My 64 Sedan Deville body reparations

[Matti Roth]

Several areas in my 64 SDV body need repair and attention. Front bumbers, grille and lights came separately with the car. There is one bigger rust damage behind passenger side front wheel. Windscreen has damage but I probably could pass MOT like it is now. Front bench fabric was badly broken in driver`s area. And many small things here and there.

I started by removing everything from trunk, and it was in quite original condition. Luckily no rust problems, only some brown old glue here and there. I vacuumed parts ajd put them back. Trunk fabric needs to be glued properly in place some day.

[Matti Roth]

Big step in project was yesterday: the first time to sit behind the wheel in this 64. If you think I`m happy you are right!

I do not know what is the right way to get front bench in but we did it through rear door opening. Windows down it would be easier but I have no battery yet in the car.

[Jason Edge]

Congrats on the continued progress!!!   You are indeed beaming!  Better than sitting on the floor board, eh?

[Matti Roth]

Front parts in place!

[Jason Edge]

Looks fantastic. Also good to see  you can post again. Did you find out what the issue was?

[Matti Roth]

Thanks Jason. I used your posting to test, it worked, and now all works fine.

[Matti Roth]

Steering gear was leaking from steering wheel end so I removed the PS belt and moved can without power steering. Now I learned that PS need to work in MOT inspection, so I need to fix that. I thought it is big job so I bought an used steering box to be used during winter when I planned to repair the original. Then I watched couple of Youtube videos and decided to try to fix it right away. And it was actually very easy. In my case all metal parts were in good condition because the car is only 67 tmiles driven. But all rubber parts were hard and did not keep oil inside. It was first time for me to repair steering gearbox so I am very happy having again learned something new with my 64 Cadillac!

[Matti Roth]

Hi Tony

I used the biggest rebuild kit available from Rockauto. Bearings included there as well.

[Matti Roth]

Finally I got my 64 registered and it is ready for street traffic. Winter is coming and cruising season is over here in Finland. Already now it feels great to notice that engine runs very smooth and TH400 shifts supersoft.  Several small bits still to fix during winter. Thank you everybody for good advice and support in restoring this beauty!

[Jason Edge]

Matti, We need to do a full cover Chapter Newsletter Feature on your 64 Sedan de Ville. It would be an excellent follow-up to this month's feature of Bob Schles' 63 Eldorado.  Maybe when you see Bob's restoration project write-up (hopefully in a week or two) it will inspire you to send me a few good pictures and a writeup. Your writeup can be short to long and cover any aspect of the car, but your recent restoration project would be a great subject to cover! Jason. 

[Tim]

Love your 64.  These cars will surprise you with comfort and quality.  Its making my 59 seem cool but meh haha.  Keep up the good work!

[Matti Roth]

Thanks Tim!