What have you done to your wagon lately? (Let's keep the thread going!)

hmmm...I see what you mean, but I like the look of the turn-downs, too.

 

A concern of wagon owners has been fumes getting in back with pipes coming out under bumper versus behind the tire. Any problem or noticable change in level of fumes?
BTW, good looking '58. Car pooled to college in '60's in one but it had so much rust the fumes were a BIG concern (holes in floor behind tire, right above exhaust!)

 

Fixed the power windows in the Bonneville.
It needed a new right front window switch and several switch terminals that were only hanging on by a couple of wire strands.

 

John,

I have not noticed anything new yet regarding fumes. Sound is a whole 'nother peddle! Before, simply driving down the street the noise changed depending on what was next to me that reflected sound waves, curb, car, house, traffic barrier. Now the sound is just a simple rumble and changes little as the surroundings move by.

Only drove with the liftgate open one time for about 15 miles and that was before the pipe tips were changed. Expected to pick up strong fumes and got nothing but fresh air and old car smells.
But that will be the test later today with the new tips.
I agree that with some cars, fumes can be a strong problem.... I owned a 1972 Mach One a half dozen years ago. It had strong fumes in the car just motoring down the road windows up or down.
Searched the floors and trunk for leaks - nothing.
Searched the pipes for holes - nothing.
Turns out the trunk seal was bad and a $20.00 NOS rubber seal fixed the problem for good!

But, the back of a '72 Mustang fasback is very flat with sharp edges all around. The back of a '58 wagon is all rounded and has protruding shapes (taillight tunnels, fins, bumper) all around that are longer than the back of the car. All of this 'shape' contributes to turbulently mixing the air behind the car as it moves forward. What draws the exhaust into the car is low interior pressure which happens when the side windows are open with the vents closed during forward movement.
True, the seals on the lift and tailgate are pretty bad and need replacing, but I should have noticed fumes before now even with turned down tips and or the lift gate open if it was going to happen.
We'll see, thanks for the warning... one more thing to worry about. :icon_drive:

 

I got my windows tinted today.

 

Had the brakes done today.

 

Looks great, too! Looks classy.

 

Hhr

-----Krash, son talked me into lookin at a red HHR panel while back visiting in Illinois. Danged, it was cute! Came close till common sense and reality sunk in! My quad cab Dodge is paid for and has room to haul a house! The HHR has room to haul two of us and a few suitcases! Guess I better get my 55 wagon and 48 panel back on the road.

 

Well, you don't have to get a panel! The ones I really like (but very rare..) are the '1/2 panels' -they have the normal rear doors with windows and seats, but no 1/4 glass.

 

Wow, I've never seen one like this. I really like the looks.

 

I had an alignment done, since I swapped out the steering rack.
And pulled the steering wheel and got it centered. She's ready to roll!

 

In HHR-speak, the option was called the AA5.
It was only available from 2008-2010 I think (HHR's went from 2006 - 2011)

They are really hard to find. I did a nationwide search on HHR's for sale on Auto Trader. Got maybe a few hundred. I think only 2 or 3 were AA5's.

 

Installed a roof rack to free up cargo space for hauling t-shirts.


Yakama towers on eBay $50
EDM conduit $13
Foam rubber padding $6
The timeless look.... priceless!

 

So what's everybody doing this weekend on their wagons? I've got a long list which includes continuing work on the 3rd row seat (and seat belts), a/c work and swapping out the steering wheel.

*edit* - it's funny, just after I posted this UPS delivers a package. I was hoping this would arrive soon but I expected it next week. So more work but it's a good thing since the car can't move at the moment without it.

New seals installed and a different torsion bar.




Seat belts for the 3rd row. 4 pt with an inertial reel.

 

Just sent in for historic plates! Now with 2 trucks in the family, my car is RETIRED from active duty at the young age of 39.