Got me a new future tow SUV

[ssrjim]

Are you a glutton for punishment?

Not really just a lot of time on my hands

It's not so bad if you'll have a dedicated workspace, sheltered from wind and rain... and a lift, or at least four tall jackstands, a good floorjack, etc and a full complement of tools.

It will have to hang in the third stall in my three stall garage. Not much wind and rain here but lot's of 110°. No lift and lots of woodworking tools.

I'm going to also echo Andrew's post about sound deadening/insulation:

It is one of the biggest factors in fatigue-reducing driving and a general impresssion of refinement. That is, if you can keep all that glass from rattling around. I take it you're planning a large-scale resto?

What glass? Large scale no, more of a unemployed budget restore.

Good luck! I'm sure to see this thing in person eventually.

[Gage]

They make good 1/4" bubble installation that is for the floor board and fire wall that goes under the carpet and new window rubber does wonders.

[Dusty82]

That's my dream TV as well. I love those old Willy's Wagons. Wish I could find one to fix up.

I too believe in being comfortable in older clothes. Not a thing wrong with a modern engine/trans combo, modern brakes and suspension, and a comfy interior. And with it being already pretty well modified, you might as well go for it. It would cost a bundle to try to put it back into original condition, so if it were me I wouldn't even try.

Major score!

[ssrjim]

Countless hours but I'm declaring the fenders done.

Before

After

Closeup

[caseydog]

It is a bit of a scary project. I’ve built Teardrop trailers but have not restored a car. It is already far from stock so don’t be expecting a back to stock restoration.

Hey Jim, there is nothing wrong with modern day comfort in vintage clothing. From the outside and inside my Wagon looks stock. But lift the hood and things change. I also plan on adding disk breaks, power steering and AC. I just keep the hood down and let people think what they want to think. Your going to have a sweet ride there when finished. Like I always say, Just take your time and do it the way you want.

Just don't put too much money into it, unless you want to keep it forever. A true restoration would put it back to what it originally was. Making it look like original while having a Camaro front clip and small block Chevy V8 is not a restoration.

Why does that matter? You could easily put a ton of money into the project, and have a cool looking car that isn't worth what you put into it.

I have watched dozens of absolutely beautiful hot-rods sell at auction for less than half of what the builders put into them.

If you made a good buy, and make rational decisions, you should end up with a sweet tow vehicle, and still have a vehicle that is worth what you have in it.

CD

[2bits]

That is a beautiful ride! Are you planning on replacing the wheels with anything different? They look cool, but may not look right for the body for alot of people so I thought I would ask. I would be interested in them if you were going to replace them anyway. I am wanting 15" and 5 x 4 3/4 or Unilug bolt pattern. I have Cragars on my '74 Monte Carlo car but they are rusty. The look is perfect for the 70's

[ssrjim]

It is a bit of a scary project. I’ve built Teardrop trailers but have not restored a car. It is already far from stock so don’t be expecting a back to stock restoration.

Hey Jim, there is nothing wrong with modern day comfort in vintage clothing. From the outside and inside my Wagon looks stock. But lift the hood and things change. I also plan on adding disk breaks, power steering and AC. I just keep the hood down and let people think what they want to think. Your going to have a sweet ride there when finished. Like I always say, Just take your time and do it the way you want.

Just don't put too much money into it, unless you want to keep it forever. A true restoration would put it back to what it originally was. Making it look like original while having a Camaro front clip and small block Chevy V8 is not a restoration.

Why does that matter? You could easily put a ton of money into the project, and have a cool looking car that isn't worth what you put into it.

I have watched dozens of absolutely beautiful hot-rods sell at auction for less than half of what the builders put into them.

If you made a good buy, and make rational decisions, you should end up with a sweet tow vehicle, and still have a vehicle that is worth what you have in it.

CD

Yep, fully thought about what you are telling me. The changes were done before it came to me, so it will be what it is, a ratrod.

[ssrjim]

That is a beautiful ride! Are you planning on replacing the wheels with anything different? They look cool, but may not look right for the body for alot of people so I thought I would ask. I would be interested in them if you were going to replace them anyway. I am wanting 15" and 5 x 4 3/4 or Unilug bolt pattern. I have Cragars on my '74 Monte Carlo car but they are rusty. The look is perfect for the 70's

I am planning on replacing the wheels. Too bad the tires are new with the nubs still on them. They just hang out too far.

[ssrjim]

I don't think I've posted progress photos.

Buster wishes it was done:


Got the front clip in Primer, the passenger door in Primer, the passenger floor pan made and replaced. Removed the fire place poker shifter and put in a real lokar shifter.




Got all the leaks fixed, don't even need a pan under it any longer

[2bits]

Looking good!!! It is a cool vehicle and you should put as much time and money as you want to in it. I understand that it is for the enjoyment of it, that's how I approach life. Looking forward to seeing it on the road! PM me if you get to a point where you want to sell the Cragars.

[ssrjim]

I bought my colors and wanted to play with them. I think it turned out a bit lighter than the SSR but that is OK.



The yellow is called "Singshot Yellow" and the white is "Pepper White"

[parnold]

Looking good!

[ssrjim]

Color sanded and slats return to their proper spot. I give myself a B- but I'm not going to point out why



Oh I'd be willing to trade a 64 plate for a 51 plate!

[Dusty82]

Sweet! I love a yellow Willy's Overland! A larger version of this pic is my current desktop wallpaper. I don't own either the Willy's or the Teardrop, but the picture keeps me motivated.

[ssrjim]