Pondering - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Andy4639 · 08-04-2013, 04:56 PM

OK here is what I got.
I have a 94 Elderado touring coupe that our son wrecked a month ago. It's a salvaged title car so it's not worth the $2500-3000 to fix it. It would be worth maybe $1500.00 so!

I was thinking of buying this truck for I hope around $1000.00 and put all the caddy stuff in it. Motor, trans, gas tank everything and yes make it front wheel drive.
Put all the interior everything I can in the truck.
The truck has no running gear at all in it. Clean the truck up and get it it running and drive it.
I know it will take a lot of work but it's just time then it can be done when I can get to it.

DGulliver · 08-04-2013, 05:02 PM

Errr, no. It's front wheel drive- just......no. Lol

19673ontree · 08-04-2013, 05:07 PM

No on the fwd
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eagleuh1 · 08-04-2013, 05:11 PM

Do it just to say you did it.

cayce_brunswick- · 08-04-2013, 06:18 PM

I hope you can buy that truck for less than a grand
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Andy4639 · 08-04-2013, 06:40 PM

I haven't called him yet but I think I can also. I know making it FWD isn't the best way and if I could find a way to put the motor in it with a regular trans I would think hard about doing that instead. I sure hate the caddy just sitting out back. Anybody know of adapter to do this.

**Boog** · 08-04-2013, 07:26 PM

It would sure be different Andy. I think that's a 4.6 Lt engine. The swap would most likely be easier if you cut the caddy frame at the firewall and splice it into the truck frame. That way all your mounts are already there, suspension and all. It could make for a nice cruiser.

71sierragrande · 08-04-2013, 07:53 PM

First off, anything that gets the truck out of the field is good. Is the eldorado worth anything? Id try to sell it and do something more relative to the truck. But, as I said, whatever gets it out of the field...good luck

In The Ten Ring · 08-04-2013, 09:21 PM

If I had such ability.....

Go for it man! Although it would be much easier (read "faster") to put in the regular 6 cylinder, rwd set up, not to mention much, much cheaper. Especially if you could sell the wrecked car and then the money saved could perhaps fix up the truck a bit. But hey, it's your stuff man and it's a super interesting idea.

Keep us posted with lots of pics!

Tinkermc · 08-04-2013, 09:32 PM

Since it's a new idea I would splice the frame in and then all front end with no guess work at all. Just think at a car show with the hood up and there she is a Caddy under the hood. Like nike said "Just do It"

faribran · 08-04-2013, 09:39 PM

Andy, funny you post this. I was just thinking about the possibility of front wheel drive in one of our trucks. Am liking the suggestion of prior post of grafting the caddy front end to the truck frame.
Was good to meet u in bham on power tour. Who knows, maybe u can run power tour next year on this truck.
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tommys72 · 08-04-2013, 10:07 PM

Put a 5.3 in it and drive it how it sits....I dig it
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Andy4639 · 08-05-2013, 07:16 AM

The whole point of this is to get something out of the wrecked Caddy. The car already had a salvaged title before it was wrecked so now if i sell it as is it's worth about $500.00 whole. If I take everything out of it and put into the truck I can have a truck to drive and have a one of a kind front wheel drive.
Needless to say something to talk about at shows.

slow-1 · 08-05-2013, 07:32 AM

It would be a LOT of work...but would be pretty cool if done right.
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PanelDeland · 08-05-2013, 08:37 AM

Might work better with a frame swap.Could be pretty low though.and the frame would need to be stretched.Still a cool idea and would turn some heads and some noses up.I think this type of innovative thinking is what got the hobby started.

68Stepbed · 08-05-2013, 08:49 AM

If memory serves me right, that Caddy basically has a Chevy 350. The 4.6 Northstar didn't show up until the later 90's. If that's correct, I just simply wouldn't do it.

