1974 Donk Caprice Classic Junkyard Find

1974 Donk Caprice Classic junkyard find. Another nice looking old ride makes made it intonthe yard. Shame on this as this 4 door 1974 caprice classic could easily have been put back on the road. It was almost completely intact. Wish I could have saved this one but it was ultimately crushed. It was still sporting its 400ci power plant and complete interior at the time of its demise.

[@user-op2id4cz1i]

my dad bought chevy caprices from 1970- 1976, having one every 3 years 1970, 1973, 1976, these were great cars, with 1970 having a 400/400 combo, mom loved that car, cause it would boogie on down the motorway, i took drivers test in 1976 model, that was a BIG car, older sister bought off them in early 80s for 1000 bucks, me getting her chevy vega for 300 bucks, she bought brand new in 1973, both my parents, as well as sister, have passed, all i have is great memories of these times

[@charliebruckman8661]

Brought back a good memory of my childhood. My dad bought this car brand new in 74, same color. I remember when he brought it home and we all went for a ride. The smell of a new car. As old as this car is it's still beautiful to me.

[@SpockvsMcCoy]

4-Door sedan or other body style?

[@paulsheehan789]

NICE 1974, MIGHT HAVE BUILT IN 1973, SPEEDOMETER GOES TO 120 M.P.H. LATER 1974'S, HAD A 100 M.P.H SPEEDOMETER.

[@paulsheehan789]

1974 FULL SIZE CHEVIES, HAD FADE PRONE BRAKES, WITH HIGH PEDAL EFFORT WHEN HOT! (COMSUMAR GUIDE)

[@paulsheehan789]

400 C.I.D 2 BBL., WITH 150 H.P AND 295 LB. FT. OF TORQUE, WITH A THM350 TRANS.

[@paulsheehan789]

NO BODY, GOOD SIGN!

[@AmericaBumpertoBumper]

I love these old Caprices.

[@googleusergp]

VIN is 1 for Chevrolet, N for Caprice, 69 for 4 door sedan, R for 400 V8 2 barrel, 4 for 1974 model year, S for St. Louis, MO assembly, the rest is the production sequence.

[@paulsheehan789]

THAT'S A SHAME! (JERRY SEINFELD).

[@johnthompson1978]

Good chance that was a 400 SB.

[@thechriscollection9983]

Always liked the style of these. And this one looked loaded up. I'd get them wheel covers, grill, and fender skirts. Love the owners manual, original ones are impossible to find. They would be an easy upgrade for a lower option car.

[@ClassicRideSociety]

I only managed to save the hood. By the time I went back, they had rammed the forks through it and were getting ready to crush it

[@paulsheehan789]

STILL NICE TO SEE ONE, EVEN IF IT DOESN'T RUN!

[@DoubleRRestorations]

Those are huge cars. Its amazing that it still has the owners manual with it.

[@ClassicRideSociety]

Yea it was a real shame it crushed within the week of it arriving to the yard

[@googleusergp]

@@ClassicRideSociety I made up the correct original OEM packets for my 1979 and 1980 Trans Ams by finding the pieces in the junkyard. I got lucky. I found blank "New Car Warranty" folders for each car in the yards. I then fired up an old electric typewriter and recreated them. The '80 Trans Am was easy, my father bought it new (odd why we didn't have the dealer folder...I'm going to guess it was never given to us, my Dad would have saved that....). The '79 Trans Am I knew who the original owner was, as I have the original title to it. If I showed you the two folders, you would never be able to tell that they were typed in 2011 instead of 1979 or 1980.

[@ClassicRideSociety]

@@googleusergp now thats cool. Usually the original paperwork isn't with the vehicle by these days. I got lucky with my 66 buick wagon. The protecto plate was still in the glove box

[@googleusergp]

@@ClassicRideSociety The funny thing was the address on my '79 Trans Am said, "Nugget Way---Hillside Manor". I showed it to a then coworker who lived in the next town over (in PA). I said, "Man this guy was loaded, look at that address". She laughed and said, "Joe, that's a trailer park...…" LOL.

