The Search Begins in Earnest

[vonVeezelsnider]

Well there's no turning back now.

Found myself a decent "Heritage of Ownership" medallion for a first Cadillac on eBay, and that in and of itself is the symbolic beginning of a search that will likely define this year. Mercifully my insurance didn't go up last year after the two accidents I was involved in (though neither of them were my fault in the slightest), in fact my insurance went down- substantially. I have decided that I need a little project on the side to keep me busy (and sane) and have decided to fulfill a childhood dream, killing two birds with one stone. I'm going to find myself a 94-96 Fleetwood Brougham. I'm hoping to find something within Canada but I guess I'll have to bite the bullet and import one from the States if it comes to that (the joys of navigating the red tape are giving me nightmares).

I'm just laying the ground work right now, but it's certainly an exciting prospect; trying to figure out insurance and how to get a car from out of province or out of country home, registered and road legal, etc... Will probably be more seriously looking to make the purchase in early April or when the snow melts (whichever comes last). Maybe spend Spring and some of summer giving Western Canada a chance and then expanding my search to the United States if necessary.

Already went and looked at one last week (a 150k km 1994 Brougham in Red with the Burgundy Prestwick Cloth interior seen below)... but I don't think it's worth it- asking too much money I think, also not the color I was looking for and had an aftermarket grille, window tint which costs money to remove, some engine modifications (Cold Air Intake among others), and I'm going to keep looking for something that is in more unmolested condition.

Ideally I guess I'm looking for something with no more than around 200'000km (125000mi), ideally lower for a cost around $5000-6000. Preference of course given to the colors of Burgundy, Dark Blue, Black, Gold, Green, Pewter or White (to a point- I'll take what I can get). No aftermarket padded tops and no steel roof models (windows are hard to find as replacements for those cars since the great majority of these cars came with the factory padded top which has a smaller rear window). As for where I'm going with this idea, I'm thinking a little long term so it won't get driven too too much, and I'll probably slowly redo the exterior badging (faded crests etc), maybe new carpeting and/or seat-covers as time and budget allow. Perhaps I'll luck out and find a set of the factory chrome wheels for cheap as well but let's face it- that one is specifically a pipe dream.

Wish me luck!

[Camino LS6]

Enjoy the hunt!

[ocnblu]

Lay silently in wait while they gather. Let them graze at will, but never avert your steady eye. One will separate from the pack, inevitably, and when it does... POUNCE. Done. Then post pics.

[vonVeezelsnider]

February Update: There is a God, and his name is New Old Stock

Picked up a set of fobs, a brand new Heritage of Ownership badge, and the Wreath and Crest ornamentation for the C-Pillars, trunk and hood. Also a new Cadillac script badge for the trunk, these pieces have a great amount of detail in them, it's really impressive. Still trying to track down new "Brougham" badges for the vinyl top and trunk lid as well as a "5.7 Litre V8" badge from the 1990-92 Brougham for the other side of the trunk lid (looks kinda naked on that side). Also ordered a Cadillac script badge for the trunk in the newer style font which frankly I find more elegant than the style used on the Fleetwood. Haven't decided which style I'm going to go with on the car, kinda going back and forth on that one.

Also found two for sale, each have their flaws.

There's this one which is $5'500 1996 model in Langley BC, 190'000km in white for sale without the the custom wheels (thank god), but the strikes against it are a two-way alarm, aftermarket stereo, and exhaust that frankly I do not want nor do I want to deal with.

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/rds/cto/2206502529.html

Also this 1995 in Walla Walla WA which has ~90'000km in Champagne with Chrome wheels, $4'500 but still have to fight some serious red tape getting a car from the United States to Canada, despite how perfect this one is.

http://kpr.craigslist.org/cto/2192511363.html

I guess the search continues...

[vonVeezelsnider]

Got some more clarification on the Langley vehicle, sounds like he's got some tiny ass aftermarket steering wheel too, and doesn't have the OEM unit among a few other interior mods (that also means no Airbag and I don't want to begin to go down that road)... doesn't sound like it's quite worth it.

Edited February 11, 2011 by vonVeezelsnider

[vonVeezelsnider]

April Update:

I was hoping to be well into searching by now but I still can't consider out of province cars because the weather isn't cooperating. We just got a couple of feet of snow a couple days ago some more yesterday. Highways still not as good as I hoped. One has been posted in the last little while in-province but it was a 1993 with 60'000 miles that somebody wanted 10'000 dollars for. Still looking... I could kick myself though for not buying the 110k mile one that was for sale in town last summer, a triple blue (Dark Adriatic Blue) with the tow package and chrome wheels for only $5k. Hindsight is 20/20

I have picked up some more NOS parts... Including two sets of NOS Door/Ignition keys and one set of the Black GM Logo ones (all the keys have the same resistance and you can reprogram the Passkey module to accept a different resistance). Also picked up a 5.7L V8 badge for the trunk which I think is missing on the stock one. Got a new, never used 80s-style hood ornament alarm system which can be wired to the horn. It involves a large and more solid spring for the hood ornament unit that can't be cut easily by a would-be thief, probably won't even bother wiring it, the spring attachment is what's really worth it.

