This was the last large GM convertible actually built at a GM plant...the later '80's convertibles were hardtops shipped off and converted by American Sunroof (ASC). As such, for economy of scale at the plants, all the structure above the beltline - the cowl, windshield frame, Dutchman panel, all the glass, and the top, were shared by all the '71 and up big GM convertibles...I have a '75 Grand Ville whose top is partially from a wrecked Eldo, used when I rehabbed the top. Also, since these were 'scissor' tops where the top rails folded beside each other behind the seat instead of alongside it, the side rails hinge inwards at different points so the top looks broken when being retracted...fun to watch. This a beautiful Eldo...great colors
speaking of the top what's the common failure mode's ? and this vs the other big-3/other design's pro's and con's you might get a laugh as dodge considered paying royalty's to use the design on the dodge charger but it got caned and Richard's wood* personal 1969 green charger ( clone of the 1967 prototype ish ) was modified using a 1975-caddy just to prove it would work/fit and the public would have liked it
I knew a guy that had a 71 ElDorado. That thing was like having a steering wheel built in to your sofa. I remember folks flocking to buy these when the message was made for no more ragtops. Tons of fun - literally....
I honestly think that the El Dorado rides a whole lot better than the mark five but I like looking at the interior in the Mark five more than the El Dorado I guess it would be like a preference thing I think the mark 5 Has Way nicer gauges
Now you're talking!!! Back in the seventies my boss had a beautiful Cadillac Eldorado convertible & it was fun to drive & got tons of attention. The hood was huge & the hood ornament seemed like it was a mile away!!! Yes, that lever behind the steering wheel controls the telescopic wheel!!!! Thanks for sharing another exciting video!!! 👍👍
Hi Jay, I worked at a Cadillac Dealer in the past and have both worked on 1976 El Dorados there as well in an independent repair facility. I have also own a 1981 "D" body Cadillac now which I got for my parents back then and have inherited it now. I have never seen a Cadillac where you could adjust the steering feel at the steering column. GM had used the same basic steering column from 1969 to 1989. That adjustments behind the steering wheel is for the telescoping feature. I know because I have had to deal with them too many times to remember. I've had steering columns apart on 1976 El Dorados many times. In fact, I worked on a couple of the last convertibles, which were white in color. Forget about paying sticker price, the paid alot more. Next time you drive this car, move that lever to the left and see that you can now move the steering column away and towards you. I have a special tool I used to lock the steering columns so I could use a puller on the steering wheel. Infact, you have to remove the adjusting flange just to get the steering wheel nut off. Remove all doubt, check the owner's manual to see what it says that lever. If you look under the hood, you will notice that the engine is offset to the passenger side. The torque converter is in the normal place at the rear of the engine. There is a multi-link chain under that tin cover which connects the torque converter to the transmission directly in front of the driver's feet. The differential is bolted to the other end of the transmission. This makes it really offset. The drive axle on the driver's side is short, but on the passenger side there is a long extension, supported by a bearing in carrier and the passenger side axle attaches to it. Most front wheel drive cars have an axle arrangement like this. You didn't feel much torque steer on the Toranado and El Dorado because the cars are so darn heavy. If you want to feel real torque steer, find yourself an early to mid-70's Audi 100 or Fox. Also same as the Fow is the VW Dasher. These have equal length drive axles and these cars define torque steer. Oh, don't always believe everything you hear. Cadillacs had dual drive gear quadrants until 1981. I heard a guy tell another guy that if you shift it to the left drive position, that shifts it into overdrive. B.S. Cadillac and GM got it's first overdrive automatic(the 200R4) in 1981. With Cadillacs, you could only get it in a RWD car with a 4.1L V6. In Olds, you could get it with their 307 V8. Below, I have included the standard equipment and optional equipment lists for the 1976 El Dorado: automotivemileposts.com/eldorado/eldo1976optionalequipment.html automotivemileposts.com/eldorado/eldo1976standardequipment.html
It's called a tilt and telescopic steering wheel Cadillac had them since the late '60"s! By the way your reply is way too long to read.... Why don't you do your own video?
@@daviddubois7560 It takes you 6 months to respond to my comment? Why don't you do your own video? Anyway, "What It's Like" appreciates my additional information.
Telescope steering...with tilt ...great options on a CADILLAC....Also had BOTH options on my 1982 Buick riveria convertible...(owned it for 16 years)..not available with the optional sport steering wheel ....Also With power pull-down trunk ....on a BUICK
Variable ratio steering refers to the spacing on the teeth of the steering rack (the ratio) It makes the steering respond more at either end of the steering lock and less in the center. It makes the steering sharper in parking maneuvers when you’re turning the wheel more but less so on center to prevent too much steering input on the highway. As others have pointed out that slider on the wheel is for the telescope function. If you have it in the unlocked position it might make the steering feel different. It also isn’t a great idea. Airbags (meant to be worn instead of seatbelts) were available from ‘73 to ‘76 on the big GM models but weren’t ordered often and discontinued. But crash tests on CZcams shows that GM at least tested them on smaller models, they just never sold them.
I'm late to the party but, you should know the variable steering was a design feature built into the steering gear box. The slide lock located behind the wheel on the column was used to lock the wheel at a comfortable distance from the driver. Driving your Cadillac or any car with telescoping steering left unlocked is an accident waiting to happen. That's even stated in the owners manual 😂
Back when these were rolling off the assembly line in 1976, people were buying the convertible thinking because this is the last convertible, it would be a good investment. GM resumed convertible production in 1983 and those Cadillac owners became apoplectic at the loss of value in their investment.
Restoring 1976 Eldorado. Everything I need is available and reasonable. I'm about 85% done and so far under $20,000. Still to go front end work and I have all the parts for about $500. Next is brand new landou half top for $650 including installation. One pin size rust below right side window that I'm gonna live with--darn!
@@What.its.like. not fuel injected. Learning about how to adjust steering wheel I just went out and did it. Thanks for that information as I didn’t know it could be done. Now I’d like get the brochure that slides into the glove box lid-didn’t know about that either.
