'63 Tailfin Tales

[Mark Mata]

Howdy fellow members, as a first time poster, I wanted to share a few pictures of my '63 I picked up last summer. Although it was a running car, I decided to update many of the engine parts as their days were limited. I will be posting pictures of the process to get it in its current state and as a way to interact more with the chapter.  This was my first experience with a Cadillac motor of this age, and I've already learned a lot to say the least(ex. broken water pump bolts)!  

Just an idea of the condition that the engine was in. I'm not sure how this car was "running" and I was able to load it on the trailer!

A look at the before and after shots of the original Carter carb. With the goal of keeping as many parts as original as possible, this is one that I didn't mind spending the money to have fully rebuilt. The end result turned out really nice.

 My first experience with a broken water pump bolt on the block!! The first of 2 at that! Talk about learning patience real fast.  A whole day of drilling, extracting, and retapping!  

Complete replacement of timing chain

Front view of all new components-Water pump, fuel pump, alternator, thermostat, and re-install of carb

[Mark Mata]

Hello Kurt! Fellow Texan! Yes it came with buckets when I purchased it. It also contained a center console which has the aesthetic of an original piece but I'm sure is not. On a quick search through Google pics, it does look like the 64 perforated leather pattern now that you mention it.   

[Kurt]

Hi Mark, I'm down the street in Austin. From the glimpse of your front seat, are they buckets? Looks like 64 perforated leather & pattern.

[Mark Mata]

I think I'm going to hold on to the glass filter bowl Logan!! I agree they look really nice once cleaned thoroughly! 

[Logan Robb]

If youre looking to rid of the glass filter bowl, I'd love to take it off your hands! My Fleetwood needs one. Love the way they look!

[Jason Edge]

 Mark, You have made a lot of progress. Like you said, it is hard to believe the car was running, especially with the fuel filter clogged like that. The timing chain should also make it run considerably better holding the timing more true, and the next time you need to remove that water pump (hopefully not for a long time) those bolts should turn right out. It is crazy how a 1/2 second bolt snap and end up taking so much time to address! You have done some great work. Thanks for sharing!

[Dennis P. DiBari]

Hi Mark,

     Your 1963 is really taking shape.  The pictures bring back a lot of memories of my restoration.  You are doing superlative work!

Dennis DiBari

[Mark Mata]

Thanks guys. I added some more recent progress pics.  This is an original Ohio car.  I found it in a town east of Dallas, Tx and trailered it home to my Fathers property outside of Houston, Tx. Aside from this project, I have a '62 Chevy C-10 step side that I'm halfway through a frame off rebuild.  

[Wayne Morris]

Looks like a nice project car. Looking foreword to seeing future posts

[Jason Edge]

Hi Mark. Thanks for sharing the pictures. This looks like a very solid & clean 63 Coupe. Be sure to tell us more about the car and share more pictures and stories as you go along.  Maybe tell us some about the car's history and your past, current and future restoration projects.