I’m 84 and I actually remember the caddies of that era, back when a Caddie WAS a Caddie. I don’t actually know, but I wouldn’t be surprised if that transmission wasn’t largely the same one that was in many military vehicles, mainly armour throughout the war. Should be bulletproof? Anyway, now I’m going to watch the video to see if I actually know anything, looks like a good one. What a car, what a car!!
Luxury manufacturers really were different back then, one of my many favorite cars is the Lincoln Continental Mark 2, and it was entirely hand built!! Lincoln was literally trying to compete with rolls Royce back then and most luxury manufacturers don't put that much effort into their cars anymore.
The original automatic was a dual band 4 speed Hydramatic that was actually used in tanks in the latter part of WW2. Those were very bullet proof and had an extra gear. It would be a nightmare to get that mated up to the 500 so I'm sure a TH400 was used instead. These transmissions were also used in Oldsmobile and Pontiac until 1956 when they went to the dual coupling design, which is my favorite automatic transmission.
@@theincrediblehulk5797 The Mark II was not hand built, although it was put together to generally higher standards than a normal Lincoln. It wasn't a direct competitor to Rolls Royce because it only came as a two door hardtop.
@@muziklvr7776 Putting the original Hydromantic into tanks was pretty bold since it was an entirely new kind of transmission and only came out just before the war in 1941, besides tanks being a bit heavier than a car.
Packard also made a gorgeous fastback in 49, a guy here in town had one and at shows he usually parked next to my 36 Lincoln, it made it easier to keep an eye on our cars, and guard for belt buckle scratches……….
Wizard has come a long way from his debut on Hoovies' Garage. He's got a lot more screen presence and charisma. That Caddy is unbelievable. Great find, Tyler.
I have to agree and I’m a fan of about all older caddies and an owner of a newer one. I’ve always said thou this is my favorite year and body design. This one even has the color I’d prefer and interior
I'm 76 & when I was about 12 in 1958, my friend's older 19 yr. old sister owned a 1949 Caddy! I've always thought that this style was actually more modern looking than the Cadillac's that came later in the early to mid 1950's! This car was so strikingly futuristic, it seemed 'out of sync' with almost all other cars of the era!
Again I used to enjoy the hoobies but once he started getting into these lambos and blah blah blah high performance high dollar value cars just starting to lose interest I'm sure this channel will eventually start turning down I happen to watch this first time in over 2 months
I personally feel that this is one of the best purchases you've made. Gorgeous! And, like you said, that stereo is the only thing spoiling that interior.
He might be more inclined to keep this one....out of respect for the guy who sold it to him. At least keep it for awhile... until he needs to make space in his garage.
Well, I would have preferred stock tires and rim dishes. Back in 1949 the classiest you could possibly get with the Cadillac Club coupe models was definitely the dark metallic mint green, of course with large white walls and excellently designed mid century hubcaps. In those days, black was second best for pure luxury, the iridescent/metallic factory paints were the most popular. You just can't see the beauty of a old Cadillac unless its completely stock.
@@Globbs I agree, the two best in Hoovie's collection, NEVER sell. Honorable mention goes to the Metallic Lime Green GT 350 clone which left us during the "Big Sell-off" awhile back.
I’ve never liked classics that aren’t stock but dang, this one was done up amazing. I love how it was upgraded with vintage GM parts during the resto instead of parts from that period.
Unreal. You've had some nice cars but this is the nicest one you've ever had! Absolutely beautiful. And a fantastic restomod to boot. You knocked this one out of the park, Hoovie!
I think the seats with the plastic covers though, ummm yeah. I think there's a lot better choices but I've driven in later 40's early 50's tanks and they are incredible on the highway. Fuel econ is abysmal but they just purr along like you're floating on air. They are rounded enough that cross and head winds don't buffet you and with the weight, (inertia) they don't slow you down at all.
As a car we never got in the UK, this was super interesting! The fuel cap and the ‘clunk’ when you closed it… gorgeous! A real piece of art! Looking forward to seeing this finished!!
I love nicely done restomods. I've got a 1963 Studebaker Avanti, and I've taken that approach in restoring it. It's a supercharged one, but I've got A/C (possible by replacing the original compressor with a smaller modern one), upgraded the disk brakes, added a five-speed transmission (so now it has an overdrive gear for better highway driving), modified an original radio to be a modern, 4 channel, AM/FM, with Bluetooth compatibility, it's fuel injected, for better driving with today's crappy gas, 3-point seatbelts and seats with headrest for better safety, and a couple of other things. It all makes for a much better driving experience on today's roads, most people can't spot the difference from what's original, and everything is reversible if some future owner wants to make a show car.
That sounds amazing! How did you fuel inject that old motor? Throttle body system? Still, with a supercharger I bet it was a trick to tune. I like resto mods with original engines.
@@tomm1109 I went with an outfit called Hamilton Fuel Injection -- Mr. Hamilton modifies early '90s GM throttle body EFI to work with just about any engine. It's not that hard to set up. You send him your engine specs, he puts the kit together, then you drive it a few times with the car connected to a laptop, and send him the information, and he can tune the the EFI for optimal performance. It might get you a _tiny_ bit of horsepower, but the real benefit is fuel mileage and driveability. As a matter of fact, the car was a lot easier to set up with the supercharger than the carburetor was. My Studebaker no longer had its original Carter AFB, but had an aftermarket Edelbrock -- almost the same carb, but we could never get it dialed in just right, and I would have problems with the engine quitting on interstate offramps and so on (which cuts the power steering and brakes, or course). The EFI has cured all of that, and now the car runs like a top.
Back in the late ‘70’s, an assistant principal of my high school used to daily drive a red one to school every day. Despite severe rust, it was a pretty cool car to see every day. The assistant principal had hopes to restore it but I suspect he passed away before he could.
I really like how Hoovie thanks his viewers nearly every episode both at the beginning and at the end. I look forward to many more uploads in the future!
Fit_PharmD Tyler is one of those idiots living in flyover country that the coastal elites hate. I think they are the salt of the earth. Real Americans live there.
You realize that this car was done REALLY right, especially for the time when it was done. The donated parts fit really well for what they are, the custom touches inside look like they are in good shape (e.g. door handles). Only would be better with Power Windows, which I believe was an option in 1949 (vacuum driven). That wood is really done well.
Crank windows never hurt nobody! And rarely break! I miss them a bit but I don't wanna give up my power luxuries. I really missed them when my driver's door window power module broke a few years back!
Oh my, Tyler...that is a very pretty car. I'm not one for restomods, but that one looks quite tastefully done. I love the early part of the video when we can see the Countach reflected in the paint. A space-aged looking car as seen through the eyes of 1949. Well purchased!
@@davidmuth4571 it's when you take an old, beat up or broken down car and, rather than replace everything with factory options, replace everything with more modern parts that look period correct and usually the mechanical bits are completely modern, so no pesky carburetors or dangerous bias ply tires. It's what most restored cars end up doing because it can cost significantly less money and end up with a better car. It's not better or worse than returning a car to factory new condition, just a different take. Most restomods end up looking nearly identical with factory restorations on the outside whereas some even change the cosmetics too, but rarely do restomods actually use original mechanical parts.
@@benchattin More than that, the manufacturing process for many automakers became much more streamlined, as more and more machines (and eventually, simple robots) joined the assembly lines.
Another comment from me. My father's friend bought one of those new, that makes me 8 at the time. I remember running my fingers over that tailight, thinking it was the most beautiful thing I ever saw. No way we can appreciate how radical it was. I read somewhere years ago that when it came out in '48. the public hated it. Cadillac was so spooked by its low acceptance they prepared a mid-year model change. Then sales started to take off. The birth of the tail fin was not a smooth delivery!
I do not think the public would have disliked that car especially the type of market it would have been aimed at. which was well to do younger generation. I would suspect the older audience may not have warmed to its look as much but then again they would have seen fancy art deco cars that would have been far more radical in design.