Here's why. First off, you want to put this in a truck. Trucks already have an unbiased weight balance(heavier up front). The Caddy is engineered for this weight balance in the car chassis and platform. When you install this into a truck with the entire drivetrain into the front, it's going to be too nose heavy, and in all reality, will probably not drive well at all. I believe that understeer, which fwd cars are notorious for, will be greatly increased in a truck platform and become an issue at even low speeds.

I don't think it's a bad idea just because I don't like fwd vehicles, but because I don't think it will be a safe vehicle to drive when completed.

**Tom Vogel** · 08-05-2013, 09:07 AM

No

FL71C10 · 08-05-2013, 09:21 AM

I saw a flatbed truck at the Daytona Turkey Rod Run last year with an Eldorado powertrain in it.

I agree that it would be cool, but I also think you would be opening a huge can or worms. You've got to be one heck of a fabricator to make that work.

Andy4639 · 08-05-2013, 11:15 AM

94 Elderado has the northstar 4.9 in it. I'm no where near doing this yet just thinking out loud about what to do with a perfectly good running motor and trans but the car isn't worth fixing.

Bigdav160 · 08-05-2013, 11:32 AM

The 4.9 was not a Northstar. It is a bored and stroked HT4.1 V8

In fact the whole idea is

Andy4639 · 08-05-2013, 12:20 PM

I stand corrected on the motor but weather it is are isn't doesn't matter, the fact is it's free with just my labor which is also free if I decide to do it.
This is what google says it is.
4.6L V8 DOHC 32V FI Engine

I know it gets 24 miles to a gallon and that would be nice in a 72 truck. It want get that good I'm sure but I bet it will get better than most carb trucks of the same year.

mmiddle · 08-05-2013, 12:25 PM

It's a Sacrilege! A blasphamy

But, it is your truck! What ever you decide to do, enjoy it and keep us posted

jkeady · 08-05-2013, 01:56 PM

That sounds like a simple, inexpensive project that will be very quick and fun to complete.

**nightmare** · 08-05-2013, 02:40 PM

you could always install the engine in the bed, and make the front a trunk.

you know, a mid-engine, rear-wheel drive truck.

CastIron · 08-05-2013, 02:46 PM

Way to much fabrication, in my opinion. Especially if you haven't done anything like this before. I think it would cost a lot more too. If you want a front wheel drive pickup, just buy a 4wd and remove the rear drive shaft.

Seriously, I'd sell the Caddy for whatever you can get. It may not be much, but maybe enough to buy a wrecked car or pickup with a drivetrain that would bolt into the pickup.

08-04-2013, 04:56 PM	#1
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,936	Pondering OK here is what I got. I have a 94 Elderado touring coupe that our son wrecked a month ago. It's a salvaged title car so it's not worth the $2500-3000 to fix it. It would be worth maybe $1500.00 so! I was thinking of buying this truck for I hope around $1000.00 and put all the caddy stuff in it. Motor, trans, gas tank everything and yes make it front wheel drive. Put all the interior everything I can in the truck. The truck has no running gear at all in it. Clean the truck up and get it it running and drive it. I know it will take a lot of work but it's just time then it can be done when I can get to it. Attached Images __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

08-04-2013, 05:02 PM	#2
DGulliver Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Southern TN Posts: 227	Re: Pondering Errr, no. It's front wheel drive- just......no. Lol __________________ '72 Chevrolet Step Side 350/TH350, '63 C10 Step V8 '74 Trans Am 400, '80 Trans Am Indy Pace Car Mercedes AMG S55, SLK230 Kompressor, GL450 '96 Dodge Indy Ram Official Indy Truck '99 Porsche 911 Carrera

08-04-2013, 05:07 PM	#3
19673ontree CAN'T FIX NOTHIN Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: SOUTHRUST VIRGINIA !!! Posts: 2,112	Re: Pondering No on the fwd Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1967 C10 Shortbed Fleetside Small back glass 6 cyl 3spd on the tree 3.08 gears underdash AC

08-04-2013, 05:11 PM	#4
eagleuh1 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Russellville, Arkansas Posts: 1,699	Re: Pondering Do it just to say you did it.

