LROM December 2009

Well, after a couple of hours trying to get a scanner working without success, this post will be a little short on pictures. I'll update when I can get things scanned.

The "Wagon of the Month" isn't really about the car (unless your name is Frank, Pat, Gerry, Nick, or Bill). For me, and I think for many of us, it is about the story of how we became wagon owners.

My car obsession began early. A large collection of Hot Wheels and matchbox cars would be my first love. After that, plastic models, followed by building, driving, and fixing radio-controlled cars. When I was getting close to driving age, I took an interest in the off-road scene. I would read mags like Four Wheel and Offroad, and dream of buying a Jeep. I began to discuss the possibility of making this a reality with my father, and he scoffed at the notion. He told me that I would flip a jeep and kill myself. Dad told me if I wanted an old car that I could work on, I should look for a convertible. Once I began to consider the possibilities, it seemed that an old ragtop might not be a bad idea. Offroad magazines gave way to Hot Rod, Car Craft, and Rod and Custom (still have every issue from around 86 to the mid 90s). I became a disciple of anything V8/RWD. The search was on for my first car. Of course, being young and stupid, I bought the first old car that I found that I could afford. A 1956 Nash Metropolitan. No V8, not even a convertible, and rusty. Here she is, with the proud owner sometime in 1988 (check the shoes!).



I got it running, began disassembly, and let it sit. Why? It wasn't the right car. Well, that, and the fact that I got my second car: my 1971 Pontiac Parisienne. A Parisienne is a Canada-only Pontiac, looks like a Bonneville, but built on the shorter Impala frame, with a factory Chevrolet 350. This car was given to me by my aunt and uncle, because they were going to junk it if I didn't take it. When they first offered it to me, I said no thanks, as the "convertible" dream was still in the back of my mind. On a trip to Toronto, my uncle told me to get in the car with him, and we went to his work to look at the car. He said if I still didn't want it, the car was going to get crushed. As soon as I saw it, I knew it was for me. Big, low, long and stylish. That Pontiac grille that you just can't miss. I told him that I would take it, and he promised to bring it to Ottawa in the spring. A few short months later, the car arrived at my house. On our test drive, he told me to stomp hard on the brakes so I could get an idea how a big car stops. The rear brake line promptly burst. He laughed, and told me, "perfect! You can learn how to do brake lines as your first job." Still seems like yesterday. I still have this car, and I probably will forever. It's just a four door small block car, but how many people can say that they still own the car they drove to high school everyday? It has seen lots of changes over the years. It now is done mild custom style, and I will post pics as soon as I can get them scanned. To give you an idea, here is a shot of a 75 Buick LeSabre parts car that I picked up when I was in my early 20s to use a few items for my Pontiac. Scored tinted glass, tilt steering, cruise control, four note horns, and a brand new set of tires. Bought it for 140, and that tow guy gave me 90 bucks for the scrap. Should have kept the 50 000 mile 455/TH400 that was in there! You can just see the back of my 71 in the shot here.



While I was driving my 71 to school, my family car was an 81 Impala Sport Coupe. Now a rare car (about 2000 made), then it was a POS. That 2bbl 267 had less torque than a rubber band airplane. In the winter, the slightest mistake in the starting procedure meant taking off the lid of the air cleaner, and jamming the choke open with a screwdriver so it would start. I was relentlessly hard on that car. By the end of one winter, I had replaced every wheel on the car because I had bent them all from hitting curbs. RWD and winter and a teenager means driving sideways. Canadian drifting, of course. It was just a utility vehicle then, and I would love to have it back now.



After the death of my father, I picked up an 87 Caprice to replace the 81. Even with the olds 307, it was like driving a big block compared to the 267. As I worked, I began to put money away for the body work I had planned on the 71 Pontiac. One afternoon, my mother told me that she had found an ad for a car that she wanted to take a drive to look at. We go for a spin across town, and the car turns out to be a 1965 Impala convertible. Beautiful, mint, and totally original. I tell mom that if she can afford it, she should buy it. We went for supper to talk about it, and she tells me that she has decided not to buy it because she thinks that it will be too much work to maintain. Then, she explains that she thinks I should buy it! I responded that I don't have the money for something like that, but mom pointed out that I had all the money needed saved up for the work on my 71. It would take another year to save up again, but the next day, I was the owner of a classic American ragtop. Ten years after the search began. The 65 has been a great car. Dead reliable, and I can drive it anywhere. Stock, with a 250HP 327 4BBL matched to a powerglide. Numbers matching, and I still have the California black plates from it.