Hoov...I have enjoyed the channel for a long time and have loved seeing the love of the older cars but this is the first time I have been actually green with envy over one of your purchases...this is and should be the crown jewel of your collection!
Wow Hoovie, now THIS is a gorgeous car! These cars were literally functioning, mechanized art. I don't mind a tastefully done resto-mod as long as the car wasn't a true survivor in pretty good condition to start with. As others have noted, this car stands out for it's timeless beauty and just exudes pure class in a way that no modern era car can come close to. The upgrades are tasteful and only add to the safety and enjoyability of the car as a "driver" on today's roads and highways. Truly a magnificent find! Hopefully you don't just repair the things it needs to keep going reliably and then flip it within a year or two! I'd love to see this one around for a while being enjoyed for what it is!
First thanks to Wizard for the biggest laugh I've had on UA-cam in a long time. Second, of all the cars you've had this is the one I'm most jealous of. Great find and what a beauty.
I've a friend who had a 1949 Cadilac back in the mid-1980's. It was showing its age, still running and was in its original Dartmouth green color. Fabulous riding car. He sold the car in 1989 and I frequently wonder where the car has ended up. I hope it is still on the road.
Be careful on those wing windows. They have a sacrificial alloy gears that break or strip if you try to turn the handle while locked. I had to replace them on a 48 ford and it involved some rivets and door disassembly. Gorgeous car.
This is the Hoovie that we love to watch. A very cool purchase. The Hi-Jacker shocks were common in the '70s and were used quite a bit to alter rear end suspension heights. I agree the radio need to go and be refitted with something that looks retro. You could take that thing on a Hot Rod Power Tour because it is a real driver. Love the BB Caddy mill too. Wizard should drool at this one for sure. Maybe an idea for a Resto Mod CarTreK? You'd win with that car for sure.
I put the Monroe air shocks in my 97 s10, it has a cap on it so she needed a little boost in the rear, it was easier than messing with the leaf springs and has worked out great. I keep it around 50 psi, they're rated for 200.
Small switched electric Air compressor with Cut in Cut out switch regulated to the set pressure for the correct ride an accumulator and regulator /metering Valve with a in line Non return Valve fitted and an under the Dash Pressure Indicator showing your Shock/Air Bag pressure maybe even Colour Coded, and you would sorted for inflating the Back shocks ...
cars like this are the epitome of "they dont make em like they used to". a true beauty. amazing to see cars like this still out on the road all these years and decades later.
As a realtor, I sold a guys townhouse that retired from the Cadillac Clark Street plant in Detroit. When he jumped in my 2002 Cadillac DTS he said, "This is nice but it's not a Cadillac". I replied simply, "No argument from me".
Hoovie... That's just about the classiest sled you've ever bought. It even knocked the Wizard out. With that 500 in it, it ought to accelerate quite smartly... And just about knock you into the back seat when you step on it from about 50 to 100... Those 472/500 Cadillacs we're torque monsters.
Those 500 motors were dogs. Had a friend in high school that had three caddys including a 1975 fleetwood brougham with a 500. almost no power at all. Now his 1967 coupe de ville with a rebuilt 427 would get down the road with authority. Funny how those old cars were almost free in the late 80's that fleetwood was so big it had footrests for the back seats!
The first time I saw one of these was in England. I immediately fell in love with the design. This one had a straight body but had no engine or transmission, was missing all its chrome and grille and wasn't painted. I drew up a design for it. Either a gloss black or a pearl white, and the chrome replaced with carbon fiber. I got a call from a friend who owns a junkyard at 4am one morning. He said "Come to the yard. Now." I said "I swear to God you better have a good reason for calling at this ungodly hour." He said "I do, I swear." I drove there and pulled in the demo bay and got out, my friend was standing there smiling like an idiot in front of a car with a cover over it. I got out and he pulled the cover off of a 2020 Cadillac CT6 Blackwing. It had been t-boned on the passenger side, but everything was there. My friend said "It gets better." He opened the door and it smelled brand new, I looked at the clock. 76 miles. So we spend the next few hours taking the engine, transmission and computer out and one day, when I can spare no expense, I'm gonna build the coolest Cadillac in the world.
i love old cars,im 30 years old and a proud owner of a ford model A leatherback,my father who is an oldschool engineer modified the head changed the diff ratio and kept it totally stock looking i can cruise at 100kmh its awesome respect to all people who keep old cars alive
Hoovie, enjoyed your channel when it was fresh and a bit awkward but your scripting, editing and storylines have steadily improved to a point where today's vid was absolutely one of the best from anyone - even the pros. Keep up the great work, fun and passion!
My buddy had one and inside smelled like time stood still.It was unique and had mohair upholstery ,ivory knobs and a 3 on the tree that shifted like butter,when you hit a bump it would float like a boat on water w/o any jarring thud.This car was quick and nimble,way too nice to drive in this world today...its a pearl among swine.
I had a 1970 Cad de Ville with the 500cc engine. I loved that car, exceptionally smooth ride with great handling and great acceleration....I was on the I-5 w/3 passengers coming back from Frisco at 2am doing 85, 2 asleep in the back the trunk loaded w/luggage & room to spare when a big Lincoln pulled out in front of me doing 65 so I eased the wheel right and as I passed I eased the pedal down a bit and as I glided back in front of the Lincoln missing the semi in front of me and the Lincoln to my left the Cad lifted up and shot forward like a rocket and my friend riding around shotgun looked at the speedometer and said "110" & I said "I have a lot of pedal left" and that car was 15 years old. That 500cc engine was smooth as a sewing machine. I'd have it again in a heartbeat.
@@emjayay no one who lives there knows where they're living...real barnyard pig sty...Frisco...it lost its Missionary title .. San Francisco...friars...real hell hole....Frisco.
Johnny Deville ..... Used to have a rich car collector boss. There are tens of thousands of very cool cars in fancy garages (and hangars) all over the country that just never see the light of day. But they exist. Tyler just has built a fame that helps people think of him when they decide to sell a cool car.
Two years ago you bought an old Ford Woody and it was the video that compelled me to subscribe to your channel. Videos like this are why your channel is so unique. What other UA-camr owns a new GT500 and cars like this in the same garage? Awesome car.
Mi padre tuvo uno igual allá por el año 1957, en Argentina, siempre me dijo que era un auto increíble por su lujo, su andar, su motor, y por lo fuerte que era, gracias por traerme tan gratos recuerdos. Saludos desde Argentina.
The wiper motor is a New Port Engineering wiper motor. The originals were vacuum operated. I installed one on my 1949 Buick Sedanette as well. It was easily the best modern upgrade I installed on the car.
Do you still have the '49 Buick? ....my favorite classic car is the '50 Buick Sedanette with that one year only big toothy grill......the '49 was also a very beautiful car, especially the Sedanette fastback.
@@formula112967 nope, I sold it unfortunately. Had to let it go because I bought some other cars, and bought a house. I still miss it, except the fuel consumption. It had the Dynaflow automatic and those first ones are extremely inefficient.
13:45 Restomod idea; there are "bump handle" power window systems that have the original handle but you sort of push it up or down a little bit to engage the power window. I think the term used is "crank handle switches"
This Caddie is a timeless masterpiece. You are lucky to have gotten the chance to own it. IF it's a driver, A/C would be mandatory in this summer's heat. Get it going! I can't wait to see what you do with this car over the next year.
How good is it to see somebody eloquently talking about a beautiful car and showing real passion. Very entertaining video about an absolutely stunning car.
Did we watch the same video? I don't think Hoovie did this car justice when he lumped it in with all the other "modern cars". It's the first time I downvoted a Hoovie video.
I used to only be a 90’s JDM fanboy but now as I’m growing I’m liking all sorts of cars, used to hate muscle and classics but at some point you’ll mature and appreciate how cool they are!
