Cruseing Speed

[Custom Coffin Works]

I'm thinking about a 1970 Caddy Hearse but was warned about the normal operating speed. He claims to keep it under 55MPH. Any one here want to chime in on their personal Vehicle’s Average driving speed?

Thanks
Custom Coffin Works.com

[northgahearse]

I'm thinking about a 1970 Caddy Hearse but was warned about the normal operating speed. He claims to keep it under 55MPH. Any one here want to chime in on their personal Vehicle’s Average driving speed?

Thanks
Custom Coffin Works.com

my 70 likes anyspeed 55 65 75 its all good in fact my 68 70 71 75 76 and 78 all go fast ........

just make sure all is good as far as what rolls the bearings. rearend etc etc .....these cars are made to haul ass back in the day but all was new and in good working order.... oh and make sure she has good brakes you need thems

[kaptinkaos]

I cruised my hearse from 0-130 mph when it ran, but right now it sits with no engine .

[Abnorml]

I have ran my 73 hearse around 90, didn't even notice until I looked at the speedometer. She just floated down the road.

[Custom Coffin Works]

Wow...so this guy ether has a driving issue or something wrong (lose) with the car. I had a 67 Impala and remember how it was going faster than it seemed. Thanks all.

[mdeanr]

80 or so with my 73 caddy

[BIGEVIL]

If he recommends to keep it under 55mph, he is hiding that there is something wrong with the car.
With that being said, My 70 had a ton (literally) of stereo equipment and 22" wheels. The car was fine at 70+ but I knew it wouldn't stop all that well and not handle a high speed emergency maneuver (say to avoid an accident or something in the road) so I rarely took mine on the freeway.

[Custom Coffin Works]

The car was fine at 70+ but I knew it wouldn't stop all that well and not handle a high speed emergency maneuver (say to avoid an accident or something in the road) so I rarely took mine on the freeway.

I would like to think that is the case here. This hearse is in Tucson and had been flagged several times on Craigslist too. I'm a pretty good mechanic so I'll certainly check it out.
Thanks

[EvilManor]

I'm thinking about a 1970 Caddy Hearse but was warned about the normal operating speed. He claims to keep it under 55MPH. Any one here want to chime in on their personal Vehicle’s Average driving speed?

Thanks
Custom Coffin Works.com

Did he say why? Definately sounds like he is either not familiar with the car and what might need to be fixed or is trying to hide something.

[Custom Coffin Works]

Did he say why? Definately sounds like he is either not familiar with the car and what might need to be fixed or is trying to hide something.

Here is what he said.
" Also keep in mind that I personally do not take this car above 55 mph. With its upgrades it has the potential of getting to 100+ but I have never risked it. this is a very heavy car that was not geared for high speeds. The last time we took it to phoenix for a car show it took us 2 1/2 hours. Its great for crusin but not friendly on the highway. It Drives well but you piss off a lot of people trying to pass you. With the weight of the vehicle you have to take it easy or risk damage. Many people selling these vehicles wont tell you the downfalls but I want to be honest. I know you are probably familiar with hearses but I try letting everyone know who is interested in purchasing it. Since you are planning to drive it back to phoenix I just wanted to tell you approx how long it will take. We have driven it many places in AZ and I use it as a daily driver and have done everything possible to keep it reliable."

I looking to trade my 2000 Pathifnder striaght across for this car. From the pictures it look clean.

[Custom Coffin Works]

Car runs just fine at 70 mph.....

[Morella]

Is this hearse in Tucson a 3-way? I try to keep track of the ones in Tucson, because there are so few. There is a guy at Park Mall who has a three-way, this I know just because my husband asked the owner if the table worked. There was a three-way for sale in front of a bar a few years ago. The doors still worked, but the table mound had been covered over with some panelling or something. There was also a white full-sized hearse that was seen parked in front of a flower shop a few times, and gets mistaken for mine. I have a 76 white Superior 3-way, identifiable by a rust hole in the left lower rear, but no obvious rust anywhere else.

I have run my hearse from Tucson to Dallas and back at speeds up to 80 mph, which my husband preferred. We were doing a caravan, and we had a few discussions over the radio, because I felt more comfortable in the low 70's, just because of the feel, and the fuel consumption. It sort of throbs as it passes 70, and then stops doing it above that. The carrier bearing feels solid, but many cars, even those with one-piece driveshafts, that have the luxury CV-type joints have balance problems. If I were going to do a lot of highway driving above 65-70 mph, I would have the driveline balance checked by a shop. It could also be a rear tire, or a rubber mount, even an engine mount. I've replaced some of my spring end mount inserts. The drive line angle needs to be correct, and consistent. The frame needs to be straight too, of course.

I'm not really clear about what this problem is with the subject coach above 55 mph. Is it a rumble, or an engine overspeed? Some people who drive a heavy vehicle like to feel acceleration, or do short drag races in the city (please don't do this), and they will gear it up to the 4's. All other things being equal, a vehicle that is geared higher than the mid 3's is not usually good for fast cruising, although there are other factors.

In short, I'm most comfortable and efficient at 65 mph or so, but I can push it harder.

-denise

[Custom Coffin Works]

Yes this is a three way. It was owned by a tattoo artist before the guy I bought it from, got it. It was painted black from the original gray within the last year. The back has carpet down. No table..bummer. I will give it a once over before I take it over 75mph. Maybe you've seen this one? I think it came from Sherman Oaks as it had a dealership plate mounted on the front bumper. I posted pictures on the other thread " I finally am a hearse owner".

[Morella]

I don't know it. It may have just come to town, unless it's the one from Park Mall. Do you live in Tucson? I'm on the near east side. I'm always happy to trade knowledge <-> help <-> garage equipment <-> stout ale. I have lots of specialty equipment here, because instead of sending something out to be done, I've always used the money to buy the special tools and done it myself, even if they're not the best tools.

Anyway, if you're not too far from me and you want to do some hearsing around, send me a PM or email.

-denise

[Custom Coffin Works]

Sorrry, I live up in North Phoenix. Thanks for the offer anyway.
Marry Christmas...to all!