VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1971-1979 Wagons of the early 70's

Hi. I grew up with a 1976 Chevy Caprice Estate wagon. It seems to me these are very hard to find these days, but may have found one for sale. Can anyone tell me the personality quirks these cars had? What should I watch for with regards to possible problems? Thanks for any insights/advice!

Matt

Wagons,

There are two big areas of concern. One is rust in the rear floor in the back rear-facing jump seat area. Most importantly is the clamshell tail gate and lift gate. Make sure the motors operate the glass up and down. If they don't work it will be a big job and the parts are hard to find. I saw a '76 on e-bay recently in great shape but it is not there now. Hope this helps.

The 1971-76 MONSTER wagons were good overall cars.Had had them as company demonstrators when I worked for the dealer.Had a 1973 and 1975 that I pucchased used after I left the dealer in 1977.
The 1971-76 cars were very durable in general.The weak spot on the wagons in the area (salt belt) was rust build-up between the rear spring leafs causing the springs to break.On All the units that I had the rear tail gate and window worked well.If you had one that didn't they could be a real problem.If I remember correctly all mine had the power window and power lower gate.As mentioned check to see that they are working OK.The complete vehicle should be inspected well as they are over 30 years old.
Those wagons are very heavy, ocer 5000 pounds, so fuel milage is very low.Around 13 to 15 on the highway.
The trim for a wagon with wood grain will be very difficult to find.
The smaller 1977-90 wagons that I owned were better riding and delivered much better fuel milage and had equal usable interior room.

My Dad purchased a 75 new that had a 454. I remember it as being very cold blooded, i.e. it was very touchy to start when the temps were below about 15-20 degrees. If it wouldn't fire right off, it would flood very easily. I also remember it having vapor lock problems on a vacation trip in the summer.
The mid 70's were a time when the manufs. were really getting hit hard with emission control. Mileage and drivability suffered quite a bit.
The sheetmetal used at the time was also notorious for rusting out. Here in the upper midwest it was common for 2 to 3 year old cars to already have holes rusted through.
It was a nice riding, comfortable car, though that you could practically fit a football team in. And I can remember the dealer telling my Dad at the time, that other than Corvettes, his Caprice was the highest list priced passenger vehicle they had sold to date, I think it was around $6500.

Bob

Bob, Chevygene and Steve, thanks so much for your insights. I'm a novice at this, having owned only one classic before ('68 Caprice sedan), which I sold a few years ago. If you and everyone reading this is willing to indulge me, I have more questions...

The wagon that has caught my attention is located in IL and I'm planning a trip there to see the car in a few weeks. It still resides with its original owner and I understand the engine (the 350) and transmission were rebuilt about 16k miles ago (current odom. read is 126k). From the pics the owner sent me, it appears to be in great shape inside and out; save a few bubbles along the rocker panels and one sever spot where the spare tire is stored (though it does still hold the spare). I don't plan to show/compete with this car, but would hope to drive it regularly. (I live in So. California now, so I don't really have weather related elements working against me this time).
Other than talking with the owner's trusted mechanic who knows the car well, I'm thinking I should seek another's assistance with regards to an inspection. Any advice? Would a Chevy dealer today be a good resource?
Also, if I buy the car and later run into problems with the tailgate, how "hard" is it to find parts? "Challenging"? "Near impossible"?
Thanks again to you guys and everyone else in advance for reading and any insights you have to share!
Matt

Wagons,

These wagons are very unique and stand out. The roof and glass design is striking. They did not get any bigger then these. Good luck on your trip. It sounds like it is for nostalgia you seek this sojurn.

finding tail gate parts would be next to impossible....The same with finding a person that knows how to repair it.A salt belt northern car could have serious rust problems ....including the frame.BEWARE

The 1973 wagon was the last to have a 350.The 1974-76 wagons had a small block 400 with a 4 barrel crab. standard and a 454 as an option.

Hey Everyone, thought I would update you on my "pursuits" of this '75 Caprice Estate. Turns out, that despite the '75 model year being exempt from CA smog check laws, I would still have to have it smog checked by virture of it being an out of state car (IL). I'm being told now that to get the car to pass CA smog standards would be nearly impossible (availability of parts). So, it looks as though I may be passing this one by.... Sad ending, huh?

Chevywagons,

That's about as stupid of a "story" about politicians as I've ever heard. How the he!l can "they" make a 30 year old car conform to current anything?? Crash Tests or Safety Standards or Emissions Standards or anything else.

Well, it seems the story has changed again...this time perhaps for the good. I dug a little deeper, spoke with AAA of CA and *again* with the DMV. Evidently, CA passed a measure this past January making 1975 model years and older *exempt* not only from annual smog checks, but also title-transfer smog checks. Yeah, 42bill, I agree with your comments as it pertains to 1976 and newer models! You should see the commercial vehicles here (school bus, garbage truck, etc) that spew out huge clouds of black smoke in all gears!
Anyway, I'm still heading to IL to check out this car. Anyone in IL (near O'Hare airport) willing and able to assist me in inspecting this car? I could use a mechanically-inclined, experienced collector's help!
Well, thanks all for "listening"...I'll keep you posted. I leave later this week.....

