Save The Clams

They are definitely fiberglass extensions. I just block sanded mine and had them painted.

I tried to call the guy with the Grand Safari again to see if it had woodgrain but didn't get an answer. I'm hoping it has woodgrain moldings he'll want to sell.


Brandon

 

I asked for photos of the '71 Grand Safari in Florida. Vetteman, it does not have the woodgrain option.

The car seems to be solid in the lower areas, but definitely has some rust issues, big time around the windows and even a rust hole in the middle of the door.

Pics below...

 

Ok, here we go! She needs some work, but may be able to be saved? It also has a vinyl top! As far as the interior, its not a super high optioned model. I see A/C, AM radio, tilt wheel, and the 3rd seat and that is about it. I also see a power gate, luggage rack and of course the vinyl top. Would make a good parts car for that other '71 Catalina Safari! I think a good body repair person could save this car if the frame is solid. Defintely worth $1000. I am afraid this car may see its fate in a derby!










The seats look they would clean up very nice, as well as the door panels. Could easily turn that '71 Safari into a Grand Safari if you had this car.



Interior mold issues... don't they all? lol





Not sure what the bottle is for?


Rust issues... typical Florida car I would imagine...



Vinyl top!



My wagon looks to be optioned just like this one except mine does not have power gate and does not have a vinyl top. It has woodgrain though, but that was standard on the Caprice wagon. lol.

 

Given the rust we can see, I'm afraid this one is going to be a nightmare to try to save. That has all come from the inside out, so when you get into it, there is going to be a MESS and a half to deal with! It would not surprise me if the rust has weakened the body structure, too. It may be the picture, but it looks like something is out of kilter at the top right of the tailgate, like the whole corner is weakened. Add that to the mold, and this one is s LOT of work. Too bad, too, because it was a nice car in its day, and I love the creamy interior colour. That and the blue were my favorites on these cars. That vinyl top is a disaster when it comes to rust, too. Parts on the hoof is what this one is, I'm afraid.

 

Yes bad continuous window leaks killed that poor car that mold is bad too it will make you ill

 

I agree with the consensus that this one is a parts car as listed. No title, extensive rust and mold issues and obviously having sat for a long time would make it not worth the money, time and trouble to save. But it has many good parts on it that would sure be a shame to see go away forever.
The gorgeous front bumper and really the entire front end grille and sheet metal are all so good.
The 455 would be good for scarymonster- http://www.stationwagonforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24533
and the power tailgate regulator and switch could go to Kingswood or some other non-power tailgate owner for an upgrade. the beautiful back bumper and tail lamp assemblies, chrome and glass.
Oh, and the entire A/C system for one of those oddball clamshells that were ordered without it. So many good parts!
Heck! Even though it isn't a '73, the beautiful front sheet metal would go a long way to putting that wrecked Grand Safari in NJ back on the road instead of it being parted out.

David

 

Nooooooooooooooooo, whyyyyyyyyy. It's bad enough that these cars keep dying, but WHY CAN'T ONE OF THEM HAVE THE WOODGRAIN. What's frustrating is I keep finding cars that have the woodgrain and when I finally call the person they say they'll sell it and then they keep putting me off because, hey, I'm just some guy on the internet so why should I bother doing what I say I'll do, why not just string some guy along, it's not like I care.

Seriously, this has happened about 4 times now. People give me the tick off.


Brandon

 

Brandon, you might have to pony up some bucks for a good-faith deposit or something for someone to take you seriously. They probably don't want go to the trouble of removing the moldings when they probably think you will be the one to flake. Yes, you might lose the money, but it might be the motivator needed to get want you want.

David

 

I don't even need the entire set. The parts I need more or less just pop off. I suppose one will turn up one day with someone that won't lie about it, but it may take a while.


Brandon

 

I know what you mean, thats what I went through when I tried to get the tailgate switch for my 72 Caprice Estate... people keep saying they'd send me one I even offered money that never did get one. It was also the same deal with some guy that had wood grain for my wagon, never did get it. Sorry it didn't have woodgrain but I was glad to be able to post the pics of the car so everyone can see the car hopefully someone can save it or use it. The old woodgrain Pontiac wagons are hard to find, I would love to find one with wood grain to restore if I have the space of money. By the way the owner responded quickly and seems like a nice guy. Hopefully no typos... I'm on my phone on my lunch break posting on here. lol.

 

Looks like they have put the woodgrained '71 Safari on ebay...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1971...869158&lgeo=1&vectorid=229466&forcev4exp=true

 

I'd love to have to floormats. Unless someone really loves wagons, I don't have a good feeling about this girl's future.

 

Yeah, those are cool floormats! My '72 Caprice wagon has the original mats too that are really cool.

I don't think this car will have a good future either, unless he has his reserve higher than what a derbier will want to pay. It would be a shame to see this car destroyed, especially since the '71 Safari wagons are so rare anyway.

You know, I just happened to remember that right over the hill an old man (now deceased) had a '71 Grand Safari in his junk yard. He was a friend of my papaws. I think his son had about sold everything off though, I bet he has had it crushed. It was white with woodgrain.

Here is a bing map aerial view of that junk yard... this was taken sometime in the winter obviously, but not sure how recent. This used to be so full it was cars that were bumper to bumper! All of these cars range from the 1940s-1970s. Most are late 50s-early 70s. I remember he also had a lot of late 60s Country Squires.

 

I live in TN. Thinks there's any chance of getting in there?


Brandon

 

I'm pretty surprised this Safari did not sell on craigslist. $2500 was a reasonable asking price. Will be interesting to see what happens with it on eBay.