When I was a teenager in the mid 1970's a wealthy family I knew had 2 matching Caddy convertibles that were red, white, & blue bicentennial editions. At the time I thought they were the lamest cars ever. Now I wish I had one.
Does not have a transaxle. It has the trans & diff which sits in from of the engine. The trans sits on the left side under the left manifold. That lever is to move the steering wheel closer to the diver or further away. Tilt & telescopic. The venerable steering changes with the speed.
Thank you so much for that correction.. I wasn’t 100% certain if it was fiber-optic and I didn’t wanna say that it was then get corrected that it’s not.. I took a job at jkgalleria I get to drive any car that they have there is a really cool 90s car coming up I forgot a couple views that I wanted to show
I have seen older convertibles with coat hooks in the back on the side rails. Also seen some 50’s convertibles with a courtesy “dome” light built into the rear top rail…the rail going from side to side…so it was up and behind the back of people’s heads. I especially liked that feature as it was a great way to illuminate the backseat…better than those little lights down near the floor when you step inside.
Did anyone notice the gentleman holding the helmet in the dark blue Lincoln Collectors Series Mark V add is a before Magnum PI Tom Selleck? Also the E body front drive train (OLDs) was robust enough to be used as the prime mover in the mid 70's GMC motor homes. The variable power steering is controlled by engine and vehicle speed, NOT the telescoping lever on the colum. And the first GM vehicle to get an air bag was the 1974 Olds Toronado, it also was the first model (1971-76) to get high mounted stop lamps. That hard cover for the stowed convertible is called a tonneau cover. I was lucky to be around when ALL the cars you mentioned were new. Thanks
My car first I ever bought was a 1976 Cadillac Fleetwood Eldorado brouham coupe. My first year out of high-school hired by Fisher Body Lansing MI.. mine was the color of any five dollar bill in your pocket.
Here is the car for a comparison with the Lincoln Mark V. Same audience for sales. Similar size cars and configuration. I see others have cleared up the telescopic steering wheel dilemma. GM Variable ratio power steering was used in the lowly Chevrolet as well as all other divisions. Thanks Jay. These were quite the car. By the way, I had a '74 Coupe de Ville and a '77 Lincoln Town Coupe' and the Cadillac did not ride nearly as well as the Lincoln, town or highway. Wasn't even close.
Okay Jay,,,,, I'm waiting to see you in the back seat , with the SEAT ALL OF THE WAY BACK........ then, we're going to see if the ELDO is the same size inside as the "OLDS" Toronado,,,, remember me ?
It is a massive, beautiful vehicle! I think Cadillacs have such strong and beautiful presence, I think there's something I really love about certain models of them from every generation, the '65-'66 convertible as well as this '76 are probably at the top of my favorite Cadillacs. Great videos of incredible cars!👍😃 In reference to the opinions on repairs and videos, I think they are cool. I think it's interesting probing the differences concerning different aspects of each vehicle. I think if I was ever in a position to have to pick and choose between two vehicles, it probably wouldn't come easy, since I usually find something appealing about most autos. 🤔
Great video, The hood/fender indicator lights do not take bulbs. They are fiberoptic. They have very thin spaghetti-like fiberoptic lines that run to the appropriate bulb, Headlight, High beam, blinker, and parking lights. There are also two in the back seat area. Hardtops are located on the very edge of the roof line that connects to the rear window. The Convertible has a "gooseneck" that is at the center top of the back seat. These are the "red cat eyes" that will illuminate when your brakes, blinker, and parking lights are all working. I own a 76 convertible with 48k original and I still marvel at it every time I drive it. These were not cars like we know them today with all of the tic-tocky apple play crap on them. No, they will not do 0-60 in 3.2 seconds and no they will not handle 90-degree corners at 145 mph. They also do not need a Chinese computer circus for them to run. They are defiantly not plastic fantastic like today's cars. They are rolling artwork. They were not made on a computer they were sculpted by people. These cars of the era do exactly what they were designed to do and that is to give you pleasure and pride while you drive them.
Awesome information thank you so much for the corrections I really appreciate it I was born way too late honestly if I could have it my way I would have cars from the 30s and 50s in my driveway.. I still can’t get over the fact that neither is the tornado or the El Dorado had torque steer.. I always marveled at Lincoln smooth ride so far the 76 Cadillac Eldorado convertible is the best riding car that I’ve ever driven and that’s saying a lot driven as in there is no video whatsoever when you drive that car.. get it up over 40 and it doesn’t even feel like you’re on the road anymore feels like you’re on a magic carpet ride.. get it up to 60 and it feels like you’re hovering.. The kicker to me is it’s front wheel drive most front wheel drive cars have a stigma about it that they’re kind of crappy but this isn’t like that neither was the Toronado... I had to move the tornado today and I realize that the tornado has crotch air vent the El Dorado does not
@@What.its.like. The reason for this is that the rear differential was in the front and the transmission was sideways not the engine like today. Much better design but way too cost-prohibitive to use today.
Truly a mechanical marvel, and the end of a era of true luxury (american luxury). The end of non sporty suspension, tight steering and being worried about having 500 horsepower in a luxury sedan. Awesome video! And yes do the Mark III or V side by side, would be awesome. Song is “Boys” by the Shirelles.
1976 Caddilac; How do you know if your car has a telescopic wheel column? Top of the wheel, behind the horn pad, there will be a small lever that slides back and forth. Move the lever to unlock, then pull/push the wheel towards/away from you, then slide the lever the other way to lock. GM used this for years even on others than Cadillac. Part number 563036 if I remember correctly. (that might be the number for a Vette) There are 3 screws that hold that lever in place and to remove, you take out the 3 screws and turn the lever in the direction it losens the steering wheel and out it comes.
The black switch on the steering wheel just telescopes the wheel. Turn it then PULL the steering wheel and lock it (with the same switch) where you want it.
As you've been informed before, Motor Trend magazine used to do a "King of the Road" match up article series comparing the Lincoln Continental Marks, the Cadillac Eldorados, and sometimes the Chrysler Imperial 2-doors. Those were always fun to read for the over-the-top prose and the nice photographs. I hope you'll enjoy making something like that for your channel, too.
