1969 Chevrolet Impala (Caprice) Custom Hot Rod, 402 BB, Full Restoration

Description

1969 Chevrolet Caprice Custom 2-Door Coupe

Rare big block 2-door hardtop coupe with factory buckets. All numbers match.

VIN# 166479L048843

This car has been heavily customized and is in show condition.

I have owned this car since 1975 and have kept it garaged and protected for the last 30-years. The work done on this car is first-rate, with many bespoke custom milled details. I have built many cars over the years, but this one has been my pride and joy.

Click on the following link to see a video on the LED lightbar:

http://vid104.photobucket.com/albums/m184/dinnison/1969Chevy/ChebbyLights09-07-152_zps9syl4szn.mp4

BODY:

• All chrome trim removed

• Door handles removed, solenoid controlled by remote or with lockable buttons hidden on car. Solenoids by Hewlett Packard

• Bumpers de-chromed and welded to remove all seams and bumper bolts. Painted to match car

• Louvered hood

• Side-marker lights replaced by custom-milled smoke lenses with LED lighting

• Tail lights replaced with flush mounted smoke lenses with LED lighting

• Front marker lights replaced with rectangular fog lamps

• Custom grill bars milled from aluminum billet

• Oversize rectangular headlights sourced from Germany, incorporating side turn signal lights

• AAC LED programmable light bar incorporated into grill. Multiple patterns controlled by remote, including constant-on, strobe, flashing, side-to-side, etc.

• Custom-built chrome side pipes mounted flush to body sides, entering through side of front fenders (functional).

• Chromed hood springs, latches, strikers, radiator support, more.

• Black power antenna, moved to rear fender

• Roof drip rails removed

• Black powder-coated windshield and backlight trim, door sills

• New weatherstripping throughout on doors, windows, trunk

• Padded vinyl “Carson top” (not removeable)

• Dual sun-roofs installed lengthwise for butterfly roof appearance when open; subtle flush mount when closed.

• Painted polyurethane Cadillac green metallic

• Bodywork and paint fully cured; painted in 1985

• Includes premium McGuire's car cover made specifically for the model

INTERIOR:

• Custom diamond-tuck velour upholstery

• Cadillac felt headliner

• Center fluorescent dome light, incorporating ultraviolet Black Light for night cruising

• New ultra-thick black carpeting

• Green LED accent lighting and instrument lighting

• SEW gauge cluster in dash incorporating oil pressure and oil temperature gauges

• Green LED clock and tachometer in dash

• AM/FM cassette in factory dash, with 6x9 coaxial speakers in rear deck.

• Beveled glass center console details

• Grant steering wheel

• Complete trunk upholstered in black vinyl

ENGINE/DRIVETRAIN

• 402 cubic inch big block (punched-out 396)

• TRW forged 10.5:1 aluminum pistons

• Mild factory cam

• Estimated 50-hours since complete rebuild, including rings, heads, bearings, etc.

• Hooker headers, Weiand valve covers, Edelbrock polished intake manifold, Weiand filter, Holley 750 spread-bore carburetor, chromed alternator, brackets, pulleys, Stainless braided hoses (real; not sleeves), Pro-Master coil

• Temperature controlled electric radiator fan

• Re-cored radiator, polished tank

• Turbo-400 Hydromatic transmission, with shift kit

• (3.55:1) 12-bolt positraction rear differential; new clutches

• Tru-Spoke rims, BF Goodrich Radial T/A tires

• Lowered suspension

• KYB gas shocks

COMMENTS:

This car has been with the same owner since 1975. Torn down to the frame in 1978 for complete rebuild and customizing work. Stored in garage since completion in 1986. Work completed since that time include installation of rebuilt posi-traction 3.55:1, 12-bolt rear end, lighting mods, programmable LED grill lights, upgraded door solenoids, electric radiator fan, other refinements. 52,770 miles on odometer; <300 miles since rebuild. Car is nearly flawless and ready for the show circuit, or cruising and rod runs. The car turns heads and draws crowds wherever it goes, but owner has only taken it out about once a year since completion due to family, house, other projects and new interests. Owner is clearing garage space for new acquisitions and the garage space is needed for a remodel..

CONSIDERATIONS:

The BF Goodrich Radial T/A tires installed in ~1980 are in good condition, but are so old they are flat-spotted. They look good and have good tread, but cause vibrations at highway speed.

The car has a slow transmission fluid leak. A shop visit identified the pan as the source about 5-years ago, and the gasket changed & bolts were tightened, but the leak recently started again. A new gasket could be required.

Paint was touched up years ago due to garage scratches in two locations, but the color is not a perfect match: The front bumper (lowering the garage door when the car wasn't fully in the garage) and right behind the drivers side rear tire (lowering the jack when a jack-stand was in the way). Not very noticeable (see last two photos).

Car was originally equipped with air conditioning, but the compressor and ducting was too intrusive and was removed many years ago. Heater now has full-on or off settings.

Digital tachometer is currently disconnected due to radio static interference. The speedometer is still geared for the old 2.56:1 ratio rear end. The 3.55:1 posi now installed makes the speedo read ~30% high. A new plastic gear is needed at the cable take-off from the tranny to correct (simple).

The car is listed locally and the seller reserves the right to end auction at any time.

Mesage me if there are any questions or you want any additional photos on details of the car.