Long Roof Cruiser; Roller with Solid Body Perferred

[ryeguy2006a]

Hey PT,

I sold my car recently and am in the process of relocating from NY to Charlottesville, VA. I'll be moving in the next few months and once I get settled I want to start another project. This time around I want to get a cruiser wagon. I'm really hoping to find a 2 door wagon from the late 50s to early 60s. Brookwood, Biscayne, Ranch Wagon, Chevelle 300, and etc. I plan to run a modern drivetrain, so the engine doesn't matter, and a roller would actually be preferred. Send me a PM if you have one or know where one may be.

Thanks,
Ryan

[dhutton]

One of the nicest wagons out there is the 57 Buick hardtop Caballero and Estate wagon. Little bit hard to find but worth looking for imho.

Don

[ryeguy2006a]

Wow, that is gorgeous!! Thanks for showing that. One just popped up on BaT... :rolleyes:

[68Formula]

Since you're taking suggestion :)

I would love to see one of these built as a P-T



https://www.motortrend.com/vehicle-genres/collectible-classic-1963-1966-studebaker-lark-wagonaire/

[ryeguy2006a]

I'll listen to all suggestions, but more importantly I'd like to find some leads haha. I'm hoping to close on the house sometime in late June and once we are settled, I'd like to find a project this fall.

[68Formula]

I'll listen to all suggestions, but more importantly I'd like to find some leads haha. I'm hoping to close on the house sometime in late June and once we are settled, I'd like to find a project this fall.

Done! https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/studebaker/wagonaire/2579309.html :-)

[ryeguy2006a]

That is really cool! So is that back roof section removable?

[thumper877]

Looks like it slides in the panel toward the front of the car. I see the channels. Thats pretty cool
That is really cool! So is that back roof section removable?

[68Formula]

Looks like it slides in the panel toward the front of the car. I see the channels. Thats pretty cool

Bingo! It's basically the predecessor to the GMC Envoy XUV.

[69CougarXR7]

Old friend of mine had two of those rotting in his yard.. I should have grabbed them when the bank foreclosed on his property.. have no idea where they went, probably to a crusher..

Brian

[joeko23]

That Buick looks sick. Love how it looks like a coupe but has 4 doors. If you do some flush door handles people won’t even notice that it’s a 4 door

[ryeguy2006a]

All great suggestions! So my short list is now a 65 Chevelle 2 door wagon, 59 Brookwood 2 door wagon, and a 57 Buick Estate Wagon.

[dhutton]

Been wanting a 59 2 door Brookwood wagon. Hard to find.

- - - Updated - - -

57 Buick wagon on BAT sold for $30k with buyers premium…

Don

[ryeguy2006a]

Don, I saw that 57 on there. I think if the color was different it would have gotten a lot more attention. I have a line on a few 65 Chevelle 2 doors, but I'm hoping that a nice 59 wagon will pop up. I'd also consider a 60 2 door if it has the look I want, but definitely prefer the 59.

[thedugan]

OMG I want that Buick wagon

[Just 1 More]

This probably isn't what you're looking for but I think this would look good as a pro touring cruiser.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2021/06/51236696978_abcd26df88_b-1.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2m4BsXd)20210609_120839 (https://flic.kr/p/2m4BsXd) by F G (https://www.flickr.com/photos/153250783@N04/), on Flickr

[ryeguy2006a]

I haven't ruled out a Nova wagon. I do like the looks of it and it's solid. I'm definitely not going full pro-touring, but I want updated suspension, brakes and air ride. Probably stick with a 17" wheel for more sidewall, but I'll let the project speak to me once I find one.

[showdog75]

The first and second gen Chevy II's have a ton of front clip and rear suspension options . I have a 63 Chevy II wagon myself and find it to be reasonably comfy and with the wagon rear plenty of room to throw chairs etc for cruise in's etc. I carry a assortment of tools in a clean old Coleman cooler as to be incognito. I'd love to fab up a simple aluminum box for my 17" GTO spare and have it leather covered to look like a piece of luggage. Wagons are hot.

