grandson wants granpa's help

well i am already building several cars at the shop.. now my grandson after seeing his mom's and all the wagons on this site wants one.. he thinks he wants the old pink rambler.. i am not sure.. it is a fairly complete car right now but would need a total restoration.. i think i may talk him into one of the others i have that are not such classics.. i was digging around out back and found a old volaire wagon i had forgot about.. may be a easy and faster build for him.. now if i can convince him of that

the one he wants..

http://s202.photobucket.com/user/rcplumley/library/58 rambler wagon

the one i want him to have..it ran when i parked it there

http://s202.photobucket.com/user/rcplumley/media/wagons/47-53chevytruckparts029.jpg.html

http://s202.photobucket.com/user/rcplumley/media/wagons/47-53chevytruckparts032.jpg.html

http://s202.photobucket.com/user/rcplumley/media/wagons/47-53chevytruckparts031.jpg.html

 

Its Kool that he is iterested in the wagons, and spending time with you!!! Enjoy it!
I kinda agree with both of you on the wagons, from his point of view the Rambler is so odd its interesting, but I agree that it would be a lot harder build for him (how old is he?) the Plymouth would be a much easier build today, and if it runs decently alot faster to get road worthy.

What year is the Vega/Astre wagon? All I can tell by the picture is that it is a 74-77 wagon (heck it could be a 78/79 Monza or Sunbird wagon from that view point)Pretty impressive collection of cars awaiting some TLC.

 

jeff.. he just turned 20... i told him if he worked hard on the mopar he could probably be driving it in a month maybe two.. the rambler i will admit would be a very much cooler car... but!!!! would be a year or better restore job and cost alot more than he has available (old grandpa is a poor man)..... i am glad you mentioned it, never thought about that old 74 vega wagon.. that would be a cool car too, plus i have a warmed-up 4.3 v6 and 5 speed i could be talked out of. that would make it a easy build and still have the old car look.. i will have to show that one to him.. i am just so happy he turned to me for a car.. his 22 and 26 yr.old brother and cousin run around in those dang rice burner's and wont even talk to me about building a "real american iron" vintage car

 

i just remembered i even have a couple of vega parts cars if we needed em

http://s202.photobucket.com/user/rcplumley/library/vegas

 

I like the Vega wagon idea a lot! Very cool that you get to do this with your grandson - I hope we get to see that wagon on the road soon!

 

Great idea. I like the Vega idea too. We adopted our first grandson. He's 24 now and a pain in the butt. Butt the only kid out of four that is a car guy. He has helped me a lot on my old cars and now does anything I need done.
Hopefully you and your grandson can work together part time on a wagon. This may also make the others think about building a real car.
It must be cool having your own place to buy, store, and work on old cars.

 

I say, if he wants the Rambler, and is willing to commit to the work/money needed to get it going, do it! Better to have him help get it running, and have him love it, than have it sitting any longer.

 

A valid point. See how smart having a birthday makes people.

 

Yeah, very cool that he wants your help building a vintage wagon. We gotta keep the next generation interested in our old wagons. Keep us updated!

Man, I'd love to walk around your yard. Lots of cool, old wagons and cars you have there!

 

zzz i would do that if i didnt think i would be the one footing the bills on a restore like the rambler would take.. he is a good kid but the grocery store stock boy pay is not up to building a car like that..parts dont come cheap for vintage ramblers..

the vega on the other hand i already have a rebuilt engine and good trans for.. the brakes and steering he can buy with his pay check.. plus i would hate to see a classic car driven around by a novice driver.. the vega dont matter..

 

Here's another one:

http://www.callingallcars.ca/Other_Models/Other_Models_Info/57ramblercrosscountrywgnref704p.htm

In fact, he's delivering my parts car tomorrow from 2.5 hours from me. Good guy, good prices, straight up!

His 'yard'. I think he seeds his fields with them.
http://www.callingallcars.ca/gallery.htm

 

I believe his back 40 in southern Missouri is closer than Canada and I agree the Vega would be the wise choice for many reasons.
I was in my 20's when grandparents begged me to take their very low mileage 58 Rambler 4-door. I didn't want a grandpa's car then or now. Altho I think Ramblers look cool now.

 

I agree with passing the hobby along. We're doing that here.
My son-in-law, with encouragement (only) from my daughter, are doing the 67 Chevelle wagon, at our place.
Their son, my grandson, wants me to build him a pickup truck. He's 6. I told him I'd help, but he has to do the work, so he knows how it goes together and how to fix it. He also has to work to get money to help fund it.
Since he wrecked my golf cart in January, I may rethink this..........

 

That's great Whiskey Runner! Good parents and Grandparents help mold us into good people!

 

I completely understand both sides.... But my vote is the Rambler. I think a longer build will go a long way in his appreciation of it.

Yep, the cost factor is nothing to sneeze at. Maybe focus on getting it safe and driving. Work on the restoration as his funds allow. Might teach him to be creative. (Make it rather than buy it.) Or motivate him to earn a few more bucks.

To me if the Vega doesn't matter, it's not worth a lot of effort and it will never be something he loves. But how cool would it be to have your first car be something you've poured blood sweat and tears (and money) into and still have 40 years later. Looking back I wish I'd picked differently...

Either way... Good for you.