Old Cadillac restore

[daniel686]

Just got the boat. It's a 14 foot Cadillac v-bottom with a 25 hp Mercury. Gonna strip her down and clean her up. I do believe it's a late 50's model Cadillac, not for sure on the year or what model, so if anyone could help with that it would be great. I looked through all the old Cadillac brochures online, but haven't seen anything that looks exactly like the boat.

Here are some pictures. The boat is in pretty good shape as far as I can see. There are no big dents or dings. It was my friends grandmas boat. I was out in the boat about a year and a half ago, and it drove pretty good. The trailer needs some wheel grease, little paint, and already have new tires for it. The motor ran alright when it was on the water, but I think I will have the local boat shop give me their opinion. The one thing I'm worried about is the tarp had been ripped and some water is in the rear end. The water has frozen and is about 6 inches deep or so in the area in the back, that's why it's leaning. The drain plug is out but probably got clogged with a leaf. I half *** pulled the rest of the tarp off to take the pics. The back of the boat is not pushed out or anything from the ice block so I think it will be alright, but not really sure. I think $200 was more than a fare price for her.

 

[jbcurt00]

Yep, once you remove all the ugly (fishing seats and pedestals) and the debris, it'll look like a nice looking old tin boat.

Congrats on a successful rescue and posting the 'as found' pix. Perhaps some of the leaves blew out on the way home.

Look thru the info here, may be able to ID her......

 

[gm280]

I see it even has a winch system on it. If everything checks out okay, not a bad deal. Of course it will take some work to verify everything is good and fix the things that are not... Keep posting pictures and updates.

 

[hadaveha]

You did very well it's got to be worth that in scrap

 

[daniel686]

You did very well it's got to be worth that in scrap

Thats funny, I told my brother the same thing. The motor, which I know runs is worth $200.

 

[daniel686]

Hey would this boat be considered a closed bow? What is the reasoning for the transom to be closed in like it is? Also after doing a measure on the boat it's a little over 16 foot, not a 14. The transom is in need of new wood also. I've been trolling some other threads on here, and white oak was mentioned. What type of epoxy should I use on the wood? Is there another type of wood that is in better supply here in Indiana, other than white oak? I will start with these questions lol, I have a thousand more to ask. It's been cold here in my parts, but I will post some more detailed pics with the boat cleaned out.

 

[jbcurt00]

Yes, closed bow

IMO, closed in is a design feature, and possibly mimic wooden boats of that era. It also 'hides' the gas can and possibly any other gear

 

[hadaveha]

I'm not sure why it's closed in but I freaking like it nothing like the quirks of an old boat

 

[LastDollar]

Here is a site that has a lot of photos, Cadillac Boats might help with your restore. I have a 1960 "14ft" Cadillac


.

 

[daniel686]

Thanks for the input from all you guys! Your 1960 looks to be in good shape LastDollar. I think if my wife hears one more word about my boat, she is going to drag me out back and put me in a hole!

 

[hadaveha]

I have found that boats cost a lot to own, but wife's cost a heck of lot more to get rid of

 

[64osby]

I think if my wife hears one more word about my boat, she is going to drag me out back and put me in a hole!

In my state my wife owns half of the boat. Even if my name is on the title.

The forum is a great outlet so you don't have to drive the Admiral crazy.

 

[daniel686]

Does anyone have experience with aluminum brazing rods? There is no hull damage or anything, just filling some holes and cosmetic stuff. My brother said he has been looking for an excuse to buy a spool gun for the miller, but I have no experience welding aluminum and don't really want to start on my new boat. Will the brazing rods hold up?

 

[putback]

I'll be darned. Best I can tell I have the same boat. Mine is badged Mohawk. Almost no info to be found except Mohawk was bought out by Cadillac way back. Tried to put up some pics to compare to yours but can't make it work. I also have some bolt holes to plug and stumbled on this, Durafix.com. Check out their vids. I'm gonna give it a try.

 

[daniel686]

I'll be darned. Best I can tell I have the same boat. Mine is badged Mohawk. Almost no info to be found except Mohawk was bought out by Cadillac way back. Tried to put up some pics to compare to yours but can't make it work. I also have some bolt holes to plug and stumbled on this, Durafix.com. Check out their vids. I'm gonna give it a try.

Hey thanks putback, I will check that site out. Would like to see some pics also if you can get them working. I use Photo bucket and this forum was a little different than the other forums I load pics on. Shoot me a PM and I will give you my email.

 

[jbcurt00]

Seems there is no middle ground w either of those rods, some guys hate them and couldnt get them to work right, others love them and claim they work great....

All Metal and Lab Metal are both JB type fillers that claim to work better then JB and have metal in the filler

. Many fill w JB and use a latch panel to support the patch from below or to cover the repair in a visible area. Some also use MarineTex for samller repairs /damage