[Just 1 More]

Saw this on FB
200482

[Steve68]

70 Buick Estate wagon, still out there, 375 hp 455, will need a OD trans and some fuel injection,

We had one when I was a kid, that thing hauled some kids, BMX bikes, dirt bikes, and hauled ass!

[ryeguy2006a]

I'm still looking for the right project! I was trying to get something other than a Nomad, but I do keep going back to a 55 or 56. If someone has one, please send me a message.

[dhutton]

I'm still looking for the right project! I was trying to get something other than a Nomad, but I do keep going back to a 55 or 56. If someone has one, please send me a message.

Have you ever ridden in a Nomad? Stock suspension sucks and that damn lift gate rattle…. You have to invest heavily to get a decent ride imho.

Don

[ryeguy2006a]

Don, I haven't ever ridden in one. Maybe that's a good point and I should try it before I buy it. The goal of this build will be getting a really soft ride that will make for a great cruiser. I don't want it to feel loose, but handle decent. Main thing is for the family to be comfortable and be able to haul groceries or similar.

Would you say that a 65 Chevelle A-body chassis would bet better suited for my goals?

[dhutton]

Don, I haven't ever ridden in one. Maybe that's a good point and I should try it before I buy it. The goal of this build will be getting a really soft ride that will make for a great cruiser. I don't want it to feel loose, but handle decent. Main thing is for the family to be comfortable and be able to haul groceries or similar.

Would you say that a 65 Chevelle A-body chassis would bet better suited for my goals?
In my experience yes I would. So much easier to make an A body ride nice imho. The ride on my 64 GTO was awesome with some basic suspension upgrades. Much easier than a Nomad imho.

But don’t take my word for it, go for a ride in a Nomad. I’ve built a couple of Nomads but my hands were tied by the owner. I did build a 55 Belair on an aftermarket frame and the ride was very nice.

Don

[68Formula]

Don't rule out the Vista Cruiser or it's cousin the Buick Sport Wagon with their cool roof lines.
200850
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2022/07/1964OldsmobileVistaCruiserdetail600jpgre-1.jpg

[dhutton]

Those are cool wagons!

Don

[68Formula]

In my experience yes I would. So much easier to make an A body ride nice imho. The ride on my 64 GTO was awesome with some basic suspension upgrades. Much easier than a Nomad imho.

But don’t take my word for it, go for a ride in a Nomad. I’ve built a couple of Nomads but my hands were tied by the owner. I did build a 55 Belair on an aftermarket frame and the ride was very nice.

Don


This one is stunning!
200858

[CornHusker4Life]

That 55 is way nicer in person than in the pics. Don built a beautiful 55 for my dad. Rides killer too.

[DrFraZZy]

Not mine, I came across this;

https://jerseyshore.craigslist.org/cto/d/monmouth-beach-65-chevelle-dr-wagon/7508764180.html

[dhutton]

Not mine, I came across this;

https://jerseyshore.craigslist.org/cto/d/monmouth-beach-65-chevelle-dr-wagon/7508764180.html
That is cool.

Don

[ryeguy2006a]

That's super cool! I wished it still had the side windows.

[ryeguy2006a]

Still looking ya'll. Pm me if you happen to have a lead too.:twothumbs

[az_uncledonny]

I have a rust free 72 base Torino wagon with AC (very rare) for $4500.204264

[rreichert82]

Throwing a thought out there. I have been researching putting my 55 Ranch Wagon on a 02-05 Lincoln Aviator chassis for a comfortable and sporty AWD wagon.

[68Formula]

@ryeguy2006a you find anything yet? Hoping to see a long roof project thread starting soon.

[dhutton]

@ryeguy2006a you find anything yet? Hoping to see a long roof project thread starting soon.
https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/139657-Madaguy-1955-Nomad-Build

[ryeguy2006a]

@ryeguy2006a you find anything yet? Hoping to see a long roof project thread starting soon.

Yes sir! Looks like Don beat me to posting the link. After flip flopping for several months on what I wanted to do, I found a 55 Nomad that was painted and right in my price range. :hammer:

Then I realized after I bought it all of the Nomad specific parts it was missing and work that I had ahead of me. It's been fun, and the car is really solid now. Hopefully getting it running by the end of the month!