Designing a new station wagon

I know when I bought my wagon (Rex) my wife watched mortified as I measured to make sure that a 4x8 sheet of plywood would fit in the back. (She tells people that she's sure the sellers thought I had a evil plan in mind) But, after much thought today, I think what I enjoy most about Rex is the spacious feel when I drive. So many modern cars have cockpit like front seats that leave you feeling boxed in. The other thing I would insist on is A big ol' fashion skinny steering wheel.

 

Oh I believe it. I won't have pictures till friday night or saturday now, because of other school related projects I'm doing. Still so far I'm happy with some of my ideas.

 

Oxymoron.

 

QOTY!!!



This is on the right track but the rear overhang needs more length:

 

That is on the route, but I do think that there is a way to make a station wagon that is long in length without a lot of rear overhang. Granted it varies, but rear overhang is something that should be dealt with, due to snow conditions.

 

I'm not sure I follow your drift (pun partially intended) about snow conditions.
You are going to gain your cargo length either with rear overhang or extended wheel base. I would much rather have a little long in the back than lose maneuverability in an already large vehicle by extending the wheelbase further than necessary.

 

Thats part of what I'm saying, but the reason I mentioned snow conditions is that with the extra overhang thats more weight over the rear axle.

 

More weight over the rear axle equals better traction and grip. We added cement blocks or sand bags during snowy season for even more weight.

So this new station wagon needs a few small drawers in the dash for misc. small items.
It needs way more overhang and space than the fake wagons of today.
A beefy frame and powerful V-8 engine.
Flush fitting rear fold down seats.
And it needs a fancy hood ornament.

 

So witch do you want, mahogany or honey maple?

 

I prefer Maple Honey!

 

To me, THIS is the perfect wagon! Just big enough but not too big, and it is possible to get fantastic fuel economy out of these beasts. They also have style and class built into every line, but can work as hard as any vehicle you can think of.

 

Good input so far. As to styling, let's lose the melted stick of butter look and in the name of all that is Holy stop with the mail slot windows with their sills up at ear level and tops so low that you have to crawl in on your hands and knees to avoid cracking your skull.

mike

 

Yea, one of these. Make mine red with a honey maple dash drawer. Ship it one piece at a time with the title.

 

And because so many people still would haul lumber/plywood, maybe build it so with the seats down you can haul 16 foot 2x4's with the tailgate closed!