I have been talking to a guy that has a 1966 98 Convertible. The body is in decent shape no rust, interior is thrashed he has the door panels and rear seats. Needs new top, interior, minor work on the top frame, front windows, new brakes, engine work, etc. Overall it's not in bad shape but it does need a lot of work.

He wants to trade for my 2002 Cadillac Deville, that's in excellent condition with 100,066 miles on it, always garaged and maintained.
I am tempted but I don't know much about big cars. Every one I had so far was a PIA to find parts and restore.
What do you guys think??

[IMG]00Q0Q_4SzEKJ3Yzzk_600x450-1 by 70cutty, on Flickr[/IMG]
[IMG]00U0U_dtopuyZwJH1_600x450 by 70cutty, on Flickr[/IMG]
[IMG]01010_kfZgR8olk4I_600x450 by 70cutty, on Flickr[/IMG]

 

Tough choice, the Caddy is probably worth about 3-5k. A decent upholstery shop can duplicate the stock interior for around $3500, carpet, door panels, and set covers.

 

It is harder to find parts for these and the rear bumpers are scarce. Hopefully the trim is all there and nice grill and bumpers on this one. Where are original wheels? These cars are not high on peoples want lists but it is a vert which helps. Off the top of my head without knowing details of either car but what was mentioned I would put a value on the 66 at 5 thou as is.

 

Honestly I think he's getting the better deal if you swap.

 

That $3,500 will not include a top. Call some trim shops and price a top. Be sure they include new pads and a liner in the top well. Then you will probably want a parade boot too.

 

I didn't include the top, as I have no clue what the going rate for one with all the accy's would be.

 

Thank you guys for the opinions.
It looks so nice and if it was a Cutlass it would be in my garage already. I see a lot of potential in it but it does need a lot of work and a lot of hard to come by parts. It's a tough decision.

 

Wheel skirts are missing trim, and there's no emblems or door hardware either. Some of this stuff is available from vendors like USA Parts Supply, but costly. As noted - not much demand for these cars and parts are scarce.

In the long run, if the Caddy is a trade - let's say its worth 4K which is a round number - that means this car is a 4K car out of the gate. Interior + top + any other mechanical electrical could easily run another 6-8K. What's it worth after that? According to NADA it would be around 12+K. Maybe a break even, maybe a loss. Only thing that really is going to matter is the level of pride and satisfaction it gives the owner. Personally, I don't like the color but do like the car. Good luck making your decision.

EDIT NOTE: NADA guides are notorious for overvaluing cars.

 

Allan, as usual I think you hit the nail on the head.

 

It would be a tough decision. The caddy will be worth less and less. The olds will hold value and just think after you drop 20k you will have a 15k car.

For me if I was looking for another project and wanted some top down fun I might do it. Otherwise no.

The other thing is do you have a car to replace the caddy already or will you have to do that too.

Larry

 

Which would you rather drive down the road in 5 years time?

 

Big question what role does the Caddy fill? is it a DD or a pleasure car?
If you get the vert can you enjoy it as is or would you need to do the work? Not every car
needs to be a 100 pt show car.

 

The caddy is just sitting there as I got a brand new DD. I am gonna take a closer look at the car this weekend. Cutlass is almost done, new engine on the way, after that W-25 hood and paint. I guess I wouldn't mind take this project on.

Thank you guys.

 

You don't mention what engine is in the 98?

 

It's 425 in it. It runs rough but I think it just needs a tune up.

 

The standard engine was the 425 4bbl single exhaust on the 98 and the Sfire 425 with dual exhaust was optional.

 

I think those old boats just reek of class and In time they will become even more scarce and desirable. I would go for it. If you could find a parts car it would really help on the parts availability or just bite the bullet and try to find what you can on Evil Bay, it ain't going to be cheap to restore but when is the last time you have seen a 66 full size convertible at a show or anywhere else for that matter. The rubber roof rail alone will probably run around $450 dollars and that will just be the beginning on 40 year old rubber parts so there is a goodly amount of hidden costs on a rig like this but in the end I think it would be well worth it.....Tedd

 

Thanks guys. I am meeting the guy saturday. I wanted to jack the car up to get a closer look underneath. If there is no major rust issues I will go for it.

 

Northstar engine?

Ask if he has ever overheated it, how much oil does it burn, does it leak any anti freeze, are the exhaust tips black .......

Be prepared if its a Northstar - which i assume it is.

 

Not a northstar, just a standard high compression 425....Tedd

 

@ Boldsmobile Ihave the Caddy he has the Olds. It is a Northstar, never overheated always maintained and garaged.
I bought a brand new Camry Hybrid (don't laugh I commute 100 miles everyday) to replace the Caddy as daily driver. I really have no use for it. Wife drives brand new Suburban (3 kids) so Caddy just collects dust. So I figured this wouldn't be bad, I just wish it wasn't this much of a project. But I think it's doable, we'll see this weekend.

 

On the 'vert make a mental list of the have to do's and the nice to do's.
It doesn't have to be perfect to be enjoyed, and maybe you'll enjoy it more if its not perfect.

 

Have you looked on Craigslist in your area? Looks like alot of other possibilities that perhaps you could trade for. Theres a 62 Starfire for 4000. in San Jose, looks nice.

 

Don't leave us hanging. What happened?

 

X2?

 

Sorry, been busy pulling the 350 out of the Cutlass. My 463 should be arriving soon from Mark.
Decided not to do it, seems like a too much of a project. Interior was completely gone, no seats, rust here and there. Just too much for me to get into right now.

 

Probably a good call. Sell the Caddy and put the money into the Cutlass.

 

Now here's a man who knows how projects really work. Given what you just described, I think you made a great call. How soon till the 463 arrives?

 

I am hoping 463 should arrive towards the end of next week.

 

I'd sell your Caddy and offer him $2000 for that money pit.

 

I already have a buyer for the caddy. I sold my rat rod last month. Between the 2 and maybe $2-3k on top and I should be able to afford a nice 66/67 cutlass.

 

Smart - make decisions - not deals. Get the car you really want.