Here is the 65, stuffed into a single car garage at my first house. I had to remove the stairs to get it in there! I don't have that problem now...



After rearranging the rear end of a Camry with the bumper of my 87 Caprice, the search was on for a replacement. I began research, and came across the 9C1. After finding a dealer that sold ex-OPP cars, I settled on a 94 9C1 LT1. Car was well-used, and I paid way too much money for it, but the bug bit hard. NAISSO, the IGBA, and the ROD mail list only made things worse. Soon, a full body job was completed, along with black paint, and an SS grille. I picked up a T56, and was ready to swap it in, when I found an SS. I decided to get rid of the 9C1, and move my wheels and the T56 over to the SS, and I'm glad I did. After selling the 9C1, they new owner blew the engine within a week. Maybe it was the John Force-style burn out he did as he was driving away...

The SS has been fun. The day that Nick arrived in Ottawa to help with the T56 install is a time that I will never forget. For those of you who only know Nick from the internet, I hope that one day all of you have the opportunity to meet him in person. Nick, besides being a great shade tree mechanic, is a true friend, and a person who would do anything for someone. We spent about 16 hours under, in, and on my SS, and at about 1:30 in the morning, Nick took it out for a romp through the gears. Canada's first T56 B body was officially on the road. I'm pleased to say that it is still running beautifully, and it makes me smile every time I hammer through the gears. The kids at school love it, so we must be doing something right.





While spending all my money on parts for the SS while the Canadian dollar was at its lowest point ever against the US greenback, I noticed that a lot of my SS forum buddies were becoming very strange. They were buying wagons. I thought that there must be something wrong with them. Who would want a wagon? Of course, the affliction would get the better of me. One day while driving to a basketball game, I spotted a forelorn looking car at the side of the road in a parking lot. Missing trim, flat tires, and so much dirt I couldn't tell what colour it was. I called the number on the sign, and someone was on their way to meet me. Once I got in the car, I found that the interior was mint. Then, I noticed that the mileage was about 70 000. Another quick check determined that it had the 350. Car started right up, and I didn't even bother to put it in drive. I asked the price, and the guy told me he would like to get 800 for it. I told him I could do 300, and I was the proud owner of a 92 Roadmaster wagon. This was 6 years ago, and the car has served me well. It is nearing the end of its road life due to salt induced rust, but I will drive it fondly for a few more months. Its replacement has already arrived: a 1994 Caprice wagon. Low miles, no rust, trailer package. I like it, but I like my Roadie better.

Here's the Caprice when I bought it:



And here it is, happy to be getting a new lease on life (and surrounded by friends at WF09):



A couple of years ago, I began to get a thing for Cadillac coupes. After searching for about a year, and coming very close to closing a deal in Texas, then in Florida, I found the car I was looking for right here in Ottawa. The paper ad simply said 81 Cadillac. I called and asked if it was a four door. "No, a big coupe", the seller responded. I asked if it was winter driven, because I didn't want a rusty car. He replied that the car was driven in the winter... to Florida. After driving to see the car, I find out that the owner is a 77-year old WW2 bomber pilot. He was downsizing from the Cadillac to a Cavalier. After counting out the bills, another car followed me home. Last year for the Cadillac big block/TH400/big rear end. I just scored a complete rear with the Cadillac rear disc brakes. Does the modding ever end?



Here's a few of the cars in the garage in the summer...



So, that is the story of some of my small fleet. Nothing exotic, nothing really valuable, and nothing rare. Every car with an interesting story (that has been shortened here), and each one with a bit of personal meaning. I enjoy all my cars, but it is the wagons that I appreciate the most. It is not only the comfort, reliability, and the utility that I like... it is the amazing community of like-minded owners that share and inspire. I feel lucky to be here, and I am privileged to have met some of you guys. Is it July yet? See ya at the junkyard!

What happened to the Nash Metropolitan?

GREAT story!!

Can't wait for the rest of the pics.

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What happened to the Nash Metropolitan?

Yeh, what happened to it? There couldn't have been more then 1/2 a dozen in Ottawa, even when they were new. Turpin Motors started out selling the Nash in the 50s and used to have the Metropolitan brought in on consignment. Most of them were shipped back after 6 months (apparently we liked our big cars even back then).

