Hello All! I'm a semi-retired truck driver residing in Lake Havasu, Az. Beginning in the seventies, I became heavily involved with a few v-drive boat restoration projects, and with the help of my kids, started v-driveboat.com in 1997 The first car I ever bought was a 58 Vauxhall wagon! In the years since, I owned several vans until owning and upgrading a 73 suburban 1994-2006 In 2008 I rescued a 68 suburban from retirement, and just recently, I rescued two 91 wagons from an uncertain future. I'd be elated to find good homes for the 91's, but just as thrilled to keep them for myself! (it's my belief that every two-person household should have five cars, a boat, and a motorcycle!) I've posted pictures in the garage!
Here 'ya go, for old time's sake...... Welcome to the forum..... I've heard there's more than a few retired hot rodders floatin' around Havasu... Marshall
Welcome desert dweller! Tell us what extra steps you guys take to run those wagons in the AZ heat? Is the factory AC effective as installed?
Holy Guacamole! That's exactly what my Vauxhall looked like except.... Mine had vega GT wheels on it, raised in the rear with 60 series tires and blackout tinted. I think I pushed that car more miles than I drove it and with Lockheed brakes and Lucas electricals.... everything about it was a challenge!
The 91 wagons BOTH have very good A/C... The olds is even still on R12! The Chevy runs below half-gauge temp and has recently recieved a new water pump, fan clutch and 160 stat with fresh coolant. I'm not sure what mods the Olds has had, but the temp reads 180-190 almost always. These temps are with the A/C cranking and outside temps of 115! I call this paradise, wife calls it hell! P.S. The Suburban has no climate control at all yet... doesnt get driven much during this time of year!
Actually, I always thought the Opel Rekords were cooler, being two-door with nomad-like pillars. My Vauxhall was almost completely obsolete in 1973... I can only imagine how getting parts might be today! Group photo of the wagons..... missing from photo: 2001 Astro van, 2004 Sportster 1200c, and 2001 Chevy Metro.... 21 foot daycruiser is mostly hiding!
Welcome Don, whats with the FOR SALE sign in the window of the Olds?! Sell the Chevy, The OCC's are much more rare, better lookin' too IMO. I see you guys don't even bother trying to grow grass down there huh. Mike
I've always wanted one of these wagons, but with five good vehicles already, the only way my wife was gonna let me buy anything was if it would be for resale. The Caprice had the heads off when I got it, so I didn't have a mental picture of how the underhood pieces fit back together. I had money to buy the Olds and was able to use it for reference! These are both great cars and I'd be tickled pink to keep either one, OR BOTH! I can't really afford to properly care for seven vehicles, so some hafta go! I'd even sell the burb if I'm offered enough!
I haven't been on here much lately then I can across your name in the intro section and knew it was you lol good to see you on here and btw I'm on your forum too altho I haven't posted much but I do enjoy the info and finally have most of the parts to start my resto on my 1970 Stevens V-drive want to put her back to factory stock for the most part ! Welcome to the board !
