Risking a battle of "Found On the Road Dead" v.s. "Might Occasionally Pass A Rickshaw"... I am a dyed in the wool Ford fan but I have a soft spot in my heart for the 1970 +/- 2 vintage C body MOPAR. Growing up my family had a 1971 Town and Country wagon (metal flake brown) with 383 4bbl. At times it played the part of the car we loved to hate but in retrospect it may not have always run well but it almost always ran. Climate system was extremely capable, it was build heck for stout (T-Boned a pickup truck and barely moved the integral bumper around the grill), and it gave you a real kick in the pants when you mashed the go pedal. The biggest PITA seemed to be the tailgate window which never did seem to want to do the job under its own power. So I have been pondering, "if I were to be looking for a full size wagon of that vintage which should I favor?" Keep in mind that I really have no interest in a GM (just my personal prejudice as I know that the Cutlass was a fine machine for example). It seems like the Ford line might get the nod for a more boxy cargo area making the carrying of large boxy cargo like organ consoles and stage speakers easier but I am not sure that it is not an optical illusion. I am not sure we ever carried plywood in it but we sure did manage to cram a lot stuff into it from time to time. Another concern would be the maintainability and cost of upkeep for the two lines of vehicles. I don't know whether Chrysler being bought and sold on what seems like a weekly basis has any relevance to the maintenance of a vehicle that long out of production but it makes one wonder. It seems like both the 390 of brand F and the 383 of brand C were pretty stout engines quite capable of long life and feats of incredible "you drove it in that condition" moxie. As to efficiency is there any real world difference between the two? I am guessing that individual examples of each would vary with one or the other coming out on top rather randomly but if there is a general trend it might be an interesting factor. As to styling I rather like both with the brand F coming down slighty more on the stately side and brand C on the sexy side (did I mention I love that seductive grill on the T&C?) Anyway I would appreciate any discussion on the real world pros and cons... of course with tasteful deference to both sides of the aisle. mike
Good topic for discussion, Mike. So you've got some prior (when you were a kid) experience with a big Chrysler wagon, and you might consider a Ford if the right one came along... Unless you're stuck on one particular type, your decision on which wagon to buy could come down to what's available out there on the market, and how patient you are. I did a search just yesterday for big old Chrysler wagons, and I didn't find much at all. I'm in the market right now myself, and I'm not finding much that really gets my juices flowing.
The more flexible you are on your choices the easier it will be to find the perfect wagon. Don't narrow your choices down till you actually have cars to look at that you will consider. Both are good choices. My parents had a 69 LTD with a 390 and a 71 Country Squire with a 429 when I got my driver's license. Both were strong engines. Both were reliable cars. My personal preference has always been Mopars, and the 383 and 440 engines are good strong engines too. Keep your options open as long as possible.
I love contemplating these kinds of scenarios. Its going to be somewhat subjective, but my analysis would break down like this: Styling: equal up to '70, advantage Brand C '71-up Interior: advantage Brand F, lotsa bare vinyl in most mopars Big Blocks: 390/C6 vs. 383/torqueflite, tough to call. Advantage Brand C for sheer bullet-proofness, advantage Brand F for good behavior daily Small Blocks: wait, what? Cargo: equal up to '68, advantage Brand F after mopar went to the fuselage styling 3rd seat: Brand C, don't love the opposing seats in the Ford Towing: tough call, but I dont trust the cooling capacity of my stock Ford, advantage Brand C Cool factor at the car show: Brand C Car your wife will prefer: Brand F MPG: gut says Brand F, could be wrong
Jim has a great piont, I'm a Ford guy at heart yet my drive way is full of GM's. The only flavour I have not ownd is AMC, but have has all the other big three and can't say that any gave me grief. IMO being brand and or model specific is, it may take you longer to find the wagon you want.
I grew up with Mother Mopar in the driveway, but bleed blue oval corpuscles now. I will say, based purely on the experiences of friends and family, the Fords are the easier and less expensive to keep running properly. Parts are more readily available, and often significantly less expensive than the rarer Mopar pieces. They just built more Ford/Mercury vehicles, and Ford has always tended to use the same part over multiple model lines and for multiples of years. That does make life easier with an old car that is used regularly. It is also very easy to upgrade the Ford for significant fuel economy improvements. It is possible to fit an AOD from the late 80s pickups to any of the old Ford engines. Mopar did not have a good rear wheel drive overdrive transmission without computer controls. You will also likely find more of the Ford/mercury wagons than the Chryslers. They sold more new, and that makes a big difference now. Best rule of thumb, though, is buy what you love, and get the best example you can find and afford. It is cheaper in the long run.
I purchased my '69 Ford Fairlane wagon a year ago, and when I was looking I wanted to find a clean, rust-free, '72 or older priced under $5,000. I was open to any brand or model (American). This search filter really opened my eyes as to what was out there and what people thought their wagons were worth. I wasn't searching for a Fairlane wagon, but that's what worked out and I'm really happy with it. It met all my criteria and was different enough that you don't see one at a car show. Keep your options open as wide as you can. My other advice - whatever you think it's going to cost to fix it, double that amount and add 10 percent. Happy Hunting!
hmmm..Schaffer...this ones a tuff call for me Ive peed BLUE for as long as I can remember..(and yes...ive seen a doctor for it) But I have a soft spot for 60/70's Mopar as far styling goes so tuff call for me
I'd go with the Mopar... I'd go with the Mopar because of the family connection you mentioned. Plus, the metal flake brown is a gorgeous color. My parents had a 73 (74???) Crestwood wagon in that color. The only disadvantage for the Mopar will be finding parts (trim, interior, lenses, etc). A good place to start looking is Laysons. As for engines both Ford and Mopar big blocks are nice. If I was going to get a Ford I think I'd go for the 460 instead of the FE though. Also, I wouldn't write off GM... I've never been much of a GM fan but last year when I was looking for a Mopar wagon to buy, I ended up getting a 62 Buick Special. I like it so much that earlier this year I had the chance to swap it for a 73 Coronet and passed it up. Cheers, Ken
This would NOT be correct... both the 46RH (A518); 47RH (A618) till 1996 did not require computer for operation.. The OD was controlled by either computer or manual switch. Neither depended on the other for the OD to engage/disengage..
Any of you know off hand how much the efficiency suffered going from the Windsors and FE to the big Clevelands (400 & 460) in 1973 and on? mike
IF you are going to spend a bit of time and money on some upgrades, the 400 and 460 can both return surprising fuel economy and performance upgrades at the same time. The factory intakes with 2 bbl carbs are fairly restricive. Open that up with a good Edelbrock Performer intake as square bore carb helps a lot, and then do the exhaust. The single exhaust from the factory just chokes them right up. Go to a 2 1/2 inch dual, with X cross over and good mufflers, and you will gain about 30 horsepower and about 6 mpg. Change to a mechanical AOD, and watch the gas mileage climb big time. If you do a lot of highway mileage, these upgrades can pay for themselves in as little as 2 years.
the Windsor can be very economical when done right....but FE's and 429/460 even when done right can be a lil thirsty