Yeah I want to do that when I can.. I used to do episodes like that ton of work and no one watched them I’ll see about setting something like that up it sucks I don’t have access to a mark iv but this is the next best thing
Oops...I must not have reached those videos yet! I'll get to them... I promise! I'm sure I'll enjoy them as much as all the others I've watched. Most importantly... I'd like you to do what YOU like with your time and creativity. I'm sure we'll love it. Take care!
At the local Cadillac dealership, kids would steal the Cadillac emblem from the cars and take them for necklaces. The dealership wound up removing the hood emblems and storing them away until the cars were sold.
We have another toronado at the Jk Galleria that I’m going to eventually do for the channel it’s a newer one well it’s one from the 80s and what you mentioned happened to it somebody stole the hood ornament off of it which I never got why people did that..
I had luxury cars when I was a kid 18-20 I had 3 luxury cars and my “friends” tried doing that to mine I was so upset.. the most upset I ever was I was involved in youth group a lot and drove some friends to Taco Bell in my Lincoln town car velour pillow side seats maroon on maroon well this kid proceeded to spill taco sauce all over him instead of getting a napkin he wiped his hands all over my pillow seats I was pissed.. I have a memory where I can relive events it’s cool and a cruse while writing this I relived it.. it was dark in the spring time.. That car is long gone but just the thought like he was 18 at the time he knew better.. I would never do that to his car..
I want to do a comparison more than anything Lincoln mark five versus mark six.. The thing is March 6 Linkins are sort of the rare ones out of the bunch.. we just got a mark eight and I’m going to shoot that this week I think.. super interesting car
The epitome of luxury and opulence in the ‘70’s. As big as a boat and rode like one too. Isolation from road noise and the outside world was the goal. I had the chance to ride in one a few times and it’s expensive luxury seemed intimidating. It was not just top of the line it was top of the top. But even then it seemed overly large on the outside and kind of cramped inside, especially the back seat. But that was American car design in general. In comparison a Mercedes of that era was smaller on the outside but had more room. But for the “look at me, I’m rich” effect nothing could top the Eldorado convertible.
I had to move it the other day and was like that car is huge and then when you sit in it it’s even bigger the mark v looks small by comparison and that’s a huge car
It was believed that, with what were supposed to be new federal rollover crash standards, that no convertible could pass. All other manufacturers had stopped building convertibles. Cadillac was then the last American convertible which would have automatically made it collector worthy. The new standard never came to be. Chrysler, with Lee Iacocca, came back with the LeBaron convertible. Then others followed suit.
Hey, it's a Cadillac! Sweet! How did you know it was my birthday and you were uploading a video of one of my favorite cars? Just kidding. But seriously, thank you for keeping the excellent content going. These 70s Cadillacs might not have been as pretty as the cads from decades prior, they were still handsome. They weren't as fast as the earlier cars, but even the low compression. 500 is so smooth and torquey. The interior might've not been as distinct or high quality as earlier cars, but you know, it's still a distinctly nice place to be. The 70s Cadillacs were the final years of over the top American excess, and for that, I will always love these cars. If you like to enjoy a relaxing, slow, cruise without anywhere you have to be, it's hard to beat a Cadillac. Even today, this car is still a symbol of having arrived. I hope someday to own my own... even if the prices keeping looking like it'll never happen. Videos like this will have to do in the meantime, so thanks again! Excellent job covering this car.
I totally agree with your statement I thought Lincoln was the one that pioneer that.. I also thought Lincoln was the first one to offer the automatic pulldown feature on the trunk.. I don’t know who has bigger quality control issues Cadillac or Lincoln At the end of the 70s going into the 80s even the 80s.. both companies if you look at the door panel the wrong way it starts cracking.. I give Cadillac a lot of credit they tried a bunch of different new elevation technologies like the cylinder deactivation engine as well as Oldsmobile diesel V-8 but both of those engines were notorious for being problematic whereas Lincoln in that category didn’t have nearly as many issues because they use the tried and true engines
@@What.its.like. I think Cadillac was a pioneer of that pull drown trunk sometime in the early to mid 1960's You are right on the Cadillac of the late 70's and early 80's being very problematic You had the diesel 5.7, the V8-6-4 and then the HT4100 to round out the trifecta of horrible engines While Cadillac typically had exclusive engines versus other GM products, Ford used the same engines across the board...the 302, 351,400 and 460 V8's could be found in several Ford, Mercury and Lincoln products
Cadillac had illuminated entry as far back as the 1967 Eldorado. And the 1958 Eldorado Brougham had a trunk that could not only open but also close by the push of a button inside the glove compartment.
They still made this car in hardtop until the 1978 model year before the downsizing in 1979. As for the airbag, I believe it was an option on some early 70's Olds Toronados.
By the way the top speed of this car is way over 100mph. Straight highway it will easily reach 120 and over. My uncle who was a state trooper back then had actually clocked one running about 132. Yesss license was taken lol.
I used to sell these cars back in the '70's. If you're going to promote this topic make sure you know what you're talking about before you shoot the video!
no, no , no, that lever up/top of the steering wheel is the "TELESCOPIC" steering wheel feature.... move it one way, and you can PULL the steering wheel OUT, fully, and move the lever back it locks the wheel out , that far~!
The Mercedes Sprinter van is available in front wheel drive, rear wheel drive, and 4 wheel drive. I think the front wheel drive isn't available in the US, but it allows a lower load floor. That's the closest I can think of to the same platform being available with front and rear wheel drive.
These do not have equal length axels, the drivers side Axel has to pass thru the oil pan to get to the wheel. I think it's a combination of weight and the power steering that cancel out torque steer.
Thank you so much for the clarification as well as insight I was only going off of something somebody told me, he claimed to be an engineer for Cadillac during that time period
With 27,547 miles I wonder why the door panel vinyl is cracked. The armrest in my 1973 Coupe dé Ville was cracked, when I bought it - why I had it redone - but it had driven 160,000 miles. It didn't crack again for the next well over 60K miles.
