Cadillac 1948 - 1953 custom & mild custom

Tim Johnson: Photographer – avec Bill Leer et Brian Hickford.

Frank De Rosa Spent His Life Planning To Build This Custom


Fans of the television show "Monster Garage" may remember an episode from about three years ago on which a team of top-level customizers built a '51 Cadillac convertible custom in five days and nights. That team included Frank DeRosa Sr. and Frank DeRosa Jr., father-and-son builders from Pittsburg, California. Since then Frank Jr. has completed another incredible Cadillac--this '52 convertible. This time, however, the project took a little longer--like a few decades.



Frank Jr. grew up around the family auto shop, DeRosa Custom Auto Body, his famous father started 60 years ago. He remembers first seeing this Cadillac when he was a little boy. It belonged to the owner of a local bar, who had bought it new. Over the years, he continued to see it, and when he got older he began asking the owner if he would be willing to sell the car. He kept asking for ten years, with no success. After the owner passed away in 2000, his family agreed to sell the car to Frank. Several other people had tried to buy the car, he learned, but the family had decided to sell it to him because he had shown so much interest for so long.



"The most memorable part of the restoration was right in the beginning," Frank told us. "Just being able to move the car from that garage to my shop was an amazing experience. Having the Cadillac in my shop and finally knowing it was mine had to be my favorite part of the whole process."



Of course, that was just the beginning of the process--the physical process anyway. Frank had already spent years planning the build-up in his mind. There were many reasons he wanted to keep a lot of the outward appearance intact, including the fact that it was a one-owner car, the body was very straight and rust-free, it was a true convertible and it was a "Golden Anniversary" Cadillac (as Cadillac called the '52s).



Frank did much of the build, with help from his father and others, including fellow Grand National Roadster Show Hall of Famers John Aiello, Marcos Garcia, Dick Falk, and Bill Reasoner. Most of the stock chassis was restored and modified with air bags from Air Ride Technologies at both ends. Power comes from a GM factory-direct 330-horsepower small-block--dressed up to keep up with the style that's all over the rest of the Cadillac. That includes the interior, where every mechanical component and every bit of material was selected for excellence and appearance. Of course, none of that makes any difference if the car didn't make an excellent first impression.



"The first thing everybody notices is the incredible paint," says Frank. The Candy Brandy Wine shows flawless sheetmetal, the result of hours of effort by the owner. The Carson top was the hardest part of the job, he said, especially since it was the most important part of keeping the silhouette correct. The chopped top and dropped stance create the illusion of a section job, but the body is uncut.



Frank told us a story about the Cadillac that his father told him during the build-up. In 1953, the original owner brought the car into Frank Sr.'s shop with a scratch on the fender. Fifty years later, while sanding down the paint, Frank Jr. uncovered the red oxide primer his dad had sprayed while making the repair--probably the first work ever done to this Cadillac.

"

I have to say that this is the greatest custom that has rolled out of our shop, and my family has been in the business since 1949." Maybe he's biased; after all, he's had his eye on this Cadillac since he was a boy. Then again, maybe he's absolutely right. Either way Frank's not about to rest now; he's looking towards the future and says he'll most likely have to sell the "Golden Anniversary" Cadillac that he'd wanted for so long, in order to make room for the next project to roll into the family shop.



Rod & Custom Feature Car

Frank DeRosa Jr.
Pittsburg, California
1952 Cadillac Convertible
Owner contact info: (925) 439-5115



Chassis
Frank's Cadillac rides on the frame it was born with. A pair of Fatman spindles with Cadillac discs lowers the altitude by 2 inches in the front. The rear frame was C-notched and the stock suspension was rebuilt with a few leaves removed and blocks added to get the rear down. Air bags from Air Ride Technologies are used all around to drop the Caddy for fairground cruising and give it the floating-on-a-cloud ride these Cads are famous for. A Chevelle power steering box was added for easier turning.



