I'm Back, and with a different project!

Discussion in 'General Station Wagon Discussions' started by Andrew4180, Jun 5, 2019.

  1. Andrew4180

    Andrew4180 Well-Known Member

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    Hello friends!

    Man, its been a crazy year or more since I sold my 78 Malibu wagon due to hard times and lack of funds to finish it (Really wish I still had it). I've since moved from Joplin MO back to La Porte, Texas. It's been an up and down ride since ive been here, I could elaborate later, but long story short, health issues related to work have put my full time racing on hold. I sold a dirt stock car I had and bought this absolute Gem.

    Pictured below is my newest addition: Lovingly named the "Party Barge", 4270lbs of greatness. a 1979 Chevrolet Impala Wagon. 350 sbc with a TH350. More fuel efficient than my C30 dually at least, so its taken over as my daily driver. Only has a couple minor rust spots, not bad considering its been in Galveston Texas its whole life. Im only the 3rd owner, and the neatest thing, only 58k original miles. Its missing the headliner, and a driver side sun visor. Mechanically sound except for a clogged catalytic converter (fixing tomorrow or Thursday). Hope to be able to keep up with the updates this time, and really glad to be back in a wagon!

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  2. ModelT1

    ModelT1 Still Lost in the 50's

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    Welcome back Andrew. Leaving Joplin was not a bad idea. Good luck with the new project.
     
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  3. Silvertwinkiehobo

    Silvertwinkiehobo "Everything that breaks starts with 'F.'"

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    Dude, I wondered where you went! I'm sad to see the Grape Drink was sold to alleviate hard times. But the Party Barge is awesome! Hope to see you more (and some daylight pics, hint) on the site!
     
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  4. Silvertwinkiehobo

    Silvertwinkiehobo "Everything that breaks starts with 'F.'"

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    Make sure you update your info also.
     
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  5. ModelT1

    ModelT1 Still Lost in the 50's

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    Yea! I hated to change NW Fla boonies to Illinoiz!
    Joplin reminds me of our other little buddy that moved to Chicago. That used to be part of Illinoiz.:huh:
     
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  6. Andrew4180

    Andrew4180 Well-Known Member

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    I hated to see it go, but the guy I sold it to finished it and races it in St. Louis. Has a 406ci sbc with an 8-71 BDS supercharger on it. Glad we had a similar dream and he had the funding to finish it.

    I'll have some daylight pics when it quits raining here haha. I'm still a motorsports photographer, I think the barge will be noticeable to promotors and fans alike. I've got some plans for this car, nothing crazy, daily driveable, but with a little more get up and go than it currently has. Something fun for the car shows, and maybe some stoplight to stoplight fun.
     
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  7. Silvertwinkiehobo

    Silvertwinkiehobo "Everything that breaks starts with 'F.'"

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    For a car that large, I think a lightly massaged gen 3 or newer 454 and built 700R4 with a regear out back will liven it up.
     
  8. Andrew4180

    Andrew4180 Well-Known Member

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    Noted. But ive had such bad luck with 700r4s in anything ive owned. Id rather keep the 2.86 gear with the 3 speed lol. I've got some trick heads from my old drag car, just need a streetable intake and a mild cam. Stock bottom end would be fine for what I want to do. As for the transmission, maybe a shift kit/valve body. Not planning to go nuts. A mini spool out back possibly too.
     
  9. Silvertwinkiehobo

    Silvertwinkiehobo "Everything that breaks starts with 'F.'"

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    Then, perhaps, an Art Carr T350? And an aux cooler for an 18,000# RV?:yup:
     
  10. Andrew4180

    Andrew4180 Well-Known Member

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    Saturday night at the speedway, I love my job sometimes.
     
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  11. annap01gt

    annap01gt Blue Safari

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    Nice squareback, just love them.
     

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