@@What.its.like. The renovation and experience with my beloved 1973 Coupe dé Ville. czcams.com/video/J8hhaOppCmA/video.html The story goes that is was a Florida car, bought by the 2nd owner, who was from Scotland, but lived in Chicago. The sticker in the windshield showed that it had a permanent parking in the John Hancock Building in Chicago from 1980-81, which is kind of funny, because I parked my very first car, a 1975 Mercury Montego MX Coupe, in the same building in 1980. The Scott took it with him back to Scotland, stored it for a year, to register is "for free" (or at a much lower price), after which he drove it in Scotland. I found his clan hat under the back seat, when I took it out. A Danish car dealer found it in Scotland in 1986 and took it back to Denmark, where I bought it. Used almost a year restoring it. A local mechanic let me use his facilities in a corner of his shop to do it. After the restoration I licensed it ($16,200 registration tax in 1987 money) and drove it untill 1995, where I had to sell it, because investments I had made in cargo ships went bad. A graceful car which truly spoiled you.
I was waiting for you to discover the telescoping knob; and what it was used for (telescoping steering wheel--when you loosen the knob pull the wheel to you; push the steering wheel in)--an engineer ACTUALLY said this knob controlled the steering??? OMG, how funny...
The high running costs is mostly gas, which is any old car, and keep the top greased and it’ll go forever, tires are cheap as any car, suspension parts are everywhere, stamped steel wheels with hub caps, engines never die and the transmissions are very reliable. What other running costs are high?
Not sure how much oil it takes but probably right just gas mostly gas.. maybe spark plugs tune up, I was talking to a packard mechanic and I know totally different animal but he was saying just for a tune up plugs and wires points and condenser for a Packard twin 6 is $1,500.. a year depending on how much one drives
That’s incorrect. The very 1st airbag available in any car in the world was an option in the 1974-75 Cadillacs. They even released its own dedicated brochure to introduce it. Pretty rare brochure which I happen to have in my collection.😎
Really great review. Great video. I’ve actually got the exact same car but the 1974 model that had the covers over the rear wheels. I am in Australia too. I am needing a new generator/alternator and having sooo much trouble finding one. I’ve got 3 of them here but none of them line up with the bolts to fit back in. The auto elec I first went to said he couldn’t repair the original one and got rid of it selling me another one. The original part number is 1100937 and it’s a 63 amp AC Delco Remy. I’d seriously appreciate any help you could offer trying to find one. Again really great video. Thanks 🙏.
Thank you I’m not entirely sure where you would get an alternator for that I would just go into Napa or AutoZone here but I don’t know what you guys have in Australia I’m sure it’s a totally different world over there
Boys (The Beetles) Convertibles need a stiffer frame & suspension. That's why they are so heavy. I also like the Biarritz version of the Eldorado. The convertible truly looked like a "boat" LOL!
I love the beetles, (beach boys take me to the beach summer vibes) Ever watch that 70 show I was told I looked like Eric Forman in highschool maybe I’ll bust out the year book I was voted shyest lol. Anyway red forman when said all you need is love, reply was all you need is a good job and a hair cut.. that was a great sitcom
Maybe one day but I promise you guys I will not become a jerk.. this will always be a car community I will always respond to my audience because everybody in their mom has a car CZcams channel I want this to be a car community which is different =) honestly this channel wouldn’t be the size it is without all of you
Are U sure that the '76 was the LAST of the BIG, ELDOS? I think it was the '78......... The other large sedans, last year was INDEED: '76! GM did the 1st, and largest "DOWNSIZING" in '77
Last convertible Eldorado large size convertible.. Eldorado shrinks in or right after 1979.. and then re-introduced the convertible to complete with.. everyone else was making convertibles again Cadillac couldn’t sit on the side lines
Just took a job at Jkgalleria this car is for sale I’m their media guy =) I have to set up this car either tomorrow or Tuesday and re-shoot it jkgalleria.com/vdp/19017078/Used-1976-Cadillac-Eldorado-2DR-convertible-for-sale-in-Salem-OH-44460
This was the last large GM convertible actually built at a GM plant...the later '80's convertibles were hardtops shipped off and converted by American Sunroof (ASC). As such, for economy of scale at the plants, all the structure above the beltline - the cowl, windshield frame, Dutchman panel, all the glass, and the top, were shared by all the '71 and up big GM convertibles...I have a '75 Grand Ville whose top is partially from a wrecked Eldo, used when I rehabbed the top.
Also, since these were 'scissor' tops where the top rails folded beside each other behind the seat instead of alongside it, the side rails hinge inwards at different points so the top looks broken when being retracted...fun to watch.
This a beautiful Eldo...great colors
Awesome information thank you so much for sharing =)
speaking of the top what's the common failure mode's ? and this vs the other big-3/other design's pro's and con's
you might get a laugh as dodge considered paying royalty's to use the design on the dodge charger but it got caned and Richard's wood* personal 1969 green charger ( clone of the 1967 prototype ish ) was modified using a 1975-caddy just to prove it would work/fit and the public would have liked it
This wasn’t the last large GM car built at a GM plant. What a ridiculous comment to make. A blatant LIE.
Dumbest comment I’ve read in a while.
I knew a guy that had a 71 ElDorado. That thing was like having a steering wheel built in to your sofa. I remember folks flocking to buy these when the message was made for no more ragtops. Tons of fun - literally....
I honestly think that the El Dorado rides a whole lot better than the mark five but I like looking at the interior in the Mark five more than the El Dorado I guess it would be like a preference thing I think the mark 5 Has Way nicer gauges
Now you're talking!!! Back in the seventies my boss had a beautiful Cadillac Eldorado convertible & it was fun to drive & got tons of attention. The hood was huge & the hood ornament seemed like it was a mile away!!! Yes, that lever behind the steering wheel controls the telescopic wheel!!!! Thanks for sharing another exciting video!!! 👍👍
Thank you so much =)
@@What.its.like. you're welcome!!
I was lucky enough to have driven one of these a few times in high school. A beautiful car.
Hi Jay,
I worked at a Cadillac Dealer in the past and have both worked on 1976 El Dorados there as well in an independent repair facility. I have also own a 1981 "D" body Cadillac now which I got for my parents back then and have inherited it now.
