VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Mechanical - Engine, Trans, etc Rebuilt Engine/Transmission ('75 Caprice)

Hi!
I'm considering the purchase of a 1975 Chevy Caprice...from its original owner. I'm told the engine (350) and transmission were rebuilt at 108k miles; the car now has 126k. How do I ensure such a rebuild was done well? Should I avoid rebuilt engines/tranmissions? I'm thinking of going out to see the car (it's a couple of thousand miles from where I live) at the end of July. Any adivce for this novice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Matt

First thing you should think about is to Join VCCA...
Then, Ask the present owner if he has the repair and installation receipts. Then you can check out the shop. If it isn't near your home, ask another VCCA member in the local area to check out the car. That is one more reason to Join VCCA We are a big family of Chevrolet lovers that just love to see other members find the perfect old Chevy!

(unless we are looking for the same year & model Chevrolet...of course!

Forum Member #21:
What a great idea to ask a local member to help me check out the car! The car is located in IL, I live in CA; but am traveling to NYS to visit family in two weeks. I was thinking I would join the VCCA *after* buying the car; guess I had the cart before the horse, eh? (I used to be a member years ago when I owned a '68 Caprice sedan. I sold it to live overseas for a while. Now that I'm back, I have that "itch" to acquire another classic!). Thanks for the idea!

Chevywagons, We will welcome you back with open arms, I did the same thing, joined in the early eightys, two years later my job turned "global" and then I rejoined after retirement in the late 90s. Sometimes we get that special "itch" that just has to be scratched.

I would also suggest you join a local region of VCCA, That way you will see what a good social club we are and we fit into a"special nitch", along with that special "itch"!

Hey #21, thanks so much for the warm welcome! I sent my application and check to the national VCCA yesterday; will for sure join the local chapter next!

Chevywagons, you are welcome, I don't think you will regret this move. Stay on touch and enjoy your ride!

Great advice Macky! Welcome back to VCCA Chevywagons. Rebuilt engines and trannys are fine if done right. Documentation of work done is very helpful to evaluate sellers claims. Hopefully you can get some VCCA assistance from the area were the car is located also. Be sure to check carefully for rust damage on an Illinois car. Good luck

Hello All, I thought I would give you an update. It turns out that despite the '75 model year being exempt from regular smog check requirements here in CA, I would be required to do a one-time smog on the car simply because it's an out-of-state car. I'm told this could be nearly impossible to get the car to pass CA standards. Kind of a sad ending, I suppose. Anyway, thanks for all of your advice...I guess my shopping continues!

You might want to check further. If I remember correctly the vehicle only needs to pass smog that was in effect when the car was new. My 20s and 30s passed tests a few years ago. All that could mean that you will not have a problem with the smog test.

I forgot to add that thought in the other thread where Chevywagons told his stupid "story" about the Cali politicians and passing today's (current) standards. I'm sure in ORE you only have to pass standards relating to the year of the vehicle. And prior to something like 1977, you don't have to pass anything. The vehicles aren't even tested.

What Chipper suggests sure sounds reasonable. Of course, when was the last time you heard of those political nuts being reasonable?? Or sensible??

Bill.

chevywagons,

I agree with chipper...you should check again with dmv...I've brought exempt-year vehicles in from other states and have never had to have them smog tested...

even if they are non-exempt, they are only required to meet the established standards for that particular vehicle, based upon make, model,year, equipment, etc...earlier this year, I brought in a '90's bmw and it was tested as such...


epi

Current California law exempts all 30 year old and older vehicles; proposed law change would test all autos 1976 and newer. Don't know how this applies to out of state sales. Best to check with DMV.

Hello All...thanks for your advice. I did investigate further and found some encouraging news. Evidently, the exemption for 1975 and older models *includes* out-of-state transfers. I knew I couldn't be the only one trying to bring a classic auto into CA! I'm glad I kept researching b/c it took quite some effort to confirm this title transfer part of this exemption (CA DMV and AAA). Anyway, I'm heading back East to check out the car and hopefully buy it! Thanks for "listening" and I'll keep you all posted on what happens.

there you go...this story is heading towards a happier ending already...


epi

Hi Everyone, I just wanted to let you all know I'm back from IL and I bought the wagon! Thanks for all your support!

Very cool. Wish you the best of luck with your "new" Chevy.