1962 CADILLAC EUREKA HEARSE
Commercial Chassis
Mileage 51,000
1962 Cadillac Eureka hearse built on the factory commercial chassis, showing 51000 miles. This is a Model 8680S “3-Way” side loader with reverse-hinged rear doors and an electrically operated coffin table designed to extend from either side or the rear. Eureka Coachbuilders of Rock Falls, Illinois produced 1,899 coaches in 1962, and this configuration is believed to be one of approximately 65 three-way electric table cars built that year due to their high cost.
The car was retired from funeral home service in California before being shipped to Hawaii, where the previous owner used it for over 20 years in parades, car shows, and Ghostbusters-themed events. I purchased it a couple of years ago and had it shipped from Hawaii to Southwest Florida. I have only moved it between garages since. I had planned cosmetic and replica-themed upgrades but have not started any work. I have some of the parts, lights, and plastics from the Ghostbusters theme that go with the car as pictured. I had planned proper replica parts that are readily available out there today. Due to health reasons I was not able to add any value and it sat with the rest of my collection (Bandit replica, delorean, etc). Most of the work and information provided is from the previous owner/ad. I mostly stored this for the last few years.
Power comes from a rebuilt Cadillac 390ci V8. In 2015 the engine was removed and fully rebuilt by Snyder’s Machine Shop with new pistons, connecting rods, camshaft, bearings, crank balancing, and rebuilt heads with new valves and springs. The original Hydra-Matic transmission was replaced with a heavy-duty TH400 automatic, and the driveshaft was rebuilt. The coach was garage kept and reportedly driven only occasionally to events after the rebuild by previous owner.
The frame is solid and uses Cadillac’s professional-car commercial chassis with the extended tubular X-frame. The car was originally gold, was white when it left funeral service, and was repainted white in Hawaii. It presents well for its age but is not a show car.
The electric table motor was tested and found to run per previous owner, but the table has not moved or extended during my ownership. The wiper motor was rebuilt by the previous owner/mechanic, and the commercial-chassis-only linkage was replaced. Tires were changed from bias-ply to radial whitewalls, and the muffler was replaced. At freeway speeds there is some noise and a stiff ride.
Front brakes were upgraded to Wilwood disc components and a Wilwood master cylinder about eight years ago and are probably due for a service.
An under-dash aftermarket A/C system was installed and working. A rear-view camera with a small under-dash monitor is fitted, along with a rear strobe and sounder. The fuel gauge reads empty correctly but only shows about ¾ when the tank is full.
Interior condition is driver-quality and aged. The headliner and interior panels need attention. The front bench seat upholstery is present but needs reupholstering. The dash pad is split. The wraparound windshield has light wiper marks but does not affect visibility. The rear side glass and wing window each have a hairline crack; both are flat glass and could be replaced by a glass shop. The speedometer is believed to be accurate. The instrument cluster backlighting is out (possible bulb or fuse). A good used chrome speedometer cluster is included. Dome light not currently working; a replacement is included. Under-dash auxiliary gauges show oil pressure, fuel pressure, temperature, and charging.
Storage includes a spare tire and new 3-ton jack in the driver’s-side compartment, a passenger-side under-table compartment, and a rear floor compartment near the table motor.
Also included are the owner’s manual and a reprint of the 1962 Cadillac shop manual.
Parade and Ghostbusters-themed equipment from the prior owner is included. This consists of magnetic-mounted rooftop red lights, a 1970s-era 12V rotating police-style light, a non-functional chrome hood siren, tanks, blue hoses, stripe decals, an SA90 Class D 4-channel amplifier, and two magnetic-mount speakers used for music and siren sounds. All parade accessories attach with magnets; no holes were drilled. Wiring runs through a removable flex hose that can be routed through the passenger wing window during use.
This is an uncommon professional car with unique three-way loading equipment, older mechanical restoration, and cosmetic needs. It is a solid project or event vehicle with character.
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