I have never seen a Cadillac where you could adjust the steering feel at the steering column. GM had used the same basic steering column from 1969 to 1989. That adjustments behind the steering wheel is for the telescoping feature. I know because I have had to deal with them too many times to remember.
I've had steering columns apart on 1976 El Dorados many times. In fact, I worked on a couple of the last convertibles, which were white in color. Forget about paying sticker price, the paid alot more. Next time you drive this car, move that lever to the left and see that you can now move the steering column away and towards you. I have a special tool I used to lock the steering columns so I could use a puller on the steering wheel. Infact, you have to remove the adjusting flange just to get the steering wheel nut off.
Remove all doubt, check the owner's manual to see what it says that lever.
If you look under the hood, you will notice that the engine is offset to the passenger side. The torque converter is in the normal place at the rear of the engine. There is a multi-link chain under that tin cover which connects the torque converter to the transmission directly in front of the driver's feet. The differential is bolted to the other end of the transmission. This makes it really offset. The drive axle on the driver's side is short, but on the passenger side there is a long extension, supported by a bearing in carrier and the passenger side axle attaches to it.
Most front wheel drive cars have an axle arrangement like this. You didn't feel much torque steer on the Toranado and El Dorado because the cars are so darn heavy.
If you want to feel real torque steer, find yourself an early to mid-70's Audi 100 or Fox. Also same as the Fow is the VW Dasher. These have equal length drive axles and these cars define torque steer.
Oh, don't always believe everything you hear. Cadillacs had dual drive gear quadrants until 1981. I heard a guy tell another guy that if you shift it to the left drive position, that shifts it into overdrive. B.S. Cadillac and GM got it's first overdrive automatic(the 200R4) in 1981. With Cadillacs, you could only get it in a RWD car with a 4.1L V6. In Olds, you could get it with their 307 V8.
Below, I have included the standard equipment and optional equipment lists for the 1976 El Dorado:
automotivemileposts.com/eldorado/eldo1976optionalequipment.html
automotivemileposts.com/eldorado/eldo1976standardequipment.html
Thank you so much for all that information =)
It's called a tilt and telescopic steering wheel Cadillac had them since the late '60"s! By the way your reply is way too long to read.... Why don't you do your own video?
@@daviddubois7560 It takes you 6 months to respond to my comment? Why don't you do your own video? Anyway, "What It's Like" appreciates my additional information.
Telescope steering...with tilt ...great options on a CADILLAC....Also had BOTH options on my 1982 Buick riveria convertible...(owned it for 16 years)..not available with the optional sport steering wheel ....Also With power pull-down trunk ....on a BUICK
Variable ratio steering refers to the spacing on the teeth of the steering rack (the ratio) It makes the steering respond more at either end of the steering lock and less in the center. It makes the steering sharper in parking maneuvers when you’re turning the wheel more but less so on center to prevent too much steering input on the highway.
As others have pointed out that slider on the wheel is for the telescope function. If you have it in the unlocked position it might make the steering feel different. It also isn’t a great idea.
Airbags (meant to be worn instead of seatbelts) were available from ‘73 to ‘76 on the big GM models but weren’t ordered often and discontinued. But crash tests on CZcams shows that GM at least tested them on smaller models, they just never sold them.
Thank you so much for all the insight and information =)
I'm late to the party but, you should know the variable steering was a design feature built into the steering gear box. The slide lock located behind the wheel on the column was used to lock the wheel at a comfortable distance from the driver. Driving your Cadillac or any car with telescoping steering left unlocked is an accident waiting to happen. That's even stated in the owners manual 😂
Back when these were rolling off the assembly line in 1976, people were buying the convertible thinking because this is the last convertible, it would be a good investment. GM resumed convertible production in 1983 and those Cadillac owners became apoplectic at the loss of value in their investment.
Yeah I read they filed a class action lawsuit it was unsuccessful though
Restoring 1976 Eldorado. Everything I need is available and reasonable. I'm about 85% done and so far under $20,000. Still to go front end work and I have all the parts for about $500. Next is brand new landou half top for $650 including installation. One pin size rust below right side window that I'm gonna live with--darn!
That’s awesome that you’re able to get all the parts for that car =) is yours fuel injected
@@What.its.like. not fuel injected. Learning about how to adjust steering wheel I just went out and did it. Thanks for that information as I didn’t know it could be done. Now I’d like get the brochure that slides into the glove box lid-didn’t know about that either.
When I was a teenager in the mid 1970's a wealthy family I knew had 2 matching Caddy convertibles that were red, white, & blue bicentennial editions.
At the time I thought they were the lamest cars ever. Now I wish I had one.
yes please for the comparison of the Eldo vs Mark V
Does not have a transaxle. It has the trans & diff which sits in from of the engine. The trans sits on the left side under the left manifold. That lever is to move the steering wheel closer to the diver or further away. Tilt & telescopic. The venerable steering changes with the speed.
Awesome information thank you so much for sharing =)
The indicators on the front fender tops are fiber optics so that you can actually see if the bulbs are working.
Thank you so much for that correction.. I wasn’t 100% certain if it was fiber-optic and I didn’t wanna say that it was then get corrected that it’s not..
I took a job at jkgalleria I get to drive any car that they have there is a really cool 90s car coming up I forgot a couple views that I wanted to show
I have seen older convertibles with coat hooks in the back on the side rails. Also seen some 50’s convertibles with a courtesy “dome” light built into the rear top rail…the rail going from side to side…so it was up and behind the back of people’s heads. I especially liked that feature as it was a great way to illuminate the backseat…better than those little lights down near the floor when you step inside.
Awesome thank you so much I have yet to see that but when I do will point that out =)
Did anyone notice the gentleman holding the helmet in the dark blue Lincoln Collectors Series Mark V add is a before Magnum PI Tom Selleck? Also the E body front drive train (OLDs) was robust enough to be used as the prime mover in the mid 70's GMC motor homes. The variable power steering is controlled by engine and vehicle speed, NOT the telescoping lever on the colum. And the first GM vehicle to get an air bag was the 1974 Olds Toronado, it also was the first model (1971-76) to get high mounted stop lamps. That hard cover for the stowed convertible is called a tonneau cover. I was lucky to be around when ALL the cars you mentioned were new. Thanks
One of my favorite cars from the 70s. 1. is that the biggest ever displacement engine in an American car? 2. Is this the largest car from the era?