LOL just like my friend. After many years he appeared at my place with an old Oldsmobile. For a while I didn't believe it was his car, I thought it was a prank. 😅
American cars of the 1930s,40s,50s,60s and 70s were better than anything coming out of Europe or Japan. Things like V8, Electric seats, windows, aircon, auto dimming lights all came from the US auto industry. I think those born post 1970s really do not understand that because they never seen it and their only experience is from what the media says.
@@bighands69 what are you talking about? I was born in 83, and I love classics. I've owned a couple . I also love imports.. but classics are better. My fave is the 57 Chevy belair
AWESOME CAR !! I was born in '48 and remember these cars as a kid. I worked in gas stations as a teenager and remember trying to find the gas cap the first time. 👍👍
Have Wizard check the exhaust manifold bolts. The 501 Cadillacs had an issue with the bolts burning off inside the heads. My dad owned nothing but caddys and that was a common problem with that engine. The other problem was that the positive battery cable to the starter would catch fire while driving. And the factory ground would burn off where it was attached to the body. I would also put a 180 thermostat in. They tend to run hot...even when brand new. Beautiful car!
@@hyacinthbucket3803 all of the things that I mentioned have probably already been addressed. My comment wasn't just for Hoovie,but for all 501 owners. Guess I should have stated that. The 501 is a decent engine but the 472 is much more reliable and owners usually can get a third more life in terms of mileage out of them. And if you get a pre 1972 472 C.I.D. engine it will have much more factory horsepower. I believe it's the best engine Cadillac ever made prior to the most recent ones.
Wow, WHAT A GIANT CAR! I wish my Dad was alive to see this video. His first car was a 47. That Caddy was his favorite all time car. Its giving me goose bumps just to see it. Thanks Tyler.
A GREAT resto-mod. Maybe the most convincing I've ever seen. The velour interior...a little dated in it's own short era. I might change out the wheels for something more vintage-y But the use of a Caddy big block ( I think the 500 premiered in the '71 Eldo then to the entire line in 75 before it's down sizing to 425 cid) instead of a LS is perfection!
@@roberthoffhines5419 1975 was the first year they went in the De Villes and it lasted all the way to 1976. I hope the one he has is a 1970 model with 345 horsepower and not a smogged out 1975 model.
I know the hidden gas cap. When we were kids mom's daily driver for a long time was a 55 Cadillac coupe de ville. It still had that gas cap feature and it was cool even then. The engines in those were almost hand built and balanced from the factory so they tended to be very smooth and lasted longer than most normal V8s of the day. We finally sold it to a Cadillac collector after it had been sitting in our garage undriven for years when we realized it was going to waste and we didn't have the money to fix it back up even in the late 80s.
As a die hard life long Cadillac fan girl i have to say that 49 is STUNNINGLY BEAUTIFUL! Built properly too! Love that they put the old caddy 500 in it! Great buy Hoovie!
Just WOW! I'm from Germany and all those after war cars here are kinda budget stuff. You don't see many old American cars here and this one is just so gorgeous! I really love how they upgraded it, so it still can be used like a modern car. That really IS an upgrade and no dumb tuning and still it doesn't look like drunk Gonzales or Vasilli welded it together!! Since you can't do this in Germany, so it's even more mindblowing to me
@@IhateCCP The problems are with the German testing authoritys. The engineer inspecting your car is liable with his signature, that the car is safe for the road. Even Minor changes that are not standard on the car can result in, that the engineer wants test certificates, that the change will not affect the road safety of the car. If you eg. change anything on the bodywork, good luck with bringing a certificate that shows the car body is still as stiff as before and that it will behave the same in a car crash as the original setup. Sure, every changed bulp can be tested and legalized but expect to pay like 10-20k€ for paperwork for every tested part that is not original and that is even for a carpart that is totally legal on a different car. Since it's an oldtimer there is a little loophole. You will be allowed to do "changes, that are contemporary for the time" and for that you would need to bring at least proof like from vintage car magazines or old paperwork that they did these changes on these cars back in the day with road legality in Germany back then!
Budget stuff? America at that stage was building nicer cars than Europeans. That were more luxurious and more technologically advanced. A 1940s or 1950s hand built American car interior would have been on par with Rolls only it would have had far more technology in it. Things like Aircon, electric seats, electric windows, electric mirrors auto sensor lights all came from the America car industry. But none of this is to say that German and other continental cars were not building great stuff.
@@bighands69 When I look at all the crome and nicely done interiors and extreme nicely made car curves there are really little european cars that can compete. Guess the thing is, you only see the greatest things from europe in the US, because the crap cars wont be exported or survive to be an oldtimer, and I also only get to see the nicely build American cars, because who would care about the plastics interior of a cheap budget car.
@@Fluorwasserstoff I am originally from the UK and have seen pretty much most of the mainstream cars manufactured from Europe. Even before the war Europe could not complete with the quality of American car and I will also include British cars as well.
The blend of different vintage cadillacs (the seats are similar to the 80s Eldorado) is fantastic. A Cadillac for Cadillac's sake. This is a work of art of a restoration, those different Cadillacs blend so well like that. Might I suggest a '78 Cadillac AM/FM/8Track and getting an adapter for bluetooth if you NEED it. I would be honored to have a Caddy like that. I hope you love yours, Hoovie.
DUDE...That is gorgeous! I have recently fallen in love with cars from the 40's and 50's. Especially Cadillac. They were ahead of their time in design. Those curves and chrome is gorgeous. There was a certain class about them. I want one.
Kind of a shame Cadillac never tried to make a modern version of these when retro cars were still a thing, imagine something like this with a full hatch...
Yeah Cadillac/GM really missed some opportunities back in the 2000's to jump on the retro styling bandwagon instead of continuing with the Art & Science design theme which I don't think caught on as well, particularly since they watered down most of the production designs so much from the concepts.
@@chynacash3138 I did like some of it, the C5 is probably my favorite Corvette and I think things like the XLR and the CTS were great looking cars, heck, I even think the Catera was handsome even if that was just a rebadged Opel... But still, they missed out on basically the WHOLE retro fad only giving us the SSR and HHR (which ftr I loved) I remember a Kappa based Nomad concept that would have made for a stellar C1 tribute entry level Corvette after the Saturn/Pontiac sell-off left the Kappa platform with no home brand...
Well, there's _colors,_ and then there's _more_ colors, but a genuine *gem* like this '49 Caddy Fastback has definitely got the right one!!! . . . _What_ an exceptional beaut, and with the power plant to go! . . . Talk about a 'keeper'! . . . . ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 💓
The donor front suspension is from a 2nd generation GM F-body (70-81). Pretty common donor for this type of swap. The spindles look to be the lighter forged units (‘77+). So, I’d say you have a subframe from a ‘77+ GM F-body. What concerns me is the sway bar was cut in half and welded in the middle to make up for the subframe being cut in the middle. Neat fastback Caddy.
Nice! Mine is also a 1949 Club Coupe ("Sedanette" was the term Buick used for their fastback), but mine has the original engine and mods for daily driving: power steering, power brakes, and air conditioning. Congratulations! This will get more comments when out in public than almost any other car you have ever owned!
Approved, approved, approved! Excellent choice! Well done! Car Wizard might not approve wholly given his spare parts sourcing stress, but will be won over by its coolness.
Ironically, the Series 61 & 62 fastback was the entry level/midrange car back then in the Cadillac lineup. You couldn't get this body style in higher end models like the 60 Special or 75. This has always been one of my favorite designs of the post-war era.
This purchase makes sense when you think about it....... In another 20 years, Hoovie will buy a spaceship from SpaceX that will probably look very similar to this car! Way to be ahead of the curve Hoovie!!
6:02 It's amazing to me how many people don't know that the OHV, pushrod engine came AFTER the DOHC engine. It was never supposed to be the "be all, end all" of rpms, it was designed to be compact ,powerful, efficient, economical and a low COG. It excelled on every front!
can you elaborate on this? found next to nothing about it online and also I disagree, ohv is archaic, it is less economical, efficient, powerful than any ohc/dohc configuartion. its only benefit is that it's shorter than a ohc engine.
