(cloud of rust appears) Cough, hello from Illinois with a 1963 Fairlane Ranch Wagon

Hi, I'm Crab. I build some crazy things like this...

and this...

and this...

and some of this...


So that stuff proved to be too "expensive" and "involved", so I proceeded to pick up my first red-blooded American classic car, this 1963 Fairlane wagon.





I picked it up for $350. The glass is still good, and well...that's about it.
So far, I've blown about $1100 at the junkyard, collecting choices pieces to build a functioning automobile.


Bags are on their way as well.
Basically, it's going to be a rat-resto-mod cruiser wagon with a non-hepatitus interior.
Not sure if I'm stumbling into a bunch of purists here (in which case, you will very much dislike what I'm doing), but that's my story.

 

Welcome aboard. This is cute...






With your talents I'm sure that wagon in good hands. You should think about starting a resto thread.

 

The drivetrain is cool. As long as it's Ford, that shouldn't bother the purists much. That dashboard looks modern, for a 1963 car. I'd see about trying to get a factory sport interior with the floorshifter console and bucket seats. Even, from a Mercury, before altering it to the point where it no longer has its vintage charm. Keeping it a sleeper would be plenty of fun, anyway

 

Welcome Crab!

 

Crab! Those are awesome cars! I really like the beetle. Way to go! What the drive train come out of? Welcome!

 

Welcome and good luck on your project.

 

Welcome aboard Crab.
You have a cool arsenal of cars there. Is that little car a Fiat 500? I think those things are cool as hell.
I'm sure, judging by your ability, that Fairlane wagon is going to turn out sweet.

 

Welcome aboard.
Looks like you found a nice car for a cool build. I like the sound of what you plan to do with the car.
I agree with Fannie, you should start a build thread.
Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.

 

Interior will get new upholstery on the benches. I have a ratty Morse shifter from an airport truck, or I may get the old 3 column shifter to work the 4R70W. Dash will be converted to the Meteor for increased bling.

Thanks. It's actually a Subaru 360 with a 954RR engine.

The wagon is getting a 4.6 4cam from a 98 MARKVIII.

 

Large persons could even drive them, partly thanks to the suicide doors:

http://oppositelock.kinja.com/subaru-360-the-oppositelock-review-1681936934

Some even folded and not forgetting this is a wagon forum:

http://oppositelock.kinja.com/hour-folding-subaru-360-1760972852

 

Yeah, the Custom wagons are highly prized in Japan.

And you want to talk terrifying. My example makes a stock one seem totally civil.

 

That car in front of you, at the beginning of the video, looks like he's also hauling @ßß, as if he's trying to get away from you. You both are driving faster than most people drive on freeways.
Later on, it must be a great feeling, proving to all those classic owners, demonstrating engine problems, that your ride is one of the most dependable in the crowd

Are we to assume that you already have the dash?

 

Cool little car nice build.

 

Welcome, Crab!

I like that Fairlane, and I like your idea on the replacement engine!
Your biggest problem is getting rid of the 'Fred Flintstone option'........