Drivetrain
The engine compartment was finished immaculately and Joe Lamont packed it with a brand new Chevy small-block, rated at 330 horses and dressed to kill. Induction comes from a single Holley 750 on a polished manifold, topped with a polished billet air cleaner. The billet valve covers match the air cleaner cover. Custom headers and stainless pipes run the exhaust to a pair of glass-pack mufflers. The polished brass radiator from US Radiator keeps the engine running cool. A new 700-R4 transmission was installed and the stock Cadillac rearend was rebuilt.



Wheels & Tires
In keeping with the traditional custom theme Frank was after, he selected a set of 15-inch Kelsey Hayes wire spoke rims from Wheel Vintiques, dressed up with Cadillac emblem caps and wrapped up with 7.10-15 BFGoodrich wide whitewall tires.



Body & Paint
The most noticeable exterior components are the chopped top and the paint. Well-known customizers Frank DeRosa Sr. and John Aiello built the custom Carson top, and Aiello and Frank Jr. chopped 4 inches from the A-pillars. Bill Reasoner did the cutting on the side windows from U.S. Glass.

The door handles were shaved, seams molded and hidden, and the hood profile was mildly rounded, but the full bumpers and trim pieces remain, with the brightwork restored by Sherm's Custom Chrome Plating. Dick Falk created the custom molding, in particular the custom metallic scoop trim on the rear quarters. After hours of careful metal finishing on the body, Frank Jr. sent the car to Marcos Garcia at Lucky 7 Custom Shop in Antioch, California, who shot the Candy Brandy Wine, a custom mix of House of Kolor paints.

Interior
It may not be all '52, but it's mostly Cadillac stuff on the inside of the car. The seats are from an '05 Eldorado and feature lumbar support and heat. Gregg Philbrick at Contra Costa Vinyl in Pittsburg covered them with high-quality hand-selected Swedish leather done in traditional tuck `n' roll; each roll was stuffed by hand. The leather extends to the door panels. The carpet is Rolls Royce material. Even the trunk was treated to leather and RR carpet. The center console holds controls for the Vintage Air A/C system (installed by Frank, along with Larry and Lloyd Selph) and the stereo, as well as an ice box for refreshments. The dash is stock, with gauges restored by Red Line Gauges and contemporary polished billet air vents. The steering wheel and tilt/telescoping column are from an '85 Cadillac. A Pioneer CD/DVD player with Rockford Fosgate amps and Punch subwoofers was installed by Brian Hohman. The Ron Francis wiring kit was installed by Antioch Muffler.






Read more: http://www.rodandcustommagazine.com/featuredvehicles/0908rc_1952_cadillac_convertible/viewall.html

Making a car look different is a pretty simple task. Making a car look more powerful, more elegant, and better proportioned than it did from the factory? That takes a talent, vision, funding, and friends in the right places – especially when you’re starting with something as graceful as a Cadillac. This ’49 Series 62 was formerly an OEM restoration purchased in North Carolina after a life on the west coast. Nearly $285,000 later, the car is a one-of-a-kind custom that has already grabbed attention on a national level. The car is a Goodguys darling, having claimed the Detroit Speed Builder’s Choice Award, Street Rodder Top 100 accolades, as well as Finalist for Kustom of the Year – it’s even on their 2013 Southeastern Nationals t-shirts. Factor in numerous features in publications like Street Rodder and American Rodder and you start to understand – this is a serious custom for a serious enthusiast.

Some of the best customs don’t hit all at once. Instead, they ask onlookers to take a second, third, or even sixth glance before their modifications really begin to shine. This Cadillac has definitely mastered the art of subtlety. The biggest modification is the progressive chopped top which takes 1.5 inches out of the front and 4 inches out of the rear. The new sweeping roofline is a dramatic change, but the amount of work involved in that one piece alone merited a 6-page spread in Street Rod Builder. Other updates include custom B-pillars, custom fender skirts and 3-inch extensions added to the fenders, doors, and quarters to hide the frame rails. Rod Crafters Inc. out of Welcome, NC did the metal work and, looking around the car today, their talents are certainly on display. Covered in a mile-deep coat of black paint, everything lines up perfectly and makes a long-lasting first impression.

