Image via Jerry Heasley/YouTube
There aren’t too many WWII veterans left these days, so to see one have his beloved 1946 Cadillac fixed so the man could go for one last drive is good for the soul. After all, what better way to express gratitude to a generation that defeated fascism, preserving our very freedom.
Do you think the Maaco paint job on this Pontiac Chieftain looks good?
The Caddie was in what you might call barn find condition after sitting in a garage for 45-plus years. It wasn’t running, had plenty of dust on it, plus the paint had that nice patina people pay a lot of money to try replicating these days.
Being a 1946, this Cadillac was one of the first to roll off the production line after GM and the other US automakers switched from making military machines back to civilian cars after the close of WWII.
The real problem was corrosion on the powertrain keeping the ol’ girl from firing up. The veteran’s son who dragged the Cadillac out of its resting spot, struggled to get it going for over two years.
At first the son thought he would have the car going for his dad’s 100th birthday, then his 101st, but with no luck. After tearing into the engine, the son and others find problem in one of the heads and moisture in a cylinder that’s entirely frozen in place.
Instead of trying to pull rusted parts out of the block and start a lengthy rebuild process, the son was able to find the same engine for sale not too far away. But it still wasn’t easy getting the car running, driving, and stopping safely as many components were shot and finding replacements wasn’t easy.
After a lengthy process and the WWII vet’s 102nd birthday, the son and the rest of the family was able to surprise his dad with the one final ride in the classic Cadillac. To see the smile on the man’s face as he enjoys his old car is priceless. Watch the video for yourself.
Images via Jerry Heasley/YouTube
