Anyone working on their wagons?

In the last 2 weeks I've installed a set of MSDS headers with Magnaflow cat, and just wrapped-up putting on KYB GR-2 shocks last night.

 

Hey Fox - I was in the thought process of putting an LT1 and auto in my '57 and a buddy back in the old home town who is really in to the LT1's suggested I'd have a heart attack at the prices things cost. That was the motivator for instead leaving the 455 in and doing the 700R4 and I'll put injection on it when I find the pieces I need. Until I'd had that heads up I had no idea that the parts were so expensive and in some cases difficult to locate quickly. I'm sure your wagon will be a real treat to drive when you get it done and give you lots of miles of enjoyment - it's the getting there that leaves the scars.......look forward to your email saying it's a done deal and you are out driving it.

 

About the only thing I'd swap for an LT1 would be an L99.

 

Thank you, Saf. Well...it's true that the LT1 will fit a lot of applications but it's getting a little crazy. Keep that big block. They are the old school torque monsters. LT1's are a helluva nice engine but I MAY have been better off swapping in an LS series. That's not cheap but neither is this LT1. And with the LS I could have gotten an engine from a friend out of a Caddy with 450 HP out of the wrapper!

 

nope all 4 corners

If i can help you out with the Pump and such...call me
i'll PM you my number

 

Wagon Base...The Vista Has Landed

I went and checked out the Vista Cruiser's new paint today.:banana:
Not bad.

After it's cut and buffed the woodgrain is next, or whatever is handy and needs put back on.
Only took four years to get this three month job done, paint was only a couple of weeks, that's the easy part when all they have to do is paint it.

Now if I don't screw up the woodgrain I got it made in the shade...knock on woodgrain.

 

Thats looking good, dam good:2_thumbs_up_-_anima. Your pics bring back alot of memories, the smell of a body shop, the fresh paint fumes, and the best dan hockey game ever played with a crushed beer can for a puck....thats another story

 

Starting to tear apart a 5.0L motor I picked up. I wanted a 351W, but this one runs, was supposedly rebuilt and will slide right in with no mods.

 

She sure looks pretty Blue. That will be one sweet ride when you are done. Look forward to seeing pictures of it when it is all back together. Exciting times for sure, and just in time for summer fun too....

 

Hey BlueVista, your paint is beautiful! What is the code on that? Code 26 Viking Blue or 24 Nordic Blue?











So awesome! Great job!

David

 

Belvedere Long Roof Work

I've been working on the wagon the past few weeks. I've gotton quite a bit done but there is so much to do. First off just to get it running I had to have the head reworked, then install it w/ new exhaust manifold, full tune up, fresh fluids and timing. The slant-six comes alive and, oh-boy, does she run good now! I just had the windows tinted yesterday. I am in the process of getting the parts together for the stereo. I just ordered the pods for the 6-1/2 speakers and the EQ with built in volume control. The idea is to install the sound system without cutting a single hole. I will use my iPod as the only sound input, allowing me to keep the dashboard stock. I am ordering the 8"x15 steel rims for the back tires. I will use the stock steels for the front w/ 235/60's and the rears will be on the new steel rims with 275/60's. It should give it a nice stance. Also have the shocks to install. I dearly needs an alignment ASAP. Other than these thing, I haven't been doing a thing.

Man, I love this wagon!!!

 

Wow Blue, it's looking very, very sharp. You have to be so psyched. Always does my heart good to see another long roof being preserved and beautified!! Keep up the great work.

 

did i not warn you ?

look into the t56 6speed conversion...it makes the car more....shall we say ..."spirited"!!!!

 

A stick in these is not the answer to speed, A1. The answer to speed in this set up is money.

 

Well, I got silly this weekend. We went to a swap meet in Mount Vernon, WA (myself, CS54, and another buddy with a 29 roadster high boy and a 42 Ford Tudor slammed and flamed). I bought a pair of '57 bumper bullets, nice chrome, pretty, far nicer than the old '53 Caddy ones I had on the car that were pretty abused after 30 years on my car and many years on the Caddy before it hit a wrecking yard and sat for who knows how long.

Anyway, the new ones look good, my wife likes them and after the old ones being so abused it is nice to have something unscathed up front. But we had a giggle. It would appear that I'm no longer driving a "robust" looking front end and instead am now leading the pack with a "younger, less full, sporty model" kinda look

Sorry for the fuzzy pics - I wore myself out yesterday and am a tad shaky. Or maybe it's the new look has me all frazzled???? Now I feel like I should be putting a bra on it - and not that kind either..........