While the big ticket modifications may draw you in, it’s the details that will blow you away. The front end is a 100% custom creation that blends ’55 Cadillac Dagmars and ’49 bumper parts with a fabricated grille bar and lower pan. Around the headlights, ’55 Chevy fender brows pair with ’55 parking lights for a completely new but familiar look. Behind the custom fascia, the hood seam has been filled and the hood has been sectioned to better match the car’s updated profile. Despite the amount of work involved, the chop was planned so carefully that new glass wasn’t required, so all the factory-spec pieces are still in place. The side view was more about subtraction than addition, so the rocker trim and large pieces that originally adorned the fenders have been scrapped. The door handles, locks, and antenna have also been shaved, leaving only two thin trim pieces above the wheel wells. While the fins look higher than usual, its just an illusion caused by the reworked decklid – they’re the same height they’ve always been. The beauty of this Cadillac is the fact that, despite being extensively reworked, it could still pass as stock to the casual enthusiast – a true testament to great custom work.

When this Series 62 was born, the new 331ci OHV V8 was all the rage but, of course, a custom Cadillac requires more. The original powerplant has been replaced by a fully rebuilt 425ci V8 that, according to the car’s Street Rodder feature, turns out an impressive 405hp. The 1978-era block received some impressive new hardware that includes a set of Maximum Torque Specialties heads, an Edelbrock intake manifold, an Edelbrock 750-cfm carburetor, and a full MSD ignition system. Turn the key and the big V8 comes to life, producing an authoritative rumble through coated Sanderson headers which channel spent gases into a stainless dual exhaust system with Flowmaster mufflers. The accessory drive turns a 100-amp alternator alongside an air conditioning compressor and power steering pump while, opposite, an aluminum radiator keeps the bay cool with some help from a single electric fan. Of course, appearance is a major concern for a car like this so the engine features a custom cover influenced by the Cadillac’s of today. The piece features a series of mesh-filled cutouts beneath a classic Cadillac badge. The shape is reminiscent of a gun turret dressed in silver and is guaranteed to draw a crowd by itself. Paired with the smooth radiator support, ultra-clean firewall, and sleek inner fenders, this is one impressive bay.

Shine a light under the cruiser to find a thoughtfully assembled undercarriage filled to the brim with modern updates. Behind the 425, a TCI-built TH400 3-speed automatic handles shifting duties with authority while a Ford 9-inch rear with highway-friendly 3.08 gears puts Caddy power to the pavement. Around the drivetrain, the suspension benefits from the addition of a full Fatman sub-frame with tubular control arms and a Fatman 4-link rear suspension. The whole setup rides on an adjustable air-ride system operated by an AccuAir controller. The car practically glides down the highway but, when it comes time to turn, a power-assisted rack-and-pinion system from Fatman makes wheeling the Caddy a breeze. Braking is equally competent power Wilwood disc brakes fed juice through fresh stainless braided flex lines. Early in its show career, the car ran a great looking set of 20-inch wheels but they just didn’t feel right. The set of 15-inch steel wheels with Cadillac covers and Firestone 215/70R15 wide whites that currently adorn the car are the perfect match, completing the car in period-correct style.

If anyone still managed to misread this car as a stock piece, a quick glance at the custom interior would set them straight in a hurry. Stitched together by Chuck Hanna and company at Hot Rod Interiors out of Mooresville, NC this cabin blends a modern look with the heavy dosage of luxury that Cadillacs are known for. Step over the threshold and enter a world of Camel leather, Butter Nut crocodile, and blond wood accents. At the ground level, stainless door sill plates anchor high-end tan carpet with custom floor mats above. The bucket seats are low, slim, and simple, adding a nice modern shape to the cabin. The crocodile inserts are tasteful and add just enough texture to make the leather-wrapped seats pop visually. In the center, a custom console makes space for a crocodile-topped armrest, power window switches, air-ride controls, and a touch-screen JVC AM/FM/CD/DVD head unit with navigation. Slide into the driver seat to admire the pair of attractive Classic Instruments gauges that replace the horizontal stock unit. More blond woodwork, Cadillac script, and a custom vent panel below round out the piece. The door panels and headliner are both full custom pieces and the reworked package tray looks at home behind the custom rear seats. Lift the decklid to find a custom trunk space that continues the full-length console. The attention to detail in this usually-hidden area is every bit as good as the rest of the interior, further supporting what a great build this truly is.
Naturally, there is plenty of paperwork to support this Cadillac. For starters, there is a significant pile of receipts and notes that show a build cost of $284,321 and some change. If that doesn’t convince you to buy this completed car instead of creating your own version, the restoration photos certainly will. The top and reworked decklid were covered by Street Rod Builder while the fender skirt extension was followed by American Rodder. The car’s overall magazine history includes:
• American Rodder – November 2009 (Fender skirt build)
• Street Rod Builder – (December 2009) (Top chop)
• Street Rodder – November 2010 (Feature)
• Street Rodder – December 2010 (Top 100)
• World of Rods – March 2011 (Feature)

