1987 Chevrolet Caprice Estate Wagon W/ Great Potential for Restoration & Utility

SAVE THIS CAR FROM THE DEMOLITION DERBY!

A solid and sound prospect for updating and, if desired, a strong candidate for easy restoration. the original Oldsmobile 307 cubic inch engine capable of 23-25 miles per gallon on the highway. No engine or transmission work has ever been necessary, thanks to timely oil changes and fluid flushes. Always been a cool runner. Never been overheated to the danger zone which, in my opinion, often shortens engine life.

This Arizona car served us well for several years as our principal family car and then became our secondary, utility, backup transportation driven only a few hundred miles a year lately. Carpet and upholstery are both good to very good throughout, and the rear-facing third seat is especially fresh. No dogs; never smoked in. Current mileage is 306, 767. We are the first and only owner.

Exterior condition is fair to good except on the right rear panel where the chrome strip is missing and there's a light rumpling of sheet metal. Dashboard is cracked as is the windshield.A/C disconnected.

One door handle needs work or replaced. Windows work well with the exception of the front passenger’s which works but leaves its track. Rear gate window works better than most this age and has been recently lubed. Tail gate has been worked on and opens easily sideways and lies flat partially. Needs some attention to body work as indicated but car cleans up nicely and needs loving care rather than the benign neglect as has been its lot in the last few years (too many competing projects and cars.)

This car is perfectly drivable and an excellent candidate for parts or restoration. As with most decently maintained Caprices, the car rides well and the after-market air shocks are holding. Brakes have been inspected and declared very good as this was the last major work done before the current effort. It has never been in an accident and has only suffered minor exterior damage as noted. Notably clean and comfortable for a car of this age and mileage.NewBattery installed 10/2014. Good all-season tires on front, very good mud & snows on the rear.

Here’s the work performed since November, 2015. Receipts from the work listed below are available. All parts listed are new, not used or from pick-and-pull yards.

New radiator, new water pump, new thermostat, two new v-belts, two new radiator hoses.

Transmission drained (NOT flushed)and new filter installed.

New windshield wiper motor, pump, timer, transmission module.

New heater/air blower relay.

New Bosch Plugs installed and 8-Wire set replaced. New Ignition Coil installed.

New Air Filter and Crankcase Breather.

New Muffler and Piping installed.

Carburetor Rebuilt with New Throttle Position Sensor, Fuel Mixture Solonoid, Emissions Control Monitor installed

Steering column, tilt wheel, and turn signal repaired.

Needs:

Steering is decent with no pulling left or right. It does “wallow” a bit as expected for its age. We’ve had three different shops render three different opinions. One says, replace Idler and Pitman arms and probably Tie-rod Ends; and/or (2) that plus replace Sway Bars and some Rubber Bushings; (3) New Steering Box should correct most of the problem. We are still seeking a definitive analysis. Steering is “livable” as is but should be addressed for peace of mind. Suspensions installed on the Caprice wagons were heavier duty than those found on the sedans or coupes.

IT IS A GREAT CANDIDATE FOR THOSE WANTING AN EASY RESTORATION AS MUCH IS INTACT AND SERVICEABLE. One is not starting with a rusted-out junker by any means. I would rank it as a Number 4 “Good” vehicle using the Old Cars Report Price Guide and approaching a Number 3.5 “Very Good.” Not quite there yet. With some elbow grease and wrench work, this can become an excellent dog-or plywood hauler or, given some dollars and craftsmanship, it shows promise to become a head-turner again.

Sold without warranty. Buyer assumes responsibility for shipping and transport. Local pickup or call me regarding delivery depending on the destination and amount of the winning bid.

1G1BN81Y1HA169116 Phone (406) Triple 7-- 5-one, 9-one, serious inquiries only, please. Additional photos soon when it's back from the shop. Will consider trade for guns.