Finally! A winter warrior joins my MC family

I FINALLY have a bona fide winter warrior! Introducing my 1979 Caprice Classic sedan:
http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/1979caprice/Welcome.html

Some of you may've already noticed the page on the website that Ray B created for me ... Ray included a link to the "Winter Beater Caprice" in the left column of the home page:
www.chevyasylum.com/cort

This dark blue and silver Caprice is my first true "2-tone" car; I've wanted a 2-tone for a LONG time.


I've been looking for a winter beater for a while, but with my 1987 Monte Carlo LS/CL starting to show a bit more rust on it this year than it had since I bought it in mid-2003, this was THE year to ensure it hibernated for the winter. Over the last few years, I've toyed with the idea of different "winter" cars...
...the 2009 Dodge Charger SXT (maroon) that I rented for my Route 66 road trip (September 2009) AND my trip to TN/AL (November 2009)
...a 1993 Cadillac Eldorado (owned by Alex of the First Gen MC Club)
...a 1996 Furd Thunderbird (owned by a lady at my dentist's office that I've known for years)
...a few different 1987/1988 MC LSs
...a 1977 Caprice Classic sedan
...a 1978 Caprice Classic coupe
...a 1978 Buick Riviera
...a 1996 Buick Riviera
...a 1996 Cadillac Eldorado
...a few different 2006 Lumina/monte carlo LTZ coupes (maroon/tan; silver/black; white/tan)
...and a few others.

My "ideal" car would've been a RWD coupe (namely the late 1980s Monte Carlos, the 1996 Furd Thunderbird or the 1978 Buick Riviera). I decided that I'd be OK with a RWD sedan (the Charger or Caprice) or a FWD coupe (the 1996 Buick Riviera, Cadillac Eldorados, etc.).


Similar to finding my '87 MC LS/CL, this 1979 Caprice Classic had been advertised for sale for over a year. I passed on it a year ago because I wanted a coupe. But, this year, the seller lowered the price to $500 ... and I grabbed it. My friend Randy W (from several MC groups/boards) picked it up for me in Missouri, Wednesday, November 11, 2009.

Despite the price, this '79 Caprice Classic is a solid car, and the miles on the odometer may be actual ... not over 100,000. Many thanks to Randy for doing some extensive work to make sure it is "winter ready". Among other things, Randy replaced...
...spark plugs (AC Delco)
...valve cover gaskets
...rear shocks (Monroe Sensa-Tracs)
...engine oil/filter (Pennzoil 10w30 and AC Delco PF454 oil filter)
...transmission fluid/filter
...alternator
...AC compressor
...power steering belts
...wiper blades
...starter
...radio (new CD player)
...battery
...front shocks
...idler arm
...mirrors on both sides
...front driver's side fender and front fascia and hood (damage from a previous accident)

Sunday, December 13, 2009, Derek and Janie (friends from central IL) met Randy in Springfield IL to pick up the car. I should have it from them sometime this week...!



Cort | 36swm.IL | "Mr Monte Carlo"."Mr Road Trip" | pig valve.pacemaker
CDshowcase | Sat.Dec 19, 5p-10p.central | Thu.Dec 24, noon.central = www.WRMN1410.com
"Uh, what model is it?" ... Johnny Cash ... 'One Piece At A Time'

Sounds like the ideal "everyday" car. JB

knightfan26917 wrote:...a few different 2006 Lumina/monte carlo LTZ coupes (maroon/tan; silver/black; white/tan)

Why are you saying Lumina? They don't even make the Lumina anymore, the last Lumina ever made is NOTHING like the 06-07 Monte Carlo. Are you one of those people too that hates FWD cars and thinks FWD MC's are garbage? I'm making a CT reference to someone else here.

JB2wheeler wrote:Sounds like the ideal "everyday" car. JB

*nods*

Thank you, JB! It sure should be!

74MonteCarlo wrote:Are you one of those people too that hates FWD cars and thinks FWD MC's are garbage? I'm making a CT reference to someone else here.

Wow, Kyle ... Guess I didn't realize you think so low of me.... I had noticed your post calling other guys on here pigs, and I was surprised at that ... because I didn't think that was really you. I've always thought you to be a cool dude.


