VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1971-1979 New to Cars-75 Caprice Convertible

I have purchased a 1975 Caprice Classic convertible from my dad. It has 46,000 miles and is in really nice shape (at least this is what all of my dad's AACA friends say). I have shown it in a couple of very small local shows and the judges say with some cleanup it would be a top rate car. An AACA judge told me to start under the hood and go from there. I have cleaned a fair amount but see paint is faded (or worn) in certain spots. My questions are: 1. Where do I start to get a car that is in great mechanical shape to show condition (everything is original and I have lots of time), and 2. what do I do about the paint situation? For example, it is obvious the air cleaner is faded and the fender well around the battery has a small amount of corrosion, as does the firewall. Also, the master cylinder shows some surface corrosion (I suspect from brake fluid). As you can see, I am clueless. Any assistance would be appreciated. Thanks!

I'd ask around about a detail shop where they might be willing to talk a bit. Drop in and ask them to take a look and see if somebody isn't willing to give some advice. If you like the "advice," maybe buy the guy a pizza for lunch by slipping him $10.

Or, do the same thng with some of the AACA guys.

Final thought, it sounds like you should give some thought to going "our" group. The Vintage Chevrolet Club of America. I can send you an app. Or you can find one on this site.

Good luck with the 'new' car.

Bill.

If you're a do-it-yourselfer, you might consider getting the books "Engine Detailing" and "Ultimate Auto Detailing" by David H. Jacobs, though just the Ultimate book may be enough since it contains information for under the hood detailing as well as the exterior. It's not the definitive work on the subject but it is geared to the non-mechanic who wants to do a show-ready cleaning and it has many photos but would be better if more of the pictures were in color.

The "Classic Car Restoration Bible" by Matt Joseph is a more authoritative resource, but is geared more toward the mechanic who is doing a stripped down to the last screw concours restoration. He goes into much greater mechanical details for restoring parts that are not available from any source on the older and more rare collector cars. He also goes into body work, engine restoration, etc.

Jacobs, the author of the detailing books, touts Simple Green and a wide array of soft brushes and rags for getting into every nook and cranny of the engine compartment. He also recommends the same polishes that go on the exterior paint for use on the paint under the hood. Not too sure what effect engine heat might have on a wax-based product, but a wipe-off polish should leave little waxy residue.

I also like using water-based cleaners instead of harsh petroleum solvents which present disposal and problems and ground pollution if poured onto soil, so I tried "Oil Eater", a citrus-based cleaner I bought for my barbecue that also works very well on my engine compartment and suspension. It's much stronger than Simple Green but it might also dull or soften paint, so I'd be careful about how and where it's applied.

I also use an old blanket under the engine to catch the dripping grease and oil that's scrubbed off. The cleaner is organic but the soil is still petrolium based and not good for soil or ground water.

-Pat.

Just to let you know YOUR NOT Alone!
I bought a 1975 Caprice Classic Convertible March 17, 2006 from a collector in Florida. Joined the Chevy club same time ITS a great group! I won my Junior award at their regional show in Abbeville, SC this year, had a wonderful visit and what a show they put on. My Chevy is white w/beige cloth top & interior, 25,000 orginal miles and a "454" under the hood..............she
luvs the highway! I also will in time need to clean my engine and put new sheeting under the hood.
Good-luck & JOIN THE CLUB :-)