Shops in the Niagara/Hamilton/Toronto that will do Aftermarket Installs

ctsphil · #1 (**permalink**) 10-29-07, 09:52 PM

Just looking for some reputable shops between Niagara/Hamilton/Toronto that are adept at working on Cadillacs. I have a '03 CTS. I'm planning a HID upgrade, and want to lower the suspension. Thanks for any info guys.

Jon · #2 (**permalink**) 10-29-07, 10:17 PM

I highly doubt that there's going to be a shop out there that will be good at working on the CTS. Truth is, there aren't that many of us in Ontario that modify the car.

Have you considered doing it yourself?

In terms of HIDs, it's a fairly simple install. The first step is to take off the bumper. YOu can find my write up here for that: http://www.jon04ctsv.com/bumper_removal

After that it's just a matter of drilling a hole in the headlamp housing to feed the wires in from the ballast, and mounting the ballast.

For suspension, what are you planning to do? Just the springs?

I don't know of a shop in that area, but perhaps you could pay a dealer to do it. HMP in Hamilton is a great Cadillac dealer. I take my CTS-V there for service. You could always ask them if they'd lower the car for you if you bring them the parts and pay the labour.

There are some shots in Toronto, but they don't specialize in Cadillac. Two that I know of are Redline and Canadian Performance. I'm not sure if they do suspension work though.

On another note, good to see more CTS owners in Ontario! You should join the Ontario CTS club! www.OntarioCTS.com

ctsphil · #3 (**permalink**) 10-29-07, 10:43 PM

Hey Jon...Don't really have the tools, or the proper space to do the work myself ( Apartment ) I've read through your tutorial on the HID upgrade. I just traded in my Tan/Tan '03 for my Silver/Black '03 w/Nav. My Tan CTS had factory HID's that I just loved. I've got a set of 18's ready for next spring. I'm also looking at tint, calliper/rotor upgrade. Thanks for the invite to join the Ontario CTS Club. I'll have to look into that. Thanks again...Phil.

Jon · #4 (**permalink**) 10-29-07, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctsphil

Hey Jon...Don't really have the tools, or the proper space to do the work myself ( Apartment ) I've read through your tutorial on the HID upgrade. I just traded in my Tan/Tan '03 for my Silver/Black '03 w/Nav. My Tan CTS had factory HID's that I just loved. I've got a set of 18's ready for next spring. I'm also looking at tint, calliper/rotor upgrade. Thanks for the invite to join the Ontario CTS Club. I'll have to look into that. Thanks again...Phil.

Hi Phil,

Hmmm, I'm not sure who can do the HID upgrade for ya then. If you go to kijiji.ca and look for HID kits, some of them will install them for you at the cost of about $60-80. However, I don't think they have ANY idea how to do it on the CTS.

What kind of 18s are you going with? Nice choice on the size, it's gonna look great! Tint sounds good, just be careful about the rear window. The dot matrix at the top causes bubbling in most cases, however, I HAVE seen it done properly before, just don't know who the installer was.

If you're going to do brakes, I recommend the UUC drilled & slotted ones from Lindsay Cadillac. They've been great on our CTS.

And yes, please do check out the club. It's a great way for us to get to know each other. We've done a couple meets in the past, and we're always looking for more CTS enthusiasts!

Nels · #5 (**permalink**) 10-29-07, 11:00 PM

When were you planning to change your suspension? I may be of some service. The odd time I install and tune anything from suspension system to fuel management systems. I don't have a shop but I have a garage. If it's something you would be interested in let me know.

Jon · #6 (**permalink**) 10-29-07, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nels

When were you planning to change your suspension? I may be of some service. The odd time I install and tune anything from suspension system to fuel management systems. I don't have a shop but I have a garage. If it's something you would be interested in let me know.

I can vouch for Nelson. He helped us put the CTS-V shocks into our CTS.

He's also done a ton of amazing upgrades to his CTS and designed some great pieces, like the rear strut brace. We got one of those on the CTS and the car is more solid when accelerating through corners.

ctsphil · #7 (**permalink**) 10-29-07, 11:32 PM

I'm looking at Spring 2008 to get most of the work done. I was mainly planning to get the HID upgrade , and Tint over the Winter. Spring - Rims/Tires, Callipers/Rotors done before deciding on whether, or not to lower it. I've got a set of 2007 12 spoke chrome Cadillac rims ( No skins for them yet. ) Nels...I guess if I don't like it's stance with the new shoes...I suppose I could always get in touch with you, and possibly set something up. It would most likely be late Spring / early Summer 2008 if I decide I want it lowered. This is such a great site...thanks for all the replys. Phil.

Jon · #8 (**permalink**) 11-01-07, 02:56 PM

Well for the brakes I can't say enough about the UUC ones from Lindsay Cadillac. You can't get them anywhere else, but Luke will give ya a great price anyways.

There are cheaper ones on eBay, but you risk warping issues. Plus when it's something as important as brakes, I wouldn't really trust eBay rotors.

Here's the thread about the UUC brakes: http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums...ed-rotors.html

Pics on our CTS:

Stock vs UUC:

I even wrote up a step by step on how to install them: http://www.jon04ctsv.com/brakes/

ctsphil · #9 (**permalink**) 11-01-07, 06:04 PM

Thanks Jon for all the help. I've seen a couple other's rides on the site with the same rims I have...I can't wait until next spring! The stance on their rides looks good, so I think for the time being I'll not worry about a lowered suspension. I'm just glad...from what I read, I won't need to roll my fenders. I guess that's a problem for I believe some 20+ inch rims. I think 18's are just perfect. So I guess it'll be Rims/Tyres < F1...lol, Rotors/Callipers, HID's, and some Tint. I suppose that's a good enough start for now. Here's a picture of one of my rims. Talk to you later......Phil.
IMG_0417.JPG

Jon · #10 (**permalink**) 11-01-07, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctsphil

Thanks Jon for all the help. I've seen a couple other's rides on the site with the same rims I have...I can't wait until next spring! The stance on their rides looks good, so I think for the time being I'll not worry about a lowered suspension. I'm just glad...from what I read, I won't need to roll my fenders. I guess that's a problem for I believe some 20+ inch rims. I think 18's are just perfect. So I guess it'll be Rims/Tyres < F1...lol, Rotors/Callipers, HID's, and some Tint. I suppose that's a good enough start for now. Here's a picture of one of my rims. Talk to you later......Phil.
Attachment 37116

Ahhh, the Sport Appearance package wheels... But yours are chromed! And with black center caps. Sweet! That's the best looking OEM CTS wheel available.

By the way, I added a form to the OntarioCTS.com page. Much easier to join now

No need to send an email anymore.