But, to answer your question (even though I've posted about this MANY times before....) ... no, I am not one of those that think FWD mc's are garbage. If I did, why on EARTH would I have owned one? Did you forget I had one for about 4 years? I also had a FWD malibu, too, for 2 years.

Do I hate FWD cars? Nope. I dislike FWD. I love plenty of FWD cars ... otherwise, I would NEVER have even CONSIDER them when I was searching for my winter car. I DID list others in my original post ... 1996 Riviera, 1993 and 1996 Eldorado.....


What I dislike is Ch#$r%*et taking the Celebrity, replacing it with the Lumina ... and turning THAT into a monte carlo ... all the while allowing people to believe the Lumina replaced the original monte carlo ... just because the Lumina was used in NASCAR:

According to the book _Chevrolet: The Complete History_ [copyright 1996 by Publications International LTD], on page 348: "With the new Lumina coupe and sedan effectively replacing their Celebrity counterparts...." And, on page 359: "Taking the place of the aging Celebrity sedan was the Lumina sedan ... a coupe version followed in the fall."

Also, the Lumina shared types (Eurosport), dashboards (flat/horizontal), tail lights (3 square on each side, across the back panel, more or less) and FWD with the Celebrity.....

In addition ... the Monte Carlo was the only one of the cousin names (Buick Regal, Olds Cutlass Supreme, Pontiac Grand Prix) to NOT be slapped on a FWD car IMMEDIATELY after the RWD versions ended in 1987/1988.

*shrugs*

I know my fact-based opinion bothers people ... who take it too personally. But, I've NEVER belittled or NOT met up with someone because of what they drive. If that were the case, I would NEVER have hosted the Chitown MidSummer Gathering for two years ... for which I invited FWD and RWD car owners......



Cort | 36swm.IL | "Mr Monte Carlo"."Mr Road Trip" | pig valve.pacemaker
CDshowcase | Sat.Dec 19, 5p-10p.central | Thu.Dec 24, noon.central = www.WRMN1410.com
"You have all the tender sweetness of a seasick crocodile" ... Thurl Ravenscroft ... 'You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch'

Hey Cort good choice on the Caprice they run forever and will be cheap to maintain. Get your self some good snows for the winter and you wont have any problem. I used to drive mine in all kinds of bad weather and never got stuck.You can still get studded snows too.

Cort, I don't think low of you at all. It was just a question. I think it's foolish for people to not like a car, just becasue its FWD. If you thought that way, I still would not think lowly of you. You're a cool dude, Cort. As for your excerpt from that book, isn't it talking about the 1990-94 Lumina? When there was no Monte Carlo? IMO, that still doesn't make sense to tag 2000-2007 Monte Carlo's as a Lumina/Monte Carlo. 1995-99, if you want to, fine, I guess. Becasue it WAS a Lumina coupe(I still very much like them though) But the 2000-2007 are nothing like any previous Luminas...nor did they even make a (new) Lumina after 1999. They kept the Lumina from 95-01...STILL...nothing like the 2000+ Monte Carlo.

"And, on page 359: "Taking the place of the aging Celebrity sedan was the Lumina sedan ... a coupe version followed in the fall."




THAT is the Lumina that took the place of the Celebrity. This is not the Lumina the MC was based from. Why is the car getting a comparison to the Monte Carlo?

You wanna call this a Lumina/Monte Carlo, I can understand the logic.



But THIS, is NOTHING close to a Lumina.


Why are all of these getting compared as one car?

I guess somethings in this world are not meant to be understood.

Omg who gives a whoa nelly.

Congrats on the car Cort.

74MonteCarlo wrote:Why are all of these getting compared as one car?

I guess somethings in this world are not meant to be understood.

Cause they are all FWD 6 cylinder automatics? LMAO I group all GM fwd 6 cylinder cars together, I mean what's the difference besides a new skin update every couple of years? Most are equipped with either a 3.1 cylinder or 3.8 cylinder. The only new Monte really worth noting was the 2006-7 SS with a 5.3L V8. But then again, the Monte was replaced by the new F-body, so it couldn't have been that significant.

Oh yeah, this is what's being sold as the Lumina in other countries:


Remember that car?

Making a quick stop here ... between my appointment in Chicago (cardiology checkup...YUCK) and receiving the Caprice (woo hoo!)!!!

ant7377 wrote:Hey Cort good choice on the Caprice they run forever and will be cheap to maintain. Get your self some good snows for the winter and you wont have any problem. I used to drive mine in all kinds of bad weather and never got stuck.You can still get studded snows too.

