My new car: 2000 Cadillac DHS

[Eldorado2k]

Hey guys, it’s taken me a while but I’m happy to say that I’m finally done getting my new to me Cadillac just where I want it to be... Here’s some pictures I’ve taken along the way. Hope you enjoy.

Here’s what the car looked like when I bought it 3 months ago.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200114/128a6f1866c65dd12b80002df8767e64.jpg

Very clean 1 owner car with only 132,000 miles. [6,940 miles per yr. avg] in rare Parisian Blue paint.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200114/8a32821161fb9055570284d44eaa9e91.jpg

Clean on the outside, but as you’ll see it was far from clean on the inside.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200114/2610c9b62a5b1884eb9e77e2f566251e.jpg

1st things 1st. I like to get the engine looking good.

Before:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200114/b19966ae5f3fbb8c65a0e9bcfd67faa0.jpg

After: [Megs D101 & Megs Hyper Dressing. Blackfire Total Trim & Tire Sealant on the cowl]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200114/7fae6cc70c5f44085a37ef5c757c678a.jpg

Before:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200114/d79bda2db19296ee3377554731a93896.jpg

After:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200114/3ae912844591771b9b2dcc97dd919c6a.jpg

Next up was wash, iron decon, claybar.

Dub Wheel Cleaner.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200114/aa6b2c5acdc7b12db2c7b4688895ea30.jpg



Very little iron contaminants on the paint.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200114/3acc33b40693f9e9259b6cc02db7bb34.jpg

Claybar with Megs OTC Claybar.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200114/8e9f4ee877dd51a91a05d504a4fe1c67.jpg

This is from half the hood.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200114/62a42bb434d12a909ea2ee15b26dba7d.jpg

Paint fully decontaminated, ready for polish.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200114/e23f183d1c97755a761332ed778bf6ed.jpg

But 1st the interior...

Floormatts before:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200114/5a2fa69950e0500a22be082d5adbe48a.jpg

After: Megs D101 APC, Scotchgard.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200114/0a668c34f29e59d87e26bb1f23058aec.jpg


Now for those nasty seats...

Before:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200114/41c3138b9974de80a79bed4e24b7d29c.jpg

50/50 shot After: [Megs D181 Leather Cleaner. 1st with boarshair brush, then with steam cleaner]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200114/e08d792c8716c06c10e44eb7c8c55983.plist

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200114/b2d186d50db7a1d932845d8edfa8b7e9.jpg

Before:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200114/2b73de754b800cf86548f4391d967883.jpg

After:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200114/29e3b2dfc57b2d15af3d89764a9630d4.jpg

Trunk, Before:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200114/9de507ce4c1b8fdf527ce86753ef3c61.jpg

Trunk, After:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200114/a0b63ce48250073b4dce3f3d91cb19f1.jpg

Wheels off detail, Before:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200114/80866d879f8936033df3b6f45d945209.jpg

Before:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200114/969ce3637875a2ccf1ae772dfaccbfb9.jpg

Brown Royal Wheel Cleaner:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200114/620d4e507925733f24b86a48fcdcf45d.jpg

1 quik brushing:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200114/782d0c74d6c8e47b643fe8b9c657e9c9.jpg

After: Perfectly Clean.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200114/5b03354ea76cba2d9816c3714996d946.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200114/b118dd047cc6f468331452ca27ffc525.jpg

Tires cleaned with Pinnacle Black Label Gel Tire Cleaner:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200114/84ed3c6bd17871aacdf53040cb37b630.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200114/e31c642f0b03ec6340ffcc0d2c68b64d.jpg



Tires coated with TW Endura Tire Coating:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200114/3464dab6f7e3d575496dfdf050cd90ad.jpg

Doorjambs on point:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200114/19ef937aaa868a3cb952ddd2aeaec24d.jpg

Weatherstripping treated with Blackfire Total Trim & Tire Sealant:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200114/68d0f568c58fee1c397840ac8bacac48.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200114/a9d7203dd8b42f3ebe5f137e31e41b80.jpg

Paint polished with Megs M205:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200114/0f1a1b2303595f48d9bc2b8bc3318335.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200114/9f893883ec00a02d349d648a9124ae5e.jpg

Liquid Sealant applied for protection:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200114/397fbae32d0f15248a2fbc0056c18e5b.jpg

Finishing touches...

I added brand new B,C, & D pillars.

Before:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200114/282c78fb76897c2841446c35dd4339d0.jpg

After:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200114/32c31c54419f197332b4aabf769d04d8.jpg

Before:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200114/1066cfb698018755c3a998800de79851.jpg

After: Glass polished with McKee’s Glass Restoring Polish

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200114/153574ffdb0783679fe2ceda66ac8e2c.jpg

Brand new emblems:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200114/b691ba11f6aa27a6990afef68e2387f9.jpg

Before:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200114/6faa03762d6ce1281182fd81d205be17.jpg

After:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200114/6a4786dd3cdc8a91d8357d3fdbb3bbdf.jpg



Trunk emblem:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200114/9ef6c740d921ce883ab8edee7fe03676.jpg

Replaced with a new 1:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200114/708158ec820b2ad74e6c54b16e6eaa91.jpg

New seat belt cushions all around:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200114/804df04d6cc2b0894023f7c3e417f71c.jpg

I Plasti Dipped the front grill:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200114/a5192e284ca3bd45c592b34eb0f74015.jpg

This car originally came with the Night Vision Camera in the middle of the grill [hence the open hole] but it no longer works.. So I decided to make some changes.

