1949 Cadillac Other

331 V-8

496190378

Clear

This 1949 Cadillac Series 61 sedan is ideally suited for an easy restoration. I bought this car 25 years ago for a parts car to do a convertible. I haven’t looked at this car in 10 or 15 years and even then with no other thought than using it for parts. Recently, I gave it a good look over and realized this car is much too nice to suffer the horrible fate of being parted. The only parts I know to be missing are the four “sombrero” hubcaps, the Cadillac hood and trunk crests and the top cover of the air cleaner. As far as I know, this Cadillac is a native Arizona car which was found for me in Safford, AZ. The last registration on the license plate is 1977. It was once painted given a cheap red paint job, then metallic green, but the original color was code 18, Avalon Gray Metallic. The trim code is 37, and the original cloth, a striped wool broadcloth, is still visible in the interior. Please note the photo of the original data plate still in place. 1. ENGINE & MECHANCIAL: When I began rethinking my plans for this car, I had my mechanic look at the engine which turns freely. This is the first year Cadillac provided the overhead valve 331 CID V-8 - a wonderful engine. My mechanic said everything is there except to the top of the air cleaner and is otherwise a complete engine with all the engine compartment components in place. I didn’t have him start the engine, nor did I have him check the exhaust system which I assume needs to be replaced. The condition of the Hydramatic transmission is unknown, but may require only a major service. These early Hydramatics were easy to overhaul, if that is necessary and were extremely reliable. Naturally the Cadillac would require an overhaul of the brake and various bushings. But the springs are solid and the car doesn’t sag or list but sits perfectly flat. Indicated mileage is 12,533, of course more. Probably 112,533 ***** 2. BODY: Then we began looking for rust. It’s always possible there is a minor hole somewhere, but looking at the top, bottom and underneath we couldn’t find any rust. In fact, the metal is in beautiful shape. I saw no tell-tale signs of repairs and bondo. Please take note the perfect door gaps which are uniform. This is a later model 49 Cadillac with higher profile trunk lid. Also note that NONE of the glass is broken. The windshields are intact, but the laminate between the glass plates has bubbled. I would be inclined to use all the original glass, bubbles or no, for originality. As noted previously, the car was painted two or three times in its life, including red. I would strip the door jambs to remove the red, but wouldn’t strip the exterior. Instead, I would block sand it through the existing paint until detecting the factory primer. At that point after treating any bare metal areas, I would apply primer-sealer and then begin the usual process of block sanding and primer application with a straight coat of the original Avalon Gray Metallic. ***** 3. CHROME: The chrome on this car is in very good condition. Only the pot metal molding on the LR door is rusted and must be replaced. The photo of the hood ornament gives some indication. Much of the pot metal because of slight scratching and very superficial surface rust would require plating.. Of course, one should rechrome the bumpers and bumper guards. The right parking lamp chrome bezel is loose, but with the car. The “Vs” for the hood and trunk are with the car, but the Cadillac crests are gone and would require replacement in any case. Reproductions are readily available. Some of the chrome such as the grill, can perhaps be polished and look quite presentable. The cost of plating should be relatively low, as there no repairs required - just plating. Note the side moldings are pot metal also, not stainless. The stainless around the windows is very nice. ***** 4. INTERIOR: Obviously, it will need a complete new interior. But enough of the original interior is in place for patterns which are very simple and straightforward. Not the robe cord behind the front seat is intact. The amount of original interior is more than sufficient to obtain original fabrics from a good supplier such as SMS Auto Fabrics. All the interior stainless moldings, etc., are present and intact. 5. DASH: The dash is intact and needing only new paint. The instruments are excellent but could be made brighter by repainting the needle pointers which is easy. The steering wheel will have to be remolded back in the original plastic cream. The horn ring is nice, but I would replate it for a very crisp, clean look. The plastic steering wheel center hub should be replaced. ***** ***** ***** ***** This 1949 Cadillac, serial number, 496190378, comes with an Arizona title. The car is to be collected in Nogales, Arizona at the buyer’s expense. I will send by PDF attachment a copy of the title and require that payment in full be made by wire transfer only. Buyer will contact me, and I will provide wire transfer instructions. NO PAYPAL. Upon receipt, I will send the signed and notarized title by overnight mail to the buyer. The buyer has up to 90 days to collect the vehicle, but must provide his own insurance for the vehicle. If one has any questions, please contact me. I am selling this car with sincere hope that it goes to someone who will restore it and not part it out. It is just too nice a car and deserves a restoration and revival and once again rule the road, as Cadillac’s slogan once said as the “Standard of the World.”