1964 Cadillac Deville problems
The Cadillac DeVille is a model name used by Cadillac over eight generations, originally used to designate a trim level of the 1949 Cadillac Series 62 and later to designate a standalone model in the brand range. The last model marketed specifically as a DeVille was the 2005 full-size sedan, at the time, Cadillac's largest model.
For 2006, the Deville nameplate was retired, when the model line was carried forward (with minor revisions) as the Cadillac DTS, using a nomenclature adopted by the Cadillac STS and CTS.
Early history
The name "DeVille" is derived from the French de la ville or de ville meaning "of the town". In French coach building parlance, a coupé de ville, from the French couper (to cut) i.e. shorten or reduce, was a short four-wheeled closed carriage with an inside seat for two and an outside seat for the driver and this smaller vehicle was intended for use in the town or city (de ville). An (unshortened) limousine or (in the United States) town car has a division between the passenger and driver compartments and if the driver's seat is outside it may be called a sedanca de ville or town car.
The first Cadillac "Coupe de Ville" was shown during the 1949 Motorama. It was built on a Cadillac Sixty Special chassis and featured a dummy air-scoop, chrome trim around front wheel openings, and a one-piece windshield and rear glass. The interior was black and trimmed in gray leather, including the headliner, to match the roof color. It was equipped with a telephone in the glove compartment, a vanity case and a secretarial pad in the rear armrest, power windows and highly decorative chrome interior trim. The prototype "Coupe de Ville" was used by GM President Charles E. Wilson until 1957 when he presented it to his secretary. At some time during this period it acquired a dark Vicodec roof. The prototype "Coupe de Ville" was found and restored in the 2010s; it was in a private collection in London, Ontario, Canada as of 2017.
The Cadillac Series 62 Coupe de Ville was introduced late in the 1949 model year. Along with the Buick Roadmaster Riviera, and the Oldsmobile 98 Holiday, it was among the first pillarless hardtop coupes ever produced. At US$3,496 ($44,768 in 2023 dollars ) it was only a dollar less than the Series 62 convertible, and like the convertible, it came with power windows standard. It was luxuriously trimmed, with leather upholstery and chrome 'bows' in the headliner to simulate the ribs of a convertible top. In its first year the Series 62 Coupe de Ville only sold 2,150 units. But 1950 sales more than doubled to 4507, and in 1951 sales more than doubled again to 10,241 exceeding the sales for the Series 62 Club Coupe that year. Also, in 1951, Coupe de Ville chrome script appeared on the rear roof pillar for the first time, to further distinguish it from the Series 62 Club Coupe.
In 1956 the Series 62 Coupe de Ville was joined by the Series 62 Sedan de Ville, Cadillac's first standard production 4-door hardtop. Similarly to the Coupe de Ville, it was also more expensive and more luxuriously trimmed than the standard 4-door Series 62. With 41,732 sold, it also easily outsold the Series 62 sedan in its very first year. Given their sales success, it was only natural that the Coupe de Ville and Sedan de Ville were moved to their own separate series in 1959, the Series 6300, being joined by a DeVille convertible in 1964.
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Common 1964 Cadillac Deville problems
The 1964 Cadillac Coupe Deville is a classic car that is loved by many, but it does come with its own set of common problems. One of the most reported issues is related to the engine not cranking. Users have reported that even after replacing the engine and hooking up all the wires, the car refuses to crank. The problem could be due to the neutral safety switch, which prevents the car from starting in gear. The switch is located on the firewall in the engine compartment and is connected by a dark blue, yellow, and red wire.
Another common problem with the 1964 Cadillac Coupe Deville is related to the carburetor. Users have reported that the carburetor is not idling correctly, which can cause the engine to run poorly. The problem can be caused by mechanics not installing the stainless steel shim correctly, which is needed for the carburetor to idle correctly. The shim should be placed on top of the carburetor, not on the intake manifold.
The 1964 Cadillac Coupe Deville is also known for its high oil consumption. The problem is believed to be due to the siamesed cylinder bores, which cannot be fixed unless the piston rings are replaced. However, not all engines have this problem, and it depends on how they were manufactured. Some users have reported that the high oil consumption is due to the fuel pump dumping gas into the oil, which thins it out and causes inaccurate readings.
Another common problem with the 1964 Cadillac Coupe Deville is related to the brakes. The heavy weight of the car requires that the brakes are well maintained. It is recommended to check for any leaks under the car and ensure that the brakes are in good condition.
