From Restoration Project to Custom Cruiser – a Classic 1951 Cadillac Coupe DeVille
Taking over someone else’s unfinished project vehicle is a risky proposition. It can be difficult to know how well the previous work has been done, how many pieces might be missing, or the types of surprises that might arise when you go to complete or reassemble things. And if that unfinished project belonged to a family member, you have potential feelings and emotions to navigate, too!
Those are some of the factors Moses Oliveira had to consider when he took over this 1951 Cadillac Coupe DeVille project from his father in-law, Jerry Garroutte. Jerry got as far as disassembling the car in preparation of a stock-type restoration. Moses envisioned a custom path for the Cadillac, which made it a little easier to take over the project in pieces.
Some of the goals for the project were to get the car low and have it ride, handle, and stop better. Those were all achieved with a new chassis from Street Rod Garage with a contemporary IFS, rack-and-pinion steering, Ridetech air ride, a 9-inch rearend, and Wilwood disc brakes. A blend of past and present came with the 17-inch Colorado Custom wheels modeled after Cadillac Sombrero wheel covers and wrapped in Coker whitewall radials.
The new frame easily accepted the modern LS3 engine built by Dave’s Speed and Custom using Holley induction and fuel injection, PML valve covers, Hooker headers, and a CVF accessory drive system. A 6L80E overdrive transmission was used to back it up.
Moses worked with Body by Hank in Watsonville, California, to give the Cadillac Coupe DeVille its custom makeover. The most noticeable modification is the top chop, with 4-inches removed from the A-pillars and 4.5-inches taken out of the rear. A shaved and pie-cut hood streamlines things further, as do the welded rear quarters and relocated taillights, doing away with the fin effect on the rear. When the sheet metal was clean and smooth, Body by Hank coated it in a custom-mixed gold metallic finish using PPG materials.
The interior received an equally classy custom makeover, with Acme Interiors snitching redwood-colored leather in classic patters over original seats, and the stock dashboard being updated with woodgrain trim, restored gauges, and a restored wheel by Steering Wheel Kris atop a Flaming River tilt column. New wiring from Painless Performance was used to get everything connected, a Vintage Air system was installed for comfort, and Tri-Valley Auto Glass handled all the glass needs and many other details.
Once destined for restoration, this Cadillac Coupe DeVille is now a classy custom that tastefully blends vintage style and modern performance. That’s an impressive balance to achieve – especially after taking over someone else’s project.
Photos by Terry Lysak
