'65 Coronet "Surf Wagon"

[GrabberOrange69]

For the longest time, I wanted a hot rod station wagon. Though I have historically been a Ford guy, the reality is I like all 60s Musclecars. So while I was looking for a wagon project, I did it with a blind eye toward brand. For years, I got close to what I was looking for, but could never close the deal. Then 3 years ago while at a local car show, I stumble upon a '65 Coronet stripper wagon, complete with a flame paint job and a /6. I fell in love in less than 69 seconds, made an offer, and picked it up the next night.

And then it sat for 3 years while I was mucho busy at work.

 

[sublimegtx]

Cool wagon for sure!!

 

[kdtjb]

Nice wagon!

 

[GrabberOrange69]

Thanks!

I'm ready to get cracking again, and have started to frame where I want to go with my little jewel. So here's what I'm thinking:

Paint and body: It's essentially done.

Interior: The seats have been re-done sometime in the past, but they need a rework, as does the headliner and factory rubber floor mat. I'm putting the interior last as it's passable for the moment.

Driveline: It's all original, un-rebuilt, leaks like a sieve. So I plan on starting at the back with the 8.75 and working my way forward.

I’ll keep the 8.75, but I’m going with a 3.23 SG.

I’ll need a 727 trans, and have already located the ’65 only unit for a BB, ‘cause I’m building a….


….512 STROKER “B”!!!

 

[roadrunnerman]

Nice wagon for sure. you forgot one other thing on your list. THE SURF BOARDS!!!!!

 

[alleyoopmgv]

Cool wagon!

 

[65 Plymouth Satellite 426]

Another War Wagon Possibility! Drop A 426 Max-Wedge In It!

 

[YY1]

Waaay cool, dude!

 

[GrabberOrange69]

Well, the 8.75 is out, leaf springs and all! Leaking from the passenger bearing. Was wondering about going to Green bearings, but haven't inspected the stockers yet - they may be fine with a repack and new seals. Rubber bushings are totally shot - ordering polygraphite; anyone have experience with those?

 

[GrabberOrange69]

Got some good work done on the rearend this weekend. :happy3::happy3: Cleaned up the housing and installed a 3.23 suregrip, adjustable snubber from ma Mopar, and cleaned up the brake lines. I've decided to stick with the stock bearing configuration.



Now finish cleaning up the axles and packing the bearings, then on to the brakes.

 

[tallhair]

thanks for the thread and cool wagon!

 

[snakeyes]

:blob1:very nice wagon :headbang:

 

[moparmarks]

Thats not just cool, thats groovy cool. The wheels are a really nice touch.

 

[GrabberOrange69]

Thats not just cool, thats groovy cool. The wheels are a really nice touch.

Thanks, I agree I love torque thrusts, and have them on all my vintage vehicles. The wheels on the 'net are 14" so I decided to upgrade to 15s. Here are the new wheel and tires I'm going with; 275/60/15s and 185R 15's on 15x8s and 15x6s on TTs:

 

[GrabberOrange69]

UPDATE 2 March

Got my axle seals from Bill Blias in Washington state - and built a homemade seal driver to install them. Cost all of $7 to make!

Cleaned the seal seating area with crocus cloth to de-burr:



Here's the new seal next to the old one. I've always had good luck with a thin coat of indian head on the seat area of a seal:



Seal driven home:



Home made driver - 3/4 x 8" bolt, 2 washers and two nuts. Tacked the washers together and it worked like a champ!

 

[snakeyes]

:hello2: nice thanks :icon_thumright:

 

[roadrunnerman]

Great ingenuity.

 

[1969CoronetR/T]

How is the 741 case holding up?

 

[GrabberOrange69]

Reviving this thread!

Sooo...

In between then, and now, I got sidetracked by 2 other projects, a move, and frankly life. But I still have the wagon, and it was sitting in the garage, under a car cover until 2 weeks ago. I just decided it was now, or never.

I've actually been slowly collecting parts for it over the years, core engine and trans, stroker crank pistons rods, intake and carbs, and various other stuff.

The build will be a 470 short deck 400 based stroker. I'll start with the dirty work which began today:

Bearings weren't bad. I have no idea the background of this 400 core.

Oil dirty, but not milkshake or full of metal. The reflection in the oil is the overhang on my camper, lol:

More will follow, but heading back to work...

 

[GrabberOrange69]

How is the 741 case holding up?

No problems as its just a /6 at the moment. But I'm going lots deeper in the gears...4.10s or 4.30s and I have a 742 for that.