In addition to these common problems, users have also reported issues with the fuel pump, ignition system, and electrical wiring. It is recommended to perform regular maintenance and inspections to ensure that the car is in good condition.
In summary, the 1964 Cadillac Coupe Deville is a classic car that is loved by many, but it does come with its own set of common problems. These include issues with the engine not cranking, carburetor, high oil consumption, and brakes. Regular maintenance and inspections are recommended to ensure that the car is in good condition.
What years of DeVille to avoid?
Overheating and cracked engine blocks in Cadillac DeVilles
The popular 2000 and 2002 Cadillac DeVilles are prime casualties, with the engine tending to overheat due to a leaking head gasket. Alternatively, a water pump leak could be preventing your coolant circulating freely through your engine.
What engine is in a 1964 Cadillac DeVille?
Second generation (1961–1964)
| Second generation | |
|---|---|
| Engine | 390 cu in (6.4 L) OHV V8 429 cu in (7.0 L) OHV V8 |
| Transmission | 4-speed Hydra-Matic automatic 3-speed TH-400, automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 129.5 in (3,289 mm) |
How many miles per gallon does a 1964 Cadillac get?
Based on data from 1 vehicles, 27 fuel-ups and 4,627 miles of driving, the 1964 Cadillac DeVille gets a combined Avg MPG of 11.17 with a 0.67 MPG margin of error. Below you can see a distribution of the fuel-ups with 0 outliers (0.00%) removed.
Are vintage Cadillacs reliable?
A premium American brand, Cadillacs are built to last, as proven by these classic models that will practically run forever. One of the most famous American luxury car brands on the planet has to be Cadillac.
What years of DeVille to avoid?
Overheating and cracked engine blocks in Cadillac DeVilles
The popular 2000 and 2002 Cadillac DeVilles are prime casualties, with the engine tending to overheat due to a leaking head gasket. Alternatively, a water pump leak could be preventing your coolant circulating freely through your engine.
What engine is in a 1964 Cadillac DeVille?
Second generation (1961–1964)
| Second generation | |
|---|---|
| Engine | 390 cu in (6.4 L) OHV V8 429 cu in (7.0 L) OHV V8 |
| Transmission | 4-speed Hydra-Matic automatic 3-speed TH-400, automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 129.5 in (3,289 mm) |
Are vintage Cadillacs reliable?
A premium American brand, Cadillacs are built to last, as proven by these classic models that will practically run forever. One of the most famous American luxury car brands on the planet has to be Cadillac.
How long can a Cadillac DeVille last?
How Many Miles Does a Cadillac Last? A new Cadillac typically drives between 150,000 and 200,000 miles with proper maintenance. This translates to about 10 to 13 years for an average driver clocking 15,000 miles per year.
1964 Cadillac Deville car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Cadillac Deville problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Tires problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1964 Cadillac Deville vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1964 Cadillac Deville complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1964 Cadillac Deville.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-10-10
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING 55-60 MPH THE TREAD SEPARATED ON THE FRONT LEFT TIRE, TIRE SIZE P235/75/R15, MILEAGE 5,000. THE TIRE WAS NOT ORIGINAL MANUFACTURER EQUIPMENT. *NLM CONSUMER STATED CASING WAS DEFECTIVE, WHICH CAUSED TREAD TO SEPARATE, CAUSED BODY DAMAGE AND LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE.*SLC
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1964 Cadillac Deville problems:
1964 Cadillac DeVille Review - Carsurvey.org
Dec 3, 2014 ... Having Carter AFB carb problems that I found out were actually caused by a missing shim, and a cracked spacer plate.
Thinking of buying mid-60's Coupe Deville. Some advice? | Cadillac ...
Mar 1, 2010 ... The problem is that I'm not very mechanically inclined. I've owned sports cars all my life so I know cars, but I've never really worked on any.
1964-67 Cadillac 429 (and 1963, 390) front engine covers
Mar 2, 2018 ... 1964-67 Cadillac ... Electrolysis is a common problem, especially around the coolant passages. ... And I am good - thanks all. Fairfax Station, VA ...
1964 cadillac coupe deville wont crank?? possible solutions ...
Nov 20, 2014 ... switched starter solenoid wires around and still same problem.. could it be the nuetral safety switch stopping it from cranking?? where is this ...
Projects - 1964 Cadillac transmission | The H.A.M.B.
Apr 5, 2016 ... Projects 1964 Cadillac transmission ... problem. coupe33, Apr 6, 2016 · SHARE POST#20 ... Most likely a Sedan DeVille, not sure when they did the ...
Other years of Cadillac Deville
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