The 1967 Caprice is a full-size B-body riding on proven GM engineering, but at 55+ years old, you're dealing with tired drivetrains, rust, and deferred maintenance more than design flaws. Most survivors have had multiple engine or transmission rebuilds by now.
Powerglide/TH400 Transmission Failure
Common · high severityTypical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi original, but most are on second or third trans by now
Symptoms: slipping between gears especially 1-2 shift, delayed engagement into drive or reverse, burnt transmission fluid smell, no movement in any gear
Fix: Full rebuild required in most cases — these transmissions are 55+ years old and seals harden, clutches glaze, and valve bodies wear. Expect 12-16 hours for R&R and rebuild. Cooler lines often leak at this age, contributing to failure.
Estimated cost: $1,800-3,200
Engine Bearing Failure and Oil Pressure Loss
Common · high severityTypical onset: 100,000+ mi original, but abuse and neglect accelerate this
Symptoms: knocking or ticking from bottom end especially at idle, oil pressure dropping below 10 psi hot idle, metallic debris in oil filter, sudden catastrophic noise and shutdown
Fix: Main and rod bearings wear out, especially if oil changes were skipped. Requires engine removal, full teardown, crank inspection/grinding, and bearing replacement. Budget 20-30 hours for proper rebuild including machine work. Many shops recommend full rebuild at this point given age.
Estimated cost: $3,500-6,500
Valve Guide Wear and Oil Consumption
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: blue smoke on startup that clears after warmup, smoke on deceleration, fouled spark plugs, burning through a quart every 500-800 miles
Fix: Valve guides and seals wear out in these old small-block and big-block engines. Complete valve job with guide replacement or knurling, new seals, valve grinding, and seat work runs 14-18 hours with head removal.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,400
Frame and Subframe Rust
Occasional · high severitySymptoms: visible rust perforation on frame rails especially front, sagging front end, body mounts crumbling, steering box mounting area compromised
Fix: These B-bodies rust badly in the frame, especially northern cars. Front subframe where control arms mount is critical — if rotted through, it's unsafe to drive. Repair requires frame welding/plating or subframe replacement, 15-25 hours depending on extent. Many cars are too far gone.
Estimated cost: $2,000-5,000
Carburetor Issues and Fuel System Varnish
Common · medium severitySymptoms: hard starting when cold, stalling at idle or when coming to stops, flooding and fuel smell, rough idle and hesitation on acceleration
Fix: Original Rochester or Holley carbs are 55 years old — internal passages clog with varnish, gaskets leak, floats stick. Full rebuild kit and ultrasonic cleaning takes 3-5 hours. Replace fuel filter and check fuel pump while you're at it.
Estimated cost: $400-800
Rear Main Seal and Oil Pan Gasket Leaks
Common · low severityTypical onset: 60,000+ mi
Symptoms: oil puddle under engine after sitting, oil coating back of engine and transmission bellhousing, low oil level between changes
Fix: Two-piece rear main seals from this era leak almost universally by now. Requires transmission removal, 8-10 hours labor. Oil pan gaskets cork out and leak too — another 4-6 hours if done separately. Smart to do both when trans is already out.
Estimated cost: $800-1,500
Buy one if you have a solid example with documented rebuilds and minimal rust, but budget $5,000-8,000 for deferred mechanical work on most survivors — these are restoration projects more than reliable drivers now.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.