In Wisconsin 1968 and newer models must have a semi-anual smog test.Also tested at title transfer time.The older models are expected to meet the standards of the time the car was made and have all emission controll devises intact and working.Most inspectors would have no idea as to what "devices" all the cars had.If the owner puts a vehicle collector plate on the car the first test is all that is necessary.
Only several counties in Wisconsin require emission tests...they are also the counties that sell (by law) ethanol gas only.Most of the counties are the ones that border on to Lake Michigan or one county from it.

Here in Southern Oregon, if you live within the I&M boundary, your car must be tested for smog emissions every two years when it is time to renew your vehicle registration. Except, if your car is 25 years old or older no inspection or testing is required. And, if you live out of the boundary area then no testing is required no matter in what year the vehicle was manufactured!

Hey Everyone, just a quick note to say, "I bought it!" Thanks for all your support!

Great "short" story Chevywagons. Hope you're enjoying your new purchase!!!

When you get more time, tell us the longer version. More details and so on. Maybe post a photo or two......

Bill.

The current Hemmings' Classic Cars magazine September 2006 issue
( http://www.hemmings.com/subscribe/trial.html?ctry_cde=USA&pub=HCC&source=SUBPGE3 )
features American Station Wagons, both show quality restorations and workhorse daily drivers. Their popularity is growing due in part to their power and nostalgic appeal and prices are climbing, making your purchase appear to be very timely. They also list some station wagon-exclusive resources you might find helpful.

Like previous posters have stated, restoring station wagons is said to be a two-edged sword, as the mechanicals and sedan-compatible parts are widely available but the wagon-exclusive parts are becoming scarce, such as sheet metal and rear-window mechanisms, etc. (something we all have to deal with to some degree however). Have fun with your new treasure and enjoy all the surprises you're bound to find. Adventure awaits!

-Pat.

Hey Everybody,

Okay, pictures are forthcoming, but here's the longer version of my adventure thus far (thanks for asking, Bill!)

But before go any further, I also want to thank Pat for bring to my attention the current issue of Hemming's Classic Cars (I've not yet started my subscription). This - and Pat's email - are very affirming, admist the occasional raised eyebrow I get when I mention "wagon" to my non-car-collector friends.

I flew from CA to NYS a week in advance of a family reunion (initial purpose of my trip, before I discovered the wagon for sale). My dad agreed to make the 700 mile road trip with me from Central NY to Chicago to check out the wagon (he is NOT a car guy either). I met the seller the next morning and spent the day with the car and him, getting "acquainted" both.

You may recall that practically the entire nation was in a significant heat-wave the first week of August...which made for ideal testing conditions. I tested the car in stop-start traffic in 100 degree heat with the A/C running (and freeway driving as well, of course) and the car never skipped a beat.

Before leaving CA, I made arrangements with a local Chevy dealership to assit me with inspecting the under carriage, etc and it "passed" with flying colors. Needless to say, the wagon attracted a lot of attention with the service center staff, lol. Nearly 12 hours later, I made my decision to purchase the car.

Dad and I then spent the following day driving back to NYS (Dad following me in my rental car). With frequent stops (for the wagon's benefit, given the weather), it took us about 16 hours to drive back. When we reached Buffalo, NY (late at night) we encountered a very heavy thunderstorm; again the wagon was not phased at all. All-in-all,the wagon performed beautifully!

The wagon is now at my parents' house. I'm researching auto-transporting companies to have it shipped back to me here in CA. (Anyone have suggestions?) So far, I've obtained an estimate from Horseless Carriage...looking for two more quotes. My goal is to have the wagon here by the end of September.

Well, I hope this is not too much detail! Thanks again for all your support and interest! I will post some pics soon!

Regards,

Matt

Matt

P.S. The wagon was the center of attraction at the family reunion too! LOL.

A while back I used D & G Auto Transport to bring a car up from Texas.Its a driver/owner operated place out of Eunice,Mo.Has an open truck only.Price was reasonable,was insured, prompt and kept me posted till the last minute.He does advertise in Hemmings and has a web site - ...www.dandgauto.com.....he covers from Calif. to the northeast.Would recommend him for sure.With that vehicle be glad that they don't charge by the pound .You should have left it in Chicago, would have cost less money.

GREAT story Matt Chevywagon Man. Especially the part about your father and you doing it together. My dad is NOT exactly a car guy either. But when he was younger than current 91, we went to some car shows and such in my 54 Bel Air Sport Coupe. I think he got quite a kick out of it. He bought a new 54 Bel Air four door sedan in Nov 53. Nice car. Black and White. I'm still looking for a replacement to that car.

