that all 60 Caddys had automatic trans and a/c. Does your car have the dashboard vents?.You should be able to get the parts you need if it was removed.
Is it a two door or four door?
AL

It does have a (broken) A/C system... that's why I wanted to replace it with a more modern climate control system. And it's a 2-door.

Re what kind of transmission it is... how do I tell the difference?

Re the brake advice: Thanks. I didn't think of that >_<

Re the X frame thing: What is this and why is it a problem?

Re the boring out the engine tip: What is this? Is it easy to do, or should I have a local garage do it for me?

This is really my first time trying to do anything more complex with a car other than changing the oil filter, so I'm grateful for any and all tips and and advice.


Berrik

Whoa! Stop right there.

You are going to need a couple of years of learning before you even think of taking on a project of this magnatude.

Start here: http://auto.howstuffworks.com/

After that go out to a used book store and grab a few manuals on general automotive repair, some on bodywork and some on general automotive electronics (some comprehensive stereo install books cover electricals in depth).

After you have studied those and get a good idea of what you are doing to what and how what you are doing affects other things. THEN see if you can get a book that is specific to your car and start reading it.

Abe

I have seen a 53 caddy hearse with manual trans but nothing newer than that but have seen a 59 and 60 olds with the manaul trans. If it is original you might have a very rare car. Jeff

Abe's right. you can't do it yourself if you have no experience beyond oil changes. If money isn't much of a problem find a good shop/garage in your area that works on old cars. Let them check it out and tell you what needs to be done and how much it wil cost.
Take a friend who knows a little more than you about cars to make sure you don't get taken advantage of.
AL

OK, that's what I figured. Thanks for the advice, guys!

James