1955 Cadillac Abandoned in a junkyard for 60 years! will it run?

[@johnfranklin5277]

My parents bought a 58 cadillac in 1960 from a Doctor friend of theirs. I was one year old. My parents married in 1943, but in 63, they divorced. 😔 Mom got the caddy. I grew up with this car, and she kept the car and finally gave it to me in 1982, she knew i wanted it very much. Lifelong Southern California car, ive kept it in great shape, The body and undercarriage is rust free, it has the optional power windows, wonderbar radio, and super rare Factory AC. Prestwick gray, a dark metallic color, and 2 tone silver interior. I Had the original engine rebuilt in 2011 , burning oil, kept the original crank, rockers, and of course block and heads. No more blowby! Runs great. 5 years ago it got its original transmission rebuilt. Was still shifting fine, but leaking transmission fluid like crazy. Rock hard seals....on the road, and a real attention getter. Thanks for this video, enjoyed it, but feel sorry for this old girl.

[@danteardenz2670]

Its so great to have the Cadillac you grew up with! What a tresure ! I rode in a Alamo Biege 58 as a boy . Good memories, and Cadillac forever.

[@johnfranklin5277]

@@danteardenz2670 Thanks! Appreciate your reply! Yes I'm very grateful to have a lifelong touchstone to my parents and a piece of family history. Be well.

[@DynamicSeq]

Love the 58..

[@MarkHagan-uu2rh]

😊😊😊

[@MarkHagan-uu2rh]

😊

[@steeliewheelies]

Something that always brings me back is the effort you both throw into breaking old locked engines loose. It means the world to me.

[@theetravisb]

Appreciate it we give it our best

[@tomsmith8701]

I know this is a reach but my son lives in mesa and is new to Arizona. His jeep blew a manifold gasket and is need of a reliable mechanic. If you know anyone in that area. Just a concerned dad trying to help my son out. I'm in ohio and can't help from here.

[@OutontheRanchwithDrLee-xb4lo]

Travis.... I really think you were born about 3 generations too late! You should have seen these beautiful 50's Caddy's rolling down the roads when they were brand new!!! It was awe inspiring!

[@steeliewheelies]

I wish I could have been there too. Not a day goes by I don’t day dream about that life

[@8stwd]

i believe he did, and his soul returned for keep those beauties on the roads ❤

[@Mohawk21-oi1nit]

Pull the motor completely out and clean everything! Start from scratch..... You are gonna have to to get the car on the road AGAIN! Willy would be PROUD!

[@AaronBlair]

I would also like to see a complete teardown/rebuild of the engine, if you have the time. Even if just to discover why it was locking up constantly.

[@KimberlyRichardson-j3k]

My husband and I watch all your videos and we really enjoy them. Our oldest son paints and restores old and new vehicles. He’s currently painting a 1936 Nash. I encourage you to look this one up because there were very few made and the gentleman he’s painting for owns one of I think 2 made. It’s beautiful!!!

[@ry491]

I just find it so sad that these beautiful cars have been left to rot. They are wirks of art never to be made again . Junkyards always make me emotional . Great to see guys like you who love them . I remember using those spark plug extenders years ago to stop fouling on old cars I used to own . I have an old Granada here in the UK . She's still in good order and I use her often . Gets lots of attention . I will never part with it. My late wife loved cruising in her and going to shows . I miss her sitting there beside me in it .

[@markvitagliano27]

The new cars today are just plain ugly. No style, no class and no attitude. I drive an older Lincoln and won't part with it. Ill never understand how someone can think a Prius is appealing. The 50s 60s and 70s have a soul. The newer cars do absolutely nothing for me

[@CAROLDDISCOVER-2025]

Great father and son team The two of you work on a variety of classics. The international is still my favorite.

[@jameslandi4688]

That "switch" on the package rear shelf controls the outside air scoop intake/and floor cabin recirculation... if closed, it recirculates the interior cabin air... if open, it allows outside air into the evaporator box The air intake for the cabin is on the floor in the rear. I had a short deck model 62, from 1964-75, and used it daily..that a/c was so strong, that I had to have a towel on my shoulder in hot weather--condensate from the chrome upper vents would condense moisture and drip . The engine looks to be a candidate for rebuilding...as you said, it is entirely worn out, but apparently fixable---those engines of that era would start burning oil at a little over 100k miles.