Good luck transporting from Buffalo to Cali. I think that's gonna cost a bit. I've never transported. Flown there / wherever and bought it and driven it home.

As for costing a bit, Oh Well..... You can't take it with you and none of us are gonna get out of here alive. Might as well enjoy!!!!

Bill.

Yup, it's going to cost me a good chunk o' change to ship my wagon out here, but I knew that going into all this. Bill, I normally err on the side of conservative spending, but I couldn't agree with you more!

I don't really want to take another week off to drive 3k miles, tho the trip would be great I'm sure. (I found the car after planning my trip back east, originally just to attend a family reunion and re-connect with old friends. I took the "detour" to Chicago after a month-long correspondence with the seller). Had I found the car earlier, I would have planned my time in such a way to drive the wagon back. Hind-sight is always 20/20, eh?

Anyway, thanks for the suggestions. Horseless Carriage was the only name that came to mind. They quoted me the same price whether the pick-up point was Chicago or Central NY...I initially made the same assumption, Chevygene.

My goal is to have the wagon out here before the end of September...hopefully in time for my b'day, lol!

I just got back from the Auburn Auction. One of the dealers in the car corral had a '73 SS 454 4-speed wagon. Price..... get ready for this...$34,900!

Never heard of such a thing.

Didn't know there was such a thing.

Live and learn.

:confused: :eek: :confused:

Hey Y'all!

Just a note to let you know about some good Station Wagon related resources on the web that might be of interest. They have helped me out a lot in refurbishing my 1979 Impala wagon!

Stationwagon Yahoo Group:
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/stationwagon/

http://www.thelongroofs.com

http://www.stationwagon.com/

Regarding the "clamshell" Chevy/GM wagons, these are the most highly prized vehicles in the world of Demolition Derby racing, and many restorers haunt the derby websites for parts, as the drivers usually strip/sell whatever they can before destroying the shells. Seems a shame to me, but at least someone's interested in the old girls...

Good luck with your clamshell, and be sure to give me a heads-up if you come across any 79 Impala parts, especially for wagons!

Thanks!
79Imp

What were the names of the small Chevy wagons in the 70s?

Chevy Clamshell...Oscar

Chevrolet refered to the clam shell style tail gate as the "Glide away Tail gate"...Sounded better for merchandising.
By small wagons are you refering to the full size Chevy wagons?
In 1970 the cheap full size wagon was the Brookwood-was the same as the Biscayne in the cars.Next was the Townsman-compared to the BelAir.Then the Impala version was the Kingswood and the top of the line Caprice version was the Kingswood Estate-it has the wood trim.As the years went by the lesser series were discontinued.In 1973 the wagon was called the same name as the equal car...and the Caprice was the Caprice Estate.
There were a full line of wagons in the smaller Chevelle line-and at one point the lowest priced model was called a NOMAD.

The larger 5000 pound 1971-76 wagons were built like a tank.
The down sized 1977-90 wagons came dwon in external size but had as much usable interior room as the previous big monster wagons.The last 1991-96 wagons were built on the previous chassis for the most part but became rather monsterious On the exterior again.
Either as demonstrators or my own cars I had wagons from just about all the years from 1965 and up.My wifes still drives a 1994 Buick Roadmaster wagon which is a Caprice with a Buick grille,woodgrain.leather and all the toys.
Had the 1977 and up style with 305,267,Olds 307 and the present 350 engines....With the various engines and 3 and 4 speed automatics they all gave the same 22 MPG on the highway at reasonable speeds......but none performed like the '94 Buick with the 260 HP LT1 engine.

Well, first of all, thanks to Bill for informing me of this site! Looks really great and as a fan/owner of the early 70s GM wagons, I was glad to see this thread and other fans of these cars.

As Bill knows, I have a 72' Chevrolet Kingswood Estate 3-seat wagon that I am currently restoring back to its original glory. Its a slow-go, but its going anyway. :) I am looking forward to hearing from other owners of these Chevy/other GM clamshell wagons and posting photos of my car. Its really dirty now, but I hope to get it out of the garage soon and get her cleaned up and get some updated photos. Its an average optioned car... it has the following options - 402 4bbl. (turbo-jet) engine, tilt wheel, 4-season A/C, luggage rack, 3rd seat, AM radio, custom wheelcovers. I have been told it is the "golden brown" color, which was a 72' only color? I had been trying to buy this car for 8 years! It belonged to a local older lady, who bought it from the original owner in 1984- which was also a older lady! Most of the miles (showing 47K) were from driving between Bristol TN and Charlotte NC to craft shows!

Here is a little peek of it after I bought it... it was quite dirty here...




Interior is still in VGC....




Thanks again Bill for letting me know about this website!