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Power tour wagon build?

RapidRabbit

Well-Known Member
Donator
After doing the power tour this year by myself, I have been thinking of looking for a new project. I would like to bring my family next time. So it got me thinking about what to build.

It needs to have a back seat and AC. So here is what I think I want to do.

I am looking for maybe a 57-59 Ford wagon. Not sure on 2 door or 4 door.
What do you guys think? Any suggestions on models?
Something like this.
wagon rear.jpg wagon.jpg


1957-ford-ranch-wagon.jpg




s-l1600.jpg
 
I would go for the rat look and state of the art suspension , brakes and a mild engine with 5sp auto.
That's what I'm thinking. I don't want a "show" car.

Kind of a sleeper. Full drivetrain and suspension but not paint. Patina with maybe a work car kind of thing.

Something I can take to cruise with the family, car shows etc. But also maybe throw some drywall in the back when I need to haul stuff without worrying about it.

Rapid Rabbit delivery wagon or something on the sides.
 
Two door wagons look much better, but 4 doors can be found for a song. Either way look for as complete a car as you can because lots of the wagon specific parts are nearly impossible to find and will need to be sourced out of wrecking yards. Bryan from Vegas (GrabblerOrange69) came to Knotts in a mid 60s Ford wagon he recently acquired. While a bit newer than you are looking at, it looked like a great family cruise car.
 
57-59, Those are my favorite!
My son is wanting to upgrade to a full size or at least bigger wagon. He wants to turn "Bob" into an autocross car with a 2.3 Turbo from a SVO or turbo coupe and flat tow it with a bigger wagon. He is already scanning the Craigslist.
I also agree with the patina. Having the 67 all painted is nice but it sure was nice driving the 72 Chevy and not worry about it getting dirty in the rain or gravel at the venues or dinged up in hotels and stuff.
 
I definitely know I want a patina. Craig's truck actually gave me the idea. I tend to always lean towards 2 doors, but with my daughter a 4 door might be better. Its all going to be about waiting for the right one to come up. Not much around here so I'll have to source out west maybe.

I know I will need to find a car with most parts. As it is not as easy to find parts as for our Stangs. If it doesn't have engine, tranny or needs interior , suspension work that's all ok. that will probably be changed anyway.

The red one I pictured is actually on eBay right now. But it's more than I really want to spend. Although not a bad deal for the condition.

Of course I haven't mentioned this to the wife yet. Better to ask forgiveness than permission......

The iola car show is coming up in a few weeks and the swap meet and used car corral is huge. Maybe I'll find the one and bring it home then.

I just don't know all the sub models for the wagons. Seems to be a bunch.
 
Let us know what specifics you are looking for an I will be happy to keep my eyes open. There are several wagons for sale in my immediate area, and as it is California, rust should be a minimum.

Look here:

A bit older than you mentioned, but original California car https://modesto.craigslist.org/cto/6167921162.html

an extremely inexpensive 58 Ranch Wagon https://stockton.craigslist.org/cto/6182320222.html

a 59 do it yourself kit https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/6187112649.html

a 63 ready to roll https://sacramento.craigslist.org/cto/6148447494.html

that was my 5 minutes for the day!
 
Let us know what specifics you are looking for an I will be happy to keep my eyes open. There are several wagons for sale in my immediate area, and as it is California, rust should be a minimum.

Look here:

A bit older than you mentioned, but original California car https://modesto.craigslist.org/cto/6167921162.html

an extremely inexpensive 58 Ranch Wagon https://stockton.craigslist.org/cto/6182320222.html

a 59 do it yourself kit https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/6187112649.html

a 63 ready to roll https://sacramento.craigslist.org/cto/6148447494.html

that was my 5 minutes for the day!
The 58 and 59 are like what I'm thinking. Those are tempting. The prices are right too.

I don't like the 56 and earlier. They look to much like Chevy's. Too round.
 
I built a 53 two door ranch wagon for my father-in-law years ago. It was a fun little wagon, but I too prefer the bigger, square cars.
 
If you can get a hall pass from SWMBO, then go for it.

I personally am planning to buy a Corvair Rampside as my utility truck... Very Unique.
 
So Ken, you have room to store that 59 for me until I can get it back here?

It's really tempting me if he has all the trim and glass.
 
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