Preparing to sell my 1974 Chevrolet Caprice Estate Wagon

The biggest question is: what is it worth? I don't want to be one of those people who overvalues their car, just because it's a family heirloom, but I don't want to give it away either. (I just received an offer of $3000 last night, but I feel that's far too low.)

There are recent photos in this album: http://www.stationwagonforums.com/forums/media/albums/1974-caprice-estate-wagon-2015.775/ including a scan of the original bill of sale.

Feel free to ask any questions you might have.

 

Yeah, $3k is low I think. Interesting how it has the same kind of color and wood combination on my Mercury.

Please, what's the mileage? How was it maintained? Garaged? (looks like it)

 

Your car looks very nice from 20 feet, but there are rust issues around the window moldings, and this is not where you want to see it. I think a value of $3,000 to $4,000 is very reasonable. Don't lose the contact info for the guy who offered you the $3K. You might want to contact him if the car is still in your driveway six months from now.


This, in particular, makes me nervous. As bad as this looks, it's likely just the tip of the iceberg.

 

Just over 29000 original miles. The wagon sat in my Dad's garage for most of the 90's and early 2000's. Since 2011, it's been a victim of the elements here in Florida. I'd love to see someone restore the wagon...I just don't have the time, money or space to properly store it.

 

Agree. Once the rear window chrome is removed it will likely be WAY worse than what you see now. $3000-3500 IMO

 

The rust repair around the quarter windows is NOT a minor job. Once the glass is removed, a body technician will have to weld in new metal, which will involve forming the metal into the shape of the 'window ledge' the glass is sitting in (and also curve it near the back).

 

I almost made an offer.
I like that wagon and the mileage. The window rust is a scary issue. It ain't gonna get any better parked in Illinois under a tree.
I believe if the other guy is a serious buyer who wants a nice wagon I'd get him to look at it.

 

Here's the video I took Saturday:

 

This is the first time I have ever seen a clam shell window and tailgate operate.
I can see where they can be a problem over time. Nice little videos.

I notice there is no trailer towing package or I'd be tempted.

You should get some kind of putty or sealer over that rusted out section soon.

 

A handsome wagon, no doubt and a low mileage survivor too. Gotta say that. I don't know a lot about rust repair when these Clamshell wagons are concerned but someone on the forum had a '73 or '74 Clam in Red with a manual tailgate (Chevrolet or Pontiac to my recollection, no woodgrain) and ended up piecing two cars together because the rust was so severe. He said it would have cost him $5,000 (at least?) if he didn't do it that way. Or did that never happen quite the way I recall?

 

Its too bad. If you look on the inside of the glass its pretty badly rusted on the inside also.

 

I think in general, one would be hard pressed to find a clamshell wagon that didn't have any rust around the rear windows unless it is from the dry desert southwest (and in that case, it will likely have a baked out interior) or was stored in a climate controlled garage since new.... then looking at what, a $15K - $20K wagon? I have seen '69 Camaros and '57 Bel-Air's in far worse shape being restored.

 

Someone on here has been looking for a '74 Caprice Estate to purchase... after a search, it was Ken39.

 

I'd just use a rust inhibiter hoping it would stop or slow the rust then use another rust type putty to seal the holes and protect the damaged area. Might not be perfect or last forever. Still hopefully it would seal it and save thousands in repairs and downtime.
It appears to me this started at the inside of the glass and worked downward which means there is a lot of rot in the area already.
But I drove a 1956 Buick for years with both rear quarters missing and it didn't affect how the car got me to work and back.

On the other hand someone wanting a perfect show wagon could have this one done correctly for $$$$$$ and end up with a nice wagon. As for me I don't have $$$$$$ or enough time left to enjoy it after years of bodywork and repaint.

 

You might consider eBay Motors. Yes, it is not free but you get a world wide audience of potential buyers. The bidding would give you a pretty good idea of the market for your car, and if you keep a reserve price, you are safe from low-ball bidders. The rust is troubling but still think your wagon is worth more than $3000 IMHO. The very low miles and fact it is still with the original family are big pluses.