1963 Cadillac Coupe De Ville

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This project started with a very solid and complete car (with original paint) that had not been registered since 1976.  It has every factory option except bucket seats and an FM radio.  It did not run but since it was rust free, loaded and intact, the decision was made to perform a complete frame off restoration.  The goal was to stay as close to factory correctness as possible.

Since the 1963 Cadillac Coupe De Ville had never been taken apart before and was so complete, details like finishes on engine and suspension components along with different types of fasteners were identified and restored to original.  As many original parts to the car were rebuilt as possible. Click here for more details on the restoration and check out these videos and photos below…

Videos

Fully Restored

Before Restoration

Restoration Process

Restoration details

Drivetrain and suspension:

  • The matching numbers 390 was completely rebuilt with new .030 pistons, complete head work and all accessories are new or rebuilt

  • The Hydromatic was disassembled, cleaned with new seals and clutches installed

  • Radiator, heater core, hot water valve, complete cooling system, new or rebuilt

  • A/C system was converted to r134a with all new components. All vacuum lines have been replaced. It blows very cold

  • The Cruise control system was dissembled, cleaned and calibrated, it works flawlessly

  • Rebuilt wiper motor and washer pump

  • Wiring harness was cleaned, inspected and repairs were made as needed

  • The power brake booster was rebuilt and the original drums were turned. All other brake components including the steel lines are new

  • New fuel system including steel lines, sending unit and tank

  • All front end parts are new

  • Rear end disassembled, cleaned inspected and re sealed along with new rear control arm bushings

  • Frame and suspension parts were powder coated

  • The floors of the car are finished in red oxide

  • New body mounts installed

  • Mandrel bent dual exhaust

  • Cooper Trendsetter radials

  • AC Delco shocks

Exterior:

  • Body and sheet metal were stripped to bare metal, no rust repair needed

  • Original front fenders replaced with very straight fenders from Eastern Oregon

  • Refinished with Sikkens base clear in the original Benton Blue Poly

  • All chrome re-plated

  • All stainless straightened and polished

  • New front windshield, excellent original side and rear glass

  • All new weather-stripping installed

  • Original power window motors rebuilt. Windows work flawlessly

  • New gears fitted for power vent windows

Interior:

  • Seats have been upholstered in leather with the original pattern. Leather was also used in place of the cloth inserts; it was felt the leather is nicer and it was available from the factory in full leather.

  • Door panels re-upholstered

  • Re-chromed switch panels

  • New carpeting and headliner

  • Gorgeous original dash pad and steering wheel

  • A/C and heating system completely overhauled, new vacuum lines and components. The complete system detailed.

  • Turn signal, neutral safety and back-up light switches rebuilt

  • Functioning cornering lights

  • All dash, window and interior switches rebuilt

  • Al new interior and dash bulbs

  • All interior metal panels re-finished in base clear in the proper shade of blue

  • Power seat motor, transmission, switch and rails all rebuilt

  • Autronic eye system was inspected, vacuum tubes checked out fine, new fuse

  • Seat frames were blasted and painted

  • Trunk re-upholstered in original type tweed fabric, original trunk cardboard re-finished in a correct shade of grey

  • New bias ply spare in the proper size

  • Vacuum trunk and door locks work well

  • Mechanical trunk pull down was cleaned and adjusted

Some notable options:

  • Controlled Differential (posi-traction) very rare

  • Vacuum power locks

  • Vacuum power trunk release with mechanical pull down

  • Power vent windows

  • Autronic Eye

  • Cruise control

The Coupe has been road tested and properly aligned. It is very responsive and smooth on the road. It is a great feeling to drive a 1963 Cadillac at highway speeds with cruise control and cold A/C and the Benton Blue with the contrasting leather interior look absolutely stunning.