08-04-2013, 06:18 PM	#5
cayce_brunswick- Registered User Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: paducah Ky Posts: 46	Re: Pondering I hope you can buy that truck for less than a grand Posted via Mobile Device

08-04-2013, 06:40 PM	#6
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,936	Re: Pondering I haven't called him yet but I think I can also. I know making it FWD isn't the best way and if I could find a way to put the motor in it with a regular trans I would think hard about doing that instead. I sure hate the caddy just sitting out back. Anybody know of adapter to do this. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

08-04-2013, 07:26 PM	#7
Boog laying low Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Searcy, Ark. USA Posts: 12,957	Re: Pondering It would sure be different Andy. I think that's a 4.6 Lt engine. The swap would most likely be easier if you cut the caddy frame at the firewall and splice it into the truck frame. That way all your mounts are already there, suspension and all. It could make for a nice cruiser. __________________ Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross

08-04-2013, 07:53 PM	#8
71sierragrande Petroleum User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: San Diego, California Posts: 928	Re: Pondering First off, anything that gets the truck out of the field is good. Is the eldorado worth anything? Id try to sell it and do something more relative to the truck. But, as I said, whatever gets it out of the field...good luck __________________ 1971 GMC Sierra Grande 2WD 1/2 ton, 350/400 auto 2008 Chevy Silverado 2WD 1/2 ton LT1 5.3L auto

08-04-2013, 09:21 PM	#9
In The Ten Ring Registered User Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: West Virginia Posts: 6,421	Re: Pondering If I had such ability..... Go for it man! Although it would be much easier (read "faster") to put in the regular 6 cylinder, rwd set up, not to mention much, much cheaper. Especially if you could sell the wrecked car and then the money saved could perhaps fix up the truck a bit. But hey, it's your stuff man and it's a super interesting idea. Keep us posted with lots of pics!

08-04-2013, 09:32 PM	#10
Tinkermc Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Farmville, Va Posts: 3,027	Re: Pondering Since it's a new idea I would splice the frame in and then all front end with no guess work at all. Just think at a car show with the hood up and there she is a Caddy under the hood. Like nike said "Just do It"

08-04-2013, 09:39 PM	#11
faribran Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: AL Posts: 1,828	Re: Pondering Andy, funny you post this. I was just thinking about the possibility of front wheel drive in one of our trucks. Am liking the suggestion of prior post of grafting the caddy front end to the truck frame. Was good to meet u in bham on power tour. Who knows, maybe u can run power tour next year on this truck. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ "

08-04-2013, 10:07 PM	#12
tommys72 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: springfield mo Posts: 3,075	Re: Pondering Put a 5.3 in it and drive it how it sits....I dig it Posted via Mobile Device __________________ United States Marine Corps 2000-2011 Iraq and Afghanistan veteran Just living life now and enjoying it and my wife, daughter and son

08-05-2013, 07:16 AM	#13
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,936	Re: Pondering The whole point of this is to get something out of the wrecked Caddy. The car already had a salvaged title before it was wrecked so now if i sell it as is it's worth about $500.00 whole. If I take everything out of it and put into the truck I can have a truck to drive and have a one of a kind front wheel drive. Needless to say something to talk about at shows. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

08-05-2013, 07:32 AM	#14
slow-1 Registered User Join Date: May 2013 Location: Central NC Posts: 830	Re: Pondering It would be a LOT of work...but would be pretty cool if done right. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1972 Cheyene C-10 "Ole Green" My Grandfathers truck (early 70's to 1983) My first vehicle (1983) Original 350 (3 rebuilds) 700R4 from Bowtie Overdrives Last edited by slow-1; 08-05-2013 at 07:39 AM.

