Back after a hiatus - ratting a 1970 Plymouth Sport Satellite Suburban

Gentlepersons,

You guys were a huge help to me when I first got my wagon in May of '10. I just had it shipped across the country after my fine mechanic dropped in a 383 (not original - it's a rebuilt and bored '69), put in a new drive shaft, suspension, exhaust and I don't remember what else. But effectively, we're inching along - it took me three years and a lot of searching to pay for what I've even done so far. Begged. Stole. Borrowed a lot.

Anyway, I am going to update with pics, but despite my earlier commitment to take the car to original, pristine condition, I'm backing off of that - I simply cannot afford a frame-off. I've decided to rat it out. At least I won't be afraid to use it as a driver.

Which brings me to my post's purpose... I'd LOVE to have feedback from anyone one - any suggestions on what would make this wagon cool and be on the cheap. No idea is too ridiculous or tacky. Believe me. My dad and I are doing the body and are considering some ridiculous stuff.

Planning to use strategic rust and then clearcoating... I have an idea of the areas I'd like to sand down, but am undecided. Also, I have a rear passenger wheel well and fender skin that are in desperate need of patching. Was thinking of either getting a body guy to patch the skin or using my cousin to pound and weld in some license plates from the places I've lived. Unsure how well that would work, or whether or not it's feasible.

So, thanks so much for reading this far, even if you don't respond. I really appreciate any consideration.

All the Best,
Kristi
-1970 Plymouth wagon
-2006 Dodge Caravan

 

Welcome back Kristi. Have fun with your station wagon and enjoy driving it. I'd suggest getting someone to do some basic body work on the worst rust areas, seal it with a good rust stop paint such as POR, and get some paint on the other rust areas.
Begging and borrowing might help again. I wouldn't suggest stealing unless it's from other Mopar members.
Don't patch it with license plates whatever you do. I'd rather leave it alone in it's natural patena rust whatever.
I'm sure you will get some rediculous ideas from our special rediculous crew. Some ideas may not be as redicuous as others may think.

 

How about some pictures of "this wagon"?

 

Gah!!! I'm trying to post some pics, but I'm not terribly computer literate... Let me give it a shot now. I have some in my gallery from 2010. Havent really touched the body since then, anyway.

 

Wish I had interior shots, because that's the bugger...

Thanks on the reply.. we'll skip the license plate patch.

 

Except for the spare tire bottom that wagon looks nice. About the interior, we have a Satellite interior specialist who can get right on that after his is finished!

 

I love that wagon just the way it is. I would fix the rust and repaint those areas and then drive it as is.

 

I will probably keep the body largely the same. Rechrome the roof rack and reattach. Trying to clean the honeycomb grille now.

The interior is where the creativity can come in. There is no headliner or carpeting. I have started the POR process and that will take awhile. My dad has some car friends in Ohio (where the car is garaged and where I get free Dad-labor) who may sand blast the inside and save me a lot of hours, but that's uncertain. Because I have three kids, I'm actually trying to think of flooring alternatives over brand new carpeting... I can always carpet it down the road. Would also like to get some ideas for a headliner that won't cost me the $800+ that I was quoted by the upholsterer. I'm $800'ed out.

All of the original door panels are in extant, but not all are in place... some got some damage due to moisture (an issue in WA state) and failed weatherstripping, so we are thinking of replacing all of the door panels with ones of our own making so that they match... And it'll spare the good originals until we can find replacements for the two that were damaged. We haven't decided on any particular material or look for the homemade panels.

Thanks, you guys!

 

Hahaha! I will be completely unfinished in time for him to advise, I'm certain. Funds are low.

 

Sounds like you are going the same route that I am on my 70 CS. The plan for my wagon is to preserve the car instead of restoring it. So far I'm planning on making it a nice driver/cruiser by rebuilding the suspension, steering and interior. After that drive the heck out of it and enjoy it!

 

For your carpet and headliner, check out stock interiors at www.stockinteriors.com. They had carpet and headliner for my CS pretty reasonable.

 

I'm not sure but I see headliners around here advertised under $100. If you have the bows, or even with creativity, you and your dad can do it with cloth or vynl from a Home Depot or Lowes type store. Also a cheap home tight weave carpet can often be bought in remnants at those places and carpet stores. Upholsterers and body shop owners are there to make money and many people who don't know the actual costs can be ripped off. Not only that the labor and material is expensive anyway at reputable dealers.

 

Anyone remember the "Tiki Taxi" Falcon Squire wagon that was for sale a while back with the Tiki inspired interior?






...or maybe use real bamboo for a headliner rather than bamboo printed fabric.



Maybe a look at some cheap bamboo window shades might give you some ideas.

 

I agree, wide body... The interior can get a little creative and can always be reverted to original if a resto can ever happen... But yeah, as it is, with three kids, I actually want to use it. Even if I had an extra $20grand or so, I would never let my kids near it when it was done and I'd be terrified to drive it. Not much of a point to that. I admire the people who can make these things perfect and then still drive the hell out of them.

I'm thinking of tiling the floor pan from front to back seat well. You read that right. We'll see what happens... I will post interior shots as we go.

 

I love this... genius idea. Thanks, Jim!!! (that's a helluva car collection you have, btw... NICE).