Thanks! I'm told that it is running like a champ here ... so ... woot!

Studded snows are legal in IL? Someone told me they weren't. I'll have to do a bit more research....

74MonteCarlo wrote:I think it's foolish for people to not like a car, just becasue its FWD.

On this, we agree.

And ... thanks. Glad to know it wasn't what I thought it was.... I wasn't too sure when you mentioned you were referencing to someone else....

Rago wrote:

74MonteCarlo wrote:Why are all of these getting compared as one car?

I guess somethings in this world are not meant to be understood.

Cause they are all FWD 6 cylinder automatics? LMAO I group all GM fwd 6 cylinder cars together, I mean what's the difference besides a new skin update every couple of years? Most are equipped with either a 3.1 cylinder or 3.8 cylinder.

Bingo ... it is simply a "skin update" ... it still is a W body, 1990-today ("impala" sedan).

Rago wrote:Oh yeah, this is what's being sold as the Lumina in other countries:


Remember that car?

Yes, I do! RWD, too. Dangblastit.



Cort | 36swm.IL | "Mr Monte Carlo"."Mr Road Trip" | pig valve.pacemaker
CDshowcase | Sat.Dec 19, 5p-10p.central | Thu.Dec 24, noon.central = www.WRMN1410.com
"No store bought gifts to open, but there'll be Christmas just the same" ... Kenny Rogers ... 'Kentucky Homemade Christmas'

Cort,
I dont know if studded tires are illegal in IL or not but I know you can still get them and what cop is gonna check anyway? If you buy snows for it look to get them studded you will be happy you did. Get another set of rims for it so you dont have to do the mount remount nonsense.

cort for the record I have had studded tires on Melinda's Cavalier every winter since we have had it, this the 10 season we have run them never been stopped

I dont know if Illinois has this law the same as PA but you cant run Studded snowtires after April 15th. PA State Police will probably just tell you to take them off, meanwhile local police will have your car towed and a huge fine double money maker.

yea we take ours off right around second week of march

Cool ... thanks Ant and Limey. I'll look into studded tires.....


BTW ... I think I neglected to mention that Randy switched this to Fuel Injection for me .



Cort | 36swm.IL | "Mr Monte Carlo"."Mr Road Trip" | pig valve.pacemaker
CDshowcase.HOLIDAY | Thursday.December 24 | noon-3p.CENTRAL = www.WRMN1410.com
"It's a pudding made of figs ... and bacon" ... Gonzo to Miss Piggy/John Denver and Muppets ... 'We Wish You A Merry Christmas'

what type of setup did he use on it?

sounds like a neat car.
Im using my 71 4 door as a winter beater for now. I do still have my plastic non rustable geo storm and for the fun days my 96 z71 silverado.

BlackChevelleSS wrote:what type of setup did he use on it?

He used a TBI setup.

BlackChevelleSS wrote:sounds like a neat car.
Im using my 71 4 door as a winter beater for now. I do still have my plastic non rustable geo storm and for the fun days my 96 z71 silverado.

Sweet!


Several pictures of my "Winter Warrier" 1979 Caprice Classic have been added...
http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/1979caprice/Welcome.html


While I haven't had time to prepare a few pics I took of it Saturday, 12/26/09 ...WITH ~10" OF SNOW ON THE CAPRICE..., newer pics on the website include...
...a better interior pic
...some emblem pics
...2 pics of it and the 2009 maroon Dodge Charger SXT I rented for my September 2009 Route 66 adventure and my November 2009 trip to TN/AL.



Pics of my MCs, all of which are hibernating this winter:
http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/mccollection.html

http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/mc1972/72monte.html

http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/mc1976/76monte.html

http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/mc1979/79monte.html

http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/mc1981/81monte.html

http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/mc1987/87monte.html




Cort | 36swm.IL | "Mr Monte Carlo"."Mr Road Trip" | pig valve.pacemaker
WRMNshowcase.legos.HO.models.MCs.RTs.CHD = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort
"When you kiss your little baby, you've kissed the face of God" ... Kenny Rogers/Wynonna ... 'Mary, Did You Know?'