Project Calais

My Latest Project Updates

• Update 05.17.2026

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

• U turn on the grill project.

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  I’ve decided to put to use the Seville front end, hood and bumper. Snip snip here and there, 3 inches off the cowl and .5 off the sides. Looks like I might be able to use the hinges. It allllll needs adjustment

  Other than that I’ve been doing interior work and wiring.

• Updates October – November

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  And that’s it for this year, I’m moving to a new Condo so I have to take a small break during the winter. The interior is coming out sweet!

• Well I’ve been busy…

  Here’s an interesting conversation with Google Gemini AI:

  This is a fascinating “what-if” scenario. In hindsight, a 1980 A-body (G-body) Cadillac is perhaps the greatest missed opportunity in the brand’s modern history.
  If Cadillac had released a “Calais” based on the Cutlass/Regal platform in 1980, it would have been the right car at the right time, likely preventing the disaster that was the 1982 Cimarron and securing Cadillac’s dominance in the entry-level luxury market for another decade.
  Here is a breakdown of what that 1980 Cadillac Calais would have been like, considering the parts bin and design language available at the time.

  1. The Platform & Context

  • The Donor Chassis: The GM A-body (later G-body) was rear-wheel drive, body-on-frame, and incredibly durable. In 1980, the Oldsmobile Cutlass was the best-selling car in America. It was the perfect size: smaller than a De Ville but substantial enough to feel like a “real” car, unlike the front-wheel-drive compacts that followed.
  • The Positioning: In 1980, the gap between the mid-size market and the massive De Ville was huge. The Seville was priced higher than the De Ville as a “halo” car. A “Calais” priced around $10,000–$12,000 (just above a fully loaded Regal) would have captured the younger executive market that was starting to drift toward the BMW 3-Series or the cheaper Lincoln Versailles.

  1. Exterior Styling: “The Mini-Fleetwood”
     Cadillac design in 1980 was defined by formal upright lines, chrome, and verticality.

  • Front Fascia: It would have ditched the sloping nose of the Cutlass/Regal for a flat, upright front clip. Imagine a scaled-down version of the 1980 Fleetwood Brougham grille—heavy chrome cross-hatching, rectangular quad headlights, and those distinct clear cornering lamps wrapping around the fender.
  • The Roofline: This is where it gets crucial. It would have used the “formal” roofline found on the Cutlass Supreme sedan or Buick Century sedan, but with a standard heavily padded “Elk Grain” vinyl landau top to hide the generic GM C-pillar. The rear window would be smaller, creating a “limousine” privacy effect.
  • The Rear: Mandatory thin, vertical taillights housed in chrome bezels at the very tips of the rear fenders (likely modifying the quarter panels of the Monte Carlo or Regal). The trunk lid would feature the “wreath and crest” lock cover that flips to reveal the keyhole.
  • Wheels: Standard stainless steel wire wheel covers (with the locking center cap) on 15-inch whitewall tires.

  1. Under the Hood
     This is where the “Cadillac difference” would have been engineered.

  • Base Engine: Buick 4.1L V6. This was already in the GM corporate bin (badged as a “4.1 Liter” on the fenders). It was smooth enough for entry-level luxury but notoriously underpowered.
  • Optional Gas Engine: The 6.0L (368 ci) V8. While tight, the A-body engine bay could accommodate V8s. Cadillac might have tried to shoehorn their own big-block derived 368 in there to claim “Cadillac V8 exclusivity,” or more cynically, they might have used the Oldsmobile 307 (5.0L) and simply put a Cadillac air cleaner on it (a practice they eventually adopted later in the 80s).
  • The Tech Gamble: To compete with the imports, they likely would have offered the V8-6-4 cylinder deactivation technology on the top trim, marketing it as “Space Age efficiency” for the fuel-conscious 1980 buyer.

