CRG Discussion Forum

Camaro Research Group Discussion => General Discussion => Topic started by: cook_dw on May 08, 2014, 06:47:39 PM

Title: Capitol Chevrolet in Austin, Texas
Post by: cook_dw on May 08, 2014, 06:47:39 PM
If anyone knows of any past employees that are still around or anything at all please pm me.  Thanks, Darrell
Title: Re: Capitol Chevrolet in Austin, Texas
Post by: HOT3O2 on May 08, 2014, 09:14:03 PM
Darrell, Is that the dealer listed on your report?
Title: Re: Capitol Chevrolet in Austin, Texas
Post by: cook_dw on May 09, 2014, 11:22:16 AM
Yes it is.
Title: Re: Capitol Chevrolet in Austin, Texas
Post by: BULLITT65 on May 09, 2014, 02:12:15 PM
A cool pic from back in the day:  8)
Title: Re: Capitol Chevrolet in Austin, Texas
Post by: BULLITT65 on May 09, 2014, 02:15:14 PM
not sure if this emblem is from the texas dealer location:
Title: Re: Capitol Chevrolet in Austin, Texas
Post by: BULLITT65 on May 09, 2014, 02:19:35 PM
It looks like they are still around, maybe you could call them and ask if they have any other items?
Title: Re: Capitol Chevrolet in Austin, Texas
Post by: cook_dw on May 09, 2014, 03:01:53 PM
Already called them.  Waiting to hear back.  Was on the phone with 5 or 6 different people yesterday leaving voice messages and talking to clueless receptionists.
Title: Re: Capitol Chevrolet in Austin, Texas
Post by: BULLITT65 on May 09, 2014, 03:04:33 PM
I have been there. Maybe there is a CRG er close enough to stop by and get some info or items for you?
Title: Re: Capitol Chevrolet in Austin, Texas
Post by: cook_dw on May 09, 2014, 03:08:56 PM
Back story on the dealership.

About 1951, the dealership moved to the western edge of downtown. Charles Nash (previous owner - passed away in 2011 at age 87) once owned land at all four corners of Fifth Street and Lamar Boulevard that included the dealership, a used car lot and a body shop.
The dealership moved to South Austin in 1998, to make way for Whole Foods Market's new headquarters and flagship store.



I am guessing that unless they moved their paperwork that they tossed it away but I have still hoping.  Also there are several photos of the dealership in the early years including a video in the early 60's.

Trust me Ive done my homework.  Just looking for someone local that may know or want to help a brotha out.  ;D
Title: Re: Capitol Chevrolet in Austin, Texas
Post by: vonroll on May 09, 2014, 08:10:51 PM
I'm local.  :)   Whatcha need other than paperwork? 
Title: Re: Capitol Chevrolet in Austin, Texas
Post by: cook_dw on May 09, 2014, 08:18:20 PM
I just got off the phone with the Sales Manager and he said he has asked around and no one seems to think they have the records.  He is going to continue to look for anything and talk to the owner and see if she knows where anything might be or if they still have any of the plate frames, nic nacs or photos of the dealership from around that time.  I told him if he knew of any former employees that might have worked there back then to see if they remembered maybe the car or the person who bought it. 

If you want to stop by on my behalf that would be great!!  But lets see if they can find anything first.  I have a foot in the door at this point.  Not giving up hope yet.   
Title: Re: Capitol Chevrolet in Austin, Texas
Post by: VINCE Z28 on May 09, 2014, 11:17:08 PM
Darrell if the going gets tuff cash always helps their memory ;)
Title: Re: Capitol Chevrolet in Austin, Texas
Post by: ko-lek-tor on May 10, 2014, 02:54:54 AM
Just a little advice, don't be too persistent. Take a breather and get back occassionally. They are there to sell new cars and may see you as an agravation and just decide not to do you any favors, so I would not push the issue too much and ruffle some feathers. Stay with one contact person. You may offer an incentive as Vince suggests, but patience is the game at this point. Don't expect them to have the same enthusiasm or devote the time you would expect.
Title: Re: Capitol Chevrolet in Austin, Texas
Post by: VINCE Z28 on May 10, 2014, 03:38:04 AM
Your right on the money James, we are asking them for things they could care less about. We all need to build relationships first and work from there. As in all relationships it takes time. You need to get them to want to help you with your quest.
Title: Re: Capitol Chevrolet in Austin, Texas
Post by: JKZ27 on May 10, 2014, 12:03:49 PM
Yeah, my dealership shreds every other year or so to keep things neat and tidy. We also throw new parts in the dumpster every month. Its all part of business and nobody in our staff gives a crap about old cars or their owners. The last dealer I was at was not very orderly and I watched them finally shred over 60 years of paperwork. It took up a bunch of space in the shop and I wanted so bad to sift though it for 60s stuff but couldn't. Paperwork and other useless items take up space and maintaining unproductive space is expensive. Dealers that made it through the bankruptcy are a different animal now. Everything about GM is far different from what it was even 5 years ago.

John
Title: Re: Capitol Chevrolet in Austin, Texas
Post by: cook_dw on May 11, 2014, 12:55:03 AM
Here is a video from back in the early to mid 60's

http://www.texasarchive.org/library/index.php/Capitol_Chevrolet_I (http://www.texasarchive.org/library/index.php/Capitol_Chevrolet_I)
Title: Re: Capitol Chevrolet in Austin, Texas
Post by: BULLITT65 on May 11, 2014, 03:15:57 AM
nice find.