Decided that I'm just going to go ahead and get myself as complete a set of NOS Ornamentation for the car as I refurbish it, and as of now there are only a few exterior trim bits that I need to find in new form. Two "Brougham" badges for the sail panels with the vinyl top mounting pegs, a trunk "Brougham" badge, and two of the "Fleetwood" badges to go in the front door rub strips. In addition a new trunk lock bezel gasket for the new trunk lock bezel. Have resisted going to the dealer to see if they have access to any of these parts as of yet as the cheaper find is clearly on eBay. Hopefully the Stainless Steel/Chrome will be in decent shape on whatever I get so it doesn't have to be refinished.

Some pictures of what I've picked up

Edited April 17, 2011 by vonVeezelsnider

[ocnblu]

I would check around for a set of the narrow, bodyside upper chrome trim pieces, too. There was an issue with the finish on those.

Edited April 17, 2011 by ocnblu

[vonVeezelsnider]

I would check around for a set of the narrow, bodyside upper chrome trim pieces, too. There was an issue with the finish on those.

I hear body shops have a hard time finding that set of parts these days and it's about $75 per body panel to buy from GM, so my thinking is based on the way the finish degrades it might almost be better to have them removed, re-vacuum plated by somebody professional and put back on the car.

[ocnblu]

From what I remember, the pieces are made of different material, depending on which panel you're looking at. The front fender ones are plated plastic, and I believe those are the most prone to bubbling. IIRC, the door ones are metal, and the rear quarter ones are plastic as well, but not as prone to the bubbling. We used to keep the fender ones in stock because they were such fast movers.

[caddycruiser]

From what I remember, the pieces are made of different material, depending on which panel you're looking at. The front fender ones are plated plastic, and I believe those are the most prone to bubbling. IIRC, the door ones are metal, and the rear quarter ones are plastic as well, but not as prone to the bubbling. We used to keep the fender ones in stock because they were such fast movers.

Yep. The chrome "wrap" bubbles up off them, to varying degrees, with time. I was still able to order a new one for a back quarter panel a couple of years back, and IIRC, 3 of the 4 fenders were available then...but who knows know. If not broken apart, the bubbling is minor and not worth trying to pull them off for new, if new doesn't exist.

[GMTruckGuy74]

Here you go....

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/cto/2332996106.html

If I had the $5,500 cash on hand and a garage to park this thing, I'd bevery tempted :smilies-38096:

[vonVeezelsnider]

GREAT color combo on that unit and the price/mileage combo just cannot be beat... distance and logistics are a bit of an issue. Not practical to drive the 2600 miles from Philly to Alberta

There is good news, however. I've gotten a nibble on a WTB ad I posted in the Calgary classifieds for a 1994 Brougham with Prestwick Cloth seats (not so common an option in the USA but most Canadian cars have them I've found). 120k miles, but I don't know what color it is or what condition it is- or even what the guy wants for it. Just left a message with more questions and hopefully I can check it out this week.

[vonVeezelsnider]

The guy sent me pics...

The Good:

-Brougham Package

-Dark Green Gray Metallic w. Vinyl Top (A personal favourite)

-Factory Chrome Wheels and Whitewall Tires

-Factory Astroroof

-All Chrome is straight and clean except for RH rear quarter panel upper trim (crinkles)

-No Rust

-Runs like a top, no error lights or codes

-Deceased previous owner was meticulous licensed mechanic

The Whatever:

-Mileage within tolerances, but not as low as I would have liked

-Gray Prestwick Cloth interior (meh, but rare and the right color)

The Not-so-good:

-Car has been sitting for over a year, as it is an estate sale

-Could the tires be dry Rotted/have flat spots? Anybody's guess

-Fluids and Belts would need to be changed ($$$)

-Bottom Vinyl Top molding would need to be replaced ($$$)

Overall the 1-2 punch of Chromes and Astroroof make this a desirable car from what I've read, along with a not so common colour. Not a plain-jane everyday Black, White, or Gray. Not a common option package to have all that kit and no leather, and since in 1994 more Fleetwoods went to Saudi Arabia than Canada this is an impressive find indeed. Some pics the seller sent me. I don't know what to do next. I obviously want to see it in person to evaluate what is needed on the car that seeing pictures doesn't tell, and I think given the amount of time it's been sitting I'd have it inspected (which the seller has agreed to), also have to check the accessories and toys work (power antenna, trunk pulldown, lamp monitors, Astroroof, seats, etc...) but colour me VERY interested.