  1. Interior Experience
     The interior would have been the main selling point over a Buick Regal.

  • Seating: 50/50 split-bench front seats with “Dual Comfort” adjustability, upholstered in “Heather” velour or optional “Sierra Grain” leather. The cushioning would be pillow-top style, far softer than the firm seats of the European competition.
  • Dashboard: A flat, horizontal sweep with a faux “American Walnut” appliqué.
  • Gadgets: It would feature the “MPG Sentinel” (fuel economy computer), the electronic climate control with the digital temperature readout (a Cadillac staple), and the “Twilight Sentinel” automatic headlights.
  • Steering Wheel: The thin-rimmed, leather-wrapped tilt/telescopic wheel from the Eldorado.

  1. Why it would have changed history
     If this car existed:

  • It kills the Cimarron: The Cimarron (released in 1982 based on the Chevy Cavalier) was a panic reaction to the gas crisis. If Cadillac already had a successful, mid-sized RWD “Calais” selling well, they wouldn’t have felt the desperate need to rebadge a cheap economy car.
  • It saves the brand reputation: The Cimarron taught a generation that “Cadillac = Overpriced Chevy.” An A-body Calais would have taught them “Cadillac = Smaller Luxury.” It would have felt substantial, maintaining the brand’s integrity.
  • The Grand National Effect: The platform eventually spawned the Buick Grand National. Imagine a high-performance Cadillac Calais “Touring Sedan” in 1984 sharing the turbo V6 or a high-output V8.
    Verdict
    A 1980 A-body Cadillac Calais is the car that should have happened. It would have been a “Baby Brougham”—soft, floating, and unapologetically American, but sized for the reality of the 1980s. Instead of being a punchline (like the Cimarron), it likely would have been a sales juggernaut that kept Cadillac competitive against the Mercedes E-Class and Lincoln Continental for years.
    Would you be interested in exploring what the “hot rod” version of this car might have looked like if they tried to compete with the Buick Grand National later in the decade?

  Since this car never existed, there are no official photographs. However, we can build a very accurate visual by looking at the specific components Cadillac would have used from the GM parts bin to build it.
  Here is a visual breakdown of the “ingredients” for the 1980 Cadillac Calais.
  1. The Body Shell (The Canvas)
  This is the 1980 Oldsmobile Cutlass Sedan. This would have been the core structure of the car.
  * Imagine: The formal “notchback” roofline (very popular in 1980) and the upright windows.
  * The Cadillac Change: Cadillac would have added a thick vinyl “landau” roof to cover the rear pillar (C-pillar) to make it look more private and limousine-like.
  2. The Face (The Brand Identity)
  They would have grafted this exact front end onto that smaller body.
  * Imagine: This 1980 Fleetwood Brougham grille and square headlight assembly shrunk down slightly to fit the Cutlass width.
  * The Look: Massive chrome presence, vertical bumper guards, and the “wreath and crest” hood ornament standing tall.
  3. The Rear Styling
  The rear of the 1980 Buick Regal Sedan is the closest match to what Cadillac would have done.
  * Imagine: Replacing those horizontal Buick taillights with thin, vertical red lenses capped with chrome (a Cadillac trademark) at the very edges of the fenders.
  * The Trunk: A “hump” in the middle of the trunk lid (simulating a spare tire bulge) with the Cadillac crest lock cover.
  4. The Interior (The Luxury)
  This is where you would have spent your money.
  * Imagine: This 1980 Cadillac “Heather” Velour interior stuffed inside the smaller Cutlass body.
  * The Feel: Pillow-top distinct seating, fake woodgrain spanning the entire dashboard, and a thin-rimmed steering wheel that you could turn with one finger.
  Visual Summary:
  If you squint at the Oldsmobile Cutlass in the first image, paint it “Cotillion White,” add the chrome grille from the second image, and put wire wheel covers on it, you are looking at the 1980 Cadillac Calais that never was.