I think it is.. I always thought the mark v was long when this is parked next to then mark V the mark V looks small..
My car first I ever bought was a 1976 Cadillac Fleetwood Eldorado brouham coupe. My first year out of high-school hired by Fisher Body Lansing MI.. mine was the color of any five dollar bill in your pocket.
Awesome thank you for sharing your car with us =)
The Rover 75 was FWD but the V8 version was RWD. :) Very beautiful Eldo and nice review!
Thank you =)
Here is the car for a comparison with the Lincoln Mark V. Same audience for sales. Similar size cars and configuration. I see others have cleared up the telescopic steering wheel dilemma. GM Variable ratio power steering was used in the lowly Chevrolet as well as all other divisions. Thanks Jay. These were quite the car. By the way, I had a '74 Coupe de Ville and a '77 Lincoln Town Coupe' and the Cadillac did not ride nearly as well as the Lincoln, town or highway. Wasn't even close.
The 79 rode like late 80s town car super nice ride
Okay Jay,,,,, I'm waiting to see you in the back seat , with the SEAT ALL OF THE WAY BACK........ then, we're going to see if the ELDO is the same size inside as the "OLDS" Toronado,,,, remember me ?
It is a massive, beautiful vehicle! I think Cadillacs have such strong and beautiful presence, I think there's something I really love about certain models of them from every generation, the '65-'66 convertible as well as this '76 are probably at the top of my favorite Cadillacs. Great videos of incredible cars!👍😃 In reference to the opinions on repairs and videos, I think they are cool. I think it's interesting probing the differences concerning different aspects of each vehicle. I think if I was ever in a position to have to pick and choose between two vehicles, it probably wouldn't come easy, since I usually find something appealing about most autos. 🤔
=)
Great video, The hood/fender indicator lights do not take bulbs. They are fiberoptic. They have very thin spaghetti-like fiberoptic lines that run to the appropriate bulb, Headlight, High beam, blinker, and parking lights. There are also two in the back seat area. Hardtops are located on the very edge of the roof line that connects to the rear window. The Convertible has a "gooseneck" that is at the center top of the back seat. These are the "red cat eyes" that will illuminate when your brakes, blinker, and parking lights are all working.
I own a 76 convertible with 48k original and I still marvel at it every time I drive it. These were not cars like we know them today with all of the tic-tocky apple play crap on them. No, they will not do 0-60 in 3.2 seconds and no they will not handle 90-degree corners at 145 mph. They also do not need a Chinese computer circus for them to run. They are defiantly not plastic fantastic like today's cars. They are rolling artwork. They were not made on a computer they were sculpted by people. These cars of the era do exactly what they were designed to do and that is to give you pleasure and pride while you drive them.
Awesome information thank you so much for the corrections I really appreciate it I was born way too late honestly if I could have it my way I would have cars from the 30s and 50s in my driveway.. I still can’t get over the fact that neither is the tornado or the El Dorado had torque steer.. I always marveled at Lincoln smooth ride so far the 76 Cadillac Eldorado convertible is the best riding car that I’ve ever driven and that’s saying a lot driven as in there is no video whatsoever when you drive that car.. get it up over 40 and it doesn’t even feel like you’re on the road anymore feels like you’re on a magic carpet ride.. get it up to 60 and it feels like you’re hovering.. The kicker to me is it’s front wheel drive most front wheel drive cars have a stigma about it that they’re kind of crappy but this isn’t like that neither was the Toronado... I had to move the tornado today and I realize that the tornado has crotch air vent the El Dorado does not
@@What.its.like. The reason for this is that the rear differential was in the front and the transmission was sideways not the engine like today. Much better design but way too cost-prohibitive to use today.
Truly a mechanical marvel, and the end of a era of true luxury (american luxury). The end of non sporty suspension, tight steering and being worried about having 500 horsepower in a luxury sedan. Awesome video! And yes do the Mark III or V side by side, would be awesome. Song is “Boys” by the Shirelles.
1976 Caddilac; How do you know if your car has a telescopic wheel column?
Top of the wheel, behind the horn pad, there will be a small lever that slides back and forth. Move the lever to unlock, then pull/push the wheel towards/away from you, then slide the lever the other way to lock. GM used this for years even on others than Cadillac. Part number 563036 if I remember correctly. (that might be the number for a Vette) There are 3 screws that hold that lever in place and to remove, you take out the 3 screws and turn the lever in the direction it losens the steering wheel and out it comes.
I’ll have a short video on it tomorrow I’ll call myself out for it lol =)
The black switch on the steering wheel just telescopes the wheel. Turn it then PULL the steering wheel and lock it (with the same switch) where you want it.
Thank you I’ll shoot a video with it tomorrow =)
As you've been informed before, Motor Trend magazine used to do a "King of the Road" match up article series comparing the Lincoln Continental Marks, the Cadillac Eldorados, and sometimes the Chrysler Imperial 2-doors. Those were always fun to read for the over-the-top prose and the nice photographs. I hope you'll enjoy making something like that for your channel, too.
Yeah I want to do that when I can.. I used to do episodes like that ton of work and no one watched them I’ll see about setting something like that up it sucks I don’t have access to a mark iv but this is the next best thing
Oops...I must not have reached those videos yet! I'll get to them... I promise! I'm sure I'll enjoy them as much as all the others I've watched. Most importantly... I'd like you to do what YOU like with your time and creativity. I'm sure we'll love it. Take care!
=)
The thing right behind the steeringwheel is for adjusting the steeringwheel front to back. not the feeling for servo.
Thank you so much for that correction
At the local Cadillac dealership, kids would steal the Cadillac emblem from the cars and take them for necklaces. The dealership wound up removing the hood emblems and storing them away until the cars were sold.
We have another toronado at the Jk Galleria that I’m going to eventually do for the channel it’s a newer one well it’s one from the 80s and what you mentioned happened to it somebody stole the hood ornament off of it which I never got why people did that..