Few American brands stand for luxury quite like Cadillac and this custom manages to elevate that trait further than the factory could have ever imagined. With its updated 425ci V8, extensively reworked body, and Chuck Hanna interior that could make a modern Mercedes feel ashamed of itself, this is a special car a for someone who truly appreciates what went into its creation. If you’re ready to add an amazing Cadillac to your garage, get your name on the title of this Cadillac before some else does – it certainly won’t be in our showroom for long.

Cadzilla

Celebrity Owner: Billy Gibbons

The Cadzilla may not be a bona fide supercar but we just don't care. This thing is too damn sexy for us not to include in this list. Created by late hot rod designer extraordinaire, Boyd Coddington, the Cadzilla is one of the most coveted one-off custom cars of all time. Want it? You'll have to wait until ZZ Top front man Billy Gibbons kicks the bucket.

“Emerald Tug” is the name given to Pat Lopez’ 1953 Cadillac 62 Series sled. It still gets it power from the original 331 V8.

THE CAR WAS ORIGINALLY BUILT OVER A THREE YEAR PERIOD FROM 2008-2010 IN CALIFORNIA. THE ORIGINAL OWNER PASSED AWAY AND HIS WIDOW STATED THE CAR COST OVER $85,000 TO BUILD.

THE POWER PLANT IN THIS CUSTOM IS A CADILLAC 500CI BIG BLOCK ENGINE WHICH IS MATED TO A TURBO 400 TRANSMISSION. THE MOTOR RUNS PERFECT AND IS VERY RESPONSIVE AND TIGHT. THE MOTOR HAS NO HARD START CONDITIONS OR SMOKE PROBLEMS. THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS AMAZING AND IS TIGHT AND SMOOTH. THIS CAR DRIVES DOWN THE INTERSTATE AT 75MPH NO PROBLEM. THE MOTOR FEATURES AN FACTORY INTAKE MANIFOLD, QUADRA JET CARB, MECHANICAL FUEL PUMP, HEI DISTRIBUTOR, HEI IGNITION, GRAY PLUG WIRES, FACTORY PULLEYS, FACTORY BRACKETS, FACTORY EXHAUST MANIFOLDS, CHROME VALVE COVERS AND AN ORIGINAL LOOK CUSTOM CADILLAC AIR CLEANERS. THE MOTOR WAS FULLY REBUILT AT TIME OF RESTORATION WITH ALL NEW REPLACEMENT PARTS. THE ENGINE ALSO FEATURES AN UPGRADED ALUMINUM RADIATOR, ALUMINUM OVERFLOW BOTTLE AND DUAL SPAL ELECTRIC COOLING FANS AND A FACTORY COOLING FAN. THE EXHAUST SYSTEM STARTS WITH THE FACTORY EXHAUST MANIFOLDS WHICH FEED INTO THE DUAL EXHAUST SYSTEM FEATURING DUAL TURN DOWN EXHAUST TIPS. THE CAR HAS A LOW CLEAN SOUND AT THE PIPES. THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT LOOKS UNREAL AND EVERYTHING IS EXTRA CLEAN AND TIDY.