[@arnaldoribeiro5774]

Sou do Brasil e gosto muito dos seus vídeos adoro carros americanos. Abraços

[@oscarbirch6685]

I love that 74 Chevy that's the taxi cab I rode in before I bought my first car

[@ls6-ss413]

Quick tip on those mid 70's sbc. The harmonic balancer has a groove in the back of it. Regular sbc don't(internally balanced) unless it's a stroker

[@paulsheehan2741]

full size chevies, had pontiac clones in canada, on chevy bodies, with chevy dashboards and chevy drivetrains, built in canada. laurentian, was a biscayne, (canada), bel air, parisienne, (impala) and parisienne brougham a caprice classic. chevies had fade prone breaks in 1974, (CONSUMER GUIDE) test report, and on the caprice classic, (model tested), the std. 400 c.i.d was the least economical engine, at 9 m.p.g, 4bbl. version, Std. on wagons), got 10 m.p.g and the 454 got 9.3 m.p.g, (CONSUMER GUIDE). never the less, i liked the 1974.

[@natel2046]

Looks just like my 74 chevy caprice same color and rugs

[@ClassicRideSociety]

It was pretty sad to see it destroyed less than a week later.

[@tedwolcott3650]

Classic Ride Society so very shocking and sad

[@SpockvsMcCoy]

Always save the non-damaged factory wheel covers, exterior trim, and fender skirts when you find them.

[@aarongranda7825]

I bet Chevy cranked out a million full-size belairs, impalas and caprices from 71 to 76.

[@ClassicRideSociety]

Maybe more

[@tedwolcott3650]

Aaron Granda they we’re very classy beautiful cars ! What has happened to this fine original caprice is beyond shocking I just cannot believe anyone would allow this obviously for most of its life someone cared and took fine care of it or it would have been ruined a long time ago ! The word the narrator uses sink is offensive there’s no such word it’s slang I’m hoping someone can rescue this fine car and restore it such a waste and shame on whoever put the trash in it

[@jeffreybaker100]

It seems at that time in 74 GM and Ford were practically copying each other with the looks of Caprice and LTD

[@GeorgeJFW]

It's so sad. I guess we can't save them all 😫 really enjoyed watching as always man keep it up!

[@ClassicRideSociety]

Unfortunately thats the reality, 👍

[@donsimmerman284]

I would have saved this car from the crusher if the price was low enough Don simmerman

[@aarongranda7825]

Caprice, ltd, Gran fury and Ambassador all great cars in 74. Miss the big bumpers.

[@rosseganjr9402]

Sorry to see this one crushed it just needed some tlc

[@ClassicRideSociety]

I totally agree

[@231gnx]

@@ClassicRideSociety Even demo derby it,at least one last hurrah.Those are the best ones to derby,tough frames and rear trunks.400 small block to boot!

[@ClassicRideSociety]

@@231gnx it was gonna be crushed anyways. Might as well gone out fighting

[@aarongranda7825]

Only a devil would crush this beauty!

[@tedwolcott3650]

231gnx this fine car should have been rescued and professionally restored to original condition what a waste of a beautiful car

[@googleusergp]

Leviton Electric Company used to be off McGuiness Blvd in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. The building is still there (my coworker's father I believe worked there) but they moved to the Douglaston area of Queens circa 1973. I work about 15 minutes from the old Greenpoint plant. Those tools are in exactly the same condition (actually better) than the ones I saved that went through Sandy. A couple of days in a bucket of white vinegar, followed by a good cleaning with WD40 or some good oil and they will work like new again. Never know what you'll find. If they are a warrantied brand (like Craftsman or Husky or Kobalt), you stand a chance of a new tool if you can't clean them up. Should always grab them when you can, you'll wind up with a great junkyard tool kit. I once found just the handle of a nut driver in the junkyard in PA and I returned it to Sears. The guy laughed, asked where the other half was. I told him, "Buried in a 307 Oldsmobile V8 in PA's junkyards". He laughed, went to the rack and handed me a new tool, did the paperwork at the register and said, "Have a good day". The yard will probably just let you have them because they are going to get squashed anyway. If I had to guess, an older person or family bought it new. You can tell because they still had a good set of keys and there was a loyalty card from a supermarket (??) on the key chain. I would say it belonged to an older person or a family, it lasted for a while, then got passed down to the kids. Once it got old, someone parked it and it sat under a tree or somewhere damp. It appears to still have its original 400 V8 2 barrel VIN code "R" small block. After a small malady lays up the car, we know where it then goes...........this one was pretty loaded up. PS, PB, AC, radio option, power windows, cruise. I'm guessing tilt as well as the power seat as well.