@@What.its.like. Kids thought it was “cool” . I’d tell you that the kids were of a certain ethnic group, but I better not. ✊🏾
I had luxury cars when I was a kid 18-20 I had 3 luxury cars and my “friends” tried doing that to mine I was so upset.. the most upset I ever was I was involved in youth group a lot and drove some friends to Taco Bell in my Lincoln town car velour pillow side seats maroon on maroon well this kid proceeded to spill taco sauce all over him instead of getting a napkin he wiped his hands all over my pillow seats I was pissed.. I have a memory where I can relive events it’s cool and a cruse while writing this I relived it.. it was dark in the spring time.. That car is long gone but just the thought like he was 18 at the time he knew better.. I would never do that to his car..
Yes do a comparison between the Marks and the Eldorado please! I owned a 1981 Lincoln Continental Mark VI it was pretty amazing as far as ride!
I want to do a comparison more than anything Lincoln mark five versus mark six.. The thing is March 6 Linkins are sort of the rare ones out of the bunch.. we just got a mark eight and I’m going to shoot that this week I think.. super interesting car
The epitome of luxury and opulence in the ‘70’s. As big as a boat and rode like one too. Isolation from road noise and the outside world was the goal. I had the chance to ride in one a few times and it’s expensive luxury seemed intimidating. It was not just top of the line it was top of the top. But even then it seemed overly large on the outside and kind of cramped inside, especially the back seat. But that was American car design in general. In comparison a Mercedes of that era was smaller on the outside but had more room. But for the “look at me, I’m rich” effect nothing could top the Eldorado convertible.
I had to move it the other day and was like that car is huge and then when you sit in it it’s even bigger the mark v looks small by comparison and that’s a huge car
@@What.its.like. 😁
I always try to pick a bicentennial car to drive as President
Love the Mark series for sure.
It was believed that, with what were supposed to be new federal rollover crash standards, that no convertible could pass. All other manufacturers had stopped building convertibles. Cadillac was then the last American convertible which would have automatically made it collector worthy. The new standard never came to be. Chrysler, with Lee Iacocca, came back with the LeBaron convertible. Then others followed suit.
Thank you so much for that information I never knew why they stopped making convertibles =)
Hey, it's a Cadillac! Sweet! How did you know it was my birthday and you were uploading a video of one of my favorite cars? Just kidding. But seriously, thank you for keeping the excellent content going. These 70s Cadillacs might not have been as pretty as the cads from decades prior, they were still handsome. They weren't as fast as the earlier cars, but even the low compression. 500 is so smooth and torquey. The interior might've not been as distinct or high quality as earlier cars, but you know, it's still a distinctly nice place to be. The 70s Cadillacs were the final years of over the top American excess, and for that, I will always love these cars. If you like to enjoy a relaxing, slow, cruise without anywhere you have to be, it's hard to beat a Cadillac. Even today, this car is still a symbol of having arrived. I hope someday to own my own... even if the prices keeping looking like it'll never happen. Videos like this will have to do in the meantime, so thanks again! Excellent job covering this car.
Thank you so much =)
Never saw an illuminated entry system on a Cadillac of this vintage. I always thought that was a Ford first starting in 1977
I totally agree with your statement I thought Lincoln was the one that pioneer that.. I also thought Lincoln was the first one to offer the automatic pulldown feature on the trunk..
I don’t know who has bigger quality control issues Cadillac or Lincoln At the end of the 70s going into the 80s even the 80s.. both companies if you look at the door panel the wrong way it starts cracking.. I give Cadillac a lot of credit they tried a bunch of different new elevation technologies like the cylinder deactivation engine as well as Oldsmobile diesel V-8 but both of those engines were notorious for being problematic whereas Lincoln in that category didn’t have nearly as many issues because they use the tried and true engines
@@What.its.like. I think Cadillac was a pioneer of that pull drown trunk sometime in the early to mid 1960's
You are right on the Cadillac of the late 70's and early 80's being very problematic
You had the diesel 5.7, the V8-6-4 and then the HT4100 to round out the trifecta of horrible engines
While Cadillac typically had exclusive engines versus other GM products, Ford used the same engines across the board...the 302, 351,400 and 460 V8's could be found in several Ford, Mercury and Lincoln products
Cadillac had illuminated entry as far back as the 1967 Eldorado.
And the 1958 Eldorado Brougham had a trunk that could not only open but also close by the push of a button inside the glove compartment.
They still made this car in hardtop until the 1978 model year before the downsizing in 1979. As for the airbag, I believe it was an option on some early 70's Olds Toronados.
Nope. The very 1st airbag inside of any vehicle was in the 1974 Cadillacs. I have an original Cadillac Airbag Brouchure which introduced it.
Omg, total 1976 Pimpmobile 🤩
That it could be
Not now.. let mind's wonder what we know is true... The best car ever
By the way the top speed of this car is way over 100mph. Straight highway it will easily reach 120 and over. My uncle who was a state trooper back then had actually clocked one running about 132. Yesss license was taken lol.
109 was top speed source said I said 100 for some reason.. be totally awesome it can go faster than that
I used to sell these cars back in the '70's. If you're going to promote this topic make sure you know what you're talking about before you shoot the video!
no, no , no, that lever up/top of the steering wheel is the "TELESCOPIC" steering wheel feature.... move it one way, and you can PULL the steering wheel OUT, fully, and move the lever back it locks the wheel out , that far~!
I’ll make a short about it =)
The Mercedes Sprinter van is available in front wheel drive, rear wheel drive, and 4 wheel drive. I think the front wheel drive isn't available in the US, but it allows a lower load floor. That's the closest I can think of to the same platform being available with front and rear wheel drive.
I never thought of the sprinter van
@@What.its.like. I wouldn't have either, but I think I read an article on Jalopnik about it.
The Telescope steering option .............
.is the absolute only thing that switch operates ....period
Yep your right =)
These do not have equal length axels, the drivers side Axel has to pass thru the oil pan to get to the wheel. I think it's a combination of weight and the power steering that cancel out torque steer.
I ment Axel to the passenger side. Oops 😬.