THIS SEDANETTE IS A TESTAMENT TO CLEAN STYLING AND EARLY LUXURY CAR LINES. THE CADILLAC DESIGNERS HIT IT ON THE HEAD WITH THE 1949 BODY STYLE. IT IS TRULY ONE OF THE MOST GRACEFUL CARS THAT CADILLAC EVER PRODUCED. THE CAR IS FINISHED AS A 50'S STYLE CUSTOM. THE BODY FEATURES SHAVED DOOR HANDLES, SHAVED EMBLEMS, SHAVED REAR QUARTER TRIM, SHAVED TRUNK LID, FRENCHED ANTENNA AND A PAIR OF FACTORY REAR WHEEL SKIRTS. THE BODY IS EXTREMELY STRAIGHT. THE CAR FEATURES A STUNNING FULL CUSTOM METALLIC EMERALD GREEN OVER METALLIC ARCTIC WHITE TWO TONE PAINT SCHEME WITH MEDIUM GREEN AND SILVER PINSTRIPPING. THE PAINT COLORS COME ALIVE IN THE SUN. THE PAINT ON THIS CAR SHINES LIKE NEW WITH NO AREAS OF CONCERN. FROM AGE AND NORMAL USE THERE ARE A FEW VERY MINOR MISC PAINT CHIPS BUT REST ASSURED NOTHING TAKES AWAY FROM THE OVERALL BEAUTY OF THIS CADILLAC.


THE EXTERIOR FEATURES CHROME BUMPERS, CHROME BUMPERETTES, CHROME GRILLE, CHROME SIDE MOLDINGS, DUAL CHROME SIDE MIRRORS, WINDSHIELD WIPERS (inop), CHROME EXTENDABLE ANTENNA, CHROME FACTORY HOOD ORNAMENT AND A REAR LICENSE PLATE LAMP. THE TURN SIGNAL AND REAR BRAKE LAMP CLUSTERS ARE ALL IN EXCELLENT CONDITION SHOWING NO DAMAGE. THE DRIVER SIDE FLIP OPEN TAILAMP GAS DOOR FUNCTIONS CORRECTLY. THE CHROME AND STAINLESS ON THIS CAR IS SIMPLY AMAZING. EVERY PIECE OF CHROME AND STAINLESS WAS REPLACED, REFINISHED OR REPLANTED. THE TRIM IS TRULY AMAZING AND LOOKS EXCELLENT WITH NO SIGNS OF DAMAGE. THE 15 INCH STEEL WHEELS FEATURE A SET OF 1950 FACTORY CADILLAC SOMBRERO HUBCAPS. THE WHEELS ARE WRAPPED IN A SET OF COKER AMERICAN CLASSIC RADIAL 2 3/4" WIDE WHITE WALL 215/75R15 TIRES SHOWING EXCELLENT CONDITION WITH OVER 95% TREAD LIFE LEFT.


THE INTERIOR OF THIS CAR ALSO RECEIVED A FULL CUSTOM RESTORATION. THE CAR HAS A COMPLETE BRAND NEW INTERIOR. THE STITCH WORK IS AMAZING AND THE QUALITY SHOWS THRU-OUT. EVERYTHING THAT WAS MATERIAL OR CARPET IS ALL BRAND NEW. THE SEATS FEATURE 50'S CUSTOM PLEATS WHICH ARE AS STRAIGHT AS THEY COME. THE INTERIOR ALSO FEATURES A FACTORY FRONT BENCH SEAT, POWER FRONT WINDOWS, VENT WINDOWS, DIMMABLE DASH LIGHTS, OVERHEAD COURTESY DOME LAMP, DAY/NIGHT REAR VIEW MIRROR, DUAL SUN VISORS, COLUMN SHIFTER, VINTAGE AIR HEAT/AIR CONDITIONING CONTROLS, AIR RIDE CONTROL SWITCHES, 12V CIGARETTE LIGHTER, FLOOR MOUNTED HEAD LAMP HIGH BEAM SWITCH AND A PARKING BRAKE RELEASE. THE AUDIO SYSTEM HAS BEEN UPGRADED WITH AN ECLIPSE AM/FM/CD/IPOD AUX CORD/SATELLITE RADIO WITH DOOR PANEL MOUNTED SPEAKERS. THE STOCK GAUGES HAVE ALL BEEN REPLACED WITH WHITE FACE AUTO METER GAUGES THAT ARE MOUNTED IN A CUSTOM ENGINE TURNED ALUMINUM INSERT PANEL. THE DASH HAS BEEN CLEANED UP QUITE A BIT AND THE FACTORY KNOBS HAVE ALL BEEN REPLACED WITH CUSTOM MATCHING BILLET ALUMINUM DECO STYLE UNITS. EVERYTHING MATCHES DOWN TO THE TURN SIGNAL AND SHIFTER ARM KNOBS. THE STEERING WHEEL HAS BEEN REPLACED WITH A CUSTOM BANJO STYLE WHEEL. THE CAR FEATURES A VINTAGE A/C HEAT AND AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM THAT FUNCTIONS CORRECTLY. THE REAR SEAT IS ACCESSED BY THE FLIP FORWARD FRONT SEATS. THE REAR SEAT FEATURES DUAL PADDED ARMRESTS, REAR ASH TRAYS, MANUAL WINDOWS AND A MATCHING PLEATED REAR PACKAGE TRAY. ALL OF THE WINDOWS FUNCTION CORRECTLY. THE DOOR PANELS FEATURE ARMRESTS, CHROME HANDLES AND CHROME TRIM. THE INTERIOR OF THIS CADILLAC IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION AND SHOWS NO SIGNS OF ABUSE.

