Needed to be completely rewired.
Required upgrade to internally regulated 80 amp alternator.
Gas tank needed flushing.
I purchased the car thinking that it was completely restored, it was not. The seller lied, but I did got my money's worth out of the vehicle. The entire electrical system was shot and needed to be rewired.
After that I continued to have electrical problems, the car would run dead while driving it. I upgraded to an internally regulated alternator and have not have a problem with it since.
The engine fires up without touching the gas pedal and I was surprised at the power that it had. I have spun the back out on many occasions, and am still impressed with the reliability of the car to this day. It is my daily driver to college.
I've owned 1976 and 1973 Eldorado's in the past, both convertibles. This Deville, while older, just seems to be a superior car. The top design in my opinion is much better then the Eldorado scissor top and is much simpler to operate. If the top motor burns out you can operate the top manually unlike in the Eldo's with their gear operated tops.
It is not that great in the snow because of the rear wheel drive and high torque, but with the weight of the vehicle it can manage if stuck somewhere and you need to get home.
Overall I am amazed at the level of luxury and dependability of the car once given a little TLC. I have taken the car back and forth to the beach, which is a 3 hour trip, numerous times during the summer and it made it there and back every time with no problems.
Your Deville is older, but doesn't have any emissions equipment on it like the other to so it has been neutered in the power department like they have.
I also have a 69 convertible, and I love it. I'm having electrical problems too. For instance, my convertible top switch is broken. The top goes down, but not up. Until I can fix the switch, how do I operate the top manually???
There should be a manual over-ride somewhere near the boot for the cover to the top, any other questions e-mail me, merlin5577@yahoo.com.
Glad to hear you are enjoying your '69 Cadillac DeVille Convertible! 1969 is probably my favorite year for Cadillacs (I own a '69 Fleetwood Brougham (and a '70 Sedan de Ville & '76 limo) ).
The '69s have a lot going for them... the high-compression (10.5:1) engine not choked with anti-smog equipment, last year for the real wood on the dash and door panels, thicker leather seats compared to the '71s, etc.
I advise you keep yours for as long as possible!
My wife & I have 2... a 69 and 70, both convertibles. They are absolutely unstoppable. The most tough, reliable and comfortable cars ever built. A little expensive in the fuel department on todays price margin, but on a sunny day when you get in and drop the top... well... lets just say that it makes it all worthwhile to cruise along in complete comfort with the sun in my face and the wind blowing through what is left of my hair... PRICELESS!
If you watch closely .... even the babes glance your way too!
Greetings, I own a 1973 deville. love it to death...
I am considering purchasing a 1969 4-door in mint condition from a senior citizen... it was her mother's car. purchased new...this woman is like 70 years old and it sits in the garage...
She's thinking bout selling it... i want to make her an offer, but don't want to over or under bid...
I did research... the convertibles seem to be worth a nice buck, but the devilles... were selling for maybe $4000...it's in mint condition in and out...thanks!
*UPDATE* I am the original poster.
The car started to develop a series of minor problems that I did not connect together until it was too late. First the starter broke, but I figured on a 40 year old car I wasn't going to complain about 1 little starter. Then the timing needed to be adjusted after having been tuned up less than two weeks earlier. It all pointed to the timing belt starting to slip (it can cause the engine to turn back on itself slightly, which is what broke the teeth off the starter), but for some reason I just never realized it. Well coming home from class one day with the top down and cruising on the highway, the timing skipped again causing the engine to spin backwards for a fraction of a second at highway speeds. I didn't feel it, but I heard the bang and the car started slowing down. The crank was shattered and the engine needed to be completely rebuilt and possibly replaced. I kicked myself for not realizing what was going on, and a simple timing replacement would have saved the engine. But I decided to sell the car (I did not have the $ to pay for a new engine or installation), and it went to a collector in Sweden who I was told plans to restore it. As he was arranging pick up I found a video on youtube by a band called MEST called Cadillac, and it featured my car! For 2 years I had been using a music video car that had been featured on MTV! Now it is off to see a new life in Europe, and hopefully will be on the road for many decades to come. It was one of the best cars I have ever owned, and I hope one day to buy it back.
Ohhhh...that is so sad. I'm so sorry you had to let the car go! I become depressed reading a lot of the reviews where people have had to give up their fine cars, because I have been there, with my 1970 Torino Cobra 429SCJ. Old cars like this seem to take a part of peoples hearts when they go.
The Original Poster: I don't understand, you give the car such rave reviews and say it was the best you ever owned, but you just keep listing mishaps with it. Is it a bad car to own if you don't have good money to keep getting it fixed or what? I wouldn't mind up-keeping the car bimonthly with oil changes and a new ac or whatever, but replacing the engine and all that?..wooh... Is it a car that will need to be constantly checked for secret problems or can I be at ease?
HI
I am a Chevy girl... I own two 1957's. I have always wanted a convertible Cadillac. I am going to look at a 69 con. this weekend. Any advise? What would be a good price? I have seen pics. know the people.146.000 miles. It looks like it is in great condition. Is there anything I should look out for?
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