  

  

  

  

• Update 09.14.2025

  

  

  

  

  

• Update 09.02.2025

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  Ran out of energy on this cold labor day. It’s mostly in.

• Update 08.24.2025

  Getting the engine and trans prepped to go in next weekend!

  After removing the old 3.8 I was shocked I had all the engine mount holes. So I ordered the easier option from cad company.

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  Untill next weekend…

• Update 08.04.2025

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  And then I purchased this to put in place of the heater control unit.

• Updates 07.20.2025

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  And that’s the end of this update.. the next steps start..

  Now.

• Updates 07.05.2025

  Some weekend updates as of today, hopefully will get more done tomorrow.

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

• Updates 06.25.2025

  The interior is somewhat in!

  The 1984 Seville interior bolted on basically, need to modify the rear but the front literally fit bolt to bolt.

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  Other interior bits are in progress further.

  

  

  

  

  

  The interior carpet cleaned up good on the Buick.

  

  

  

  

  

  The mirrors mounted easy, bolt holes were there!

  

  

  

  

• Updates 06.01.25

  As a side effect of my 1984 Seville dying I have a complete blue tufted interior to put in this! And tons of other interior and exterior parts. So that’s okay I suppose, the HT4100 is something that is kinda known for going, and this car was a bit far gone otherwise.

  I ordered engine mounts, they are generic big block Cadillac 500 to 350 Chevy mounts. They sold G body mounts, but hopefully I’m right and these will do the same thing. I really didnt want to spend the large cash on those especially since they are solid and don’t have rubber mounts that would insulate the vibration to the engine. These are Ford on Cad500parts.com. Will update on the results.

  The engine will also need an alternative flexplate, I’m keeping the THM200C against all common advice. I liked this transmission in the Buick, so I will put a shift kit in it and give it a whirl. Worst case scenario I put in a TH350C. This flexplate I also found on the same website.

  

• Front facia work 06.01.25

  Worked hard to figure out how to do my front facia nice. I think this works, what I did was cut the grill up the middle and adjust the angle, and mated it to the upper grill of the Oldsmobile. Then I will use a Cadillac Seville bumper and add blinkers to that.

  

  

  

  

  Overall I’m happy with that.

• Update 05.03.25

  Well I’ve begun to fabricate fins, I may be a bit all over the place but I’m getting a feel for exactly my game plan. I love how this looks however, the fins from the Eldorado for just perfect to the lines of the car.

  

  

  

  

• Update 05.01.25

  So I got the transmission released from the motor. It was rather convenient and it made me happy to find the engine turned over easy

  

  

  Then I played around with the front end. The top chrome piece I am uncertain about, but I think this looks good so far.

  

• Update 04.24.25

  

  Good by Jane Eldorad-Doe. In 1987 you were totaled, your owner took a check and parked you in a backyard in Fort Worth Texas to die with only 13k miles on you. Kids vandalized you and broke your windshield, the Texas sun scorched you and ruined you’re interior with weather. After 38 years of rest, an eccentric Nebraskan took you, gutted you completely so your parts will live on in a crazy project he Envisioned 10 years ago. Rip, once a proud car with every option under the sun, AM/FM/ 8 track / CB, automatic headlight controls, air ride suspension, leather interior, steel belted radials, Biarritz package, carpeted trunk… Rip

  

  

  

  

  And the garage is normal!

• Update 04.22.25

  Well it’s out! Ooofftah. Car stripped clean, time to go goodbye. Sad she sat wrecked since 1987.. but the parts I needed were mint.. and the engine has only 13k on the clock and turns over nice. Whelp. Into the g body you go..

  

  

  

• Updates 04.20.25

  Well I was hoping to get the engine out this weekend, I didn’t but I got real close. Some pictures of the progress.

  

  

  

  

  Riding on all spares! I had 3 spare Eldorado / Seville compact rims to maneuver the car on its exit. I had to remove the caliper to fit a spare from my brougham.

