Finally joining the forum

Hey guys just wanted to say I enjoy the forum and finally wanted to join the conversations. I’ve always loved the big B body wagons but never had the room for one. I own a 64 GTO convertible and a 66 GTO hardtop that I drive as much as I can in the summer where I live in Ohio. But they take up all my garage space. My wife wanted a vacation place in Florida so my one requirement was a internal private garage and I could pick our Florida vacation car. She got what she wanted I got what I wanted. Last year I was lucky enough to get a 1996 estate wagon with less than 100k on the clock and no rust. 2 owner car with the towing package ( no hitch) and leather interior. I LOVE IT! I had it shipped to Ohio and some small minor things that needed done. Windows tinted and 5 spoke American racing grey 18” wheels and time to head to Florida! I had it fluid filmed in Ohio before I left just for an added corrosion control measure. Drove it 1100 miles at 80 the whole way and got 24.5 MPG. Been driving it here now for about 5 months and nothing but smiles and thumbs up from everyone I see. The car gets way more attention then the GTOs at home do. Only problem I had was with the VATS system and I finally figured out that the key had worn down and was only working sporadically, had 2 new keys made and problem solved. Hope to upload pics after my “ probation “ posts. Scott

Welcome and thank you for posting. Photos would be great, including of the wheels: what tires do you have on them?

Where did you have the keys made, and may I ask how much you paid? I am in the same boat. PM is fine if you prefer.

Hey the wheels are 5 spoke American racing and the tires are Nexen N5000 platinum 245/50ZR18s. They look really good and ride great. As far as the keys go any locksmith will have the keys and also be able to tell you what number you have. There were 20 different ohm ratings ( with keys being 1-20. Having 2 new keys did the trick I thought I was going to have to bypass the system( which is always an option). Also I’ve read where you can put rubbing alcohol on your key and insert it to clean the contacts. My key was visibly worn down. I’ll try to get pics up after more posts when I’m allowed. Hope that helps!

Oh sorry the keys were about 10 bucks each.

Hey the wheels are 5 spoke American racing and the tires are Nexen N5000 platinum 245/50ZR18s. They look really good and ride great. As far as the keys go any locksmith will have the keys and also be able to tell you what number you have. There were 20 different ohm ratings ( with keys being 1-20. Having 2 new keys did the trick I thought I was going to have to bypass the system( which is always an option). Also I’ve read where you can put rubbing alcohol on your key and insert it to clean the contacts. My key was visibly worn down. I’ll try to get pics up after more posts when I’m allowed. Hope that helps!

Thank you for the responses @Herk1636 -- are the VN215 the wheels you got?

https://www.americanracing.com/product/wheels/vn215-classic-torq-thrust-ii-1-pc/?attribute_pa_finish=mag-gray-machined-lip

Welcome aboard. What part of FL? Coming up in March we have FL wagonfest in Daytona during the Spring Turkey Run . Last weekend in March.

Stay tuned for more details. There are a few of us in FL. I'm SE in the Ft. Laud/West Palm area.

I actually live in Ohio but have a condo in bradenton right near Cortez so the wagon is a total beach cruising machine. I had my in laws and family in town over Christmas/New Years and used the seating for 8 quite a bit. Also ran the kids over to Orlando to do universal studios. Ran 85 the whole way and what a great ride! Thanks for the heads up about the event I’ll have to keep that in mind. Love to do some shows.

Welcome from one newbie to another.

Herk1636 wrote:

I actually live in Ohio but have a condo in bradenton right near Cortez so the wagon is a total beach cruising machine. I had my in laws and family in town over Christmas/New Years and used the seating for 8 quite a bit. Also ran the kids over to Orlando to do universal studios. Ran 85 the whole way and what a great ride! Thanks for the heads up about the event I’ll have to keep that in mind. Love to do some shows.

Cool. There are members scattered around the state, a few in Tampa so not too far from you. I'm in the WPB area but am starting a new job next week and will be going to Tampa area a few times a month.

Keep an eye out for threads on Wagonfest FL. We hold it during the Spring Turkey Run in Daytona the last weekend of March.
You can look at previous years to get an idea what goes on.

Welcome to the forum! I'm up in clearwater but when i head down to bradenton/SRQ i often take the wagon and find my way to the beaches - currently driving a 93 white woody - haven't posted pics of my new wagon yet

Herk1636 wrote:

I actually live in Ohio but have a condo in bradenton right near Cortez so the wagon is a total beach cruising machine. I had my in laws and family in town over Christmas/New Years and used the seating for 8 quite a bit. Also ran the kids over to Orlando to do universal studios. Ran 85 the whole way and what a great ride! Thanks for the heads up about the event I’ll have to keep that in mind. Love to do some shows.