Discussion Forum - Northstar Chevelle Club

jim larson · 2K+ Club

Is this 66 wagon too big a project?

SShink · 3K+ Club

Biggest concern I would have is the glass for the back wagon windows and back tail gate glass. I wouldn't think that's being reproduced, but maybe a glass maker can replace it or it is available.

If the drive train is good, making it a driver for $10K might be possible. My .

OscarZ · Mega Poster

I think Derek has his 66 wagon for sale still. Don't recall what he was asking for it though...

jim larson · 2K+ Club

OscarZ wrote:
I think Derek has his 66 wagon for sale still. Don't recall what he was asking for it though...

Yes he does. I was kind of looking for a project to keep me busy. Either a 66 wagaon, 66 post sedan, or a 66 malibu convertible

Scott Parkhurst · Super Poster

The only really big concern you should have is the wagon-specific stuff that wasn't shared with coupes or 4-doors. The tailgate stuff, folding seat, rear windows, and especially the rear quarter panels. No one is making that stuff, and I doubt anyone ever will. So, if it's in good shape you won't have to find it or fix it and you'll be okay. If it's rusty or messed up, or if the glass is missing or the channels the rear windows mount in are rusted away (very common and a very big problem on these wagons) then you should pass. Obviously front fenders, hoods etc are easy to get new so don't even worry about that stuff. If the wagon-only goodies are solid, it's worth the effort. If the whole back of the car is shot or rusted out, walk away and don't look back. It'll be way too hard to fix up.

Chris R · 2K+ Club

I would rather have Dereks and I havent even seen his car in person before.

SShink · 3K+ Club

Chris R wrote:
I would rather have Dereks and I havent even seen his car in person before.

I saw Derek's wagon at the Stewartville show, and it's really cool and I think he has it priced right (he can post the price if he wants to-I don't want to get it wrong). And... he's already put some handling goodies and rear disc brakes on it!

I told him he and Scott need to get on the track together for a wagon smackdown road course!

Derek69SS · Founding Member

My price is pretty negotiable... was thinking $8500 complete when I finish up some of the unfinished stuff on it, or $8000 as it is.

Also, could knock around $800 off if I kept the wheels too.

jim larson · 2K+ Club

Derek69SS wrote:
My price is pretty negotiable... was thinking $8500 complete when I finish up some of the unfinished stuff on it, or $8000 as it is.

Also, could knock around $800 off if I kept the wheels too.

Derel, I think you changed the steering column to a 67, and added power disc brakes. Is that correct? What is the unfinished stuff? I didn't look at it that close. What kind of body repair has been done in the past? Whats in the car for a transmission and engine? thanks

Derek69SS · Founding Member

I did change the dash and column to a '67, since the plan was for my wife to drive it I wanted it to be collapsible.
The brakes are 4-wheel manual discs... work really well.
Body work was somewhat amateur from what I can see. I know the quarters were patched, and they look like they were done well, but the floors were just screwed-in patches. Spare tire well has holes in it yet.
Unfinished stuff is that it needs some trim, and I've bought a few things that I haven't installed yet (heater core, weatherstrips, center console, sway-bars, etc)
Drivetrain is a smog-era 454 peanut-port remanufactured crate motor, TH350 w/ B&M 2400 rpm- converter, 10-bolt 3.08 posi.

The pic in my sig is not current... repainted the tops of the quarters to match the dark green, and put my 17" Billet Specialties wheels on it... rubber is pretty worn, but still has at least one summer of cruising left in them.