Noob from IL

[Harley Hauler]

Ok all, I've been a part time lurker for a while now and thought I ought to speak up. I HOPE to get started on my project soon, but am not sure @ the moment how soon that may be. I have the car itch really bad after having had sport trucks and Harleys for some years now. Last car I had was an '80 Camaro with a 406.

Anyway, here's what's up to bat next. I inherited a '76 Mercury Bobcat Villager station wagon when my Dad passed away last year after a fight w/cancer. I will say that my first choice is a G-Body something or another, but this thing could turn into a handful in a hurry. I intend to lower the car, add an injected 302, 347, 351, whatever with an AOD, A/C and all of the comforts of home. I'm leaning toward a black exterior with a bright red interior, rear disc upgrade (should be easy since the wagons had 8" rear ends in them) etc. I want the exterior to appear as stock as possible including the woodgrain, roof rack and rear deflector. I'm having a hard time deciding on wheel sizes though. I don't know if I want to do a 17/18 setup or maybe even go with an 18/20 combo for the Muscle Machine look.

Ok, Flame away, because I am basically building a Pinto. The way I look at it though is, it is a tribute to my Pops and that's what matters the most to me. If you think this one is weird, wait till I start on my '63 Karmann Ghia!

Look forward to getting to know some of you folks! Pro-Touring rules!!

[Harley Hauler]

Here's an old pic of the lil' wagon. It does have a set of 10 hole Mustang wheels on it now at least instead of the 13" pizza cutters.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2006/10/Bobcat-1.jpg

[Rubes]

I dont think anyone will flame you for whatever kind of car you build (as long as you do it safely), and the fact that your doing it as a tribute to Dad makes it cool too. I personnaly would ditch the wood, and maybe do a Harley Hauler treatment:dunno:

Where in IL? theres a few of us around the Chicago area, and I know some of them, but not all. Another site is musclerides.com. They cater to ALL types of cars, not specifically Pro-touring.

Welcome aboard, and have fun.

Rubes

[hdesign]

Any project that's a tribute to Dad is great in my book! The lines on that car actually aren't bad, just make sure you fix the gas tank straps and fasteners!:drive2:


Please delete...whoops sorry!!! repeat post

[hdesign]

Any project that's a tribute to Dad is great in my book! The lines on that car actually aren't bad, just make sure you fix the gas tank straps and fasteners!:drive2:

I would also ditch the wood...or modify it somehow IMO. Those are some big ass bumpers for a little car too!

[Ralph LoGrasso]

I dont think anyone will flame you for whatever kind of car you build (as long as you do it safely), and the fact that your doing it as a tribute to Dad makes it cool too.

I agree. Welcome to the site.

[Harley Hauler]

Thanks for the encoragement guys! I am in the southern part of the state. I'm aboout 75 or 80 miles southeast of St.Louis, MO. I agree the bumpers are kinda big and out there, so I have thought of sectioning them and moving them back some.

I don't know what it is, but I have a sick affliction for the woodgrain. The factory "color" of wood doesn't really suit me, but I like the lumber. I had a '93 Caprice wagon with wood also. When I brought it home my wife thought I was nuts, not to mention I was only around 30 at the time.

My second "wish" car is an '86 2+2 Grand Prix. I know, I know, I like some weird stuff right? My big thing is, I don't like meeting myself going down the street. You all stay warm and thanks again for the props! Rahn

[dropit69]

welcome..cool ride..im also from illinois but more north of ya...id have to ditch the wood too but love the style of the car..and vw's are cool also got any pics of that?

[syborg tt]

welcome to the site looks like it's going to be different which is good in my book.

[ssdeuce]

Welcome! I kinda dig the wood but I like the sound of black with red interior.

[ProTouring442]

My second "wish" car is an '86 2+2 Grand Prix. I know, I know, I like some weird stuff right? My big thing is, I don't like meeting myself going down the street. You all stay warm and thanks again for the props! Rahn

I think it can be a pretty damned cool little car! As for the 2+2, I always liked them too. I thought it would be cool to do a Grand Prix coupe with a 2+2 nose from Lauren Engineering, blacked out trim, and call it an '80s GTO. Drop an LSx and a 6speed and you have a very cool ride.

Shiny Side Up!
Bill
'72 442 "Inamorata"
www.fquick.com/ProTouring442 (http://www.fquick.com/ProTouring442)

[Harley Hauler]

Hey all. It's been quite some time since I've been here to look around. Not becasue I haven't wanted to, but I took on some additional responsibility @ work and it has been more time consuming than I originally thought.

My son races karts on dirt once a week now that the warm months are here, so that eats up time too although I love wrenching for him to live his dream.

I love the looks you all are creating. Keep up the good work and keep those G body pics coming!

[Zee]

Welcome aboard. For some reason, I would like to see an intercooled SVO 2.3L Turbo and a T5 in it. Maybe an earlier front clip with the smaller bumpers.

[muthstryker]

welcome to the site, i think different is what makes this so fun. also you car would be a cool sleeper.

[Harley Hauler]

Zee:

A lot of guys over on www.fordpinto.com (http://www.fordpinto.com) have successfully swapped a turbo 4 cyl out of a turbo coupe or a Merkur into these little cars. I'm just an old school V8 guy personally and love fuel injection retrofitted into older cars. I've considered the bumpers off of the earlier Pintos since these are the "crash" versions LOL.