@@luckiee_ Pushrod OHV engines are indeed rare these days and OHV is considered an old technology, but they're revolutionary compared to the even older flathead / side-valve engine configuration. (No flathead engines are still in regular production for automobiles.) Go look up "flathead engine" on Wikipedia. OHV engines are called "OHV" by contrast to flathead engines, which have the valves facing upward beside the pistons. The valves are thus not overhead in this configuration. Technically, the valves in an OHC engine are also overhead of the cylinder, making all OHC engines technically describable as OHV, but we generally only describe pushrod engines as OHV these days.
Indeed. People get caught up in the unimportant HP/L metric and overlook its advantages. I like to point out to naysayers that the 5.7L LS is physically smaller than the Nissan VQ, and despite its larger displacement and notably higher output (higher power density in terms of physical size, I should add), the fuel economy of the C5 Corvette with its large "archaic engine technology" drove circles around anything fitted with a VQ. I'm glad GM and Chrysler continued to stick with pushrods--it has lead to some of the greatest mass-produced engines of all time.
@@omgcool7206 good points. the 505 hp 7liter! ZO6 didnt have to pay the gas guzzler tax.. Top Gear Mag got 32 mg with a stock 6.2 L V8 C7... P.S. Top Gear BBC showed the 2.0 liter Mitsu Evo FQ400 had the worse MPG around the TG Track.. I would asume these haters are comparing hi output engines to other highoutput engines not 1.6 L DOHCs when speaking of of eficiency..
That is one sexy sled my friend. Someone did a fantastic job with that (other than the silly stereo, but 25yrs ago, that was probably about the only way to go if you wanted a CD player), and honestly, what a great save for that car! I'm glad you wound up with it. It'll leak less freon if you keep it R12. R134a is smaller molecules, and will leak more. It also won't cool as well for the same reason, as R12, in an original R12 designed system. A little tip on that exhaust system. The chrome exhaust tips that roll inward are very restrictive to exhaust flow, and engine performance, and so is that skinny exhaust pipe with all those crimped inward, bends. Each bend is a flow restriction. If you want that engine to really run well, go a size up on the pipes, and use mandrell bent exhaust tubing. Then put a set of chrome tips on it that are straight (not rounded inward). You'll noticed the difference.
Great info I was so awe struck at the car I never thought about that but you are so right. The Tail section is always larger. Reminds me of our 2016 Mazda 6 the tail pipes are rounded in ward and a beyatch to keep clean. We aren’t getting rid of that car anytime soon so I will have to replace those tailpipe ends with straight ones
Beautiful Caddy! The wiper motor would have been vacuum aka "positive action" when new. The switch to electric is a great upgrade. Happy motoring Tyler!
What a beautiful automobile!! I'm the type of guy that always wants the car to be original.....When I hear restomod, I normally go crazy....but this car was done so right you dont see the modifications. Great car, Thank you for sharing. This is one resomod that is not so overboard.
This Cadillac is my favorite car you have bought in a long time. It is absolutely gorgeous and I love they put a Cadillac 500 in it. I'm slightly jealous lol.
O.K. Tyler, I have been a fan of Hoovies Garage for a few years now. This is by far the most beautiful and exciting addiction too your fleet... KEEP THIS ONE!!
I’m 84 and I actually remember the caddies of that era, back when a Caddie WAS a Caddie. I don’t actually know, but I wouldn’t be surprised if that transmission wasn’t largely the same one that was in many military vehicles, mainly armour throughout the war. Should be bulletproof? Anyway, now I’m going to watch the video to see if I actually know anything, looks like a good one. What a car, what a car!!
Luxury manufacturers really were different back then, one of my many favorite cars is the Lincoln Continental Mark 2, and it was entirely hand built!! Lincoln was literally trying to compete with rolls Royce back then and most luxury manufacturers don't put that much effort into their cars anymore.
Wow! that’s incredible. did you see these a lot? where did you grow up?
The original automatic was a dual band 4 speed Hydramatic that was actually used in tanks in the latter part of WW2. Those were very bullet proof and had an extra gear. It would be a nightmare to get that mated up to the 500 so I'm sure a TH400 was used instead. These transmissions were also used in Oldsmobile and Pontiac until 1956 when they went to the dual coupling design, which is my favorite automatic transmission.
@@theincrediblehulk5797 The Mark II was not hand built, although it was put together to generally higher standards than a normal Lincoln. It wasn't a direct competitor to Rolls Royce because it only came as a two door hardtop.
@@muziklvr7776 Putting the original Hydromantic into tanks was pretty bold since it was an entirely new kind of transmission and only came out just before the war in 1941, besides tanks being a bit heavier than a car.
Now THIS is the kind of content that I love. Older cars with personality! Great buy, Hoovie!
Agreed!
I skip right past the super cars, but this I'll watch any day!
No other country has what America had in the old days. Every car was unique, they all had personality and charm other than today.
@@JaredConnell Same here
Packard also made a gorgeous fastback in 49, a guy here in town had one and at shows he usually parked next to my 36 Lincoln, it made it easier to keep an eye on our cars, and guard for belt buckle scratches……….
Wizard has come a long way from his debut on Hoovies' Garage. He's got a lot more screen presence and charisma.
That Caddy is unbelievable. Great find, Tyler.
I bet someone owes there life to the backseat of that caddy
Yeah and the wizard literally just complains all the time. I don't even watch his channel anymore.
Wizard was awkward at first.
@Violent Revolution you need a different thought process. Weird
The Wizard is the best.
That is easily the most beautiful Cadillac ever built.
You ain't kiddin'...gorgeous..
I have to agree and I’m a fan of about all older caddies and an owner of a newer one. I’ve always said thou this is my favorite year and body design. This one even has the color I’d prefer and interior
@@oldscoolcooldiecast1879my favorite years are: in third place 1965-1970 body, in 2nd place 1949-1954 and in first place 1959-1960
This might just be the finest automobile you've purchased by far 🤩🔥
I liked that pinkish early 60's convertible. But he flipped that pretty quickly
Totally agree. What a car!
Completely agree, Ferraris, Lamborghinis etc, lovely, but this is a different level, utterly sumptuous, gorgeous and so inviting.
Second to the Chrysler Imperial with special leather interior treated with sperm whale oil...
Love everything about this one
I'm 76 & when I was about 12 in 1958, my friend's older 19 yr. old sister owned a
1949 Caddy! I've always thought that this style was actually more modern looking
than the Cadillac's that came later in the early to mid 1950's! This car was so
strikingly futuristic, it seemed 'out of sync' with almost all other cars of the era!
I like this model of Cadillac a lot. It’s body style is actually similar to several GM cars from 1941. 👍
It looks better than any new car on the road today - or in the last 40 years.
@@phyl1283 now that's entirely subjective
Looks gross to Me........Paul
Again I used to enjoy the hoobies but once he started getting into these lambos and blah blah blah high performance high dollar value cars just starting to lose interest I'm sure this channel will eventually start turning down I happen to watch this first time in over 2 months
I personally feel that this is one of the best purchases you've made. Gorgeous! And, like you said, that stereo is the only thing spoiling that interior.
My first thought on seeing the thumbnail
Reminds me of his Imperial. Man I wish he'd kept it
He might be more inclined to keep this one....out of respect for the guy who sold it to him. At least keep it for awhile... until he needs to make space in his garage.
@e No one asked.
Hoovie this is indeed by far the most gorgeous and classiest car you've ever bought. Well played Tyler, well played.
Well, I would have preferred stock tires and rim dishes. Back in 1949 the classiest you could possibly get with the Cadillac Club coupe models was definitely the dark metallic mint green, of course with large white walls and excellently designed mid century hubcaps. In those days, black was second best for pure luxury, the iridescent/metallic factory paints were the most popular. You just can't see the beauty of a old Cadillac unless its completely stock.