THIS CADILLAC RECEIVED A COMPLETE BRAND NEW FACTORY REPRODUCTION WIRING HARNESS. THE BEST THING ABOUT THIS CADILLAC IS THAT ALL OF THE HEAD LAMPS, BRIGHTS, TAIL LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, REAR LICENSE PLATE LAMPS, DASH LIGHTS, COURTESY OVERHEAD DOME LAMP, FUEL GAUGE, ODOMETER AND EVEN THE SPEEDOMETER ALL WORK CORRECTLY WITH NO ISSUES.

THE TRUNK OF THIS CAR FEATURES A FULL CUSTOM MATCHING INTERIOR. THE AIR RIDE SYSTEM IS DISPLAYED ON THE PACKAGE TRAY AND FEATURES TWO BRIGHT FINISH COMPRESSORS AND A COLOR MATCHED AND CUSTOM PINSTRIPPED AIR STORAGE TANK. ALL OF THE AIR RIDE VALVE ARE HIDDEN BEHIND THE SIDE PANELS OF THE TRUNK FOR A CLEAN LOOK. THE CARPET PANELS AND FLOOR COVERING ARE ALL IN EXCELLENT CONDITION SHOWING NO SIGNS OF ABUSE.

THE CHASSIS OF THE CAR HAS ALSO RECEIVED THE FULL CUSTOM TREATMENT. THE CAR WAS OUTFITTED WITH A VIA AIR FOUR CORNER AIR RIDE SYSTEM THAT FEATURES TWO VIA AIR 480C COMPRESSORS, STORAGE TANK, 1/2 INCH LINES AND THREE ELECTRONIC VALVES. THE AIR RIDE SYSTEM FUNCTIONS PERFECTLY. THE VALVES HAVE BEEN LIMITED SO THE CAR RAISES/LOWERS SLOWLY. THE VALVES ALSO HAVE MUFFLERS INSTALLED ON THEM SO WHEN YOU LET THE AIR OUT OF THE SUSPENSION YOU DO NOT HEAR ANY NOISE. THE CAR RAISES AND LOWERS ROUGHLY 10-12 INCHES. THE REAR END OF THE CAR HAS RECEIVED A BRAND NEW TRIANGULATED FOUR LINK SUSPENSION KIT. THE CAR FEATURES POWER STEERING AND POWER DRUM BRAKES

Déjà présenté dans les premières pages mais ici avec des photos de meilleures qualités, un custom dans l'esprit de la Caddzilla présentée également ici


1949 Cadillac sitting on a 1976 Cadillac coupe deville chassis , with frt disc brakes , rear drum brakes , 500 cubic inch cadillac engine , 400 cadillac transmission ,
vehicle was built in 1996 , 2 door chopped 4 inches , suicide doors , molding molded in body , fender and body widened 4 inches , power seats ,windows , decoded dash and Colorado custom wheels and telescopic tilt steering wheel