Hi! I just found this great web-forum. Last week I pulled my 1984 Caprice Wagon out from hibernation and I am now starting restoring it. Over time I'll need tons of parts, like the metal trim along the lower edge of fenders, doors and quarter panels for example. But that is just the beginning. I have been shocked about how few parts for these cars are being offered anywhere. Are there any parts sources that you can recommend? Once I am done with my list of required parts I'll send more specific inquiries. Right now a pointer to the "usual suspects" as far as parts sources are concerned would make me sleep easier. Bye, Achim
Check out our 'links' section, or just about any post from Stormin' Norman, our Link Ayatolah...... Also, your local Pick-A-Part will get to be your best friend........
You're right about parts... I thought it would be much easier too. But little by little, you'll find the goodies...
Ayatolah! I'm the resident link-infester! Krash pointed you the Links Directory. There's quite a few Chevy/GM trim vendors, who also have links to other sites. If all else fails, try DVAP.COM and this monster links site (110,000 links of nothing but cars, from every country that drives!) http://www.automotive-links.com/ind/ind.htm Also this might prove helpful: http://www.lov2xlr8.no/broch1.html
Thank you to all of you for the warm welcome. At least now I know I am not alone I'll check out all the links and look for the posts of the parts guru. Last night I located the previous owner of the car to ask him whether he is interested in the occasional progress report by email and he couldn't believe the car is still alive (he sold it to me on 1995) and asked me if I am nuts restoring it. That is a question I had to answer with "yes" ... More later, Achim
Most of the Impala/Caprice vendors sell parts for these cars. Everything from the front doors foward is identical between wagon and sedan. Sheet metal wise, everything from the firewall back is identical among ALL 1977-1990 GM B-body wagons. And the chassis is identical from 1977-1996, so most of the Impala SS aftermarket parts fit (though the rear axle and suspension is different from the wagon to the sedan). Try Classic Industries for the repro parts.
Thanks Norman and Joe. I am on a steep learning curve it seems. As for the "new best friend" remark a few days ago, I think I found him. Yesterday I stumbled across a junk-yard that has much older cars than all the others and it is close by (7 miles). Best of all, he says he has a wagon coming in on Monday, but the engine and transmission are spoken for already. Doesn't concern me, both are still fine in my car. Hopefully he was telling the truth. I'll know by next week. I have quite a few dents in those trim panels along the bottom of the car and I definitely need those. I think mine are beyond repair. Want to have a good laugh at my expense? Among our 16 cars is also a Mustang II. Yes, that will probably be equally difficult to find parts for when I get to it. And I thought my Bitters and Opels were problematic to find parts for ... Signing off for the weekend, going to Carolina Motorsports Park, where my wife is doing her first High Performance Driving School in the Advanced Solo group. She is quite scared Bye, Achim
Achim, we know where there is a complete Mustang II, for parts. He's become a friend, and he's not expensive. Let us know (Andy or me) what you need and we'll check it out for you. If you want to call him directly (Junk yard), his name is Wally and his phone number is Area code 204 777-0000. He's only open from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM (he's the owner and he's a stroke victim).
You guys are funny!!! Yes, I do have my own little funny farm it appears. Thanks also for the information about the Mustang II. I need to pull mine out to see what I need. It is fairly complete but definitely needs a new driver door (bad repair by the previous owner). I have the hatch-back with the 5.0 V8. Bye, Achim