Thank you so much for the clarification as well as insight I was only going off of something somebody told me, he claimed to be an engineer for Cadillac during that time period
With 27,547 miles I wonder why the door panel vinyl is cracked.
The armrest in my 1973 Coupe dé Ville was cracked, when I bought it - why I had it redone - but it had driven 160,000 miles.
It didn't crack again for the next well over 60K miles.
Cadillac didn’t use the best materials for doors neither did Lincoln, not sure why it’s cracked this car went to the I’m if i remember right
@@What.its.like.
The renovation and experience with my beloved 1973 Coupe dé Ville. czcams.com/video/J8hhaOppCmA/video.html
The story goes that is was a Florida car, bought by the 2nd owner, who was from Scotland, but lived in Chicago.
The sticker in the windshield showed that it had a permanent parking in the John Hancock Building in Chicago from 1980-81, which is kind of funny, because I parked my very first car, a 1975 Mercury Montego MX Coupe, in the same building in 1980.
The Scott took it with him back to Scotland, stored it for a year, to register is "for free" (or at a much lower price), after which he drove it in Scotland.
I found his clan hat under the back seat, when I took it out.
A Danish car dealer found it in Scotland in 1986 and took it back to Denmark, where I bought it. Used almost a year restoring it. A local mechanic let me use his facilities in a corner of his shop to do it. After the restoration I licensed it ($16,200 registration tax in 1987 money) and drove it untill 1995, where I had to sell it, because investments I had made in cargo ships went bad. A graceful car which truly spoiled you.
I was waiting for you to discover the telescoping knob; and what it was used for (telescoping steering wheel--when you loosen the knob pull the wheel to you; push the steering wheel in)--an engineer ACTUALLY said this knob controlled the steering??? OMG, how funny...
Yeah this was an early video the switch is in a short it’s one of the only shorts that I’ve done..
The high running costs is mostly gas, which is any old car, and keep the top greased and it’ll go forever, tires are cheap as any car, suspension parts are everywhere, stamped steel wheels with hub caps, engines never die and the transmissions are very reliable. What other running costs are high?
Not sure how much oil it takes but probably right just gas mostly gas.. maybe spark plugs tune up, I was talking to a packard mechanic and I know totally different animal but he was saying just for a tune up plugs and wires points and condenser for a Packard twin 6 is $1,500.. a year depending on how much one drives
if memory serves me correctly, NO: indeed the OLDS Toronado, was the very 1st car "OFFERED" with Air Bags........ please double check!
Yes Oldsmobile toronado offered air bag as an option the Cadillac Eldorado convertible it was standard equipment.
@@What.its.like. optional on the Eldorado and few were ordered.
Thank you
That’s incorrect. The very 1st airbag available in any car in the world was an option in the 1974-75 Cadillacs. They even released its own dedicated brochure to introduce it.
Pretty rare brochure which I happen to have in my collection.😎
Really great review. Great video. I’ve actually got the exact same car but the 1974 model that had the covers over the rear wheels. I am in Australia too. I am needing a new generator/alternator and having sooo much trouble finding one. I’ve got 3 of them here but none of them line up with the bolts to fit back in. The auto elec I first went to said he couldn’t repair the original one and got rid of it selling me another one. The original part number is 1100937 and it’s a 63 amp AC Delco Remy. I’d seriously appreciate any help you could offer trying to find one. Again really great video. Thanks 🙏.
Thank you I’m not entirely sure where you would get an alternator for that I would just go into Napa or AutoZone here but I don’t know what you guys have in Australia I’m sure it’s a totally different world over there
Boys (The Beetles) Convertibles need a stiffer frame & suspension. That's why they are so heavy. I also like the Biarritz version of the Eldorado. The convertible truly looked like a "boat" LOL!
Might be the longest car if the 70s mark v looks small be comparison. =)
You got the song.. someone else got it before you though
@@What.its.like. Beetles are great! All You need is Love.
I love the beetles, (beach boys take me to the beach summer vibes)
Ever watch that 70 show I was told I looked like Eric Forman in highschool maybe I’ll bust out the year book I was voted shyest lol. Anyway red forman when said all you need is love, reply was all you need is a good job and a hair cut.. that was a great sitcom
@@What.its.like. Yep! Red had some lines. So did Kitty. When Red makes the basement discovery....His foot was just itching.
Red was a great character =)
Definitely wrong! That’s telescopic steering wheel lever. Take it from us older guys who actually had these cars. 😁
Yep learned that =)
👍this vs that.
=)
👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
bop shoo wop by Jamie Wood
Good guess but that’s not it
future big CZcamsr
Maybe one day but I promise you guys I will not become a jerk.. this will always be a car community I will always respond to my audience because everybody in their mom has a car CZcams channel I want this to be a car community which is different =) honestly this channel wouldn’t be the size it is without all of you
It’s Boys sung by Ringo of the Beatles
You got it =)
I have a final edition '78
Nice =)
🙂👍👏
Are U sure that the '76 was the LAST of the BIG, ELDOS? I think it was the '78......... The other large sedans, last year was INDEED: '76! GM did the 1st, and largest "DOWNSIZING" in '77
Last convertible Eldorado large size convertible.. Eldorado shrinks in or right after 1979.. and then re-introduced the convertible to complete with.. everyone else was making convertibles again Cadillac couldn’t sit on the side lines
Do you work for a car dealership is this car for sale?
Just took a job at Jkgalleria this car is for sale I’m their media guy =)
I have to set up this car either tomorrow or Tuesday and re-shoot it
jkgalleria.com/vdp/19017078/Used-1976-Cadillac-Eldorado-2DR-convertible-for-sale-in-Salem-OH-44460
Boys by the Beatles for one group
Maybe the Shirelles originally?
You got it =)
🙂1976🌟🚘🚗
Excellent video. Very informative. But please, don't sing. Just don't.
Lol
A steering wheel air bag....WAS an OPTION .....NOT STANDARD
.
I got no sound where's the sound?
These is sound on my end are your speakers turned up =)
It was strange I was watching it one time with no sound and then got out of CZcams went back and then there was sound
Your wrong !
I’m going to make a short about it