[@ClassicRideSociety]

Yea I keep forgetting about the whole tool warranty thing when insee these tools in the yard I found so many it isn't funny. Im not even sure there is a Sears anywhere near me. So weird to say that as they were in damn near every mall. And I totally agree on it being someone older who owned it. In my opinion it was a woman as I noticed all the cigarettes in the ash tray were a "Misty" brand. Its a very thin cigarette that ive only seen women smoke. That was my moms favorite brand. So glad we got her to quit some years back

[@googleusergp]

@@ClassicRideSociety Yup, I'll buy that. Smoking is probably what helped contribute to the crusty and stinky interior. You can spot cars that have been smoked in a mile away. Yuck. You can exchange Craftsman tools at Ace Hardware and Lowes as well. You have a better chance of getting a USA made replacement at Ace. Most times you can probably save them with some TLC and elbow grease. Well worth it.

[@joshuagreen6346]

If had the money I purchase it and make new car out of it again. Rust just cut it away and repair it. The car deserves better.

[@tumashedrick]

They wouldn't sell it

[@ClassicRideSociety]

Nope, they crushed it with a couple of weeks

[@wesleeysutton5935]

I woulda paid a solid 2500 bucks Canadian for it lol but that’s about it

[@nathankim7664]

Man, whoever drove that to college must've been a parking god! Ah yea, the vinyl top. Still have mine on my Caddy and I'm afraid to tear it off. I knocked on it and felt solid so.... hopefully it's okay! Don't forget your original manual and maybe the fender skirts! ^^

[@googleusergp]

Was it from perhaps College Station TX and that's a resident parking permit? I"m not sure, Benny went a little too fast for us...LOL.

[@ClassicRideSociety]

@@googleusergp sorry about that. i think it was a college employee

[@thejeepdoctor]

I had a 73 model like this. Post car. Had friend sitting in passenger seat with right rear door open. He had his hand around the post when my brother jumped into the back seat and slammed the door shut. My friend started squalling. OPEN THE DOOR OPEN THE DOORS. It left creases across the top of his fingers. Every time I see one of these, I think about that🤣. Same car, I slammed my finger in the door and had to have the nail surgically removed. That nail still grows in all screwed up. This gives me the right to laugh at others when this car bit them. 😉

[@GJ-DT]

Withit being fairly solid and a 400 i cant believe someone didnt saveit. I have my 71 impala for 15 years now saved it from demolition derby. I would of saved it, probably only cost 200 bucks

[@danieljohnson7171]

Can you make a video on that dakota?

[@11094DEREK]

I was thinking the same looks like a cool truck

[@ClassicRideSociety]

I'll ✔ and see it they havent crushed it yet

[@11094DEREK]

@@ClassicRideSociety Thanks man do you know if it was a V8 truck?

[@malikdigger4544]

Caught my eye aswell

[@Rav_4_Guy]

That was one car in its day. To survive looking so good it’s a shame. Too many doors people will say. I’d rather have 4 doors or wagons. At least it won’t be a derby car

[@ClassicRideSociety]

I'm torn on the subject of demo derby. If a car cant be saved then I would accept it being parted out to help others. But in cases like this one, the car was crushed within the of it arriving to the yard. I believe im the only one who pulled something off the car and i dont even own one of these( I took the hood, I was in really nice shape) I guess if I knew the car was gonna be crushed that quick then maybe let it go out fighting. I don't know, im torn on this

[@Rav_4_Guy]