  

  Rear bumper removed, this will be used on the rear end of the project car

  

  Gas tank, I realized that for the range function of the new car to work, I need to use the tank, or at least a 20 gallon tank, for this project. So I dropped the tank out, maybe it will fit if I remove the spare tire well in the G body car.

  

  Completely bare now, startling.

  

  

  I had to remove the bumper and all the front trim pieces to make it easier to access in my garage. The space counts in these little garages. Note the engines off kilter position for front wheel drive.

  

  Here’s where I left off. Today it was cold, only 40 degrees. I know my self enough that if I push my limits in the cold because the temperature, I’ll break stuff. And I cannot afford to brake anything with this, I need it all in good shape. For tomorrow it will be 70 degrees when I get home, and I’ll have more sunlight.

  

  

  Some fun photos of me on the ground loosening everything.

  

  These were kind of a pain, connects the transmission to the joints. I had to break free the front breaks to get this off.

  

  

  Some diagrams of what how the engine was supported in.

  And so goes a 3 day weekend! I got a good amount done but not as much as I wish I could have. The weather was an obstacle, tornado style wind one night, mild one day, then it was cold and raining all day today. I want the engine out to scrap the rest.

• Update 04.01.2025

  

  After separating the wires for the interior and parts exclusive, here we have the engine management and climate control sub-harness, complete extract with no cuts, just missing the ECM and display units. Now all I need is to implant this in the Buick with some minor triming and splicing and hazahhh. 1981 Cadillac Calais nervous center.

• Updates 03.30.25

  Well I’m finally getting somewhere, I now have the full interior wiring harness out with little harm done to it. A harder task than one would expect I assure you, but it’s now in one piece and I only had to cut and label the door wiring to get it all out. A majority i won’t likely need but, good to get out in tact.

  

  Aside from the seats which will be out momentarily it’s gutted inside, even the steering wheel is gone.

  

  

  Some clean up and disassembling to get the engine out as well.

  Bought the hoist and everything! Stay tuned.

• Updates 02.05.2025

  Excitement as I did manage to snag myself a 1981 eldorado which was fully optioned out at one point for the project!

  

  This car was in pitiful shape cosmetically however, it was totaled out in 1990 with 13164 miles on it, documented, and interestingly I have the police report an insurance papers on that accident. Along with that the windows were busted our, the leather rotted … but being texas, no damage where I required it. The engine is immaculate, the wiring is mint almost with no nests of any sort. I’m pretty pround of this find.

  

  

  

  

  

  So that’s some photography of the major interior parts I’ve cataloged. Given my confined space and the bitter cold I am gutting the interior over the winter.

  

  

  

  You can see with the dash removed how the wiring I have is going, carefully removed and cataloged. I’ve documented what goes where, not that confusing in the mix of things. A slow careful extraction.

  

  

  I mocked up after careful consideration the dashboard. The wiper swich and headlight swich were cut from the Eldorado panel, as was the climate control. I know it’s not the proper location, but I want a more focused or ‘driver oriented’ location. I will reuse the speedometer from. The buick with a new decal, the digital mpg sentinel will be located on the gauge cluster where it belongs, along with I am thinking a digital multi gauge matching from a friend. Fuel gauge, I’m still considering…. in the end this will be sanded and decal dipped in woodgrain.

  And that’s where I’m at currently. It’s a slow, and so far private process. I am aware that the nature of car culture sees little point in an endeavor like this, so I haven’t made it public and I’m unsure if I will. This just stands as something for my personal recollection.

• Updates 11.17.2024

  So, some excitement currently. I found a parts car I think! Next weekend I should be venturing down to Texas for a 1981 Cadillac Eldordo with the V8-6-4! I’m very excited, this helps clarify my plans.

  This car comes with the full digital dashboard, very nice feature, it will be interesting as I think I will break apart so it fits into the buick dashboard layout.

