Impatiently Waiting for my '87 Chevy Caprice Wagon

Salut and to the mighty SWF! Love the wagon and can't wait to see it in action and what you do to it.

I'm X. I love customizations and I especially like the idea with the mohawk. I have to agree with the not drilling holes. Yeah there are ways of making it work but I recommend bolting the spikes onto a piece strip metal that has rubber stripping on one side to protect the roof. Something strong that can withstand high wind speeds but that will flex easily to conform to the roof. It could be mounted using the roof rack and/or a set of detachable bike or ski racks...

 

@JMT - Doink! Not bad. I like it!

@ Krash - I realize the mohawk idea isn't for everyone. (Then again, neither are piercings or tattoos, and I have rather a lot of both.) And duly noted on the Way Back Machine.

@Rev - Merlot! Also up for consideration. I'm sure my sorority sisters would agree.

@CatModelT and MikeT - agreed. I would not screw it directly into the roof, at least not without some kind of rubber washer for the spikes. As I said, it's just something my daughter threw out there, and I hadn't put much thought into it other than the fact that I like the look. I have considered pin-striping, but want to get a good look at the existing paint job first.

@Xavier - Hi! You've been mentioned. I had considered using the roof rack mount, and have already started looking for one. I was actually also thinking of one custom piece to minimize mounting issues, or bracing a panel between the roof rack mounts; but again, haven't even begun to mess with ideas much yet. I'd probably play with the paint job first and get a feel for the machine before I start personalizing it.

It's extremely nice to meet you all! Thank you for all the welcome and help. It's a great little community to be a part of.

 

Dude! Do it Man! Do it! Do it! Oh Yeah!
Hey you said (a concoction of Pimp Wagon and Donk),
Your from? Yes not far from universal Car lifts

12" Complete Kit 77-90 Chevy B-Body $1695.00 Click the links



We install them here in the Pacific Northwest

Dude I so can't wait to see your build thread...

Oh and Welcome to the Longroof Club

 

You should know that for as many members that are regularly on this amazing site, you will have that many opinions on what you should do.
Please take them in stride, we all like to put in our





and keep in mind it is all with the respect of your wagon being "your" wagon.
Whatever you decide to do you will be supported.




The important thing to keep in mind is you are saving a wagon and that is always better then not...



Thanks.

 

Dogfather, I dig your style! Guess I'll need to start a "build thread". And I would love to hear your ideas on the mohawk. Not sure I'm ready for a full lift kit yet, but if I am in the market, you'll be getting a call.

Fannie, I love the pics. And don't worry, I have a pretty thick skin. It's awfully pretty with lots of tattoos, and pierced from time to time, but it is thick. I'm just happy there are fellow wagon lovers out there to share with! It's like a fun little cult, without the nasty kool-aid... and much cooler rides.

 

That there is about as nice a compliment that any group could ask for! Thank you---Thank you very much!
As for a lift kit, I'm more into how low can ya go. Maybe because I can get down easier than I can get up!

 

Excellent...let the games begin.

 

Disappointment and Tears

I went to pick up my beloved wagon... putting on more than 500 miles in anticipation. Just outside of our meeting spot, I get a text from my seller that the car is running hot so he wants to pull over until it cools off. Long story short - he got towed into town, and it turned out to be a cracked radiator that got so hot it warped the heads. He was the most understanding and honest seller I've ever worked with, and was surprised to hear - we STILL want the car. I don't have anything large enough to tow it home, but we are going to try and work something out. So... I have longer to wait, but still hope and pray to get my wagon home. (Notice I still can't quit calling it mine?)

 

What to do now?! I went to go pick up my beloved wagon... and got a text from my seller that it was overheating just a mile or two from our meeting point. We waited. He said it was still too hot. We waited at a park. He called to ask where we were and met us at the park, only to tell me that it wasn't cooling down fast enough and he would have it towed into town. He felt so bad about the whole thing, and said he would understand if we wanted to walk away. As if! Hoping for nothing more than a bad thermostat, we continued to wait. Text: at the garage, awaiting service. We waited... and got the bad news: cracked radiator, and in the middle of nowhere, no part would be had for a week. Again, he apologized profusely. I told him we'd meet him at the garage. I tried not to look as we pulled in, I really did... but I saw it. My beloved wagon. Beautiful, long, perfect, just sitting there in the bay. The seller came out, shoulders slouched. (Uh-oh) He hadn't pulled over in time. The heads were warped.

I wanted to cry, but I'm a grown woman. And then my husband, like an angel from heaven, said, "Let's take a look anyway." And once again I beheld the beauty of my wagon. Burning with anxious desire to get it home, I saw the matching hubcaps, the rear facing third seat, the crank windows... it was magnificent! He kept apologizing as he handed me back my check. What?! No! I want my car!

I gave it back to him as my angel said we'd do whatever it took to make the sale happen. He then said the greatest words so far that day: "Well, I have a 350 at home. I don't know if that would be okay, but..." Oh. My. Gosh. !! Okay? Really? PLEASE! I would LOVE the 350!

Fast foward to today, nearly a week later. I am still without my car, and he has no mechanic to do the replacement. I want the car, desperately, but have nothing to tow it with. I am angst-ridden. Near depression, I looked all over. Craigslist was a bust. Ebay was empty. And all I want is that beautiful brown beast.... Help Stationwagon lovers! Help!

 

Welcome Proudpidonk! Don't panic, lots of great wagons out there, be patient.

 

Your wagon is coming! Take heart!

 

I have been up until dawn on CraigsList and ebay... nothing. 9 states, and very few wagons, even fewer I could get.

 

How far away from home is the wagon? That makes a difference. If it is not too far, see if you can work out a deal with a local tow company. What about the distance to the nearest town of some size? Surely there is a decent mechanic there who could do an engine swap for you. If you are a member, check with AAA. They have a garage referral service that may be able to help find someone to get the brown bruiser up and running. It sounds like that is THE wagon for you, and it seems a shame to let it go when there is a way to save the deal. Good luck, and keep us up to date.

 

I'm working on it Mike, I really am. The car is about 525 miles away, and we're pretty short on days off this time of year. The mechanic at the shop we were meeting at doesn't have the time to do the full engine swap. No AAA either. We're trying to work something out, but I can tell my seller is disappointed (if only he knew how hard it was on my end to drive away wagonless) and stressed, and although he's a wagon lover himself, isn't up to putting much more work into it.

I'm trying to figure out a way to get it home. I am also working with another member here on possibly buying their wagon, but again - overheating issues and mileage (over 1200mi this time!). I don't want to give up the fight, but not feeling the wagon love right now.

 

ProudPidonk , sounds like your facing some tough decisions have you considered suggesting to the seller as it appears your wagon is half way home . maybe a considerable price reduction and you buy a 350 locally and have it installed $$$ are always flexible as it looks like a great wagon :2_thumbs_up_-_anima from Downunder