Why a station wagon?

This is my rant for the day.What makes people think their non-wagon project is superior to a wagon project.I run into a friend I haven't seen in a few years and he asked "what kind of car you working on now?" knowing I usually have something I"m tinkering with.When I replied "a station wagon" I got a look like I had just asked him to cure cancer.My last project was a '66 C10 longbed that was corvette red, 375 horse vortec 350 with 3 on the tree.It was clean and people would look at it complimenting on it then realize it wasn't the standard short bed and say "It's nice for a long bed."I have never been a fan of "Kit Cars" that doesn't mean when I see a nicely done kit I still like to look and admire the passion someone put into it.I think it is just a lack of class to ask "why that" of someone's project with a funny look on your face.Perfectly acceptable to ask if really interested in the story of why because most people have a reason for their choice.They may have grew up with that certain car,was thier first car or first memory of a car.I got my wagon really cheap but have been talking about a wagon project for the last 4 or 5 years.So the point I'm trying to make to those narrow minded people is most people chose what they want to work on.This doesn't make me a second class citizen! Thanks for giving me a place to rant station wagon forums!!!

 

I'm new to the wagon world, but I get the same response when I show-n-tell my 1961 Vespa.
A true gear head appreciates anything that rolls, flys, or floats. Even if it's just shiny and makes noise.

 

Yeah, I get the same weird response, like they smell something bad.

I used to try and explain what I am doing to it, like that would somehow make it more acceptable to them, but now I don't even try. If they don't get it, why would I waste my time.

I like wagon, y'all like wagons, and that's really all that matters!

David

 

I can appreciate anything vintage that has survived the decades. Even Vespas. I know Vespas have a very strong following in California, but not so much elsewhere in the country. I've met Mopar owners from around the world at car shows through an on-line Mopar club I'm in. I had never been exposed to Vespas till meeting a couple Mopar guys from California. One collects and restores rare Cuda and Barracuda convertibles and Vespas and had a couple stunning Vespas in his garage. The other had a couple Mopars but had left his job in television to be a mechanic at a Vespa dealership.

 

They either "get it" or they don't.

 

I hope that when you bought a wagon you weren't looking for approval.
It's them, not you. Poor misguided souls who may never see the light.
Don't sweat it, don't try to explain, just go on about your business and do what you're gonna do.
I get lots of thumbs up when I'm out and about in my old '78 and I'm sure you will too when you're done.
I get quite a few gee I had one of those, best car I ever owned...
Then I say no you didn't and pop the hood.

 

WELL SAID ANDY Ida had one ah long time ago too but it took findin' my Fav. Chick first

 

Maybe that's where I went wrong??? I always found my favorite car first!

 

All the more reason to own a wagon. The last thing I want is to be part of the camaro/mustang/corvette (or whatever they are into) club where everybody thinks their exhaust don't stink. I start to get nervous when people talk about how wagons are starting to 'become popular'....

 

Yeah, you guys hit the nail on the head. I was one of the Mustang boyz years ago(before the kids). I always had a love for wagons... 8 brothers and sisters, we ALWAYS had a wagon in the family. Man, I remember seeing a 1969 Chevelle wagon with cherry bombs, rallys, and raised letters for the first time. Like what was said before, some people get it and some people dont. Glad to be in the "in" crowd.

 

Boy, do I agree with your statement, teej. I hate snooty clubs. Actually, I pretty much dislike ANY organization.
What I REALLY agree with is your last sentence!

 

It's not right...it's not wrong...it's different stokes for different folks.

I started a car show here 3 years ago as part of a Festival here in town. I allow any car that the owner feels is worthy of being shown. I had alot of classic cars, a bunch of tuners, a few tricked out trucks, a Hummer with a big screen TV in the back.

The most objections came from the classic muscle car owners. They felt that Cavaliers, Hondas, Mazdas, etc. shouldn't be allowed, that car shows should be for antique cars only...

Well, I had to disagree and I had to explain that if we don't make room for these young people to show off their cars where do they go, where do they fit in? They are just as proud of their cars as anybody. 30, 40 or even 50+ years ago when they were younger, what did the adults think of their cars that they were so proud of? All I asked was for them to think about it...try talking to a few of these young guys...you may be pleasantly surprised...just give them a chance...they're gear heads too...just different gears.

The other thing to keep in mind was this car show is not put on by a car club...it really is intened to show off your baby and we can make up the rules as we please and include whoever we want. So far everone seems to respect everyone else and they seem to be getting along. Last year I had to turn cars away, for safety reasons...we had them packed in there...it was really great.

The first year, almost at the end of the show, this baby blue hearse drives up to the table. Two young guys(maybe 20-21) want to know can they register their car. I told them we were almost done but sure sign up...they were so excited...they just bought it in Halifax, they were on the their way home to NB...just happen to stop for a snack...seen the show and came over. It is amazing the $$$ tied up in some of these cars but people still talk about that blue hearse that showed up that first year...cool

 

My kind of show, fannie. Kudos.

 

I agree with all of you who state who cares what others think, it is you and your car and your "thing", not anyone elses. That said, it is nice to have some level of appreciation for what you do from peers and others.

But that is why we have this lovely forum, and many thanks to Stef for that. Here we find others who also are just fun people who happen to like long roofs, and it would seem pretty much anything else as well, which is a very good thing.

I caution you though, be very careful about how much you promote the wagon hobby. Otherwise people will start to realize that it is we who have the good taste and start snapping them up and they will be priced out of all reason very quickly. The way it is now we can still pick up pretty decent cars for reasonable dollars. That just doesn't happen with the muscle cars and the rest of the cars that are the hot fashion items.

And Fox, you have had it backwards. First you find the right woman and then SHE buys you your wagons. Thats what happened to me. The Safari was an early Christmas gift, as were all the parts and things I bought for it over the years, two paint jobs, 7 different engine combos, mags and tires - yep, you just have to get a sweetheart who thinks you are the greatest and they will take good care of you. Of course I reciprocate - I let her drive it sometimes

 

Seems I have always had a wagon to drive;whether it was just a daily driver or my pride and joy.To me they are the most practical means of transportation in my line of work.Actually I'm officially retired but I still do a lot of side work for body shops and dealers not to mention the rod and custom guys and bikes too.
My paint kit,work stand(made from an old walker),and work stool all fit nicely in the back and during the good weather it provides a rolling advertisement for my business(pinstriping and truck lettering).
I got my 1st wagon in 1968 and since then always have had at least one wagon;whether it was a $25 Pinto wagon for winter use or my race prepped Mini Cooper Estate.Arguably the worst one I had was a 78 Chrysler T&C w/a 318 lean-burn(NEVER could get that one to run right)and the plastic wood grain shrinking and curling on the sides.My best is the 55 Safari that I've owned since 1994 and have logged over 165,000 miles on and it still has the re-built 287 it came with and running strong.
The only time I can recall someone not liking it was when I was attending a car show that was primarily restored cars and someone took exception to my excess use of striping(my advertising).They thought it should be completely restored to stock.
I politely told them that I had just finished speaking with a good friend(and custom body man)and his thoughts were to chop it 4 inches;make an El Camino out of it and paint it black with flames and I was seriously thinking of taking him up on it!That put an end to THAT conversation in a hurry!
I basically ignore people such as you describe.Hey it's your car;do what you like with it and the hell with everyone else.