So I've got a 63 Cadillac...

So my boss picked up a 63 Cadillac fleetwood I believe. It's been sitting in our shop for awhile now and he bought it with motor and trans out of it & the previous owner got it from an estate sale with little to no info. So I had a buddy at the transmission shop tell me that the trans is done for.... He can rebuild it for $1200. I could probably figure out the rebuild myself but can't find and parts for it.. So here's where we're at. He was wanting to restore it for his wife without it being a money pit (within reason anyways...we all know how that goes) motor is a 390 all original.. I'm sure we can rebuild it and make it run. Basically I'm looking for any genius suggestions on .... Parts suppliers, cheap solutions that get me going.. He would like to stick with the motor that we have if possible... Any thoughts?

 

Chevy 350/350 combo for starters! Good luck ~sololobo~

 

Kanter for trans kit, brakes, front end rebuild. I've always gotten good stuff from them. USA Parts Supply and Fusick Automotive for other goodies.
Put up some pics, the '63 is one of my favorite Cadillacs.

 

There's an adapted kit through speedway to hook up a Chevy trans to the cadillac 390

 

To me that's just not a car I'm willing to put a 350 in.. I will check out those parts suppliers and try to come up with a game plan. Thanks!

 

You can try McVey's in Kansas as well...they specialize in a lot of Cadillac stuff...also there's a thread around here that lists so many, many Cadillac parts suppliers it'll make your head spin... I used to have it saved but haven't looked at it in years...I'll see if I can find it...

My '55 Caddy build: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=329070&highlight=the+best+55+caddy+build

R-

 

I'd find a newer model Caddy and swap the running gear. Junker should be cheap and easy to find.

 

Never replace a gm big block with something like a 350. I'd stick with the 390

 

Huh?

 

Good suggestions! Much appreciated

 

Just about anything you need to know can be found on this site.
Here is a link to the engine fact page.
63 390 different than the other years.
http://6364cadillac.ning.com/profiles/blogs/enginesandtransmissions

 

Dont bother with a 350. Stay cadillac all the way. I've got a 390 short block rebuilt for ya. Got a pair heads ill need tested first to make it into a long block. I got it from a 63 CDV i parted out about 2 years ago now. I've got some chrome trim and interior odds and ends too.
My CDV is complete so just let me know what you're missing.