@@RJ3T- mhm, how far is that getting you
@@WitchKing-Of-Angmar Nah those wire rims are fuckin sweet.
I think I’ve watched every video Hoovie has made. This is the most beautiful car he has owned. Pure Art.
The Corvette and this are a tie for me. Two cars he should never sell.
@@Globbs I agree. I'm torn between the Corvette and this Caddy. Maybe the Vette by a gnat's whisker.
The Imperial convertible he stupidly sold is on par with this.
@@Globbs I agree, the two best in Hoovie's collection, NEVER sell. Honorable mention goes to the Metallic Lime Green GT 350 clone which left us during the "Big Sell-off" awhile back.
Stunning and arguably one of the best looking cars in your whole collection.
I have to agree. This was before they went apeshit with the fins and googaws. Not over styled at all.
Nope, no argument at all. It is the best looking one.
@@muskokamike127 The '59 Caddy looks gorgeous though.
@@benchattin yes but those FINS man....
I’ve never liked classics that aren’t stock but dang, this one was done up amazing. I love how it was upgraded with vintage GM parts during the resto instead of parts from that period.
These are the only way to enjoy classics! Old saying, modern drivetrain! Excellent.
I always loved getting parts from other models in the same family and using them for upgrade
Wish I had the skills to do these RestoMods.
Dislike stock? Install mods engine and transmission but keep the body intact though (but I know that is extremely expensive)
Same man the best restomod ever
I must admit, this car rules for that age. Hats down to engineers and also to people who assemble this.
Unreal. You've had some nice cars but this is the nicest one you've ever had! Absolutely beautiful. And a fantastic restomod to boot. You knocked this one out of the park, Hoovie!
I used to watch this channel for Tyler, from now on it'll be because of Caddy.
She's prettier.........incomparably
This is on par with the Imperial convertible he had and stupidly sold.
Man that Cadillac looks comfortable as hell while you're driving it with all the modern upgrades. And looks amazing.
hell isn't comfortable tho
I think the seats with the plastic covers though, ummm yeah. I think there's a lot better choices but I've driven in later 40's early 50's tanks and they are incredible on the highway. Fuel econ is abysmal but they just purr along like you're floating on air. They are rounded enough that cross and head winds don't buffet you and with the weight, (inertia) they don't slow you down at all.
@@Ballador it might be if you’re cool enough
@@Ballador It also isn’t real so you can make it fit whatever your imagination desires
As a car we never got in the UK, this was super interesting! The fuel cap and the ‘clunk’ when you closed it… gorgeous! A real piece of art! Looking forward to seeing this finished!!
I love nicely done restomods. I've got a 1963 Studebaker Avanti, and I've taken that approach in restoring it. It's a supercharged one, but I've got A/C (possible by replacing the original compressor with a smaller modern one), upgraded the disk brakes, added a five-speed transmission (so now it has an overdrive gear for better highway driving), modified an original radio to be a modern, 4 channel, AM/FM, with Bluetooth compatibility, it's fuel injected, for better driving with today's crappy gas, 3-point seatbelts and seats with headrest for better safety, and a couple of other things. It all makes for a much better driving experience on today's roads, most people can't spot the difference from what's original, and everything is reversible if some future owner wants to make a show car.
Good job well done sir
That sounds amazing! How did you fuel inject that old motor? Throttle body system? Still, with a supercharger I bet it was a trick to tune. I like resto mods with original engines.
@@tomm1109 I went with an outfit called Hamilton Fuel Injection -- Mr. Hamilton modifies early '90s GM throttle body EFI to work with just about any engine. It's not that hard to set up. You send him your engine specs, he puts the kit together, then you drive it a few times with the car connected to a laptop, and send him the information, and he can tune the the EFI for optimal performance. It might get you a _tiny_ bit of horsepower, but the real benefit is fuel mileage and driveability.
As a matter of fact, the car was a lot easier to set up with the supercharger than the carburetor was. My Studebaker no longer had its original Carter AFB, but had an aftermarket Edelbrock -- almost the same carb, but we could never get it dialed in just right, and I would have problems with the engine quitting on interstate offramps and so on (which cuts the power steering and brakes, or course). The EFI has cured all of that, and now the car runs like a top.
If people can't tell the improvements and all your work is reversible, Excellent!
My ultimate dream car
This is the first car Tyler bought in a LONG TIME that I actually appreciate and would want to own!
Finally a proper Cadillac, you're moving up in this world, one of Cadillac's finest moments
You’re
Ur
Youse
@@grantrscott Y’all’s
That has to be one of the best looking machines ever build. good god it's a work of art.
Back in the late ‘70’s, an assistant principal of my high school used to daily drive a red one to school every day. Despite severe rust, it was a pretty cool car to see every day. The assistant principal had hopes to restore it but I suspect he passed away before he could.
I can see Hoovie evolving into another "Jay Leno" style car collector in his later years. Cheers!
Let's hope!
I really like how Hoovie thanks his viewers nearly every episode both at the beginning and at the end. I look forward to many more uploads in the future!
Fit_PharmD
Tyler is one of those idiots living in flyover country that the coastal elites hate. I think they are the salt of the earth. Real Americans live there.
You realize that this car was done REALLY right, especially for the time when it was done. The donated parts fit really well for what they are, the custom touches inside look like they are in good shape (e.g. door handles). Only would be better with Power Windows, which I believe was an option in 1949 (vacuum driven). That wood is really done well.
Crank windows never hurt nobody! And rarely break! I miss them a bit but I don't wanna give up my power luxuries. I really missed them when my driver's door window power module broke a few years back!
I agree that manual windows are preferable to VACUUM operated windows. Not much wrong with a modern electric conversion tho.
I believe 1949s were hydraulic.
@@Complete.cyclepath lol.....and right at the beginning of the video, he "broke" the manual crank vent window!!
@@AxiomRazor I believe you are correct.....I'm not an expert, just knew they were not electric back then.
In my opinion its the best looking car ever made! No matter what angle you look at. A BEAUTIFUL car.
Oh my, Tyler...that is a very pretty car. I'm not one for restomods, but that one looks quite tastefully done. I love the early part of the video when we can see the Countach reflected in the paint. A space-aged looking car as seen through the eyes of 1949. Well purchased!
Restomod? I hadn't heard that word, but it's kind of perfect. In essence what I want.
@@davidmuth4571 it's when you take an old, beat up or broken down car and, rather than replace everything with factory options, replace everything with more modern parts that look period correct and usually the mechanical bits are completely modern, so no pesky carburetors or dangerous bias ply tires. It's what most restored cars end up doing because it can cost significantly less money and end up with a better car. It's not better or worse than returning a car to factory new condition, just a different take. Most restomods end up looking nearly identical with factory restorations on the outside whereas some even change the cosmetics too, but rarely do restomods actually use original mechanical parts.
This car puts modern styling to absolute shame. It's so gorgeous.
I could not agree with you more
You could put a queen size bed in the back!!
Cars had so much personal touch back then. I think the 60s was when car design became much more regulated by the government.
@@benchattin More than that, the manufacturing process for many automakers became much more streamlined, as more and more machines (and eventually, simple robots) joined the assembly lines.
Amazing that the gentleman saved your number and called you after that large amount of time. You bought yourself a great vehicle.
It is almost not a car, but a work of art! this is unbelievable!!! Thank you for sharing!!
What I like about Hoovie is that he provides different car content, sometimes historical and educational
How many dead bodies you think the mafia stuffed into that trunk? 😳
Get the car forensically examined... That'd make for an interesting video.
Do the whole fleet for a super gross series
You can say the body lines are to die for 😂
yes
5
@@petrolhead002 didn't the prohibition end by '49?
I’ve been watching Hoovie for years now and this is my favourite car he’s ever bought. What a beauty.
Another comment from me. My father's friend bought one of those new, that makes me 8 at the time. I remember running my fingers over that tailight, thinking it was the most beautiful thing I ever saw. No way we can appreciate how radical it was. I read somewhere years ago that when it came out in '48. the public hated it. Cadillac was so spooked by its low acceptance they prepared a mid-year model change. Then sales started to take off. The birth of the tail fin was not a smooth delivery!
