'63 Tailfin Tales
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
Comment
-
Comment by Mark Mata on March 1, 2025 at 6:30pm
-
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.
-
Comment by Kurt on March 1, 2025 at 10:41am
-
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.
-
-
I think I'm going to hold on to the glass filter bowl Logan!! I agree they look really nice once cleaned thoroughly!
-
Comment by Logan Robb on February 27, 2025 at 5:01pm
-
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!
-
Comment by Jason Edge on February 22, 2025 at 7:27pm
-
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!
-
Comment by Dennis P. DiBari on February 22, 2025 at 7:21pm
-
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
-
-
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.
-
Comment by Wayne Morris on February 20, 2025 at 1:40pm
-
Looks like a nice project car. Looking foreword to seeing future posts
-
-
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.
Photos
Members
Forum
Burning Rubber
Started by Kim K Kaiser in 1963/64 Cadillac Specific Discussion. Last reply by Linda M. Brooks yesterday. 5 Replies 1 Like
Out of curiosity,, is the 63 64 engine capable of burning rubber off of a stop light? Not a hold the brake and rev up and release, but from a stop, to burn rubber power?I know mine wont because i…Continue
Gas gauge only reads half when full
Started by Kenneth Barton in 1963/64 Cadillac Specific Discussion. Last reply by Russ Austin on Wednesday. 1 Reply 0 Likes
Hi everyone, I installed a new gas tank sender in my 63 after bench testing it and confirming ohm range on the bench.However after installing and filling it up, it only reads half full after filling…Continue
64 Brakes
Started by Jeff Donaldson in General Discussion. Last reply by Dennis P. DiBari on Monday. 1 Reply 0 Likes
Hi,It's time to do a brake job on my Fleetwood. When I imported my car from the US to Canada I had to have my car safety inspected before I could license it in the Privince of BC. After the…Continue
Heater Core Replacement
Started by Michael Monson in 1963/64 Cadillac Specific Discussion. Last reply by Michael Monson on Sunday. 6 Replies 0 Likes
I'm currently rounding up parts for a heater core replacement in my 1964 Deville. I'm looking for replacement hoses that connect to the heater core itself. It's a factory a/c car and has the metal…Continue
Blog Posts
1963 RHS A/C kick panel - photos needed
Posted by SK on June 2, 2025 at 2:20pm 2 Comments 0 Likes
Could someone post front and back photos of the 1963 right-hand kick panel with A/C?
My car didn’t come with the original kick panels, so it's a bit of a mystery to me how I should cut the backing board and carpet to fit around the A/C.
Many thanks,
-Samu
New old stock seat material
Posted by Ray Schick on August 22, 2024 at 6:25pm 2 Comments 0 Likes
I bought this seat material thinking that it’s…
Loud air moving sound within carb with cleaner removed
Posted by Dave Fehrle on March 23, 2024 at 3:23pm 8 Comments 1 Like
While checking my Carter carb with engine running, I took the air cleaner off and there was a very loud hissing sound of air. I placed a piece of paper over the carb and it didn’t move up or down, is this normal?
Events
© 2026 Created by Jason Edge.
Powered by
You need to be a member of 63/64 Cadillac Website to add comments!
Join 63/64 Cadillac Website