Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[Stuchamp]

I bought this Chevy just over a year ago as pretty much a finished driver. The car is NOT a 'Nomad' though I get asked that a lot. It was originally a 4-door wagon. The rear doors were welded shut and filled and all chrome side trim was removed. The paint is Dodge Viper red and clearcoat.
The interior has been redone in gray and black cloth with plush carpet installed. The front bench seat was replaced by a pair of high back buckets. The rear seat wasn't redone and has its original vinyl. It's in decent shape and I plan to leave it as is. The dash is stock except for the Grant steering wheel and Custom Sound cassette radio. It also has a B&M floor shifter attached to a 350 transmission.
The engine is from a '93 Chevy 350 pickup and is equiped with an Edelbrock intake and carb. An electric fan was also added for more cooling. The suspension and brakes are stock as well as the rear end.

Not all the mechanical work had been done correctly or up to my standards so some changes have been made. We drove it home without any problems during the 200+ mile trip but the next day the tranny acted up. I had it rebuilt and beefed up by a trans specialist.
The fuel line was mostly all rubber hose so new steel hard line was run from the tank to the pump. Also installed steel line from the pump to the carb filter. The carb base gasket was incorrect and that was replaced. The round air cleaner was replaced by a triangular one to clear the wiper motor slide.
A new battery tray and battery were installed. The original radiator developed a leak over the winter and was replaced with a new Desert Cooler. The engine had a clutch fan that was bad so I replaced it with a steel flex fan. Also had to rewire the electric cooling fan and add a relay.
New chrome original style outside mirrors were added.
Front shocks were replaced, etc, etc, etc. As I said, quite a few things weren't up to par in my book.

Future plans include adding disc brakes, new master cylinder, and possibly dropped spindles with new ball joints and suspension bushings. New custom wheels and tires. The beer keg gas tank will be replaced with a new aluminum rectangular tank and the exhaust will be reworked to exit out the rear of the wagon.
We're also thinking of having the body side trim done via an air brushed graphic.

The car is a lot of fun to drive and attracts a lot of attention which makes the wife happy.



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[Stuchamp]

Interior shot with new Chevy crest floor mats.




Above is the engine compartment as when we brought it home.
Below is the 'after' with new air cleaner and radiator and other changes that can't be seen. New plug wires and looms are still sitting on the workbench waiting to be installed.



Rear seat with original vinyl.


Rear interior shot with seat folded down.

[buzzy bee]

It all looks pretty posh to me!

Cheers

Dave

[Uncle Joe]

Stuchamp, that is a very nice car, very nice indeed. It just goes to show that any car body can look good. At first look, it reminded me of the Ford (Orange Crisp) that Posie did a couple of years ago.

The idea of fitting discs is also an idea that I have had for my 300. So I guess that we are going to have a lot to exchange views on soon!

UJ

[Stuchamp]

Thanks guys!

The wife wants the original style body trim put on. There is really no way to use the stock mouldings with the modifications so I think an air brush graphic would be the best choice. The other thing about painting it on is that we can change the design some.

I did a quick photoshop on top image.
Bottom image is a 4-door wagon with original chrome trim.


Decided the Chevy needed a little more power last night so I got a little busy!
Rick will love this!

[Uncle Joe]

Stuchamp, Rick would only like the blower motor if it was in a E83W!

[admin]

hehe I think that blower might be a bit much for an E83W engine!!!!

Do you come across many 'barn find' classics out your way stuchamp? say advertised in the local paper, or whatever???

Rick

[Stuchamp]

I haven't seen any actual 'barn finds' for quite awhile. The local paper has a 'classic' section and there are usually 5 to 6 cars or trucks listed. Also the 'John Deere' swap sheet has a few listed each month.
Ebay and internet sites or publishications like "Deals on Wheels" seem to be the best sources for finding vehicles over here.

[admin]

Hehe I really get tempted with some of the smaller pickups that I see for sale in the US, might have to save up some $ and find one to bring over in future

Rick

[Uncle Joe]

If I was going to buy a small newer "entry level" US pick up, then I know exactly which one it would be. Whats more, I'm willing to bet that stuchamp would choose the same one!

[Stuchamp]

yep, a '49 thru '59 Studebaker would work just fine!

[Uncle Joe]

stuchamp, how did you guess?!!!!!!

[Scotty]

[admin]

Stuchamp

I tried to reply to your latest email for a 2nd time, but it bounced (I think one reply got thru ok)

... anyway ..... any chance of seeing some pics of your latest, nautical, purchase on here somewhere??????


Rick

[Uncle Joe]

I know that this is going to sound ridiculous, but I've actually got a Rootes-type supercharger on my boiler now - talk about being a petrol head!