Might be getting a '72 Eldorado - love some advice.

Thanks for the input, guys. Big relief that it will run on regular.

So far I've been getting my info on engine specs from this site, http://100megsfree4.com/cadillac//cad1970/cad72e.htm
they have been dead on with the info on all my other Cadillacs, so I looked to them first for info. I gotta say, I'm really liking they're figure of 365 net hp.

Went back today and took a few pics. I'm thinking, it's kind of a 'love it or hate it' kind of car. At first when I saw it, I was more intrigued than taken. But, after looking at it more, I'm really starting to like it a lot.


The pinstriping is a bit over the top... but hey, what can ya do? I like the color combo a lot. It's almost like a FWD version of my Phaeton. Really hope he'll want to trade for my Cutlass.

Tell me what you think!

The color is called "Palomino Firemist" and the interior looks like the original Antique Saddle Leather (both pluses for the car). The roof is an after-market job, probably done when it was re-painted, and it covered the original coach windows (this current one is not very attractive, in my opinion, but it may clean-up a bit, or benefit from applying a "wreath & crest" emblem on the sail panel, lower corner, towards the door). The bodyside moldings are aftermarket, applied in same place as the originals--but should have a small spear towards the front fender, and say "8.2 Litre" below. The front fender, above the cornering lamp, should have an "Eldorado" label in script, same as on the right side of trunk. Overall, the car looks very complete, and seems reasonably priced. The '71's and '72's were prone to a driver's side exhaust manifold crack, some thought due to build-up of heat, so often were repaired and dual exhausts installed (they were not a factory option). The car appears to have the proper ride height, and most original "automatic level control" suspensions failed, so usually they are converted to air shocks in the rear with a valve behind the fuel-filler license plate. The striping could probably be buffed off. Chrome looks good and should polish up more. Wheelcovers are correct for '72. Even the trunk lock crest cover is present (hopefully, he has the right hood ornament with his spare parts).

The horsepower was 400 in '70, and dropped to 365 in '71 and I think it remained very close to that for '72. The styling of the '71's and '72's is great--with the beveled trunk and rear bumper and fake side air scoops. Also, the only "filler" is behind the front bumper, not very visible, and avoids a big cost associated with restoring a '73 through '78 Eldorado--those cracking, body-colored, bumper fillers. In my opinion, this makes the '71's and '72's especially desirable, among the "big Eldorados." The cars are prone to wearing their CV boots, and the first thing to check regarding the acceleration issue would be the fuel pump--not a big expense. I have a 1971 Eldorado Convertible, and it is a really fun car to drive, with lots of power and a smooth ride. To me, if the mechanicals are not too bad, it sounds like a good deal. Here's a picture of my car:

Loveldos, thanks for your great response! That's exactly the kind of info I was looking for.
Love the color name, and Antique Saddle is the same color as my Phaeton's interior! Thought it looked similar, but didn't think it was dead on.

I think the top just needs a good soaking with conditioner to brighten up. Didn't even think about doing a wreath & crest, I kinda like that idea. For some reason, I like how the windows are covered, the original windows are so big, to me it almost took away from the lines of the profile. Would have liked a happy medium though, something like on a Phaeton would have looked good IMO.

Funny you should mention the side trim, that was actually one of the first things I noticed when I saw the car. It just looks very stuck on to me. And usually you can't get that type off without taking the paint with it. Chrome is good, no hood ornament though. You really think the ride height is okay? To me it looks a little saggy. Maybe I just have to get used to big old Eldos.

Hey, BTW, what tires are on your (gorgeous) Eldorado? To me these narrow whitewalls just look waaaay to small for the car.

Oh yeah, almost forgot. Yes, it does come back to life when you let off the gas. Accelerator pump crossed my mind, but my '79 did the same thing with a low idle & bad vacuum issue.. So I guess I'll just have to find out. How hard is it to replace the Accelerator pump? Also, the power steering pump. I think I saw it leaking..

Thanks again!

Ben

Benzilla, the tires on my car are made by Goodyear, and they are the called "Broadway Classics." Here is a link:

http://www.tirefactory.net/multimilebroadwayclassic.html

I've heard Goodyear has slightly changed the name of them, I think I recall some part of the name as being "Shadow." They are steel belted radials.

Also, I've noticed in the pictures you've posted that one of the correct "Eldorado" scripts is present above a cornering lamp, but not on the other side of car. Also, I think it would add to the appearance if it had the small piece of chrome from the leading edge of the fender skirts--maybe those are among the "extra pieces" of parts? You should check inside of the trunk for rust (if weatherstripping leaked) or from the back of rear wheel wells out through the trunk (i.e. if driven in salt). The rusted trunk floor is a more involved repair. The "wreath & crest" I was referring to would sort-of be in a position like the factory installed on the '67 Eldorado sail panels. If you keep the roof on the car, you could consider obtaining more of the material and closing in the rear window smaller (that tint has to go/be replaced). Also, framing each red tail lamp is a chromed piece of pot metal, and those are prone to pitting or dulling.

I really appreciate all the great replies. Things are looking good. I dropped in again today and talked to the guy for a while. The car is currently back at his fathers, he drove it over for Easter. It was funny though, I took the Phaeton over to talk to him, and when I pulled up his kids kept asking him who drove his car back, haha. Guess they do look kind of similar. He loved the Phaeton though, couldn't keep his eyes off it. And he kept saying what a nice pair they'll be.
Damn, I'm starting to get excited! Currently, my Cutlass is sitting with the radiator out, it had a bad leak so it's in the shop getting patched up. I should have it back tomorrow afternoon. Then I can put it in, clean her up, and drive over to do some business!

By the way, wasn't 1972 the last year without all the emissions junk? I thought they started all that in '73. If so, then why the low power rating?

I'm going to have to start a thread on how to get more (cheap) power out of a 500. Anybody have quick tips, or links they'd like to share?

Ben