Heya,

I have plans for an eldorado project that I'd like to have done in time for this next coming spring.

Basically, I want to take on of the early to mid-70s Eldorado droptops (either one with the 500 ci engine, or pull a decent one of those out of a junkyard and have it dropped in) and give it a blend of classic and modern style and performance.

I've read in some hot rod mags that 550+ Hp and lb ft of torque aren't hard to get out of those engines, and that it is fairly cheap to do so. Combine that with a deep rumbly exhaust and a firmed up suspension, and I think I'd have something pretty fun to drive.

I'm also thinking it would be fun to give it a fairly exotic paintjob and interior, custom leather, maybe some brushed suede for texture, and a little shag just of the kitsch of it. As far as exterior goes, the only thing I seem to be able to think now is metallic sparkly candy apple red, or the same thing but pink.

Of course in the end I'd have to toss a nice sound system into it too, and maybe modernize some of the electronics (guages, headlights, etc, if there are any kits that look decent).

After all this I figure I will have a unique ride (hell, no one around here drives in 70s Eldorados) with some personality, performance, comfort, and hopefully charm. Anyone else ever take on a project like this? Have results you'd like to share, ideas or experience I could learn from, or know of any sites that might have some good examples? Thanks.

Not meaning to discourage you but don't you think your timing is off? With fuel prices what they are today, would it really be fun to drive?
The cost of operation has really pee'd on my driving parade. http://cadillacforums.com/forums/images/smilies/crying.gif

Not meaning to discourage you but don't you think your timing is off? With fuel prices what they are today, would it really be fun to drive?
The cost of operation has really pee'd on my driving parade. http://cadillacforums.com/forums/images/smilies/crying.gif

It'd be a second vehicle. I already have a little mazda that gets great fuel economy for commuting, this would just be a fun car.

sounds like a fun project you got, go for it if you got the money. have you found the car yet?

sounds like a fun project you got, go for it if you got the money. have you found the car yet?

No, but I see plenty around on e-bay and other sites that seem to fit the desc. of a good starting point. Since the interior and paint are all going to go anyway, all I need is a solid body with no major rust, and to find an engine that hasn't been blown anyway bad. As for money, I figure the whole project will cost less than $20K and that is if I go all out.

550hp is pretty much going to require a teardown and rebuild of the engine anyway. The Eldo is front wheel drive, as such there aren't many people hotrodding them. The TH425 3 speed FWD transmission is pretty strong and is pretty much just a TH400 with some extra junk stickin out of it and it's mounted weird, so it's pretty strong. 70-76 Eldos had 500s, 68-70 were 472s, and 77-78 were 425s to begin with. I'd consider a RWD Deville before an Eldo though if you're looking for performance.