1976 Cadillac Eldorado

Convertible

8.2L 500Cu. In. V8 GAS OHV Naturally Aspirated

Automatic

6L67S6Q172858

Clear

GAS

This is a beautiful car that is in need of restoration completion and an owner who has time to drive it. What can I say about this car? Well let me start with a brief history lesson... I have owned this car since 2007. I bought it from a close friend of the family who inherited from his mother, who was the original owner. When I got the car, it was in dire need of attention and care even though it only had just over 100K miles on it. My original intention was to completely restore the car to it's original standard for the purpose of having a weekend cruiser with the family inside, top down, enjoying the Southern California weather. Now for the Good, and the Not So Good... The Good Over the past 7 years, I poured about $12K into it's reconditioning. The brakes system was completely gone through, the convertible top was replaced, including the cables and gear drive. The interior was a mess. All the faux wood decal paneling was faded and pealing and the carpet was more brown than burgundy. I had all the interior that was cracked or torn replaced and new carpet installed. As for the faux wood panels, I had them sandblasted and powder coated to match the interiors color (it's not original, but it's a nice touch) All the lock mechanisms were rebuilt to alleviate the sticking. Lastly the body, which was and still is in fabulous condition, was stripped, primed and painted and all the weather striping was replaced. My family and I have had some really great times in this car and I really hate to see it go. However, boys youth travel baseball and girls competitive gymnastics seem to have somehow taken over our lives. Which of course leaves this beautiful in the exact situation it was when I first got it...in need of a few minor details and some drive-time from someone who has the time and desire to give it what it needs. Aside from this car being 99% complete, it starts every time you turn the key, the motor is sound, and has not a single leak to speak of. It has been well maintained which is always a must in these old cars. As for the best part, this car "Drives Like A Cadillac." I also own a 2008 Chrysler 300 Touring which is a very smooth riding car, but, I can hands down say that this Cadillac, which I often refer to as a "land boat" will not only out accelerate the Chrysler, but also has a much better ride whether you're on a long road trip, or just cruising around town. (BTW- for you enthusiasts, this model is the last year that Cadillac made a convertible http://www.history.com/speeches/last-american-made-convertible#early-airbag-tests) The Not So Good The bad things about this car are more of a nuisance rather than anything detrimental. For starters, the hood springs need replacing, as the hood will not stay open by itself due to the weight of the hood and the age of the springs. The hood latch handle on the floor board recently broke from the recently replaced cable end. It still opens just fine, but only with the use of pliers (lame). The radio may or may not work. The wires in the back are not connected. I never took the time to re-connect the old radio after I removed a CD player that was wired quite sloppily into the glove box when I first got it. The rubber cruise control diaphragm inside the engine compartment is rotted and does not hold vacuum which won't allow the cruise control chain mechanism to hold the throttle open when you set cruise control. The air conditioning was working just fine until the clutch/pulley froze up. It's an easy and inexpensive fix, but here in San Diego, we usually drive with the top down and therefore don't really need it. To keep from further damaging the AC unit, I bypassed the pulley with a shorter belt so as to keep the other components (i.e. water pump, smog pump, alternator) working as needed. The car works and runs just fine without it. There is no antenna. The motorized one was pretty shot and I didn't bother having the body shop re-install it after painting the car. The steering wheel is missing faux wood trim ring that circles the wheel itself (however, you can't see it with the new "old school" steering wheel cover I recently installed. The parking brake cable needs to be replaced, it's a bit worn. And THAT my friends is pretty much it. This is a fabulous car with a few minor things that need attention. Here's to hoping it finds it's way to a new owner that cares about this car as much as I do. Good Luck! Feel free to ask any questions. Erik