Questions on a '75 Chevelle

[torpedogirl]

Hi! I am interested in a 1975 Chevelle listed in my local paper. The ad reads Built 350/350 Turbo, Creigors, Less than 200 miles on the drive train. The price is doable, and even moderate repairs are okay because i could do a lot myself. But i have a couple questions for those of you here who are more knowledgable than I.

1. What are Creigors? Even Google couldn't help me there.

2. Should I be worried about the body considering the drivetrain was recently replaced?

Any other help yinz can give me would be helpful

[rhandwor]

I think he's talking about chrome wheels. I would ask him what they are?
I would look for rust damage and anything bent. I would ask to go to a mechanic and put it on a lift and look underneath. Also look at the brakes at this time and any obvious oil leaks. Look for obvious wiring problems also.
Do a search for cragar wheels I think this is what he is talking about.

['97ventureowner]

Yes Crager refers to rims. Here is a sample of what one looks like:

They were popular in the '70s and '80s on muscle cars and those that were modified among others.
In addition to what was listed above I'd double check the frame, especially the rear frame over the rear wheels and the bottoms of the doors as they were susceptible to rust. Overall these were solid cars and if they were well taken care of should last a long time. There still are plenty of parts available and parts from other GM vehicles of that era will interchange with the Chevelle.

[torpedogirl]

Thank you guys for the advice! Especially in this area and the winters we have, rust is our enemy.

['97ventureowner]

Originally Posted by torpedogirl

Thank you guys for the advice! Especially in this area and the winters we have, rust is our enemy.

Most definitely! I live in NY and they use a lot of salt on the roads here. I've lost many cars from the '70s and '80s to rust. Once it gets a foothold on your vehicle it's hard to eradicate and costly too.

[highlandlake]

I'd be very cautious about what they mean by a 'built' motor. Built by who? Professionals or hacks with wrenches?
'less than 200 miles on drivetrain' Why so few? Didn't it run right after they put it together? How can they prove it?


Move very slowly on this one -
like RHANDWOR suggested, take it to a mechanic or if it isn't running - pay a mechanic to go with you to look at it. Tou could save yourself a ton of money and hassle down the road.
I like the '75's by the way...........just be careful.
Investigate before you invest.

Good luck, let us know what you decide and do.
Tom

[72chevelleOhio]

When you go to check out the car, don't forget a magnet. I wrap the magnet in soft cloth and check for huge amounts of body filler. (wrap the magnet and don't slide it if it does stick, pull it straight off, keeps from scratching paint) You can somtimes tap the area with your knuckle and hear it if there is enough filler, but if the car is in a noisey area.......
Check the usual, quarters, around the bottom of the back window, front fenders ect..
Another thing to take is a mirror and flashlight. If the trunk is cleaned out to where you can see the inside of the quarter panels, you can see underneath those pretty well and check for major damage, and filler.

[MrPbody]

All good advice. Remember that a '75 is a HUGE car (comparitively speaking) and quite heavy. If you want a nice "driver" it's a very good choice. If you're looking to make it a hot rod, there are better Chevelles... (lighter, more suspension "goodies")

Jim

['97ventureowner]

Originally Posted by MrPbody

All good advice. Remember that a '75 is a HUGE car (comparitively speaking) and quite heavy. If you want a nice "driver" it's a very good choice. If you're looking to make it a hot rod, there are better Chevelles... (lighter, more suspension "goodies")

Jim

While it may be a "huge" car it was still considered a mid size car. that's what I love about the cars from back then. They were a good size and roomy, unlike some of the cars today.