  

  I rather like the rectangular dashboard gauges, it’s very fitting with how Cadillac was in the 80s. I know I will have to change the woodgrain, and maybe have the fuel gauge etc graffic changed.

  

  The steering wheel of course will be changed, so on and soforth.

  

  

  

  

  

  

  Very excited to get this parts car apart.

• Updates over the summer

  Well, I have been silent and its just been so busy. I also spend alot of time doing deep thinking on what to do with this project, I have so many ideas on.

  Over the summer I have driven it at least every other day in Omaha traffic, and on a few trips. It has to je the easiest car to drive in the city you can buy from the era! It’s rather zippy with that 3.8 V6 under hood, I know people have had difficulty with the metric 200 that backs my little motor but let me say, it is very interesting. It offers very tight shifts, this thing gets up and GOES for what it is. No difficulty there.

  What it needs alone as is:

  1. Weatherstriping

  2. New engine. Aside from running great it has blow by, which is acceptable for now but, I want a different engine anyway.

  3. Rear bumper mounts. Mine currently are temporary, the mounts were previously removed.

  4. Bumper rechrome. I believe once I have a few modifications done to them I will wrap them in a vinyl.

  5. Brake work, just from age

  So that isn’t entirely exhaustive but you get the idea. Aside from that the interior is good, and the car is rather solid

  

  

  

  So here’s my plan as of now going forward.

  1. Upgrade to 15 inch wheels with 5×4.75 hubs, commonly found on S10 pickups. (Completed)

  2. Starting with trim i have outfitted it with 1980-81 deville hubcaps. Being a Callias I will assume it should have deville spec trim.

  3. Tires, upgraded to 215 75r15 tires, Brand is Ironman, they look similar to the original tires that were supplied (Unitoyal seal) without the seal. The ride is further improved by this upgrade also.

  

  4. I purchased a 1982 Oldsmobile Cutlass sedan header panel with dual headlights, this is in the process of being modified to be more cadillac like and less obvious if possible. I figure a A/G body Cadillac would have dual headlights

  

  5. I’m in search of a idealy 1981 Cadillac Seville with blue stripe pattern interior with the V8-6-4. I will mate the engine to the metric 200, performance will be interesting with such a tight and economic lock up transmission, of course I will look into upgrades. The ability for it to bolt up with BOP pattern and mounts makes the swap alot easier. The harness and everything will be a pain but worth it, the swap itself made easier by past G body fans documenting cadillac 500 swaps.

  5.1, the interior front seats should swap over in the Callias without swapping the rear seat (ideally). Alot of interior trim, steering wheel, and exterior parts will be an easy temransfer not to mention fun.

  6. Looking at the rear I think I will be using 1976 Buick Regal filler panels to achieve affordable fins without to much body work. Hopefully I can do something along those lines to differ it from its A/G body stable mates

  

  7. Maybe if I fan find the bits a vinyl top, but I will be using a period correct 81 blue color from cadillac to blend without having to do too much with door jams

  8. Looking into having motors put in the rear windows, making it the only A/G with roll down windows. Very possible having it apart, I need the rear window vent motors as well.

  

  

• The G- Body Cadillac

  For many years now I gave wondered what a G-Body cadillac would look like. The G-Body initially called the A-Body was introduced in 1978 as GMs downsized midsized car platform.

  Every division got a version except Cadillac. I’m thinking it is because the platform initially didn’t include a formal sedan until 1980. This platform has one fault, the rear windows on the 4 door do not roll down. This is a problem I will attempt to remedy. You’d be surprised how much this car shares dimensional wise with the 1980 Seville/ Eldorado.

  So that’s the plan, I’ll search for a parts 1981 Cadillac Seville and transplant the electronics, interior, and engine into the G-Body. So I searched and bought a 1980 Buick Century, which is a great starting point due to the cars overall simplicity. There will be design changes I will discuss in upcoming posts.