[@charlieboisvert9699]

😊 so happy you guys saved that old girl when ya all loaded it up made me cry so happy tears

[@stoneyswolf]

I still remember 40 years ago in the salvage yards these cars were still really nice even smelled good still. Nobody really gave them a second thought so many good cars you could get back then

[@Monaghan]

Love the channel. Your dad is the man, reminds me of my dad.

[@outboardnut]

Love your low budget way of doing things also is great seeing your dad on there

[@joelmurphy7980]

Back in about 1977 a high school friend of mine bought a fairly nice '55 Caddy four door for $500. Used but not ragged I guess you'd call it. You'd be surprised how many kids you can sneak into the drive in movies in the trunk of a '55 Caddy. The thing rode like a cloud and the seats were like sofas.

[@theetravisb]

Wish I coulda drove them before they looked like this 🥲

[@JeffKopis]

Yeah, in the mid 70's, a '50s boat was just a 20 year old gas hog. Nobody wanted em. My 57 Chrysler was free in 1975, and it was clean and straight!

[@stzomah56]

Have had my 56 coupe since 1975 and hid a few kids in the trunk at the drive in too. We also got changed in the trunk at Wildwood Jersey Shore. Still have the car and have been restoring it over the past 40+ years. About to take it to Pensacola on a trailer... moving to FL...

[@supraman49]

Your such a knowledgeable person Travis, what a threat to listen to you, thanks for the great videos!

[@theetravisb]

Thank you means a lot

[@steeliewheelies]

Was not expecting a video on this so soon! Awesomeee. Dang power seats in the 50s…so glad this is being saved by y’all

[@DJRoyalEdo]

It’s not being saved, it’s for sale.

[@steeliewheelies]

@@DJRoyalEdo it was saved. It is no longer rotting in a field, and whoever buys it will use its parts or restore it

[@steeliewheelies]

@@DJRoyalEdo I mean it’s literally in the thumbnail

[@blue32nu]

That white wall looks so good and changed the look of the car immediately

[@KrazyMitchAdventures]

0:46 take an sock, fit it over your go-pro or cell phone to cover the microphone, if using a gopro you will have to cut it so the lens is open, and for the cell phone, just slide it up the bottom over the mic. You will see a 60 to 80% decrease in wind noise. I have a video in my channel at the ocean that I took with my Samsung S20, in 50 mph winds I used a winter fleece mitten (as I didn't have my custom sock with me for my phone)

[@hansosl]

One of my favourite channels to spend lifetime

[@terryeustice5399]

Travis it happens. Not every old car is going to able to be restored. Thank you for sharing Richard as well. Thanks men for sharing! 💯👍👊

[@joemonahan2972]

Wow! Curious to watch you and your Father bring this back to road worthy with your team magical gifts! Heart warming watching you two build a life together one vehicle at a time.....

[@torekristoffersen176]

Love that ‘56 four door hardtop in the background. That was the first year of the “sport sedan” for GM. Very cool-

[@FordTorino72]

Fantastic save. That ‘57 Dodge next to it looks fantastic as well 😮

[@JeffKopis]

Yeah, I would love to see them save that Coronet. Love the Forward Look cars. My first car was a '57 Chrysler Saratoga. 4 door. White and Hunter Green. Way back in 1975. I was 9! Learned how to drive in it.

[@steeliewheelies]

@@JeffKopis 57-58 Chryslers/Desotos are my favorite!! Dream car right now

[@JamesSmith-iy5nm]

That secret sauce you made is only sitting on one side of each piston. Fill all of the cylenders up so it can work all the way around each piston.

[@TheBBodyBuilder]

I wonder if it has a bad bearing and that’s what’s getting tight when you attempt to rotate the engine? Love your videos…just think that starter sat for 50 years and still come back to life…now we get new parts that are defective out of the box!

[@drewgonzales4224]

I enjoy watching your videos...I learned alot from you and your dad .💯..keep the videos coming and keep doing what you guys do 🙂👍

[@bryanirwin5473]

Travis. Ask your dad if he remembers what Quaker State oil (and pennzoil)used to do to engines in the 70's. My dad had a 70 dodge dart with the slant 6 that he exclusively used quaker state in and it sludged up the engine so bad that when he took the valve cover off, the sludge had molded itself into the shape of the underside of it. Many gallons of kerosene and numerous "oil" changes finally cleaned all the sludge out of the engine. Needless to say dad was a valvoline guy after that. Dad drove that car for numerous years after that until it got so rusty he couldn't fix it anymore. The engine still ran beautifully when he sold it.

