By 1975, the Cadillac was more modern, but still unmistakably a full-size luxurious automobile. Pictured is the ’75 Fleetwood four-door, one of the longer wheelbase models that came with a 500 cubic inch V8. (Ad compliments Cadillac).
Q: Hi Greg. I am writing this letter in reference to the article that you had published in the newspaper about Earl Scheib Paint Centers not too long ago. Back in 1977 in Cleveland, Ohio, I had an Earl Scheib Paint Center paint my 1962 Cadillac in a very nice turquoise blue. The painters there did a nice job on it for me.
I am writing to ask if you can please get me some information on what Earl Scheib Paint Centers will be in the area as I plan to live in the Pittsburgh, Pa. area when I get out of prison. I need to know this information as I have a couple of cars that will need to be painted. Plus, I would love to work and join a team at one of the paint centers.
I really want to go into business when I’m out of here. I can weld and paint cars and I also do upholstery work also. Now if I plan to locate in Cleveland, Ohio, I will also need the address of the paint center near there, too. If you could please send me this information as soon as possible I would be very grateful. Thank you very much for your time and patience in this. John Bennett/AH-8987, State Correctional Institute, 5706 Glades Pike, P.O. Box 631, Somerset, Pa. 15501-0631.
Earl Scheib advertisement from the 1960 era. (Ad compliments Earl Scheib Paint and Body Centers).
A: John, thank you for your typed letter and kind words. I’m happy to help you.
First, I’m sure you have some fine memories of your 1962 Cadillac. Back then, they were gigantic cars compared to what we know as a “large car” today. I owned two Cadillacs along the way, first a 1972 all-black Sedan Deville four-door and then a 1975 Coupe Deville two-door finished in a beautiful burnt orange with a white vinyl top. The ’72 had a 472-inch V8, while the 1975 found the V8 engine growing to 500-cubic inches! I have very fond memories of the 1975, and it was a very, very big car!
I’m happy you are seeking information on the paint centers in and around Pittsburgh and Cleveland. Also remember that many auto repair centers out there can use your skills if you can’t hook up with an Earl Scheib Paint center. Considering the popularity of the collector car market these days, I’d say you have a good chance of landing a job considering you can weld, paint and do upholstery. With a little luck here and there, and being in the right place at the right time, you may end up owning or partnering up in a business someday.
Modern Earl Scheib Paint and Body Center logo. (Ad compliments Earl Scheib Paint Centers).
As for specific Earl Scheib Paint centers, there is one near Pittsburgh on 8120, Ohio River Blvd., Emsworth, Pa. 15202 (412-766-7639). In Cleveland, there is one located on 3858 Pearl Road, Cleveland, Ohio, 44109 (216-661-3668). I did speak personally to the Earl Scheib Paint centers I mention here to assure the phone numbers were correct and they are indeed painting cars daily.
In ending, good luck to you John on your release and I wish you the best. I did include your mail address in case any readers would like to send you information on cars, welding, upholstery work, etc. and maybe other paint centers that need help might be reading this column in the Pittsburgh and Cleveland area. Again, thanks for reading my columns.
(Greg Zyla is a syndicated auto columnist who welcomes questions on collector cars, auto nostalgia and motorsports at 303 Roosevelt St., Sayre, Pa. 18840 or email at greg@gregzyla.com.)
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