I do not think the public would have disliked that car especially the type of market it would have been aimed at. which was well to do younger generation.
I would suspect the older audience may not have warmed to its look as much but then again they would have seen fancy art deco cars that would have been far more radical in design.
⁹ó
A lot of your car purchases I just scratch my head wondering why, BUT this one, I very much approve of, this is a gorgeous vehicle.
Well Wizard has a yacht so Hoovie got a land yacht! (and a bloody nice one at that!)
Hoov...I have enjoyed the channel for a long time and have loved seeing the love of the older cars but this is the first time I have been actually green with envy over one of your purchases...this is and should be the crown jewel of your collection!
This is the most distinctive car you have ever shown us. It is the crown jewel of your collection. Nothing else has nearly as much personality. Kudos.
Wow now this car is definitely a classic.
Wow Hoovie, now THIS is a gorgeous car! These cars were literally functioning, mechanized art. I don't mind a tastefully done resto-mod as long as the car wasn't a true survivor in pretty good condition to start with. As others have noted, this car stands out for it's timeless beauty and just exudes pure class in a way that no modern era car can come close to. The upgrades are tasteful and only add to the safety and enjoyability of the car as a "driver" on today's roads and highways. Truly a magnificent find! Hopefully you don't just repair the things it needs to keep going reliably and then flip it within a year or two! I'd love to see this one around for a while being enjoyed for what it is!
@J F I disagree. Into the 1970's but before the gas crisis, cars were still designed to be attractive., not half melted candy bars.
Honestly i think this maybe the best looking car you have gotten
The steering wheel really sets it off
First thanks to Wizard for the biggest laugh I've had on UA-cam in a long time. Second, of all the cars you've had this is the one I'm most jealous of. Great find and what a beauty.
I've a friend who had a 1949 Cadilac back in the mid-1980's. It was showing its age, still running and was in its original Dartmouth green color. Fabulous riding car. He sold the car in 1989 and I frequently wonder where the car has ended up. I hope it is still on the road.
Be careful on those wing windows. They have a sacrificial alloy gears that break or strip if you try to turn the handle while locked. I had to replace them on a 48 ford and it involved some rivets and door disassembly. Gorgeous car.
Piggy backing off of this, please fix that window if it's broken!
Too late broke already
This is the Hoovie that we love to watch. A very cool purchase. The Hi-Jacker shocks were common in the '70s and were used quite a bit to alter rear end suspension heights. I agree the radio need to go and be refitted with something that looks retro. You could take that thing on a Hot Rod Power Tour because it is a real driver. Love the BB Caddy mill too. Wizard should drool at this one for sure. Maybe an idea for a Resto Mod CarTreK? You'd win with that car for sure.
I put the Monroe air shocks in my 97 s10, it has a cap on it so she needed a little boost in the rear, it was easier than messing with the leaf springs and has worked out great. I keep it around 50 psi, they're rated for 200.
Small switched electric Air compressor with Cut in Cut out switch regulated to the set pressure for the correct ride an accumulator and regulator /metering Valve with a in line Non return Valve fitted and an under the Dash Pressure Indicator showing your Shock/Air Bag pressure maybe even Colour Coded, and you would sorted for inflating the Back shocks ...
cars like this are the epitome of "they dont make em like they used to". a true beauty. amazing to see cars like this still out on the road all these years and decades later.
As a realtor, I sold a guys townhouse that retired from the Cadillac Clark Street plant in Detroit. When he jumped in my 2002 Cadillac DTS he said, "This is nice but it's not a Cadillac". I replied simply, "No argument from me".
Easily, one of the top 5 most beautiful cars ever built. Jaw dropping.
I absolutely love this car. Amazing build, and one of the most beautiful body styles ever made.
Hoovie... That's just about the classiest sled you've ever bought.
It even knocked the Wizard out.
With that 500 in it, it ought to accelerate quite smartly... And just about knock you into the back seat when you step on it from about 50 to 100... Those 472/500 Cadillacs we're torque monsters.
Slick Andrews
No ... It IS the classiest sled he's ever bought .....
@@boyracer3477 you're absolutely CORRECT.😁
Those 500 motors were dogs. Had a friend in high school that had three caddys including a 1975 fleetwood brougham with a 500. almost no power at all. Now his 1967 coupe de ville with a rebuilt 427 would get down the road with authority. Funny how those old cars were almost free in the late 80's that fleetwood was so big it had footrests for the back seats!
OMG. This is the first car my Dad ever owned. Over the years he use to tell me that it was the best car he owned and best ever built.
The first time I saw one of these was in England. I immediately fell in love with the design. This one had a straight body but had no engine or transmission, was missing all its chrome and grille and wasn't painted. I drew up a design for it. Either a gloss black or a pearl white, and the chrome replaced with carbon fiber.
I got a call from a friend who owns a junkyard at 4am one morning. He said "Come to the yard. Now." I said "I swear to God you better have a good reason for calling at this ungodly hour." He said "I do, I swear." I drove there and pulled in the demo bay and got out, my friend was standing there smiling like an idiot in front of a car with a cover over it. I got out and he pulled the cover off of a 2020 Cadillac CT6 Blackwing. It had been t-boned on the passenger side, but everything was there. My friend said "It gets better." He opened the door and it smelled brand new, I looked at the clock. 76 miles. So we spend the next few hours taking the engine, transmission and computer out and one day, when I can spare no expense, I'm gonna build the coolest Cadillac in the world.
That is a very good tasteful restomod. The old style with modern features. I would daily that thing as well.
well, the 4 mpg might hurt.....I bet it weighs as much as a small country.
@@muskokamike127 Then again is MPG is your primary concern, this is not the right car :)
@@curtiscrump7153 lol well, it's not my PRIMARY concern, but you have to have deep pockets to not think about $9/gallon.
i love old cars,im 30 years old and a proud owner of a ford model A leatherback,my father who is an oldschool engineer modified the head changed the diff ratio and kept it totally stock looking i can cruise at 100kmh its awesome respect to all people who keep old cars alive
Now that is cool 😎
Hoovie, enjoyed your channel when it was fresh and a bit awkward but your scripting, editing and storylines have steadily improved to a point where today's vid was absolutely one of the best from anyone - even the pros. Keep up the great work, fun and passion!
scripting is part of evolution it seems like for vloggers if they don't go to podcast cus Joe recommended them lol
My buddy had one and inside smelled like time stood still.It was unique and had mohair upholstery ,ivory knobs and a 3 on the tree that shifted like butter,when you hit a bump it would float like a boat on water w/o any jarring thud.This car was quick and nimble,way too nice to drive in this world today...its a pearl among swine.
I had a 1970 Cad de Ville with the 500cc engine. I loved that car, exceptionally smooth ride with great handling and great acceleration....I was on the I-5 w/3 passengers coming back from Frisco at 2am doing 85, 2 asleep in the back the trunk loaded w/luggage & room to spare when a big Lincoln pulled out in front of me doing 65 so I eased the wheel right and as I passed I eased the pedal down a bit and as I glided back in front of the Lincoln missing the semi in front of me and the Lincoln to my left the Cad lifted up and shot forward like a rocket and my friend riding around shotgun looked at the speedometer and said "110" & I said "I have a lot of pedal left" and that car was 15 years old. That 500cc engine was smooth as a sewing machine. I'd have it again in a heartbeat.
Don't Call It Frisco. No one who lives there does.
@@emjayay no one who lives there knows where they're living...real barnyard pig sty...Frisco...it lost its Missionary title .. San Francisco...friars...real hell hole....Frisco.
This is a real deal car! Hard to beat a well done Cadillac! What a gorgeous automotive masterpiece! Hoovie did well!
