1975 CHEVROLET CAPRICE

Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi

Symptoms: Slipping on 1-2 or 2-3 shift, especially under load, Delayed engagement into drive or reverse, Burnt transmission fluid smell, dark or metallic fluid, Hard shifts or no upshift past second gear

Fix: Full rebuild or replacement required. TH350 rebuild takes 8-12 hours including R&R, TH400 similar. Cooler lines and radiator tank often compromised, add 1-2 hours for cooler replacement. Transmission mounts typically shot during R&R, replace both.

Estimated cost: $1,800-3,200

Symptoms: Rough idle, stalling at stop lights, Hesitation on acceleration, flat spots, Poor fuel economy (sub-10 mpg city), Black smoke or strong fuel smell, Hard starting when hot

Fix: Rochester Quadrajet or Holley carbs plagued by vacuum leaks, worn throttle shafts, and clogged idle circuits. Complete rebuild 3-5 hours, or aftermarket replacement. EGR valve sticking common, adds 1 hour. Vacuum lines brittle—expect to replace entire harness.

Estimated cost: $400-900

Typical onset: 120,000-180,000 mi

Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption (quart every 500-800 miles), Blue smoke on startup or deceleration, Loss of power, particularly on hills, Low compression readings (below 120 psi), Blow-by visible at oil filler cap

Fix: Worn rings and cylinder glazing typical on neglected engines. Full rebuild with bore/hone, new pistons/rings, bearings 20-30 hours. Short block swap faster at 12-16 hours but limits bearing selection. 350 and 400 small-blocks more economical than 454.

Estimated cost: $3,500-6,500

Symptoms: Body sags or leans to one side, Doors misaligned, hard to close or bind, Clunking over bumps from body shifting on frame, Visible rust or separation at mount points, Flex felt through body during cornering

Fix: Body mounts deteriorate from age and rust, especially in salt states. All 12-14 mounts should be replaced together, requires lifting body off frame with proper support, 10-14 hours. Frame rust behind front wheels and at rear spring mounts critical—welding or plating adds 6-12 hours if saveable.

Estimated cost: $1,200-2,800

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: Oil drips from bell housing area, Oil pooling on garage floor after sitting, Wet transmission bell housing or starter, Oil consumption without visible external leaks elsewhere

Fix: Two-piece rear main seal design leaks commonly. Seal replacement requires transmission removal, 6-8 hours total. Oil pan gasket leaks concurrent—add 2 hours to re-seal while trans is out. Rope seal conversion kits available but require careful installation.

Estimated cost: $600-1,200

Symptoms: Fuel starvation under acceleration or hills, Engine dies after sitting, needs cranking to refill bowls, Fuel smell in cabin or trunk area, Rust particles in fuel filter, Hard starting after sitting overnight

Fix: Steel fuel lines rust internally after 40+ years, fuel tank develops scale and sludge. Tank R&R and boil-out 4-6 hours, or new tank 3-4 hours. Replace all rubber hoses and filter. Fuel pump mechanical—test pressure (5-7 psi), replace if weak, 1-2 hours.

Estimated cost: $500-1,100