Restoration begins on my '72 Kingswood Estate this week!

Actually, appearance wise, I haven't done anything to it yet, but here is a photo from last summer. Hopefully painting soon, but have to wait to save some money back up, this drained this poor boy. lol. Plus, a new exhaust system is needed (muffler and pipe from front to back), that is going to cost me another small fortune.

Thanks! Not sure if it will do any burn out though. lol.

Yeah, that is what people are saying. The man that removed it is good friends with my uncle. He has his own garage at his house which is very nice, he has a professional lift and everything. He took the transmission to a transmission guy that he knows well, so there was another discount. He said that he didn't charge me to rebuild the torque converter and that was needed, so that was extra savings.

Nope, I sure don't want to "break" it again! lol. The engine is also fresh, so he recommended me to drive easy for the next 500 miles, but I drive very conservatively anyway, especially when I am driving my old cars because I am never in a hurry in those.

Thanks!

 

Well thanks for the photo anyway. I imagine they ride smoother than the whale wagons of the 1990s, Weight-wise (Since they're more than 600 pounds heavier.)

 

You are very welcome.

Next on my list is an exhaust system. Then it will be ready to drive. It does ride good, but this particular car has the trailer towing package and a heavy duty suspension. Also the car has set for years, so the suspension is pretty firm. The car has air shocks on the back and they seem to be froze up. Also, these clamshell wagons actually have leaf springs in the back.

The car has NO "give" in the back when I push down on it, but the car still rode well on my drive to the shop. That was the first time I had drove it and I guess it was still smooth because it is so heavy. I plan on getting some new shocks on it as well. I know my Grand Ville (sedan version of Grand Safari) has a super soft and supple ride, but it has the base suspension with coils.

* I finally was able to test the car out on the hill that I was unable to climb on my driveway... the spot where my car would struggle and bog down... now it climbs the hill with ease. That transmission was simply worn out.

 

Thanks again. Is it a two or three-seater? And I realize it's a bit early to ask, But what fuel economy have you been getting in it? (You can answer this later; I just wanted to get the question asked.) I do realize these cars get somewhere in the 7 to 17 range, Stock. It doesn't mean mods can't be done for higher efficiency if so desired, Though.

 

Mine is a 3-seat model. Not sure about mpg, I have only driven it on the road once. Once I get exhaust, I am going to get her on the road.

My Grand Ville gets about 11-13 mpg and it has a 455. It weighs around 4500 pounds.

 

Thanks again.

 

You are very welcome.

 

Tony,

Glad to see that you got your car back. As others have been saying, that was not a bad price for the work that you got done.

Keep us posted on the next step.

Bill

 

Some of the mileage I was getting:

'71 Impala 350 4-Barrel: 20 Hiway
'71 Impala 350 2-Barrel: 22 Hiway
'72 Impala 350 Crate Engine 2-Barrel: Approx 24 Hiway

Son's '72 Kingswood Estate 400 2-Barrel: Approx 17 Hiway

Bill

 

Thanks. Is that with any hyper-miling?

 

Thanks! Yeah, I am happy! That price also included a new water pump and installation, checking of rear end oil, fuel lines, etc. I now think I need some grease or something replaced in front end. When I back up and turn and push brakes, or go forward after backing and push brakes, I hear a pop sound. Dad said he thought it was an a-frame bushing?

I changed the oil today... getting registered tomorrow, insured and hopfully to the cruise tomorrow evening... or the next.

 

Upper A-frame bushings are common replacement parts on these . I generally do any new car of this style when I get it simply because they are fairly cheap parts to buy

 

Thanks. I wasn't sure of parts cost. I imagine labor to replace is way up there?

 

Updates - the engine is back in perfect running order, new water pump, etc. Detailing soon.



Shiny new tranny under there... well a complete rebuild anyway. lol.





New exhaust system and rear shocks (Monroe Sensa-Tracs) on Thursday!

 

So happy to see the progress on your Kingswood!!!