1969 427 Caprice Coupe

[sixbrl440]

Ok, this is my first GM resto in a number of years. First of all, are these cars worth the effort?

FWIW, starting with a ZERO rust car, needs to have the front clip re-attached, but in great cond. This is allowing me to get the support/radiator/bumper/forward area of the frame cleaned up - not cruddy or rusty, just needs painted.

Another question: the engine has what appears to be factory torque cables attached to a bracket [one on each side]. Years ago, I owned a 1968 Impala SS 427 'vert with a similar setup, but it was a 4-speed car. It the torque strap a factory option that would have been used on an automatic car, or is this a transplant?

Where, today, should I look for the rubber parts [body cushions, etc] for this car?

BTW, the Caprice is a non A/C car.

Thanks for any input.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a5/wagonmaster74/1969%20Caprice/MVC-010S-1.jpg

[Bill Pritchard]

[ QUOTE ]
First of all, are these cars worth the effort?

[/ QUOTE ]

Truthfully, no. You will be upside down in a hurry if trying to do a full resto. If it was a real SS427 (which it can't be since it's a Caprice), then maybe it's worth it, but not in this case. I believe the engine straps were a result of a factory recall.....fairly common on those cars.

[njsteve]

Correct on the recall. It was due to motor mounts breaking, causing the engine to torque up out of its saddles and bind the throttle in wide open condition. Quite a "significant emotional event" if it ever happened to you. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif

[sixbrl440]

Thanks for the input. It is a car bought very right. I thought it was cool, in that it is a non-air car. The body zero rust, the car runs well. I just plan on "cleaning" and freshening it up.

I haven't seen many factory 427 Caprice sport coupes running around, though...

Still could use info about where to get a catalog for rubber parts...need the biscuits and bumpers to set the support back in. Don't like rattles...

[Rixls6]

Sounds like a pretty neat car. I would expect most all the Caprice 427 cars to have A/C, unusual to be without it. IMO

Got any more pics to share.

[PeteLeathersac]

Sounds pretty good to me...is it an L36 or L72? .

Those torque straps, I'll always remember them best from my days working at the boneyard and nipping them w/ the torch along w/ the mount stands before sucking the lumps out. .
They were a good idea though as I experienced the broken mount/full throttle situations in a few different vehicles over the years and it's exiting to say the least! . The only escape is ignition off or if you're in a stick vehicle you can sometimes clutch...and not too quickly either to over-rev and blow your motor, it takes kind've a half clutch to relax the throttle cable pulling then a full clutch to drop the motor back down on it's mount...it's no wonder the General added them! .

~ Pete
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[camarojoe]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
First of all, are these cars worth the effort?

[/ QUOTE ]

Truthfully, no. You will be upside down in a hurry if trying to do a full resto. If it was a real SS427 (which it can't be since it's a Caprice), then maybe it's worth it, but not in this case. I believe the engine straps were a result of a factory recall.....fairly common on those cars.

[/ QUOTE ]

A rust-free '69 427 Caprice not worth the effort to fix? I'll have to strongly disagree with that. Maybe they aren't worth as much money as an SS427, but they are definitely worth fixing... and cool cars, especially with a 427.

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/Can-I-Have-It.gif

http://www.carphotos.org/data/566/1969_Chevrolet_Caprice_427_Fi41.jpg

[x Baldwin Motion]

Here are two places that offer various packages for your needs.
http://www.suspension.com/chevy,fullsize.htm
http://www.springworks.com/auto-bushings-chevy-buy.html

Is it worth it? Am I the only one here that has put money in a car just because I liked to drive it? Not everything is for investment, right?

Depending on whether you plan on keeping it or flipping it there obviously is a difference on how much you can spend before you take a loss. The BB big cars are fun to own and drive.
I had the motor mount cables on my 65 Impala and 66 Caprice.

Good Luck !! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[sixbrl440]

Thanks for all the input, folks.

Additionally, the car does have the F-41 suspension, 3.73 LS rear, and a tilt column. Strangely equipped car.

The rubber parts I am in need of are not suspension goodies. I need the biscuits/insulators that the radiator support sits on; I need all the rubber hood bumpers, license plate stops, door bumpers, etc. Haven't found much in the way of a supplier for the big cars.

As for the rest, I don't see selling it as a profit making deal...never have looked at an unusual car for the $$. However, as in most things we own, if the right $$ are to be offered...

I am probably one of a very few who made a 1968 Chrysler T&C station wagon new. Just my deal...if I like the car and can get the car, I want it to be right. BTW, the Chrysler was B-5 with a roof rack, front & rear air, blue leather interior, 9 pass and loaded with every option Chrysler had. Had a 440 TNT and 3.55 suregrip. Got around 10 MPG, as I recall...

[Bill Pritchard]

[ QUOTE ]
A rust-free '69 427 Caprice not worth the effort to fix? I'll have to strongly disagree with that.

[/ QUOTE ]

Joe,

I guess it depends on how much 'fixing' is involved. Perry originally mentioned "resto", and I perhaps incorrectly took that to mean a full restoration. If all he's doing is a little cleanup and reassembly, then yes, it's probably worth it. But trust me, full size 69 cars don't have a large following and are a tough sell, unless it's an SS427 and/or L72 car (highly unlikely, especially as a Caprice).

When I did the frame-off resto on our 69 Impala convert back in the early 90's, I know I bought all new body mounts and bolts for it, but darned if I can remember where I got them....I'm thinking it was someplace in Ohio http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

[x Baldwin Motion]

ok, try this,
http://www.thecliphouse.com/auto-restoration-products.html