Johnny Deville ..... Used to have a rich car collector boss. There are tens of thousands of very cool cars in fancy garages (and hangars) all over the country that just never see the light of day. But they exist. Tyler just has built a fame that helps people think of him when they decide to sell a cool car.
Two years ago you bought an old Ford Woody and it was the video that compelled me to subscribe to your channel. Videos like this are why your channel is so unique. What other UA-camr owns a new GT500 and cars like this in the same garage? Awesome car.
Mi padre tuvo uno igual allá por el año 1957, en Argentina, siempre me dijo que era un auto increíble por su lujo, su andar, su motor, y por lo fuerte que era, gracias por traerme tan gratos recuerdos. Saludos desde Argentina.
Tremendo👏👏
What a beautiful vehicle - the side window line is very similar to my 'modern' car, fastback style.
The wiper motor is a New Port Engineering wiper motor. The originals were vacuum operated. I installed one on my 1949 Buick Sedanette as well. It was easily the best modern upgrade I installed on the car.
Do you still have the '49 Buick? ....my favorite classic car is the '50 Buick Sedanette with that one year only big toothy grill......the '49 was also a very beautiful car, especially the Sedanette fastback.
@@formula112967 nope, I sold it unfortunately. Had to let it go because I bought some other cars, and bought a house. I still miss it, except the fuel consumption. It had the Dynaflow automatic and those first ones are extremely inefficient.
13:45
Restomod idea; there are "bump handle" power window systems that have the original handle but you sort of push it up or down a little bit to engage the power window. I think the term used is "crank handle switches"
Just say it's a handle shaped switch
Why would he want to complicate this car?
This Caddie is a timeless masterpiece. You are lucky to have gotten the chance to own it. IF it's a driver, A/C would be mandatory in this summer's heat. Get it going! I can't wait to see what you do with this car over the next year.
How good is it to see somebody eloquently talking about a beautiful car and showing real passion. Very entertaining video about an absolutely stunning car.
Did we watch the same video? I don't think Hoovie did this car justice when he lumped it in with all the other "modern cars". It's the first time I downvoted a Hoovie video.
This car is a work of art. I would park it in my living room. You are a lucky man to score such a car.
I used to only be a 90’s JDM fanboy but now as I’m growing I’m liking all sorts of cars, used to hate muscle and classics but at some point you’ll mature and appreciate how cool they are!
LOL just like my friend. After many years he appeared at my place with an old Oldsmobile. For a while I didn't believe it was his car, I thought it was a prank. 😅
American cars of the 1930s,40s,50s,60s and 70s were better than anything coming out of Europe or Japan.
Things like V8, Electric seats, windows, aircon, auto dimming lights all came from the US auto industry.
I think those born post 1970s really do not understand that because they never seen it and their only experience is from what the media says.
I love imports. But classics are way better
@@bighands69 what are you talking about? I was born in 83, and I love classics. I've owned a couple . I also love imports.. but classics are better. My fave is the 57 Chevy belair
74 year old design. That’s crazy… and gorgeous! 🥰
AWESOME CAR !! I was born in '48 and remember these cars as a kid. I worked in gas stations as a teenager and remember trying to find the gas cap the first time. 👍👍
Hidden gas caps made cars look so much smoother. I remember my 69 camaro with it behind the plate. This is just so cool too.
Have Wizard check the exhaust manifold bolts. The 501 Cadillacs had an issue with the bolts burning off inside the heads. My dad owned nothing but caddys and that was a common problem with that engine. The other problem was that the positive battery cable to the starter would catch fire while driving. And the factory ground would burn off where it was attached to the body. I would also put a 180 thermostat in. They tend to run hot...even when brand new. Beautiful car!
@ 17:39, It looks like the ground cable is on the frame.
@@hyacinthbucket3803 all of the things that I mentioned have probably already been addressed. My comment wasn't just for Hoovie,but for all 501 owners. Guess I should have stated that. The 501 is a decent engine but the 472 is much more reliable and owners usually can get a third more life in terms of mileage out of them. And if you get a pre 1972 472 C.I.D. engine it will have much more factory horsepower. I believe it's the best engine Cadillac ever made prior to the most recent ones.
Wow, WHAT A GIANT CAR! I wish my Dad was alive to see this video. His first car was a 47. That Caddy was his favorite all time car. Its giving me goose bumps just to see it. Thanks Tyler.
What a BEAUTY!! Back in the early '70's I went to high school with a senior who drove one of these.
These are great and beautiful cars. Even as a resto-mod it is gorgeous. I love cars like this one.
A GREAT resto-mod. Maybe the most convincing I've ever seen. The velour interior...a little dated in it's own short era. I might change out the wheels for something more vintage-y But the use of a Caddy big block ( I think the 500 premiered in the '71 Eldo then to the entire line in 75 before it's down sizing to 425 cid) instead of a LS is perfection!
The 500 premiered in the 1970 Eldorado. It said on the side of the car "8.2 Litre".
I kinda liked the wheels. But you’re right!
@@mexicanspec THAT'S right, I was mistaken. Thanks! I could be wrong about when they went into the DeVilles too then!
@@roberthoffhines5419 1975 was the first year they went in the De Villes and it lasted all the way to 1976. I hope the one he has is a 1970 model with 345 horsepower and not a smogged out 1975 model.
Well, velvet interiors in luxury American cars goes back about 110 years at this point. I'll allow it.
I know the hidden gas cap. When we were kids mom's daily driver for a long time was a 55 Cadillac coupe de ville. It still had that gas cap feature and it was cool even then. The engines in those were almost hand built and balanced from the factory so they tended to be very smooth and lasted longer than most normal V8s of the day.
We finally sold it to a Cadillac collector after it had been sitting in our garage undriven for years when we realized it was going to waste and we didn't have the money to fix it back up even in the late 80s.
You've restored my faith in order Caddys A 500 cubic inch motor with disc breaks & fastback body is the bomb.
Or maybe disk brakes.
This is one of your nicest ever purchases! Please keep it forever, it's so cool!
As a die hard life long Cadillac fan girl i have to say that 49 is STUNNINGLY BEAUTIFUL! Built properly too! Love that they put the old caddy 500 in it! Great buy Hoovie!
I agree with you
Just WOW!
I'm from Germany and all those after war cars here are kinda budget stuff. You don't see many old American cars here and this one is just so gorgeous!
I really love how they upgraded it, so it still can be used like a modern car. That really IS an upgrade and no dumb tuning and still it doesn't look like drunk Gonzales or Vasilli welded it together!!
Since you can't do this in Germany, so it's even more mindblowing to me
why can't you do this in germany?
@@IhateCCP The problems are with the German testing authoritys. The engineer inspecting your car is liable with his signature, that the car is safe for the road. Even Minor changes that are not standard on the car can result in, that the engineer wants test certificates, that the change will not affect the road safety of the car. If you eg. change anything on the bodywork, good luck with bringing a certificate that shows the car body is still as stiff as before and that it will behave the same in a car crash as the original setup. Sure, every changed bulp can be tested and legalized but expect to pay like 10-20k€ for paperwork for every tested part that is not original and that is even for a carpart that is totally legal on a different car.
Since it's an oldtimer there is a little loophole.
You will be allowed to do "changes, that are contemporary for the time" and for that you would need to bring at least proof like from vintage car magazines or old paperwork that they did these changes on these cars back in the day with road legality in Germany back then!
Budget stuff?
America at that stage was building nicer cars than Europeans. That were more luxurious and more technologically advanced.
A 1940s or 1950s hand built American car interior would have been on par with Rolls only it would have had far more technology in it.
Things like Aircon, electric seats, electric windows, electric mirrors auto sensor lights all came from the America car industry.
But none of this is to say that German and other continental cars were not building great stuff.
@@bighands69 When I look at all the crome and nicely done interiors and extreme nicely made car curves there are really little european cars that can compete.
Guess the thing is, you only see the greatest things from europe in the US, because the crap cars wont be exported or survive to be an oldtimer, and I also only get to see the nicely build American cars, because who would care about the plastics interior of a cheap budget car.
