Buying a 1969 Cadillac hearse.

[missghoulina]

Didn't really know where to post this, hope it's okay! I posted earlier about wanting to buy a hearse, and I think I found my soul-mate, car wise.

It's a 1969 Cadillac hearse, that according to the owner, was also used as an ambulance.

I'm paying $1600 cash for it, and not until I'm sure the car isn't completely trash, but it has little rust on it, and a tear in the driver's side seat, needs a new exhaust and rear brakeline, though it is driveable. It has rollers in the back, that apparently flip down to become a flat surface. It's not perfect, but he's only the second owner; he bought it from the funeral home around 1996, and has kept in a garage ever since.

Just wanted some of your thoughts on it, since you guys have hearses, and I hope to become a member of your club soon!

So any tips, caveats, helpful hints -- aside from the fact that I'm buying a big-gas-guzzling-always-going-to-need-some-kind-of-repair-monster-mash-mobile -- I'd love to know.

Thanks!

[Dead_Society]

Hey If the Hearse is a runner then I would buy it. 69 Cadillacs are one of my favorite styles. I have owned over 28 Hearse and I have never been able to own a 69. I just bought an old 64 Cadillac. But even if its a little rusty you could always rat rod the thing. I personally would buy something a little newer due to it being your own hearse these old ones always have surprises but nice find indeed. I'm the founder of the dead society hearse club here in Detroit and we are always looking for new members. You can visit are site at www.thedeadsociety.com or email me at www.midevilproductions@msn.com

[missghoulina]

I am buying it. It was originally $1950, and he took $1600. It runs, just needs a new exhaust and brakeline. He's going to try and fix the brakeline for me before I take possession of it.

I want to restore it, because really, why have a hearse if you don't pour all your love and money into it?

But thanks for the links, I'll definately check it out!

[EvilManor]

I am buying it. It was originally $1950, and he took $1600. It runs, just needs a new exhaust and brakeline. He's going to try and fix the brakeline for me before I take possession of it.

I want to restore it, because really, why have a hearse if you don't pour all your love and money into it?

But thanks for the links, I'll definately check it out!

Congrats on your new purchase. Got any pics?

I bought my '69 almost a year ago and just recently got it street legal and on the road. I was told it was drivable and only needed windsheild, plugs/wires and a battery. Boy was he wrong....lol.

Oh btw, the windshield cost a few dollars short of $800 to replace.

[missghoulina]

Well, I'm driving this baby before I pay for it, so it better be driveable, considering it'll need to be, while I'm restoring it.

I've attatched the pictures I have, I think. The other ones won't cooperate with me at the moment.

It's white, but I'm going to repaint it black, at some point later on.

It looks like we'll have the same car, but I'm not sure!

[missghoulina]

I got some more pictures; I have a lot, so I'm going to pare them down. Hope you guys can offer your opinions!

I'm hoping she's still worth $1600 after seeing these pictures!

I don't expect her to be rust free, and I know I can have that fixed.

And the back is filled with his storage stuff, haha.

There is a tear in the seat, and the vinyl roof. And rust along the back door, bottom.

But let me know what you guys think, since this is my first hearse, and restoration project.

[missghoulina]

Wasn't able to get them all uploaded in one shot.

[tonytheskin]

nice

[Helvis]

nice find a '69 crown !!! that one is a keeper !!!Happy Haunting
~E~

[LMS]

Do yourself a favor and tune the thing up before you go out for a drive, do this regardless of how well it seems to run or how well the seller told you it ran.

69 is my favorite as well.

[JustGrim]

Missghoulina--what day you picking her up? I live about an hour and 20 from Frankfort...

[missghoulina]

You're not gonna try and steal my baby, are you?
I'm picking her up on Thursday, the 21st, I believe.

[JustGrim]

Thinking of an escort for distance to ensure you have no problems....plus maybe lunch with the wife and me--couple of hearses at a Cracker Barrel always gets the old folk's blood pressure up at those places!!!

[missghoulina]

Aww, that'd be neat. I'm probably bringing someone with me to drive my current car home, while I drive the hearse, but if you'd want to escort us there, maybe you could look the Cadillac over for me, since you know more about hearses. And definately lunch, if you guys wanted -- I always love making old people gasp.

[cean]

congrats, you will love woking on your car, getting it nice looking again , spending time with it and make it look the way you wan't ther is no better feeling. I am happy for you!!