Edited April 22, 2011 by vonVeezelsnider

[ocnblu]

vonVee, IIRC, that vinyl top reveal molding is painted metal. You could just have someone pop it off the clips, have it painted and snap it back on.

Nice looking car, if it hasn't been sitting too long.

[vonVeezelsnider]

I finally got to seeing the above car in person and driving it today (located in a small town about a couple hours away)... The estate just got settled I guess and it's finally good to go. It's far from perfect but I think I can get a good deal; going to have it thoroughly inspected at local GM dealer to get idea of what I'm dealing with.

GOOD:

-Shocks and springs seem to be in good condition

-Interior is absolutely like new

-Prestwick Cloth seats are flawless (in part owed to the fact that this is cloth and not leather, wears better). Very clean

-No codes present on the diagnostic screen for OBD1 on the ECC unit

-Power Antenna and Astroroof work

-Has Rolling-Code Homelink already installed

-Engine fires right up, feels strong under acceleration and around town. Runs smooth as butter.

-Transmission done in 2004 and not much mileage since then, less to worry about.

-Ride is sorted, feels confident. No hesitation.

-Power seats and heaters work along with memory

-The lower dash panels aren't loose like they would be often on these cars

-Still has complete owner's portfolio

-2nd owner but car has always been parked in heated garage, it shows

-Body is straight considering mileage, no rust

BAD:

-Has an obvious oil leak, marked its territory under where I had it parked. Doesn't look too serious but the inspection will tell the tale

-Hasn't really been driven in about 2 years

-Clunk/knock coming from front suspension when wheel brought over. Not sure if it's an actual problem though as I think this is attributable to use of 235/75R15 instead of 70R15. With the non-HD commercial chassis suspension the front tires could just rub the wells on full LH down

-Rear reverse lights- work but one has a broken bracket misaligned and loose, both are faded and could just be replaced.

-Small squeak from rear brakes

-Tires really have had it. Cracks on sidewalls and very little tread. Obviously long discontinued Bridgestone tire and they will need to be replaced immediately.

-LR Window rollers are shot

-Rear C-Pillar Reveal needs to be removed, painted and re-clipped

-Both glass headlamps are cracked and require replacement

List of equipment in the car:

Will be inspected this week and then if there's nothing insurmountable or scary that comes back beyond the obvious, I'm considering it.

[caddycruiser]

Awesome and rare configuration with the factory chromes, Astroroof AND cloth, plus in a different color.

The molding pieces are easy, including the quickly repainted vinyl roof molding--I used touch-up paint on my '95s.

The clunking/knock when the steering is turned to lock, there actually was a TSB issues by Cadillac back in the day. Steering stop related. Both our '93 with factory wheels/tires did it and my '95 with both stock and aftermarket rolling stock would intermittently. I forget what part it really is, but they did issue a TSB for it.

Oil leak...common. Most common, all the crimped oil cooler lines at the front get weepy around the crimps. If minor, not a big concern, and easy to cover/clamp or replace fully if desired. Also things like the oil filter adapter/seal, etc. Only other common oddball items with the LT1 in these cars would be the exhaust manifold bolt heads breaking off over time. Never had the issue on mine, but many report it, have to get the bolts drilled out & replaced, etc.

Window rollers...I ordered a bag of them from GM parts, and kept them in the shed. Fixed both our '93 and '95 at random times, as well as one of Roger's windows in his ex black/black '96 Fleetwood back in the fall of '09. Easy getting used to popping the door panels off, and if feeling up for it, can do all doors at once...or leave working ones go until the factory plastic sliders break.

Nice car. For a '94 and the packages/options, hard to find one much better, depending on what the price is...of course.

[vonVeezelsnider]

Found another one in town. 1994 Brougham, White, Burgundy leather, Vinyl top, Chrome wheels, factory Astroroof, 80k miles, underbody perfect. Seems to be in perfect condition inside and out... Wants significantly more than the other one I looked at but if the condition checks out it may well be worth almost as much as he is asking. Hoping to check it out this weekend!

Edited September 12, 2011 by vonVeezelsnider

[caddycruiser]

Too AWESOME.

These cars are terrific. When so rarely equipped with all the gear, absolute knock outs. Especially tow pack, lower rear gears, and better handling/riding FE2 suspension. Great colors too. Only demerit for me are the smaller '94 door mirrors, but oh well. Great car, with service records to boot.

Still miss my '95. Oh, if only I just put $1500 cash into upgrade/maintenance and kept it around...

[Drew Dowdell]

Jealous!

[vonVeezelsnider]

So I ended up not buying this car. Why? When I drove/saw it I noticed a couple things that gave me pause.

Edited September 12, 2011 by vonVeezelsnider

[caddycruiser]

And again...oh well. Try again

Going to be tough to find more of these with such attractive equipment levels but also better condition. With the age, it's tough to find any in better shape from what I can see of the pictures you've posted, except for down south US versions still floating around.

Onward. Any others spotted lately?