08-05-2013, 08:37 AM	#15
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Re: Pondering Might work better with a frame swap.Could be pretty low though.and the frame would need to be stretched.Still a cool idea and would turn some heads and some noses up.I think this type of innovative thinking is what got the hobby started. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"



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08-05-2013, 08:49 AM	#16
68Stepbed Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: 10-Uh-See Posts: 5,609	Re: Pondering If memory serves me right, that Caddy basically has a Chevy 350. The 4.6 Northstar didn't show up until the later 90's. If that's correct, I just simply wouldn't do it. Here's why. First off, you want to put this in a truck. Trucks already have an unbiased weight balance(heavier up front). The Caddy is engineered for this weight balance in the car chassis and platform. When you install this into a truck with the entire drivetrain into the front, it's going to be too nose heavy, and in all reality, will probably not drive well at all. I believe that understeer, which fwd cars are notorious for, will be greatly increased in a truck platform and become an issue at even low speeds. I don't think it's a bad idea just because I don't like fwd vehicles, but because I don't think it will be a safe vehicle to drive when completed. __________________ Matt 68 C10 stepside, LS1/700R4, TCI Engineering suspension system

08-05-2013, 09:07 AM	#17
Tom Vogel 2WD Jimmy Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Davis County, Utah Posts: 2,563	Re: Pondering No

08-05-2013, 09:21 AM	#18
FL71C10 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Orlando, Florida Posts: 2,506	Re: Pondering I saw a flatbed truck at the Daytona Turkey Rod Run last year with an Eldorado powertrain in it. I agree that it would be cool, but I also think you would be opening a huge can or worms. You've got to be one heck of a fabricator to make that work. __________________ 71 Chevy C10 Shortbed Stepside. LT1 with 4l60E. Just got back from painter, in assembly now.

08-05-2013, 11:15 AM	#19
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,936	Re: Pondering 94 Elderado has the northstar 4.9 in it. I'm no where near doing this yet just thinking out loud about what to do with a perfectly good running motor and trans but the car isn't worth fixing. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

08-05-2013, 11:32 AM	#20
Bigdav160 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Klein Texas Posts: 3,852	Re: Pondering The 4.9 was not a Northstar. It is a bored and stroked HT4.1 V8 In fact the whole idea is __________________ My Classics: '72 K20 Suburban + '65 Dodge Town Wagon '72 Corvette Roadster +'67 Corvette Roadster '73 Z-28 Camaro '63 Ford SWB Uni Pickup '50 Ford Coupe

08-05-2013, 12:20 PM	#21
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,936	Re: Pondering I stand corrected on the motor but weather it is are isn't doesn't matter, the fact is it's free with just my labor which is also free if I decide to do it. This is what google says it is. 4.6L V8 DOHC 32V FI Engine I know it gets 24 miles to a gallon and that would be nice in a 72 truck. It want get that good I'm sure but I bet it will get better than most carb trucks of the same year. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

08-05-2013, 12:25 PM	#22
mmiddle Registered User Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Forestburg, Texas Posts: 659	Re: Pondering It's a Sacrilege! A blasphamy But, it is your truck! What ever you decide to do, enjoy it and keep us posted __________________ Mark Jesus is the Way! 2003 2500HD CCLB Duramax/Ali (Clifford) 2014 2SS/RS black on black Camaro (Betty) 2006 Pontiac SOLSTICE silver/black (Lula-Bell) 1970 C/10 Short Wide (Peggy) 1964 C/10 Short Step (Hambone) RIP Jimmy Hamilton Thank you for the trucks

08-05-2013, 01:56 PM	#23
jkeady Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Salem, OR Posts: 127	Re: Pondering That sounds like a simple, inexpensive project that will be very quick and fun to complete. __________________ Josh '70 Custom Camper / 20

08-05-2013, 02:46 PM	#25
CastIron Registered User Join Date: May 2013 Location: Oregon Posts: 326	Re: Pondering Way to much fabrication, in my opinion. Especially if you haven't done anything like this before. I think it would cost a lot more too. If you want a front wheel drive pickup, just buy a 4wd and remove the rear drive shaft. Seriously, I'd sell the Caddy for whatever you can get. It may not be much, but maybe enough to buy a wrecked car or pickup with a drivetrain that would bolt into the pickup.

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