Thread: Hello! I need advice on a possible restoration project...

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So the engine currently in the hearse is not the original engine, but an Overhead Valve Engine. Can you identify the engine or year? If I ask the seller, is there somewhere on the block he can look to identify the make/model/year?

As to what engine will fit, in the late 60's there was a Cadillac LaSalle hearse, 39 I believe, that was running a 426 Hemi. it ran at Lions on Sundays.

Welcome to CHR!

Like others, I would also caution you to very carefully evaluate this as “first project”. There’s an old saying, “time, cost, quality – pick any two.” If you want to build this car without breaking the bank you need to be able to invest a ton (and I mean a TON) of time. If you want it done quick – be prepared to take a second mortgage on your house. I agree it’s a unique and (strangely?) appealing car, but it could easily consume $25 grand in a heartbeat and still be a long way from something that you’d enjoy driving. Dave is spot on with his advice on “burn out” and there are a whole lot of half finished projects available for a fraction of what’s been invested in them.

As to engine(s) – you can make just about anything fit into anything. Ask Barb about stuffing a Caddie motor in a Monte Carlo! – She our resident expert here and could tell you a lot of what she learned and about the little things that need not only fabrication skills but a real good understanding of physics and engineering, i.e., leverage, inclines, direction changes, alignment and a host of other opportunities when transplanting engines and drive trains. I’ve stuffed big blocks into Novas, but have stayed within the Chevy family where there’s a plethora of aftermarket parts and I still end up machining a bracket or linkage here and there. I’ve carved a lot of big aluminum bar stock into little clevises and bell cranks over the years because try as I might, the factory parts just don’t meet my expectations – be prepared to do a lot of this in a restoration of this magnitude.

In all likelihood – you’ll be miles ahead to get a full size “donor” car (big Gm, i.e., Caddie, Buick, Olds or Chevy) and plan on grafting engine and drive train. Don’t discard the possibility of using a late model Suburban - 454 with 4 speed automatic and 12 bolt rear end – ¾ ton disc brakes all around, tilt column, nice buckets, etc. would be a good base to build on realizing that there will be a lot of fabrication for fitment, but a complete vehicle will make compatibility with controls a lot less work.

You’d need a lot of commitment (and as already mentioned, a big garage!) to tackle this project. My advice is to walk away from this one look for a project that’s nearly complete and finish with your touch or even better, buy one that close to what you’re itchin’ for and drive it for a while to see if you’ve truly been bit by the hot rod bug!

If you do decide to “go for it” – make written plans to address everything you’d like to do. Buy or borrow the correct tools – don’t be afraid to ask for help and get a second set of eyes on a component if you have questions. Hot rodders are truly a bunch of guys and gals who love to help – if approached with a contrite and open attitude that shows you’re willing to listen (you’ve shown a great start by coming to this site!) Go slow and be willing to wait for a part that you really want. You’ll rue the day you settle for less on a component rather than save a bit and buy what you really know you’d like!

Let us know what you decide – there’s a lot of help here and several “long term projects”..

Regards,
Glenn

I really appreciate all the advice you've all provided so far. It's a lot of help.

I know I need to table my excitement with some practicality. As much as I want to own a classic hearse, I know it's a huge commitment in time, money, and space. I have a two car garage, but a 21 foot long hearse is not going to fit inside it. (my garage is only 19 feet long from wall to door.)

So this means I would need to keep it in an unheated out building. I have a narrow area I could park a long vehicle, but I'd need to take things into the garage to work on them (like the engine).

If there was a smaller version of a classic 1940s hearse available - even if it was some sort of fabricated kit that fit on a modern frame, I'd be interested in looking at it -- but so far, I haven't been able to find anything like that.

All of these concerns have led me to this site, where I'm hoping to get answers from people with passion, who have been involved in this hobby for years.

It's been very difficult to find information on these older cars. I know the 1941 Cadillac hearse was build on the 75 commercial frame, so it has a body length of just over 21 ft. I can't find that information for the 1952 Cadillac Hearse/Ambulance. I'm guessing it's still built on the 75 commercial frame, but I can't find the dimensions. Any help?

did they make a cadilac nomad station wagon ?.. as pat said hot wrench and welder will fix anything .. i made a long wheelbase dodge truck into a short ...