Kurt Arends
PCS Elected Director 2021-2024
Yesterday I was FINALLY able to take a look at the Superior 54XL ambulance that I had mentioned in another thread. It turned out to be a '74, not a '76. Wasn't able to get any service history on the car at all. It was sold to this salvage yard in 1991 and was last licensed in Appanoose County, Iowa. No parts have been sold off of the car since the yard has owned it. He is willing to sell the complete car or parts.
Here's my dilemma. As with many of us that are 50 and over, I have a list of "shoulda, coulda, wouldas" as long as my arm. I have personally parted out half a dozen cars 30 years ago that never should have been parted out. That list includes a '56 Superior Cadillac 3-way landau, a '58 Eureka Cadillac 3-way landau, a '59 Coupe deVille, a '60 Sedan deVille, a '57 Coupe deVille, and others.
I don't want to add to that list! At what point is a '74 Superior Cadillac 54XL not worth restoring?? Cadillac commercial chassis ambulance prices seem to be staying very strong. I suspect that ambulance prices will always remain considerably higher that any hearse in like condition. This particular ambulance is very complete, but has the typical lower door, fender, and quarter panel rust. All glass is intact with no cracks and all interior is surprisingly good. Not even a tear in the front seat or dash! Front fenders and hood are still easily attainable in good condition in my neck of the woods. I have a rust-free rear door off of a '71-'76 hearse that, I assume, could be modified and used on this car. Rust free doors can also be located if needed. Don't think it would need them, but I also have NOS '71 through '76 rocker panels.
I just don't want to part out a car that really should be saved. I would NEVER even consider restoring any '74 Cadillac hearse with a body in this condition. The car is still wearing its original orange/white color combination.
The owner is going to be moving the car out to where I can get a better look at the driver's side and get the hood open when I stop back in 2 weeks. I will take a bunch of photos of it at that time.
What are your thoughts??
Here's my dilemma. As with many of us that are 50 and over, I have a list of "shoulda, coulda, wouldas" as long as my arm. I have personally parted out half a dozen cars 30 years ago that never should have been parted out. That list includes a '56 Superior Cadillac 3-way landau, a '58 Eureka Cadillac 3-way landau, a '59 Coupe deVille, a '60 Sedan deVille, a '57 Coupe deVille, and others.
I don't want to add to that list! At what point is a '74 Superior Cadillac 54XL not worth restoring?? Cadillac commercial chassis ambulance prices seem to be staying very strong. I suspect that ambulance prices will always remain considerably higher that any hearse in like condition. This particular ambulance is very complete, but has the typical lower door, fender, and quarter panel rust. All glass is intact with no cracks and all interior is surprisingly good. Not even a tear in the front seat or dash! Front fenders and hood are still easily attainable in good condition in my neck of the woods. I have a rust-free rear door off of a '71-'76 hearse that, I assume, could be modified and used on this car. Rust free doors can also be located if needed. Don't think it would need them, but I also have NOS '71 through '76 rocker panels.
I just don't want to part out a car that really should be saved. I would NEVER even consider restoring any '74 Cadillac hearse with a body in this condition. The car is still wearing its original orange/white color combination.
The owner is going to be moving the car out to where I can get a better look at the driver's side and get the hood open when I stop back in 2 weeks. I will take a bunch of photos of it at that time.
What are your thoughts??