63 Cadillac

[randyc]

So I got this Jada Caddy.   I started taking it apart before I thought to take photos. 

Had plans of a simple wheel swap and some detailing.   When looking for wheels, I ran across this entire chassis from a Mint 59 Caddy.  I do have the other seat.   No dash or door panels though.   Have some work to do to make dash work.  And paint it and the door panels white.

 

Seller & I struck a deal (remember those killed cars I posted a little bit ago? - they are gone).  So when it got here, I had an idea to see if  the whole chassis would fit under the body.   This is first attempt just to see if it even possibly would work.

 

The engine insert and general detailing of this car is Jada - not very good.  So I blew it apart and checked - the frame and wheelbase are pretty much spot on. 

Witha little grinding and cutting away bosses, I was able to get it better and better. 

Thing I'm gonna have to figure out is the hood.  Can I possibly get the hinged hood to work?  Doubtful.   Any suggestions?   Also have to figure out how to attach the two in a more permanent manner.  Maybe brass tabs epoxied inside the body?  

Edited October 22, 2019 by randyc

[grodudulle77]

Nice car !??

[Geno]

Randy, this is gonna be sweet, I'll be watching??

[randyc]

2 hours ago, Geno said:

Randy, this is gonna be sweet, I'll be watching??

I think it will look good on shelf but will not bear close inspection.   But it will look like a stockish 63 Caddy.  Thanks for looking in on it. 

I also have wheels for my 58 Caddy conv.   I think it's going to eventually be Lake Placid Blue and white, to match a Stratocaster I have that my wife bought me. 

And I have bought a DM 53 Buick Estate Wagon to carry on the 50's boat theme I like so good.  Waiting for it to arrive.

[randyc]

2 hours ago, Geno said:

Randy, this is gonna be sweet, I'll be watching??

I need some input on the hood.  Any suggestions?  I really don't want to have to cut up the firewall area.  Any ideas?

[Geno]

I understand Randy, let me study on that bit lol.? Can't wait to see the colors on the '58.

Edited October 25, 2019 by Geno

[randyc]

Well, let's skip right to the end.  Finished.  And I love it.  Yes it has some issues, but looks great on coffee table.  Hood is held on with duct tape.  Some gaps here and there.  Door panels aren't stock.  And so on.  But it favors a stock 63 Caddy.  Even worked out that I could use the factory body screws on the corners.  

[Gramps46]

Nice save/rescue/conversion.

[Geno]

That turned out pretty decent Randy, I really couldn't think of anything for attaching the hood other than maybe drilling some tiny holes in the corners at the cowl and attaching pins on the underside of the hood to hold it in place where it just lifts off like on a lot of models.