Starting my first wagon shopping journey

Hi everyone,
I've slowly started my journey searching for my first wagon. I've already looked at a '64 Belair, and a '65. The '64 was nice, it had a lot of new parts, but there were certain aspects of it that made it look like a rush job. Not something for me. The '65 I would have owned, if it weren't for a shady seller misrepresenting it. What i'm looking for is a '64 to 70 Belair, impala, caprice wagon. Which brings me to my questions.

Frames. Are there any years to watch out for? Someone told me to watch out for the "x" frames in the '64's. Claims they are weak and crack easily, especially when stressed with a high power engine. Another guy told me that the 65-70's were prone to rusting out. Any truth to that?

Anything else a potential buyer should watch out for? Good things to look for? Bad things to watch out for?

Thanks for all your help in advance.

 

Full size Chevrolets from '58 to '64 all had the X frame. I had a '64 Impala SS convertible and the convertibles all had reinforced frames so I don't know how a standard frame holds up. As for rust on '65 to '70's , it's really a matter of the environment that the car was used in; if you want rust free, find a car that's spent it's life in the southwestern US. You may have to deal with other issues like sun damage, but can probably be pretty sure that it won't have much rust. Good luck on your search.

 

I would really try for a '65 versus a '64. As noted, the '64 was the last year of the '61-'64 bodystyle. '65 body ran through '70 with just sheetmetal changes. More modern perimeter frame. Easy to update to front discs if it doesn't have them already. IMO, they look a lot cooler as well.

 

I agree with the looks of the '65 to '70.. The earlier ones look nice, but they're just not my thing. Another car I've had my eye on are the malibu and chevelle wagons... but we'll see what rolls along...

There's a swap meet/car corral in Jefferson, WI at the end of the month, I might check that out.

 

Just to add a little info, the old X-Frames are plenty strong enough and had very few problems except in harsh rust-prone states. They held up fine with the 409-425 HP cars, some of which are still seeing drag strips even today.

Bill

 

Okay, thanks. I went and looked at a car today, a '65 with a 396 and a built 2004r. It also had completely aftermarket suspension and an 12 bolt with an eaton posi. The paint isn't original, looks like it was done roughly 15-20 yrs ago. Not sure if the price is accurate, he is asking 13k for it.

 

Wait and check out the Jefferson swap meet. Been there years ago. Several members usually go. Nice selection of cars and wagons. Look around first.

 

Thinking a little more about it, i would like to look around. There were a lot of spots that i could see body filler, and that made me nervous. Although the car would be ok for my standards, it would be nice to find one that wasn't full of filler.

I also found this one:
http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/chevrolet/malibu/1440461.html

 

The wagon you mentioned earlier and the '69 are around the same price so I am assuming that is around where you set your budget. They should have plenty of wagons out there that fall into that budget. Good luck and sure you will have one before long in your driveway!

 

Keep in mind if you could see body filler there is way more than you saw.
Don't set your standards too high but keep in mind that it's often better to spend more to get more.

 

The trouble is, where I'm located, It's difficult to find one that's not full of rust. I tend to get impatient, but I'm really really trying to hold out for the right one. I'm really lusting after a big block

Filler to me is a bad thing especially when you can spot it easy. If it were a 7k car, i wouldn't be so skeptical. I understand every car has some filler, but it needs to be done right.

Hopefully the right one comes along soon..

 

Well, I found one. It's got a big block, overdrive, and a lot of mechanical work done to it. The seller had to go out of town, so I won't be able to pick it up til the 20th. I'll definitely post pictures when it gets home!

 

:banana: congratulations we'll be waiting for the pics.

 

toby at least give us a hint, please

 

It's a '65 Belair, with a 200-4R and a 402. Body isn't perfect, but I wasn't looking for perfect..or anything close to it. Good news is that it isn't rusty. Not a lot of options in it, the only ones are a manifold vacuum gauge and a power rear window. Guy's got a lot of goodies, like all the stuff to convert it back to a manual trans, a new headliner, mirrors, windlace, and some more things he just called "stuff". It's getting hard to wait til the 20th.. i wanna go cruising!