New Member in SW FLA - Been Lurking for a While

I currently live in Port Charlotte, 1/2 hour north of Fort Meyers on the South-West coast. Next year I'm moving back to Bradenton, just north of Sarasota.

Lakeland is a great location. Homes are still cheap and you will be between Orlando & Tampa. Lots-o-sports, car stuff and entertainment.

Let us know.

 

Hi Jeff. You've got a nice collection of wagons there. I see you're a GM man; ain't nothin wrong with that!! I think my favorite in your collection is the Skylark wagon. I can't tell what year it is without the grille, but it looks pretty close to being done. Good luck with it and welcome to the forum.

 

Those were Ingrams #2 and Tubbs, on Indian River Road. I'm not familar with the "Ford junkyard". There was a pretty big one in S.Norfolk on Campostella Rd. Can't remember the name.

Tubbs was the first place I ever saw a Chevelle 2-door wagon (1965). It was wrecked in the front and a guy wanted to buy the doors for his El Camino. Old Mr. Tubbs told him that the doors were different and unique to the 2-door wagon. I fell in love with those wagons, then and have had about 10 since then.

There were several out near the Suffolk airport, a couple of private ones. One day I'll get back to Tidewater and go see if I can still find um.

 

What are the local junkyards like there?

 

In Tampa, St. Pete, Clearwater and Orlando we have several pick-and-pull's. Cars are there only about 30 days, so you have to go often. Nothing like the old days that I remember. Still, its better than nothing. Often you can find out about "Private" yards that not many know of. Kinda like in NC.

 

Those private yards are being closed up at a alarming rate the counties and cities trying to clean up the image.

 

I've always been a wagon fan. When I was younger, I had Falcon wagons, but my tastes have changed. Now, my favorites are 64-65 GM "A" bodies. Second are 78-83 GM "G" bodies. Very similar choices. If you look at my signature you'll see a list of what I have now.


The Special (not Skylark) is '65 and a 73,000 mile original. This Winter I'm going to install disc brakes from a '71 Skylark I parted out this last Spring. Also dual exhaust and a working radio. It's just a fun driver and reminds me of the one my Dad bought new in 65.


The other Buick is a '71 Sportwagon and it's a "Rust-Bucket". Buick stopped using the "Vista-Cruiser" style roof in 1969 so all Skylark sized wagons were called Sportwagon, even the flat roof ones. I bought it for the 455 / T-400. It's a great 40 footer. I'll probably part it out next year. I like the car but it really isn't worth saving.

Thanks to everyone for the

 

to the wagon train, jeffo!

 

Welcome Jeff! Love your fleet! Especially your 65 Special. Very sweet car.

David