Before:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200114/b6e0d7e6b027f8ad0d4a103ef4cedcec.jpg

After: [New license plate & trim, new emblem, new Heritage of Ownership Medallion]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200114/5fd41df27c854e13563a2abf9b9aca1f.jpg

Notice the offset on the emblem.. I think it gives the car a more modern look. [headlights coated with McKee’s Headlight Coating]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200114/8ddda0067f521c4d465241cbff527492.jpg

#8 on the Medallion. 8th Cadillac I’ve owned.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200114/490d6afeec6d3508af9e2728f496b0e9.jpg

The new emblems meant the old emblem on the hood had to come off.

Before:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200114/e524a09cbe6b97d7040241d33ac0ffdf.jpg

After:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200114/d2f8c97f61269667eb46d22264484124.jpg

It’s all done. I’m happy.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200114/007fe23fb592d327524c8cf8485eccbd.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200114/d1816d58b7582621e7c86b699130cb46.jpg

I hope that wasn’t too long. Lol.
Thanks for reading.

[acuRAS82]

Awesome work, Eldo! This caddie looks amazing now. I was a bit nervous scrolling down after you first showed the interior shots but you cleaned that up amazingly well. The car is now fit for you! Way to go!

[Coatingsarecrack]

Looks brand new! Definitely aint nothin ‘llacin. Great job on that interior and engine bay.

Looking to clean my engine... possible de get some details how tou did it? Chemicals.... tools.... did you pressure wash ?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[SWETM]

Awesome work and write up and pictures Eldo!

Congrats again to your 8th Caddy!

Looking amazing after the work you put in on it.

Naw not too long at all and I like a lot to read an awesome write up with following pictures!

/ Tony

[dcjredline]

Each freaking set of pictures I kept thinking "Wow make sure to mention how nice that turned out" then I got to the point where I decided I would just say GOD DAMN! The whole thing turned out stunning!! 20 years old and 130k miles but it looks really really really great!!! Great work!!!

[Eldorado2k]

Awesome work, Eldo! This caddie looks amazing now. I was a bit nervous scrolling down after you first showed the interior shots but you cleaned that up amazingly well. The car is now fit for you! Way to go!

Thanks! And yea the interior definitely gave me something to sink my teeth into. Luckily these cars cleanup real nice.[emoji4]


Awesome work and write up and pictures Eldo!

Congrats again to your 8th Caddy!

Looking amazing after the work you put in on it.

Naw not too long at all and I like a lot to read an awesome write up with following pictures!

/ Tony

Thanks bro. Appreciate it.[emoji1417]


Looks brand new! Definitely aint nothin ‘llacin. Great job on that interior and engine bay.

Looking to clean my engine... possible de get some details how tou did it? Chemicals.... tools.... did you pressure wash ?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

My version of engine detail is the simplest ever... No pressure wash. I don’t get anything wet... I start off with a thorough vacuum using a dedicated soft bristled brush attachment. Crevice tool also helps getting every last bit of debris out of the cowl air intake and other areas.

Next I use Megs APC@10:1 simply spray onto shop towels or even paper towels and wipe everything clean. Last thing I do is spray Hyper Dressing on all rubber & plastic areas and allow to self level.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200114/d17c7f0a456543635004747ebcf23062.jpg

[hoyt66]

Yes, that was very long,,I enjoyed every bit of it. Great work!!

[Coatingsarecrack]

Thanks! And yea the interior definitely gave me something to sink my teeth into. Luckily these cars cleanup real nice.[emoji4]



Thanks bro. Appreciate it.[emoji1417]



My version of engine detail is the simplest ever... No pressure wash. I don’t get anything wet... I start off with a thorough vacuum using a dedicated soft bristled brush attachment. Crevice tool also helps getting every last bit of debris out of the cowl air intake and other areas.

Next I use Megs APC@10:1 simply spray onto shop towels or even paper towels and wipe everything clean. Last thing I do is spray Hyper Dressing on all rubber & plastic areas and allow to self level.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200114/d17c7f0a456543635004747ebcf23062.jpg

That bay looked like it may have never been clean. If autopia doesnt fix my order and i dont get mckees APC ill be ordering Megs.

Thanks, much appreciated


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[RTexasF]

Very very nice! Your hard work shows everywhere. I hope the Northstar V-8 holds up.

[Desertnate]

Wow! Great job. With the level of work and the results, it would almost classify as a "restoration" if the car was older!

[WaxMaster1]

Awesome job!! I think my favorite part was the jambs followed by the 50/50 of the leather seats.

[Bill D]

What a way to bring an old Cadillac back to life! Reminds me when I did mine way back when. I love the unique color! Drive it in good health!

[Bruno Soares]

Nice detailed post. I'm not a fan of Cadillacs at all but yours looks mint. Nice job restoring it. Hopefully you get to enjoy it for a long time.

[bofh]

Thank you for all the photos. I'm shocked at your success with the floor mats. Looking at the pictures, I didn't think you'd get the crevasses of the wheel interior clean, but WOW! I've never heard of Brown Royal but it goes on my shopping list now. Really well done!

[Mike Phillips]

Wow!

You done did that car right!

If that car could talk, I'm confident it would say,

Thank you!


As is your norm, pro quality work through-and-through. Thank you for sharing!


:dblthumb2: