[nixon186]

I found this 1968 deville with 57,000 original miles about 3 weeks ago.I stole it for $3200. I am now in the process of installing an airbag suspension. Rear end is all done and the front should be done in a few days. I posted a pic of the car the day I bought it and a pic with it layed out. Anybody here have any pics of bagged cadillacs? I'm still debating if I should do billet 20's or go old school with whitewalls and hubcaps.

 

[gdwriter]

I'm still debating if I should do billet 20's or go old school with whitewalls and hubcaps.

That car's a beauty! I prefer the stock look myself. My '64 Impala has the rare wire wheel hubcaps with the spinners, which I love.

If you do decide to go with the 20s and you have the room, hang on to the stock wheels and hubcaps. That way, you can choose from a stock or custom look. Plus, they can be expensive to replace.

 

[nixon186]

That Impala is sweet. My friend cleans out houses after they forclose. He found a 64 impala in a cleanout 3 weeks ago. I'm not sure exactly how it works but he is entitled to the vehicle if the family of the owner doesn't claim it within 30 days(the owner was an older guy who died). He'll know in about a week if it's his. The car is very solid but really needs a complete restoration. The registration is sitting in the glove compartment too. Lucky bastard.

 

[It's Just Eric]

I think old school wheels would fit the bill a little better than billet wheels..Unless of course you planed on modernizing the whole car. (you know, shaved door handles and trim, flashy colored paint and all that)

 

[nixon186]

I think your right about the wheels. My wallet agrees too!

 

[Adam]

i would love to see some 13 inch wires on it with some white walls. in any case lookin good brother! congrats on the purchase, wish i could luck out like that.

 

[Guest]

Chrome 20's would look nice; care to elaborate on any of the steps you took, whose kit/parts you used, etc? I've been tempted to bag my '68 Coupe. Yours looks great!

Something to keep in mind when choosing aftermarket wheels: the width of the hub on the '68 is VERY wide; I tried mounting a set of 17" Boyds on mine that used to fit *perfectly* on a full size Chevy truck; the dust cap hit against the center cap on the Boyds in a big way; no way to avoid it except for maybe longer studs and wheel spacers, or same-pattern adapters used as spacers - then of course that can lead to other clearance issues. Probably won't run into this problem with 20" chrome wheels as most designs I've seen have a lot of center cap room, but it will likely be a problem on any billet wheel similar to Boyds.
Also, the edge of the rim (17x8) was rubbing against the upper ball joint! So choose your wheels carefully; make lots of measurements, go with someone local so you can do a test fit.
Oh, also you'll probably have to remove the little bolt on the rear drum that holds the drum secure. Shouldn't cause any ill effects (since basically every other car made with rear drums just lets them ride with no extra securing other than the wheel) but if left there it will keep the wheel from sitting flat against the drum.
Richard

 

[nixon186]

Thanks for the heads up. I noticed that bolt on the rear drum 2 nights ago and was thinking it may get in the way. As far as the suspension, heres what i've got.... (4)2600 firestone bags, (8)1/2" gc extreme 450 valves, (2)viair 380 compressors, (2) 5 gallon tanks, 1/2" plumbing and dakota digital gauges.I just got done with all 4 bag brackets.tonight i will start wiring and running airline. the rear was easy to setup. i welded circle plates on the current lower spring brackets(had to do a but of grinding). i just made cups that bolt in for the top. the front is the same idea but you have to cut quite a bit out of the spring pocket so the bags don't rub. i'll know if it works this sunday. i'll be sure to post some pics.

 

[D-Rail 65]

NICE!!!!!

You definitely found a deal there.

I am taking notes on what you used because I am wanting to bag my '65 in the worst way but I just dont have the money right now. There may be a few differences but if you want to see what a '65 sitting low on 20's looks like there are a few pics of mine posted in the CadImages section. I am wanting to powder coat some 15's and throw some fat white walls on as well. Either way your ride looks tough. Good luck and please post up more pics as you go.

 

[nixon186]

I went through all the cadimages one day and found all the 60's caddys and saved them on my computer. which one is yours?the light blue car?(it's sitting on a driveway with another blue car next to it) do you have any specs on your rim size?i'm really swingin' towards the old school look but if i decide to go with 20's i'm trying to figure out what fits.thanks.

 

[D-Rail 65]

Mine is the light blue '65 in the driveway. I will see what specs I can get on the rims. I do not know the exact offset but I will see if I can find it.

 

[turbocaddy]

did u buy those parts seperately or did u buy a kit...where did u buy it from and whats the cost for folks like us that might want to do it also...

 

[nixon186]

i bought a kit that included the following: (4) firestone 2600 bags, (8) gc extreme 450 1/2" valves, prewired 10 switchbox, 3 gauges, 1/2" airline,1/4" airline(for gauges),(2) 5 gallon tanks and (2) viair 380 compressors. i got the kit through a friend of mine at cost which was $1180 plus shipping. i bought all my fittings from suicidedoors.com which cost $140. i fabbed up my own brackets.suicidedoors.com sells a do it yourself bracket kit which is the best way to go. when i got my fittings from suicidedoors they came with a catalog. in the catalog they have a kit for $1130(if i remember correctly) and its basically the same thing i got but cheaper. their website doesn't show this kit but if you call them and ask i'm sure they'd take care of you. if you decide to bag your car and have any questions feel free to ask me. i just finished mine last night and its totally badass!