69 Caprice 396 - $2800

[Guest Shaffer]

1969 Chevrolet Caprice 4dr hardtop sedan. I hate to sell this car, but I do not have the time to restore it or give it the attention it needs. I have owned it for about 4 years now and still have not gotten around to fixing it up. I would love to see someone get this car that would restore it back to its original condition, or at least get some enjoyment out of it. These are getting harder and harder to find, especially with these options. The car has the following options - 396 engine with the factory 2bbl carburator, 3-speed turbo automatic transmission, power windows, power door locks (vacuum operated), tilt wheel, hideaway headlights w/washers, vinyl top, power disc brakes, power steering, A/C (air conditioning needs recharged/repaired), courtesy light package, dual exhausts, etc. as expected, the car also has a 12-bolt axle.

Here are some of the new/recently replaced parts that the car has- new camshaft, rod bearings, rebuilt carburator, points, plugs, plug wires, distributor, brake pads, LF caliper and hose, ignition switch (which we found out it did not need - it was a loose wire to the starter), master cylinder, mufflers, alternator, regulator, BRAND NEW TIRES with less than 150 miles (with lifetime rotation/balance), emergency brake pad/trim and maybe some other things I have forgot to mention.

Body- Now, this is a 37 year old, original car needing total restoration, so please be aware. The body is pretty solid, but it has some rust- surface rust and some rust through around the "dog-legs" and front part of the quarter panels. Also, the RF fender is a little rough down on the bottom. The undercarriage has the normal surface rust, as expected from a eastern car, but I have seen NO rust holes on the undercarriage or frame. I have photos of the underside as well. The car was bought new in Jefferson City, Tennessee and has always been an east TN car as far as I know. Some of the chrome will need replaced (left front fender well trim and the right side rocker panel trim). You can tell most of this from the photos. The trunk is very solid. The paint is in need of help as you can see, but I think it is original, so you can see what you are getting. The original vinyl top is getting very tired as you can see. The front windshield has started to leak, so I recommend a resealing when you remove the vinyl top. I think the rear window is also leaking alittle as well, but obviously has not for long, as the trunk is still very solid. I would recommend having these resealed ASAP. There is some damage to the right rear door, but a replacement door will come with the car. The car has all four of the original hubcaps. They are the ones pictured on the drivers side and from what I am told are very desirable hubcaps... the ones on the passenger side are some I had bought, which were optional on this car (the ones that came on the Corvette). I was trying to decide which I liked better. Some of the photos were taken last year and three years ago, but most were taken today. In the ones taken today, the hideaway headlights are up. I have the system for them to stay up, because the front bumper is pushed in a little on the left side and that one will stick closed alittle and you have to push it in to clear the bumper so it will close. So, to keep one from being up and down I set it to up, but when I go to the cruise or something, I will set the air back on and will "help" the cover close. Again, I have many photos of this car, so if you want more, let me know.

Mechanically- The transmission shifts perfectly and smoothly. The engine runs good, but I think you would want to rebuild it since it is 37 years old, as it is smoking little occasionally. I think some of the smoke may be from the carb, as it appears to be black smoke under acceleration when going uphill. I normally drive this car to the local cruise-ins and it drives very well. I have not driven it that much though, but it seems to do well and seems dependable. It drives very easily and the ride is excellent.

Interior- The interior is amazingly squeak and rattle free... its like riding in a new car. All of the power windows work and work quickly (which is amazing), but the RR will only go up with the switch on that door. The vacuum door locks work, but one will not lock under that power and the RF will not lock. All of the lights and gauges work properly. The A/C compressor will click, but it is not getting cold... all parts are there. it may just need recharged or converted. Now, the interior is ALL original, 37 years old and needs help. The dash looks very nice for a 37 year old car and the dash pad has NO cracks. The carpeting is dry-rotted and needs replaced, the front seat material is dry and splitting. It has the original brocade cloth interior. The rear seat looks good still, but is also getting tired. The door panels are still very good and original, but need cleaning on the vinyl parts, as does the headliner. Its good, but needs some cleaning. Basically, the car needs a good cleaning out. The brakes are strong, but it still slightly pulls abit to the left when you first apply the brakes. I think the other caliper may need replaced.

I think I have mentioned everything about this car that I know. I have tried to be as accurate as possible. If you have ANY questions or would like more photos, please let me know, as I have over a hundred photos of this car. You are welcome to come and look at the car by appointment. Please keep in mind that this is a 37 year old car, needing total restoration and that the car is sold AS-IS, NO WARRANTY. It will be the buyers responsibility to pick up the car or have it picked up by a transport company. I will drive it over to the highway to meet the shipper if you decide to go that route. The car is located in Bristol, TN (northeast TN).

The car is also currently on ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayIS...p;rd=1&rd=1