[@theetravisb]

Wow that’s crazy thanks for sharing

[@tommysavage8303]

Amazing work guys, looking forward to the next videos. Best way of spending a sunday evening

[@daveo2821]

I love Cadillacs. I had a 48 and now have a 64. Would love to get my 48 back but everyone regrets the cars they’ve sold.

[@chuckjohnson1331]

rebuild the motor, keep it numbers matching. I would love to see you guys fully rebuilt it plz

[@dadsvespa]

Is the trans on neutral?? I was wondering why it was binding up too,!

[@Oldfarmersgarage]

What a sweet old car! That crew cab dually squarebody is pretty cool too lol

[@cowfrank]

I had purchased a 53 Fleetwood when i was 16 years old it had a dynaflow transmission in it. I spent $2000 dollars on the engine 1980 money. I just lost interest in it never even installed the engine, just stored it. I got busy traded it off, i miss it terribly kinda hurts to watch this actually.

[@damianjackson9084]

Thought John's accent was familiar, really cool to see a kiwi from down here on the bottom of the world saving old metal.

[@alexpc4197]

you HAVE to save this peace of art

[@johnfranklin5277]

It's way beyond saving..parts car.

[@josephprettyman2178]

I think being able to hangout with your Pops is the coolest thing since lace up shoes.

[@sourshoes6768]

Your dad cracks me up. I’d get stressed out trying to get it running, your dad just laughs it off. Hope to see you do a will it make it home video again. Great videos!

[@Greg-Mart]

Amazing classic, but with the amount you'll spend to restore it, it's the price of one in great condition. Great job!

[@mec-tec]

I think id be taking the sump off and see whats going on, bet you could free it up, come on dont give up ! 👍👍👍

[@kevinemerson6059]

I like the way you put the effort to get these old forgotten ones back up and running I miss my Old ones life happens and a man has to sell off his Old ones but still love to watch

[@jerryferguson6606]

Love the video brought back memories when I was 13 and 14 years old we lived on a farm here in Ohio and I had all kinds of different old cars I drove in the fields and I had a 55 Cadillac with a 331 and I brought back some great memories it's a shame that you couldn't get the old car to run keep up the great work

[@Ka9radio_Mobile9]

You tuber "The Corvette Ben" knows a lot about these Caddys. Great find!😀

[@bigblockjalopy]

I love these cars and the time they came out of. Even in that condition, just beautiful

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

These years are my favourite Caddy’s.

[@RobertWilliam-yu8gi]

She is a beauty. :) I think you guys gave up too early on that poor girl. :)

[@cadiman56]

I had a pink 56 coupe deville and to hear you guys talking about old tricks that were used, when I first changed the oil there was a role of single ply toilet paper used as the oil filter. Which totally explain why there were 6 rolls of toilet paper in the trunk.....lol

[@steeliewheelies]

I’ve experienced gas old enough that it froze the valves in their guides so bad that the timing belt got torn up by the crank gear after just hitting the starter. Locked the cam in place. Wondering if that gummy stuff is at least partially 60+ year old gas

[@theetravisb]

Yeah I think so. It’s really bad

[@mwilliamshs]

50:00 that knob controls doors in the fresh air ducts on the rear quarter panels to choose fresh air from outside or recirculating air within the cabin

[@cleophusA]

I wonder if y'all are spinning a main bearing. That could explain the reason why the engine won't loosen up. I hope y'all decide to take the engine out and find out the actual problem. I mean, the cylinders didn't look bad and the valves aren't stuck. Maybe this is a candidate for another "Po boy rebuild!" I sure do love me some Caddy engines!

[@wolfydan121]

you and the old man make a great team love what you guys are doing

[@Mohawk21-oi1nit]

Old GMs ARE LIKE old lovers, slow to start, a little cranky, but get em moving and they GOOOOOOO!

[@ney4na449]

Sad end but hopefully a new future. I wonder if it has a spun bearing. Can you get the oil pan off easily or is it totally miserable?

[@linuxman0]

I'd LOVE to see this restored to showroom new. It might not be worth the money but I think it would be cool.

[@johnfranklin5277]

Restored? 80, 90.000 dollars.