Good write up Jay. Glad to know that someone else keeps their cars longer then three years.

Bill

Great story Jason. I always notice your list of cars in your signature. Now I know the story behind the story. I would like to see some pictures of your RMW, that you bought for $300.

Now to the Nash, I remember them well. Did you know they made a 2 door station wagon? I believe the Nash's engine was an MG family engine, in line 6. Nash didn't last many, if any, model years after yours. They were acquired by Rambler.

Your garage looks big, but with all your cars I'm sure it is pretty full.


Tom C.

Thanks for sharing. Always great to hear how our members got 'into wagons' and the other cars we have fondness for.

Forgot to give the rest of the Metro story. I kept it until my early 20s, and came slowly to the realization that restoring it would require more money than it was worth. At the time, MINT Metros could be had for 5-6k. Also a problem: I didn't fit in it. For those of you who met me at WF09, can you imagine my lanky frame trying to wedge under that bus-sized steering wheel. An ad went in the classifieds, and it sold fast for a couple hundred more than I paid for it. It was flat-bedded out to the country to a shop that did restorations, and I have never seen it again.

More pics to come, I promise! I have Roadmaster pics on a different computer, and some great shots to be scanned...

Jason.

That's a great story, Jay! I enjoyed reading it.

Oh, and eff the scanner. Take out your digital camera and snap a pic of the pic! I haven't used a scanner in like 10 years!

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Oh, and eff the scanner. Take out your digital camera and snap a pic of the pic

This brilliant idea would have saved me from two hours of searching for Vista printer drivers last night.

Nice story! Can't wait for the other pics!

Great write up Jay!

I'm jealous of that 3 car garage! It looks nice with all the GM iron sittin in it

Wow, a paved junkyard. One day when I grow up I want to visit one of those.

Joel, that is the U Pull It in Ft. Lauderdale. I can't wait to get there every year. Clean, and they even have wheelbarrows for you. Engine cranes, too. A buck to get in, and the parts are ridiculously cheap. PCMs are 17 bucks. When you walk in, there is a "menu" on the wall for every part. For small stuff, they just let you take it if you buy something else. I am trying to convince my mother to start an ebay business. I tell her she needs to go there once a week just to see what they have!

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I'm jealous of that 3 car garage!

Fits five for winter, plus the John Deere

Very cool story!! Wow...you have a sweet garage. Nice fleet too

Chris

More pics, you shall receive. Thanks to the Crovo School of Photography, of course...

Here's Nick wondering how to get the F Body boot to fit the B body floorpan (answer: hammer). Note the "first aid" duct tape on his finger. There is still a blood stain on the floorpan...



The 71 Pontiac:



My aunt that gave it to me (sometime in the late 70s/early 80s):



Time for a shave and a haircut:



Don't forget those bumper bolts!



After six weeks of body work:





The 65 right after I got it. I have since put the correct sized whitewalls on it, with the optional mag spoke hubcaps. Still has all four T3s.





The 9C1 getting smooth:



Turned out nice:



With the rims:



Black bowtie/no spoiler:

Jay:

Where did you get the wheels for the 71? Never seen anything like them.

Bill

The wheels are Weld Racing billets. The model is the "Double Knuckle". I've never seen them anywhere else. I got them from some girl that had them on a Mustang. She traded the car, and sold me the wheels, right after having them professionally polished. They are 4.5x5 and 4.75x5, so I had the rotors/axles/drums redrilled to the the small GM pattern.

I do have the Weld ad with the wheels in it, and there was a C2 Corvette once in Hot Rod that used them. They had the spokes anodized body colour.

A few years ago, I scored the matching billet steering wheel! Since they only made the wheels for a short period, I am pretty lucky to have the wheel.

Damn dude, that 71 is sick!

You shoulda scanned those pics. They look terrible.

You've got quite the collection Jay. I'm envious. Nice garage too!!!!

Nice write up Jay!

Thanks for sharing those stories. They sound eerily familiar to me, as I bet they do to many other forum members. Seems that a lot of car guys get started early

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You shoulda scanned those pics. They look terrible.

lol, I like how the wheels on the 9C1 are pointing in different directions...

jayoldschool wrote:

lol, I like how the wheels on the 9C1 are pointing in different directions...

Kinda like "googly boobs"

Hey let me know when you come to Ft. Lauderdale, it's onle 30 minutes from me. I'll go junkyard hopping with ya, lol