Classic Ride Society now that surprises me. Such a complete car gone so soon. Your right is have taken as much as I could knowing that. Shame that. Suppose the value of the weight of the car was all they looked at

[@markramsey5757]

Hey broken I asked you maybe you can make a video I know you buy cars and then I can't afford buy any but maybe you can make a video some people how buy car from junkyard or salvage yard maybe you can show them how to do that maybe they don't know how I made they don't know if they can so maybe you can make a video of that I'll be kind of cool

[@jasongilbert2267]

Do a video on the flamed machine next to it ❤️

[@ClassicRideSociety]

I'll have to ✔ and see if they haven't crushed it yet

[@aarongranda7825]

Love it. Dad had a 74 LeSabre luxus. Save the whales!

[@11094DEREK]

She was all original how sad

[@ClassicRideSociety]

This was another bitter sweet one for me

[@tedwolcott3650]

11094DEREK there’s no excuse in this at some point it had to have been appreciated and taken care of what a tragedy the fate it met just so shocking I cannot believe it and why would anyone leave the original booklets in it is beyond me they should have been saved

[@cardtrix1970]

Lookin' like a lot of folk were(are)livin' out of their vehicles. That...or/and they are just...slobs

[@robertvalentin5846]

Damn what rare car in that shape Not much rust .why can they sell It or sell parts lot good parts That junk yard people are idiots that would be sold make someone happy solid car just few rust it fixable damn shame .that car Betty then new cars it strong and big but gas that different but still Those all good car can't believed they crush it

[@ClassicRideSociety]

Sadly, they crushed it within a week

[@tedwolcott3650]

Robert Valentin I agree with you 110% this fine car should have been rescued and professionally restored I just don’t get it even without a title it could have been put perhaps loaded up into a flat bed truck and put in a garage or barn until a title could have been gotten this is so shocking I can’t believe it

[@davidmeyers3549]

That WAS a nice car that could have been saved. All the controls are for the driver.

[@ClassicRideSociety]

Yea it wasnt too far gone

[@johnnyblackking169]

Someone old had that car

[@dougfries7759]

Seems like it could have been saved 🙁

[@speedwrenchmobilemechanics6089]

What salvage was this at

[@ClassicRideSociety]

Crain's but sadly they crushed it within a week of it getting in the yard

[@jamiesanders5401]

What yard need parts asap

[@samthompson1080]

This car has no title and will be crushed in three days

[@ClassicRideSociety]

It been crushed already. They did it pretty quick. I got a little video of it after They rammed the forks through it but indecided not to add it the video. Crain's

[@jasongilbert2267]

Derby guys dream of finding these. Some of them came with a 400 sb th400 trans great engine trans combo

[@googleusergp]

That is what I believe this has. That's a 2 barrel Rochester on there and based on the VIN #, it had a 400 V8 in it.

[@jasongilbert2267]

Google User GP get you a 350 and the 400 block and crank build you a 406 dirt track motor there bad ass on the street

[@ClassicRideSociety]

So true. Around here ive seen them throwing up ads on Facebook marketplace asking if anyone wants to "get rid of" an old land yacht like these

[@mrbrocephus3849]

Are Caprice consider muscle cars ?

[@mrbrocephus3849]

I have a 1975 Chevy Caprice Classic. Just wandering. Love the long body of it makes it like a tank.

[@ClassicRideSociety]

Might be more a matter of opinion. Perhaps the earlier ones with the big block. Definitely not these though

[@ClassicRideSociety]

Just to clarify, when I said definitely not these, I meant as in factory muscle cars. Stick some power into them and its open for debate

[@tedwolcott3650]

They are luxury cars

[@tedwolcott3650]

MrBrocephus they are luxury cars and very nice ones at that

[@gertraba4484]

ouch, am/fm toooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@JD-gx3ms]

Brought to you by moms spaghetti

[@ClassicRideSociety]

😄

[@derbymankg]

Demo derby that thing!

[@ClassicRideSociety]

It wouldnt have been a bad idea seeing as how they crushed it with a week