[@scottcallahan-z2x]

been playing with this old stuff longer than either of you two ,sometimes loosing rod or main caps help,it just take a small speck of rust between crank jounal and bearing will lock them up or tighten the engine up,good luck ,really enjoy the channel

[@mwilliamshs]

Travy "two times" Wild car, wild car So cool cool Lots of chrome lots of chrome It's freed up its freed up Good deal good deal

[@Mohawk21-oi1nit]

BE A " TAT" " TRY AGAIN, TRAVIS". THAT CAR IS NOT DEAD! Gooooo now!

[@johnruppe1699]

Great content! Can’t win them all. My heart was screaming pull the motor and dingle ball it, but not every video can be a frame off resto in 3 hours

[@weshallmark7730]

You guys don't mind working hard & getting dirty to get them to work, keep it up ! I was lucky my '55 Chevy 6100 with a 261 broke free by bumping it back in forth with a Bobcat chained to it.

[@michaelholder3933]

I love the pre 1964 Caddilacs. There has never been a prettier line of cars.

[@Свет-ш7к]

Hi, thx for your content. Those cars are like from different world for me, in my country we don't have some cool cars that's 60+ years old. Its really interesting to watch your videos. Greetings from Kyiv, Ukraine!

[@rayscrafield2106]

I always hate to see anybody give up on a motor but I don't blame you on this one. I was wondering though if there might have been a problem with the transmission/converter hook up that was binding. Just a thought. Anyway, thanks for another great video. I enjoy all of them.

[@stevesundermeyer4139]

I agree with you. I like 4 doors, long beds, and especially station wagons!

[@danielrivera5858]

Adapter because it probably was burning oil that was common maybe the valve seals were bad

[@stewartburks868]

I'm with you on the four doors

[@GeorgiaRidgerunner]

if you can id pull that engine and drop the crankshaft out of it the utilizing the head bolt holes make a simple tool to push those pistons out then clean that goop off i suspect then yall could ask more for the car its worth a shot and a video a disassembled motor isnt gonna devalue the car any more than it already is

[@juliangasca6640]

cool car to rescue from the car crusher good job my Brothers.

[@blackbuttecruizr]

New project day!!!

[@flynnwatts805]

I love your videos travis my children love them to there's nothing rude or crude no blasphemy just good wholesome content were learning heaps to by the way God bless you brother we will be praying for you and your family.. from New zealand

[@theetravisb]

Glad you all can enjoy that’s cool

[@nickbruni8041]

That was the “ Cats Meow “…. When she was new …. Excellent Vid as usual 👊🏼⛽️👊🏼

[@theetravisb]

She was for sure

[@pitTmancenter112]

The guy on “What The Rust” has said that sometimes when chemicals are added to the engine oil to aid in freeing up a frozen engine, turning the engine over without vacating enough of the solvents from the cylinders can cause some sort of pressure that makes the engine even harder to turn over. I’m no expert, but I’m pretty sure I heard him say that.

[@pitTmancenter112]

25:41 Well, admittedly I am no expert. I thought that was what I heard him say - maybe I heard it wrong. There was no ill intent on my part. Obviously, my comment rubbed you the wrong way - my apologies. I figured that Travis’ dad, Rick, would know right off the bat if the idea had any merit whatsoever. I guess I’m sorry that I dared to offer any comment whatsoever. I hope that my apology is sufficient to mollify your sensibilities. Peace.

[@jimtomassetti8928]

I have to hand it to both of you. You gave it your very your very best! Great vidio.👍

[@isaacsrandomvideos667]

Thanks for savin her. So many cars like this just sat rotting.

[@zerkfitting]

I like the way you said "I tried and tried and tried", not "we". Hasn't your dad been helping too? I've seen so many guys break off the crankshaft bolt trying to roll over an engine that's been sitting for years. Not a good idea if she takes more than just a tug.

[@raymondpavao8035]

Yes I have the quarter panel pieces door pieces. I have grills, eyebrow trim and a bunch of other parts. Im in Meriden CT.

[@theetravisb]

Email me ! [e-mail]

[@Calcite_II]

Man that 1956 bumper is cleaner than mine, wish I could find a good survivor quality one like that!

[@railmeat]

Your channel is great, I love watching you work on the old cars. I always wonder why you don't go for the borescope earlier.

[@steveharper3559]

I’m no expert but I do remember a lot of people ran penzoil . It was heavy on parafin wax additive. Bad stuff! I bet that’s the gummy stuff you’re seeing!

