My wife has named her Mabelline

This is what happens when the system of checks and balances between spouses breaks down and they end up enabling each other. After a total impulse purchase, we are now the proud owners of a '49 Series 62 Cadillac Sedanette

Hmm.. Does she run true? That thing is awesome!

I'm not sure where I'd even begin with that, but I do know it's awesome.

Cool - I'd be tempted to fix the fuel leak/carb, clean up the interior and call it done.

Im with Oldtin, Add a few creature comforts like nicer seats and a decent stereo, replace some iffy stuff like rubber hoses and plug wires etc, and enjoy the hell out of it!

Oh yea. Those machines had a feel that was all their own.

Don't "improve" things and loose that feel.

Mabelline is perfect!

'49 Cadillac To Do List:

Paint: Perfect. Leave it as is.
Interior: Recover the seats, spruce up the dash, add some carpet, no headliner needed.
Chrome: Add dashes here and there. No need to re-chrome everything.
Engine: 502 Crate Motor perhaps?
Suspension: In the weeds.
Stereo: Lake pipes.

the 49 is as iconic as the 59 with those itty bitty stubby fins.. the beginnings of the age of tail fins on cars.

LSx swap?

According to PO, it runs and drives as is, with a few caveats (e.g. the gas tank is out and totally gummed up). I haven't picked it up yet, so I can't confirm driveability.

Short term plan is to get some non-dry rotted tires and make it mechanically sound enough to cruise in.

Long term = ?????

You have no idea how jealous I am right now. I've been harboring a severe "want" for one of these cars since seeing a picture of one in an Autoweek article about the La Carrera Panamerica open road race years ago. Some inspiration:

http://usa476.com/lcp-day-1/#

Please save this thread and keep me in mind if future forces make you consider parting with it.

What a cool find. I personally wouldn't do too much to it. Just get her running and safe (brakes/suspension) and drive her like that. The patina is excellent.

About 5 years ago I saw a '51 Pontiac at a gas station. Similar patina but the interior had been cleaned up and she was lowered slightly with some chrome 20's or something big. I normally hate that type of wheel but it looked good on it. Wish I had a picture 'cause I think of that car as inspiration when I get the itch to do a project like this.

What a find. Congratulations.

color me jealous. I think your plans sound right to me.

Chris

Shine up the lady on the hood and the caddy "V", and yeah, leave it alone. It's awesome.

looks like BABE rally time

I love the Sedanettes and the very similar Olds 88.

I agree with your plan.

Mother of god. I want that.

Get that old Syclone, rip the AWD drivetrain out of it. Install LSx with 2 turbos. Win everything.

Very nice, I still kick myself EVERY DAY for passing up a 38 Buick w/ straight 8 in similar shape, but with more paint. Why is there what appears to be a large pickle jar and starter motor clamped to the firewall? Other than shining it up, I'd leave it alone/stock as much as possible, Cadillacs of the time were the best cars made, preserve its period correct amounts of awesome.

Kenny_McCormic wrote: Why is there what appears to be a large pickle jar and starter motor clamped to the firewall?

I haven't picked it up yet and have only just started my research, so I can't say for sure - but I think that might be the hydraulic pump and reservior for the power seats / windows.

I have absolutely no idea why that behemoth speaks to me in such dulcet tones, but lordy, lordy, does it ever!

She is a beauty.

That_Renault_Guy wrote:

Kenny_McCormic wrote: Why is there what appears to be a large pickle jar and starter motor clamped to the firewall?

I haven't picked it up yet and have only just started my research, so I can't say for sure - but I think that might be the hydraulic pump and reservior for the power seats / windows.

hydraulic...seats? Say what? Coooooooooolllll