Hi all. I just bought a 1970 Buick Estate Wagon a few weeks ago. I had some money burning a hole in my pocket and my buddy who knows I love wagons sent me a link to one on Craigslist. Unfortunately, I couldn't find anything seriously wrong with it so now it's in my garage (it barely fits!) I learned to drive a car in a rusty old Vista Cruiser. When my parents sold that one for something more reliable, I seriously beat on a luxurious early 80s Parisenne wagon. I actually think I got all 4 wheels of the ground once going over a hill , but I'm still not sure if that is physically possible. Now as an adult I've owned several Outback wagons (love 'em to bits and may get another one some day) and had a pretty nice late 60s Pontiac Executive wagon about 10 years ago. The Buick is pretty original. The last owner added some stuff that I need to take out because it doesn't belong (The CB and antenna DEFINITELY need to go, and I'm pretty sure the extra gauges are getting the ax as well). There is one small dent near the rear taillight which could easily be fixed (and it'll be hidden below the wood decals, too) and I'll do that. But then I need to figure out if I'll just use it as is as a fairly unmolested original (still need to find a front emblem and one or two trim pieces) or to slowly restore it and make it so nice that I'll never drive it. I'll be checking out this website more in the coming weeks and look forward to getting to you some of you folks as time permits.
Welcome to the forum, Luke. I'd suggest starting a gallery for pics of your Estate. Don't see too many of those around. Also, a '70 Estate was featured in a movie that's coming out soon, called 'The Way,Way Back', starring Steve Carell. You might want to check it out. Marshall
Welcome aboard! Great wagon you've picked up! I bought my 2013 Outback in February and have put 10,000 miles on it already - great vehicle. What's the plans for the Buick?
Thanks Marshall. I saw the preview. I'm going to check the schedule at the drive in theater about 40 minutes from my house and see if they are going to be showing it this summer. If they are, I'm definitely going to bring the wagon there and watch it from the 3rd seat with the tailgate down. I'll feel like a rock star I imagine.
Welcome, Luke. That is a glorious wagon. If she looks half as good in person as she does in that picture, do yourself a favour and keep her original. After all, they are only factory built once. With that dent by the tail lamp, if the wood grain is intact, and you can get to the back to push it out, then I would. If you can't, I would just leave it be. If the wood grain is damaged, and particularly if the paint under it is damaged too, then I would rethink that. Thing is, these cars were meant to be driven and used. Let them sit because they are too pretty, and they become very large ornaments. It does them no favours. Better to use and enjoy them, especially when it is a rare model like yours. After all, that is a one year only body style, and not the most common of wagons when it was new. Have fun around here. You're sure to get all sorts of advice, wanted or not. Some of it may even be useful.