@@Fluorwasserstoff
I am originally from the UK and have seen pretty much most of the mainstream cars manufactured from Europe.
Even before the war Europe could not complete with the quality of American car and I will also include British cars as well.
The blend of different vintage cadillacs (the seats are similar to the 80s Eldorado) is fantastic. A Cadillac for Cadillac's sake. This is a work of art of a restoration, those different Cadillacs blend so well like that. Might I suggest a '78 Cadillac AM/FM/8Track and getting an adapter for bluetooth if you NEED it.
I would be honored to have a Caddy like that. I hope you love yours, Hoovie.
That is one sleek looking caddy... My mom has a 51 Chevy farm truck and the sheer simplicity and art deco design are so captivating
DUDE...That is gorgeous! I have recently fallen in love with cars from the 40's and 50's. Especially Cadillac. They were ahead of their time in design. Those curves and chrome is gorgeous. There was a certain class about them. I want one.
Kind of a shame Cadillac never tried to make a modern version of these when retro cars were still a thing, imagine something like this with a full hatch...
Yeah Cadillac/GM really missed some opportunities back in the 2000's to jump on the retro styling bandwagon instead of continuing with the Art & Science design theme which I don't think caught on as well, particularly since they watered down most of the production designs so much from the concepts.
@@chynacash3138 I did like some of it, the C5 is probably my favorite Corvette and I think things like the XLR and the CTS were great looking cars, heck, I even think the Catera was handsome even if that was just a rebadged Opel... But still, they missed out on basically the WHOLE retro fad only giving us the SSR and HHR (which ftr I loved)
I remember a Kappa based Nomad concept that would have made for a stellar C1 tribute entry level Corvette after the Saturn/Pontiac sell-off left the Kappa platform with no home brand...
Well, there's _colors,_ and then there's _more_ colors, but a genuine *gem* like this '49 Caddy Fastback has definitely got the right one!!! . . .
_What_ an exceptional beaut, and with the power plant to go! . . .
Talk about a 'keeper'! . . . . ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 💓
What a fantastic car, one of the few times I've truly been jealous of Hoovie.
The donor front suspension is from a 2nd generation GM F-body (70-81). Pretty common donor for this type of swap.
The spindles look to be the lighter forged units (‘77+). So, I’d say you have a subframe from a ‘77+ GM F-body.
What concerns me is the sway bar was cut in half and welded in the middle to make up for the subframe being cut in the middle.
Neat fastback Caddy.
This is what i came here for, I knew someone would know hahaha
Ultimate "gangster" wheels. You are robbing my heart with this, Tyler.
Nice! Mine is also a 1949 Club Coupe ("Sedanette" was the term Buick used for their fastback), but mine has the original engine and mods for daily driving: power steering, power brakes, and air conditioning. Congratulations! This will get more comments when out in public than almost any other car you have ever owned!
This may be your coolest car. It's also the first time I have re-watched any of your videos to get more. What a work of art!!
That thing is a keeper!
I like that you’re getting back to resto-mods especially special models.
Approved, approved, approved! Excellent choice! Well done! Car Wizard might not approve wholly given his spare parts sourcing stress, but will be won over by its coolness.
That is the most amazing sheetmetal I have seen yet!
Can't believe how cool that 49 is!
Ironically, the Series 61 & 62 fastback was the entry level/midrange car back then in the Cadillac lineup. You couldn't get this body style in higher end models like the 60 Special or 75. This has always been one of my favorite designs of the post-war era.
This purchase makes sense when you think about it....... In another 20 years, Hoovie will buy a spaceship from SpaceX that will probably look very similar to this car! Way to be ahead of the curve Hoovie!!
6:02 It's amazing to me how many people don't know that the OHV, pushrod engine came AFTER the DOHC engine.
It was never supposed to be the "be all, end all" of rpms, it was designed to be compact ,powerful, efficient, economical and a low COG.
It excelled on every front!
Not just after DOHC, but also after flathead / side-valve valvetrains. That's literally the term "OHV" was invented to contrast against.
can you elaborate on this? found next to nothing about it online and also I disagree, ohv is archaic, it is less economical, efficient, powerful than any ohc/dohc configuartion. its only benefit is that it's shorter than a ohc engine.
@@luckiee_ Pushrod OHV engines are indeed rare these days and OHV is considered an old technology, but they're revolutionary compared to the even older flathead / side-valve engine configuration. (No flathead engines are still in regular production for automobiles.)
Go look up "flathead engine" on Wikipedia.
OHV engines are called "OHV" by contrast to flathead engines, which have the valves facing upward beside the pistons. The valves are thus not overhead in this configuration. Technically, the valves in an OHC engine are also overhead of the cylinder, making all OHC engines technically describable as OHV, but we generally only describe pushrod engines as OHV these days.
Indeed. People get caught up in the unimportant HP/L metric and overlook its advantages. I like to point out to naysayers that the 5.7L LS is physically smaller than the Nissan VQ, and despite its larger displacement and notably higher output (higher power density in terms of physical size, I should add), the fuel economy of the C5 Corvette with its large "archaic engine technology" drove circles around anything fitted with a VQ. I'm glad GM and Chrysler continued to stick with pushrods--it has lead to some of the greatest mass-produced engines of all time.
@@omgcool7206 good points.
the 505 hp 7liter! ZO6 didnt have to pay the gas guzzler tax..
Top Gear Mag got 32 mg with a stock 6.2 L V8 C7...
P.S. Top Gear BBC showed the 2.0 liter Mitsu Evo FQ400 had the worse MPG around the TG Track..
I would asume these haters are comparing hi output engines to other highoutput engines not 1.6 L DOHCs when speaking of of eficiency..
That is one sexy sled my friend. Someone did a fantastic job with that (other than the silly stereo, but 25yrs ago, that was probably about the only way to go if you wanted a CD player), and honestly, what a great save for that car! I'm glad you wound up with it. It'll leak less freon if you keep it R12. R134a is smaller molecules, and will leak more. It also won't cool as well for the same reason, as R12, in an original R12 designed system. A little tip on that exhaust system. The chrome exhaust tips that roll inward are very restrictive to exhaust flow, and engine performance, and so is that skinny exhaust pipe with all those crimped inward, bends. Each bend is a flow restriction. If you want that engine to really run well, go a size up on the pipes, and use mandrell bent exhaust tubing. Then put a set of chrome tips on it that are straight (not rounded inward). You'll noticed the difference.
Great insight thank you for sharing that helpful info.
Great info I was so awe struck at the car I never thought about that but you are so right. The Tail section is always larger. Reminds me of our 2016 Mazda 6 the tail pipes are rounded in ward and a beyatch to keep clean. We aren’t getting rid of that car anytime soon so I will have to replace those tailpipe ends with straight ones
@@bigkk758 All engines are just air pumps, so if looked at in that term, anything you do to improve flow through them, is a benefit.
Beautiful Caddy! The wiper motor would have been vacuum aka "positive action" when new. The switch to electric is a great upgrade. Happy motoring Tyler!
My dad had a '56. Vacuum powered wipers brings it's own kind of "intermittent" function. I agree electric is a nice upgrade.
That car is amazing, I’d take this over super car content any day.
This Is some classic hoovies garage content
What a beautiful automobile!! I'm the type of guy that always wants the car to be original.....When I hear restomod, I normally go crazy....but this car was done so right you dont see the modifications. Great car, Thank you for sharing. This is one resomod that is not so overboard.
This Cadillac is my favorite car you have bought in a long time. It is absolutely gorgeous and I love they put a Cadillac 500 in it. I'm slightly jealous lol.
What an incredible American icon of a car!
Just beautiful!
Thanks for posting.
O.K. Tyler, I have been a fan of Hoovies Garage for a few years now.
This is by far the most beautiful and exciting addiction too your fleet... KEEP THIS ONE!!
my new favorite car on youtube. holy smokes, such a beautiful car!