On Site Feb.15-Mar 15/01
On Site Feb.15-Mar 15/01
Our Feature Car for this month is a1940 Cadillac sedan, one of Cadillac’s most popular models. It was introduced in1938 and with minor changes remained in production until the 1941 model year-end. Owner Fred Dunn, a Vancouver Chapter member, is not afraid of rather large restoration projects and had done a great job on this car. Enjoy. Jim Macdonald
In
1940 General Motors introduced 7 different Cadillac models and discontinued
the V16 engine. This would also be the last year for side-mounted spare tires
on all GM cars. All 1940 V8's sported large new die cast grilles and flashy
Cadillac script bumpers, sealed beam headlights and rocker panels instead of
running boards. The Sixty Special series bodies were now being built by
Fleetwood, thus commencing a long succession of Fleetwood Sixty Specials which
would continue as Cadillac’s premium four door sedan well into the
1970's!Fred was reading the Buy & Sell newspaper in1979 and came across an
ad for a very tired 1940Cadillac sedan for sale at K & P Autobody on
enables Street in east Vancouver. Agreeing to the demand that it be “removed
immediately” and upon handing over $250.00, Fred headed for home with his
new treasure - much to the dismay of his wife Trudy! Upon closer examination,
Fred determined that this car would be suitable for a parts car only. >
As found in Burns Lake
Back from the paint shop (nice wheels!)
The body required extensive refurbishing and Don Warren painted the prepared body and parts inauthentic Cadillac metallic grey with orange wheels. Some of the missing parts most difficult to find included a radio, heater, sidemount fenders and grille guards. These all came from a street rodder in the eastern U.S. Thank heavens for those guys! Y &Z provided a new wiring harness and Fred purchased reproduction hubcaps from the U.S. The 1980 Cross-Canada Tour was fast approaching and Fred had hoped to take the car on the trip. With one month to go and no interior in the car, Fred had to cancel his plans. Fred & Trudy then upholstered the car entirely by themselves and by the Fall of 1981the completed car was on the road. After attending a VCCC Tour in Washington, Fred had to leave the Caddy at his summer home in Lake Samish due to generator failure. A few days later, after repairs were made, it was rolling north to home on I-5.this luxury cruiser including trips to Kamloops, B.C. (Fred still wants to try her out on the “Big Hill” - the Coquihalla!) and all over northern Washington The car is now very reliable after a frustrating peri-od5 years ago when the original distributor was replaced with one found at the Portland Swap Meet. The latest completed project on the car was the restoration and installation of the optional sidemount fenders & cover, which were rebuilt by Fred with the help Martyn Fildes of Mission, B.C. and I am sure they are enjoyed by their lucky owners!
