THE CADILLAC COLOR, UPHOLSTERY & ACCESSORY DATABASE

THE CADILLAC COLOR,
UPHOLSTERY & ACCESSORY DATABASE 1940-1979
revised 2017-03-20

Introduction

This database is intended for the enjoyment of, and assistance to, all Cadillac enthusiasts dedicated to exploring, restoring and maintaining the authenticity of their vehicles. The information was compiled from Cadillac Master Parts Lists, Data Books and Color & Upholstery Selections I’ve collected as a lifelong Cadillac enthusiast. I wish to thank the following club members who answered questions and shared their knowledge of select years:
Paul Allen, Lou Commisso, Jim Eccleston, Tom Hall, Hill Jenkins, Mike Josephic, Warren Rauch and Jim Salmi.

I suspect there are typing and content errors that I missed during proof reading. There are sections within certain years that have missing data. These sections / entries are highlighted by a red question mark (?) and are the result of not finding authoritative references for this data. Any help with the missing information or corrections would be greatly appreciated. I can be reached at: ralphm@rrrclc.org.

Definition of Terms

The paint color name and combination numbers are those used by Cadillac. There are several websites (search Google) containing paint manufacturers’ color charts and their respective stock number or formula. The wheel (rim) color shows the name of the standard and optional colors available for a given body color. Wheel colors usually were Black, Vincennes Red or one of that model year’s body colors. Colored wheels were available until 1956 after which black or gray became standard for cars with full wheel discs.

During the 1940 to 1974 period Cadillac offered a Special Order option for exterior paint color. While the factory preferred to focus on prior year colors, any available commercially available paint could be ordered. The only restriction was that the paint had to be compatible with the manufacturing paint methods, equipment and procedures then in practice.

The upholstery descriptions are those used by Cadillac. The Trim Code Number is the identification shown in the Data Books used to order the vehicle. It is stamped on the Body Plate and is discussed below. Upholstery styles and fabrics were unique to the Series indicated. As late as the mid-seventies, Cadillac offered a Special Order Option where fabrics and materials from one Series or model year could be ordered for a new vehicle. In such cases the materials would be used in the standard configuration of the car and Series being ordered. A discussion of Special Order services is too extensive to include here. The best source for “SO” information is the model year’s Optional Specifications Manual.

Between 1940 and 1955 convertible top materials were laminated multilayer construction of woven fabric and a rubber waterproof barrier. The outside layer had the appearance of canvas fabric. The 1953-55 Eldorados offered an Orlon convertible top in black or white. Series 62 Convertibles tops were available in other colors in the standard fabric. Beginning in 1956 the convertible tops were constructed with a colored vinyl finish on the outside with a pin point, or diamond point texture on the surface. From 1956 through 1960 this was referred to as a Vicodec Top. These materials were used on convertibles as well as padded tops for the Eldorado Sevilles. The 1960 Fleetwood 60 Special also offered a Vicodec Top, but with a different texture pattern than convertible materials.

The padded vinyl tops fall into three generations. From 1963 through 1976 a relatively large pattern Cross-Grain texture was offered. It was replaced in 1977 by a smaller, finer cross grain texture called Tuxedo Grain. Beginning late 1971 a smoother, leather like texture with thicker padding, called Elk Grain was introduced on the Eldorado Cabriolet. This material was subsequently offered across more Series and models into the 1980s.

Accessories

The available accessories consist of factory as well as dealer installed; because dealers could install factory items after the fact. An accessory’s Order Code may be shown on the Body Plate located under the hood on the driver’s side of the cowl. There is an ongoing discussion among CLC Members about which codes were shown on the Body Plate during which production periods. Adding to the question is evidence that standard equipment for a particular Series may or may not be on the Body Plates of similarly equipped vehicles. During the 50s and 60s accessories were listed by the letter Order Code used in ordering the vehicle. Beginning sometime during the 70s, the accessory’s Production Code was listed. I suspect the Body Plate and accessory codes represent an internal, evolving Cadillac operations system synchronizing the sales and manufacturing functions. As vehicle orders became more specialized with more options, this system seems to evolve to meet demands. The only way to authenticate your 1903-1970 Cadillac is through GM Heritage Center. The service is available at: Vehicle Authenticatio thru GM Heritage Center

When applicable I have included both the Order Code from the Data Books – usually one or two letter(s) of the alphabet, and the Production Code – an alpha-numeric code, with the listed accessories. If you’re fortunate enough to find your vehicle’s Build Sheet, often found under the rear seat, it will contain the Production Codes for every subassembly used during factory assembly of that vehicle.

The data are presented for model years 1940 through 1979 as individual pages in a sequential scroll beginning with 1940.

Ralph Messina
28 February 2017

NOTE: Contents are protected by RRR CLC Website copyrights and may not be reproduced for commercial purposes without prior written approval. RRR CLC and the author are not responsible, and shall be held harmless, for any errors.
Rev 3; Mar ‘17