Building a Clamshell from Scratch?

I have the thought of building a Clamshell from scratch. I'm not sure I'll pursue it, But I think this can lead to some good discussion and serve a purpose for Wagon users of all kinds who are into the Clamshell type car. What goes into building one of these?

 

would be cool on a roadmaster !

 

Starting from what? The clamshell wagons had a unique tailgate and window stowage system not found on any other type of wagon. To try make something like from "scratch" as a one-off project on a wagon that didn't have this type of design to begin with would be, to put it nicely, foolhardy.

I would think that, unless you have significant metalworking, electrical, and glass-making skills at least, along with necessary tools and equipment to go with these, a relatively infinite budget, and lots of time, this is likely not to end well.

I don't mean to put a damper on enthusiasm, but sometimes, when you get an urge like this, the best thing to do is lie down until the urge passes.

 

What he said. I've had several ideas over the years for simple sheetmetal mashups, then I remember the time I tried doing the front sheetmetal on my Fairmont, which I botched. 'Nuff said.

 

I do mean starting from nothing. Not even starting with an existing car but making a 1970s type Clamshell wagon from start to finish.

What to do?

Thanks for the replies so far, Everyone.

 

1st, stay in school!

2nd, just say no to smart cars!

3rd, go to university and get a few rocket scientist engineering degrees!

Then it should be easy! Picture of the IKEA VW rabbit for a idea of what to do and what you need to do and all the tools needed.....





It's just that simple

 

sometimes, when you get an urge like this, the best thing to do is lie down until the urge passes. I got the urge years ago. Wonder if it's safe to get up now? I wouldn't even consider building a clam from scratch!

 

I keep watching this. Does the girl ever win?

The dogs cheated anyway. Illegal start!

 

I do believe all things are possible. I can do it.

I'm able to either do it or not do it.

 

That's the right attitude.

 

Sounds like you have set yourself one incredible challenge. If you want to see SOME of what goes into a clam, check out Vetteman's thread on the rebuilding of his Grand Safari in the projects section. He documented every step of the way, and there are LOTS of detail pictures that will give you an idea of what goes into this kind of tailgate system. As it was, the system put very special challenges to the designers at G.M. Enough so that the wagons had to use a distinctive frame and rear suspension system that was very different from the rest of the B and C Body cars in those years. The radius of the curve for the tailgate and tailgate glass was also a severe compromise, as witnessed by the sheer length the cars needed to stretch to keep the interior volume competitive with the other full sized wagon. Good luck, and if you do decide to proceed, please, post pictures in a dedicated build thread. We will ALL want to see this come together!

 

Thanks again. Link to Vetteman's thread, Please?

 

Build a 59 brockwood. Worth more and your friends wont mock you for driving an ugly pos like mine do

 

Here's the link to Brandon's build thread on his Pontiac. He really documented EVERYTHING about this, with lots of pictures.

http://www.stationwagonforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19936

 

If you want a clamshell, why not save one? Clamshell wagons were based on the Olds 98 chassis wheelbase (127 in) and utilized the rear space for the gate and 3rd row seating. Some drawbacks to the clamshell is the additional weight, complexity of the tailgate, and being screwed if you get rear ended. Some Cadillacs may have been converted to clamshell design. Even if so, they were still based on the same chassis as the 98. I personally think there are better uses of one's time and resources than building one from scratch. If nothing will change your mind from this endeavour, I wish you the best of luck.