Need Some Opinions...

greencadillacmatt · #1 (**permalink**) 10-09-08, 04:46 PM

Hello Again!
I've become torn between what I want to do in the world of Cadillac. I have a 1984 Cadillac Coupe Deville with only 47,000 on the clock, and it certainly looks like it. I love the car, but I want to replace the engi ne with a 500. This is rather convenient because I have an engine rebuild class this winter at my college. The thing that has me torn is the fact that I can get a 1971 Coupe Deville for $575 or less, and it just needs minor work to be road-ready again. I know that the '71 comes with a 472 instead of the 500, but I makes almost the same amount of power. My question is, should I continue my 500 search and do the '84 buildup, or should I get the '71 and fix it up? I would be keeping my '84 either way. I know the '84 build would be a lot of work, but I don't mind. I just want to hear some of your opinions on the matter. Thanks in advance for the input.

Here is a picture of the '71. (The trim, lights, etc, is in the trunk, the brown spots are primer.)

deVille33 · #2 (**permalink**) 10-09-08, 07:13 PM

You didn't say what the condition of the '71 was. If you think your '84 is impressive, concider what how impressive that '71 could be. You can still use that 472 in your class.

greencadillacmatt · #3 (**permalink**) 10-09-08, 09:29 PM

The '71 caddy is in decent enough shape. No major rust, but I can't hear the engine run. The starter died in it, and the guys friend installed a new one. It was installed improperly, so the car won't start. Hasn't run in a few years (2 or 3) but that doesn't matter because of the engine class. It does need a passenger side window, but that is a little thing.

greencadillacmatt · #4 (**permalink**) 10-10-08, 02:10 AM

Oh, also, all the trim for the '71 is in the trunk, as are the headlights. I don't think there is any major rust-through either.

deVille33 · #5 (**permalink**) 10-10-08, 07:33 PM

I think your starting to find the answer on your own.

cadillac_al · #6 (**permalink**) 10-13-08, 11:16 PM

I hope you restore the 71

greencadillacmatt · #7 (**permalink**) 10-14-08, 10:22 PM

It may be a while until I actually get the '71, I just got laid-off this last Friday, so I gotta find a job before I get the car. I do have a couple of irons in the fire, so hopefully it won't be too long.