Hey all- I've been following this board for sometime, and decided to finally jump in! I recently purchased a 1973 Chevelle SS 454 wagon. It needs a lot of work, but I spent my spring break really getting going on the project! Here is the slideshow of the pictures from the day I bought it! http://s325.photobucket.com/user/a1979kyle/slideshow/1973 Chevelle SS 454 Wagon Kyle
Welcome to the SWF, Kyle! I don't have to tell you how rare your wagon is - you already know. Although i don't own one my self, I kind of follow ones that are out there for sale, and usually post links to the ads in our 'E-Bay Auctions, Craig's List, etc.' section. I know I've seen pics of your wagon before (the missing front panel is what reminded me), but I can't find any thread on it. I did find a thread on one other one: http://www.stationwagonforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27112&highlight='73+Malibu+SS Looks like you've got a good handle on your restoration, but give us a shout if you need some help. Also - start a 'project' thread on it, here: http://www.stationwagonforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=32 Glad you're here! Marshall
aboard Kyle. You scored a cool wagon...and a rare find. Keep us updated on your progress. I see you've already jumped into it...good man! Jack
Welcome aboard! Man, that's a big project but it's a wagon worth saving. So what's the plans for it - back to stock or are you going to personalize it?
Welcome to the group. Great introductuion and nice slides. Looks like you have a big project ahead but well worth all the work.
Very cool and very unique wagon! Nice to see it being saved from further deterioration or worse. Looking forward to your progress.
I actually tried to buy that yellow 73 wagon linked above both times it came up for auction! My wife really liked that color (our 69 Chevelle is Daytona Yellow), and it was a much more solid starting point. Like so many others, I just could go high enough when I'd have to factor in over $1000 to get it shipped to Missouri. I got second on the bidding both times. I had always wanted this particular wagon, ever since I was a little kid and found a picture of one in my Dad's "Chevy Super Sport" book that he had. My dad restored Chevelles rom 66-70 throughout my childhood, and both my brother and I learned so much from him as we helped him on all of them. I placed a wanted ad on Craigslist for "any condition, any engine 73 Chevelle SS wagon" (not thinking I'd find one), and I got a call from a guy less than 5 miles from my house who collects wagons! He bought this 73 from a friends widow, even though it was newer than the other wagons he typically works on (he has several early 60s Olds and Buicks). He was frustrated that he couldn't free the engine (it sat with the hood off for over a decade), and wanted it to go to someone who really wanted it. I lucked out. My plans are to go fairly stock. I have acquired a full gauges cluster, buckets, and a console. I'm not sure about the buckets yet, but I found a 76 Laguna S-3 being parted out and so I grabbed everything I could. I am considering changing the color. I am usually a traditionalist and wouldn't do this, but I really think I may go white or black and keep the gold interior. I have purchased the full front suspension rebuild kit, springs, shocks, etc. I also found a complete 454 with about 10,000 miles on the rebuild out of a wrecked 73 Chevelle. My budget is limited, as I'm also restoring a couple of El Caminos, too (a 79 SS 4 speed and an 82 Royal Knight). Right now, i just want to get it mobile and safe to drive, and go from there.
This sounds like an awesome project. Needs a lot of loven and it also sounds like you and your wife are the ones to do it. You've got a very special wagon there. Congratulations on being in the right place at the right time. aboard.