[@arthurmccarron4379]

Old Cadilliac. Very cool

[@b_altmann]

That’s such an elegant looking automobile. It deserves to be back on the road

[@bigmountain7561]

Hi Travis, Hi Rick don’t they sell Kerosene down there anymore. Kerosene was always my go to for not only cleaning parts and your tools. But with Marvel Oil it was great!!!

[@hernanvalenzuela3066]

A no aflojar! Uds pueden!! Gracias por tus videos

[@LANTHENS]

Gummy stuff is probably parafin from old motor oil from the early days.

[@drevoborod8613]

I'm just curious: isn't it necessary for recovering such old stuck engines to disassemble them first? I mean disassemble, wash and polish every single detail, assemble again everything and only after that try to run it?

[@DenisEdwards-ls2de]

Great old car. When I was 24 in the UK. A old 57 Caddy Biarritz. Two door. Silver but it was rough rough..but it run. This is before the days of Rat rods. You don't need no side windows. Or back window.. Good luck..check out Caddy Girl. Maybe she got parts..

[@smittysmat7826]

To me, the starter seemed really weak when you bench(well, more like floor) tested it. I mean it did engage and spin, but don’t you think but that huge thing should’ve recoiled more than it did? Not nearly stout enough imho. Just food for thought.

[@BigDaddyCaveman1]

If you get a water heater catch Drain. It's about 3 inches deep but about 3 feet in diameter and cheap. you could catch all fluids and debris easily from messing up the floor. It holds way more than you would expect . The dragging on the starter is the starter itself, its dirty and carboned. Also we need more detail on the 'Rebar' Hack/fix.

[@foxstrangler]

That's an in depth resto for someone. Be interesting to see that engine pulled down to find out why it keeps sticking. Never mind, on to the next one.

[@raydotson4779]

Thanks so much for the video! I’ve been missing you! YES,4doors are the best! Cadillacs are even better!! I used to have 77-79 Cadillacs . I had 9 over about 20 years. I always wanted a ‘55! Thanks Again, Travis! I SO enjoy your videos!

[@JeffKopis]

What I like about watching YOU do it, vs ME doing it, is I get one hour or so of highlights, without enduring the 20-to-500 hours of tedium, sweat, filth, and bloody knuckles. Oh, and it's free.

[@ronjones1077]

Should have pulled the rocker shafts off and oiled every thing first thing. Still issues, pull the heads and intake. I’ve got several 50-60’s Cads

[@garywilson12]

thanks for the corvette museum video and tour. i was there back in 2007 did the museum and the factory really cool

[@braxtonnelson5375]

Well, nobody could say that you didn't give it a good try! My back was beginning to feel the pain from turning that engine over by hand! Still, it gives me a warm feeling seeing you work with your Dad...

[@sfcbrick]

Travis, I get the, "Will it run"?, thing. I also have to say, my first thought was, "Are these guys eating magic mushrooms"? Y'all definitely saw something I didn't. Excellent try though, and please keep it up! Tell Rick hello. please.

[@frigglebiscuit7484]

i bet that gummy stuff is some of that old "anti smoke" motor honey that solidified.

[@steeliewheelies]

I thought I recognized John lol. Those Fords/Lincolns are still right there where the Chrysler was. Dang he even has a late 50s Dodge right there next to the Cadillacs. Hey by the way, I’m always looking for those caddy wheels with the triangles in the center if you ever sell any, the ones with the clips that take the sombrero hubcaps. They have a rounded center as opposed to the typical peaked/ bumped center. Difficult to describe over text lol. It’s the same center design as the 60s Holman Moody Nascar steelies

[@MichaelJustice-ng7by]

I lost my dad in 2014 I miss working on old cars and trucks with him I remember holding a light for him One Summer night has he changed a fuel pump on a Ford Econoline van had to straight six three in the tree😢😢😢

[@Mohawk21-oi1nit]

REVERSE ROTATION ENGINE? I HAVE HEARD OF THIS!

[@mfc4591]

I was wondering if something is stuck on the crank/bearings! Well, you sure did try, sorry it never ran, but it needs an overhaul as you said. Have a great week end.

[@WolfShadowhill]

Huge fan of the 4 Door variants, I’ve always felt the lines flowed better

[@markcollins5026]

Man. nice I also preferred 4 door car's !

[@a_dog_with_sushi4250]

huh, how convenient. i was just looking for a save just like this!