Classic Cadillac Restoration – things to know

Ready to Have that Classic Cadillac Restored?

If you’ve already been through the classic Cadillac restoration process, and had the work performed by a reputable restorer, you have a good familiarity with how it works. However, for those new to the experience there are some important things to understand. Our Cadillac Parts & Restoration (CPR) team has worked with customers and cars from across the spectrum who have varying budgets and desires and we’re glad to share our experience with you.

Among the first understandings you must have relates to your goal. Do you want the final product to be a show stopping concours-level show car? Or, perhaps a sharp driver that will win trophies at local car shows and impress at “cruise in” events? While most won’t be able to tell the difference without Cadillac-specific knowledge and close examination, the difference between the two levels is significant in terms of extent of work and cost. Which brings us to the next important consideration…

Cost. “Good work ain’t cheap and cheap work ain’t good.” It’s a saying that rings true whether you’re talking about restoring a classic car or tiling a bathroom. An established and competent auto restoration provider is worth their labor rate even if it seems lofty. The skill and experience gained by years of practice is worth its weight in gold and will result in a final product you’ll both be proud of.

The driving factors behind Cadillac restoration expense begin with the project car you start with. Condition, completeness and authenticity in accordance with you desired result will determine, in large part, the impact the job will have on your checking account. Also affecting cost is the desirability and rareness of the model chosen.

A 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz is quite rare, highly collectible and more expensive to restore to concours-level than a 1966 Cadillac deVille that will be driven and entered in local classic car shows and neither will be inexpensive by any means. One cost factor is scarcity of parts. Another is level/extent of work necessary to achieve the desired end-result. No matter the level of restoration, your selected provider should use quality materials/parts. These means paying more but also translates into a completed project that will last.

The most vital decision you’ll make is your choice of provider. When it comes to the Standard of the World, a provider with a vast classic Cadillac restoration history is much more desirable than one with little to no brand-specific experience. From parts sourcing to experience with issues unique to Cadillac, much aggravation can be saved by an experienced Cadillac restorer.

Visit the websites of potential providers, view completed Cadillac restoration projects, talk on the phone and visit and tour the facility. Proximity to your home should be much less of a factor than experience and competency. At CPR we typically have projects underway that arrived from across North America and have even shipped cars halfway around the globe back to their owners. Before even discussing your project, you should be prepared to offer an honest appraisal of the car’s condition (to the best of your knowledge) and have set of photos displaying all facets of the car available to email to potential providers.  

Once you’ve selected a restorer, be prepared to submit a retainer payment know that patience will help see you through a process that can be lengthy and is certain to have ups and downs. Remember that your estimate is just that, an estimate. There’s always the possibility that unexpected issues may be discovered (like disguised previously done shoddy body work) that can increase the cost.

A full, frame-off restoration is likely to take over a year to complete. It’s also important to remember that timely payment is necessary to keep the project moving forward. Time and bay space is valuable to a restoration shop and overhead expenses are high. An experienced restorer will only be able to continue working on cars that have invoices paid to date. 

During the process, along with invoices your restorer should provide periodic photo updates of work completed and be available for you to call or visit to discuss issues and progress. 

Much piece of mind will result from having a good understanding of the process and reasonable expectations. By performing proper due-diligence you’ll save time, money and frustration.

Cadillac Parts & Restoration (CPR) welcomes inquiries for classic Cadillac restoration projects as well as other classic car makes and models. Call us today at (845) 462-5959 to discuss. Our team’s experience serving the classic Cadillac community dates back to 1984 and have the brand-specific institutional knowledge and experience to complete a correctly performed project. We’re also proud, longtime members of the Cadillac & LaSalle Club which is the world’s premier organization dedicated to preserving Cadillacs of all eras. 

We’re located in Poughkeepsie, NY and easily reachable by plains, trains and automobiles and our facility is convenient to those in New England and points north as well as New York City and points south.