1964 CADILLAC SERIES 62

Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi or age-related regardless

Symptoms: slipping between gears especially 2nd to 3rd, delayed engagement when shifting to Drive, burnt transmission fluid smell, clunking into gear from Park

Fix: The original Hydra-Matic units are 60+ years old now and internals fail from wear and dried seals. Full rebuild requires 12-16 hours including R&R, new clutch packs, bands, seals, and often the oil cooler lines which corrode through. Trans cooler replacement adds 2-3 hours.

Estimated cost: $2,800-4,500

Typical onset: 100,000-180,000 mi

Symptoms: deep knocking from crankcase on acceleration, metallic rattling at idle that worsens warm, oil pressure drops below 10 psi at idle, metal shavings in oil pan

Fix: Main and rod bearings wear out, especially if oil changes were neglected decades ago. Requires complete engine removal (8-10 hours), disassembly, crank polishing or replacement, new bearings, gaskets, seals. Often turns into full rebuild once you're in there. Short block replacement is 18-24 hours total.

Estimated cost: $4,500-7,500

Symptoms: hard starting when hot, fuel smell in garage after sitting, rough idle with black smoke, stalling at stops after warmup, fuel dripping from carb throat

Fix: The Carter AFB 4-barrel carbs gum up badly if the car sat for years. Float needles stick, accelerator pump diaphragms crack, passages clog. Complete carb rebuild kit plus ultrasonic cleaning is 4-6 hours. Replace fuel filter, flush lines, new fuel pump diaphragm while you're in there. These cars had rubber fuel lines that turn to mush inside.

Estimated cost: $650-1,200

Symptoms: soft brake pedal that sinks to floor, hissing sound at brake pedal, hard pedal requiring heavy pressure, brake fluid disappearing without visible leaks, engine stalling when braking

Fix: The vacuum-assisted brake boosters develop diaphragm leaks after decades. Master cylinders leak internally past worn cups. Booster replacement is 3-4 hours, master cylinder adds another 2 hours with proper bleeding. You're dealing with single-reservoir systems and steel lines that are often rusted, so budget time for line repairs.

Estimated cost: $800-1,400

Typical onset: 60,000+ mi or age-related

Symptoms: clunking over bumps from front end, wandering steering that requires constant correction, uneven tire wear on inside edges, car pulling to one side, popping sound when turning at low speed

Fix: Upper and lower ball joints wear out, rubber control arm bushings rot and crack. This is a heavy car and parts are 60 years old. Complete front end rebuild (both sides, upper/lower ball joints, bushings, tie rod ends, alignment) runs 10-14 hours. Parts availability can be an issue, expect to source from specialty suppliers.

Estimated cost: $1,800-2,800

Symptoms: dim lights at idle, battery not charging, ammeter showing discharge, electrical accessories weak or failing, generator whining or smoking

Fix: Original generators are 40-amp units that can't handle modern accessories if added. Rebuilds last 20,000-40,000 miles at best. Many owners convert to alternator (3-4 hours with brackets and wiring mods) but cheap conversions cause charging issues. Proper conversion or quality generator rebuild with voltage regulator replacement.

Estimated cost: $450-900

Symptoms: ticking sound from engine bay that increases with RPM, exhaust smell in cabin, louder exhaust note on one side, visible soot streaks on manifold, failed emissions test if applicable

Fix: Cast iron manifolds crack from heat cycling over 60 years, mounting studs break off in the head. Manifold replacement per side is 6-8 hours including extracting broken studs, which often snap during removal. Headers are an option but expensive for this platform. Budget for head resurfacing if studs damaged threads.

Estimated cost: $900-1,600