1991 Chevrolet Caprice

Year:
1991
Color:
Dk. Maple
Engine:
8 Cylinder
Vehicle:
CHEVROLET|CELEBRITY
  • 1991 Caprice, originally 5.0L but somewhere along the line got a 5.7L TBI transplant.

    June, 2011 update:
    Since February of 2010, I have replaced the fuel pump & filter, replaced the fuel tank and replaced the door frame black-outs.
    New pads, front rotors, front shocks, outer tie rod ends and two ball joints were replaced. I found a correct spare tire at the local JY, along with a replacement for the broken plastic piece that holds the fuel filler neck to the quarter panel. Also had to replace the vacuum control valve for the heater.

    A/C compressor has been rebuilt so I can enjoy summer trips in comfort.

    Installed a Driver Controlled Exhaust (DCE) muffler - internal valve allows you to switch from normal, quiet flow to low-restriction flow. Currently dumps in front of the rear axle; tailpipe will go on there soon...

    Installed a leather Roadmaster storage armrest (dyed to match; got close to the right color, but definitely not perfect).

    When I bought the car, the speedo and cruise control didn't work. Turned out that when they replaced the engine, they also replaced the transmission with a 4L80 (I think it's from a '94 TBI truck) that had a different VSS unit. I added a Dakota Digital speedo adapter and everything resumed working; been great ever since.

    I removed the chrome trim from the car and re-painted the front and rear bumper covers. Before painting the front bumper, I removed the chrome cap layer from the molding, then painted the whole thing. Turned out OK, but a lot of orange peel in the clear-coat. I think it was too cold when I shot the clear...

    I've made several trips across Michigan with the car and have even used the car for transporting people from our church shelter (up to 7 riders - some of the guys were really excited about riding in the rear seat!), and of course for my daily driver duties.

    Next steps: Replace exhaust manifold gaskets, patch the tiny holes in the quarters (behind the rear wheels, where these all seem to rust) and get it all cleaned up for the Woodward Dream Cruise and Back to the Bricks in August.

    Power windows, door locks, seats, antenna - all work perfectly.