1948 Cadillac Convertible – Golden Empress
FollowVehicle Quick Facts
Profile ID: 2170
Year: 1949
Make: Cadillac
Model:
Markets: Classic & Antique, Rod & Custom
Vehicle Type: American
Contact: Ryan’s Rod & Kustom
Vehicle Story
Finding The Empress
After selling his wife Lori’s 1948 Cadillac Convertible last fall, Chris found a project to replace it. Searching the web, he came across a rusted and neglected 1949 Cadillac Convertible on eBay that was located in Ohio.
Without hesitation, Ryan bought the car and had it delivered to his shop. When it arrived, he was saddened by what was in front of him... The rusted bucket had no floor pans, no rocker panels, and weather-beaten rot across the entire body. He later found out that the car he bought was disassembled and sandblasted years back and left to sit thereafter.
“I found a rough ’49 and started the build from there,” said Ryan.
Despite the car’s severe condition, his wife still wanted it. When asked about the three biggest challenges faced during the project, Chris was quick to respond.
“Rust, rust, and more rust,” said Ryan. “We were under a time crunch to get it to the Detroit Autorama and I was trying to sway my wife towards my vision of the project.”
With a lot of work in front of them, Ryan, his wife, and his team began the journey to bring the ’49 Cadillac convertible back to its former glory.
Build Sheet
Manufacturers
- Alumicraft - Accelerator and Brake pedals
- Coker Tire Company - Firestone tires
- CON2R - Steering Wheel
- Dynotech Engineering - Driveshaft
- Fatman Fabrication - Stage V front clip
- IDIDIT, LLC. - Steering Column
- PPG Industries Inc. - Paint
- RideTech - 1000 Series ShockWave air ride system
- Ron Francis Wiring - Wiring
- Sanderson Headers - Headers
- Wilwood Disc Brakes - Brakes
- Wizard Cooling - Radiator
Shops
- Ryan’s Rod & Kustom - Complete Build
