This thing is obnoxiously big and flamboyant, and maybe overpriced, but man would it be a great family cross country cruiser.
Then there's this one. Much more utilitarian and less expensive.
Realistically, gas mileage would be about the same, so go with the Olds. Much more steel...
In reply to Streetwiseguy:
You're kidding, right? I have direct experience here since I commuted to and from college for a while in a '75 Hornet with a 258 and a '71 Electra with a 455. Yes, not the same, but pretty close. The hornet routinely got in the low to mid 20's on the highway. The Electra got 12-15.
This one has been for sale on another forum for a while. If it wasn't on the opposite side of the country I'd be tempted.
I wonder how hard/practical/realistic it would be to put a Cummins in a wagon like that olds, then just run it on veggie oil. You'd have taken out the biggest detriment to running them in todays world, which is (IMHO) the horrendous gas mileage.
HORNET! 
mtn wrote: I wonder how hard/practical/realistic it would be to put a Cummins in a wagon like that olds, then just run it on veggie oil. You'd have taken out the biggest detriment to running them in todays world, which is (IMHO) the horrendous gas mileage.
A 6.2 or 6.5 diesel from an old chevy pickup should nearly drop in with a chevy trans attached.
mtn wrote: I wonder how hard/practical/realistic it would be to put a Cummins in a wagon like that olds, then just run it on veggie oil. You'd have taken out the biggest detriment to running them in todays world, which is (IMHO) the horrendous gas mileage.
the problem with the Cummins is that it is so tall. I took a # of measurements when I had a B-body '91 Olds wagon, and there was no way it would be even close. I imagine in most "car shaped" bodies it would be the same scenario.
xflowgolf wrote:mtn wrote: I wonder how hard/practical/realistic it would be to put a Cummins in a wagon like that olds, then just run it on veggie oil. You'd have taken out the biggest detriment to running them in todays world, which is (IMHO) the horrendous gas mileage.the problem with the Cummins is that it is so tall. I took a # of measurements when I had a B-body '91 Olds wagon, and there was no way it would be even close. I imagine in most "car shaped" bodies it would be the same scenario.
I was looking into it with a C body Chrysler a few years back. I thought Newport/New Yorker with a 6bt = rolling lounge that you could actually drive for distance, but it appears to be unworkable.
I'd say go with Hornet. 4.0 HO and a 5 speed are just a junkyard away.
I'd love a big wagon, but with even the used car market being berkeleyed up, I'm thinking of rebuilding what I berkeleyed up on the Zx2 and putting some rally E36 M3 on it, but now you have me thinking wagon again berkeley YOU ALL! GAAAAHHHHH!
N Sperlo wrote: I'd love a big wagon, but with even the used car market being berkeleyed up, I'm thinking of rebuilding what I berkeleyed up on the Zx2 and putting some rally E36 M3 on it, but now you have me thinking wagon again berkeley YOU ALL! GAAAAHHHHH!
You could work both ideas at once you know. 
http://stlouis.craigslist.org/cto/3393149022.html
That Olds is beautiful. As a kid, I would have never thought I would say that about 70's wagons, but dang if it isn't cool to my eyes now. Those clamshell wagons have leaf springs in the rear and I hear they make a hell of a tow vehicle because of it. The 455 wouldn't have any trouble pulling anything you threw at it, that's for sure.
dculberson wrote: . The 455 wouldn't have any trouble pulling anything you threw at it, that's for sure.
Ignoring that gas stations would mysteriously be empty after you drove through an area.
those clamshell rear hatches are definatly cool..
In reply to Grizz:
Looked that one over a few times. Too small. Easy fix though. My wife would kill me if I had both.
Shame Ferd never built a long wheelbase 4wd escort wagon. I'd buy one.
In reply to Grizz:
Could always start with an RS and swap it to a wagon. Have a custom driveshaft built. 
In reply to N Sperlo:
Then again, there is another option.
In reply to Grizz:
Is that a Taurus with a Mustang clip? I can't tell..
Interesting taste....
bravenrace wrote: In reply to Streetwiseguy: You're kidding, right? I have direct experience here since I commuted to and from college for a while in a '75 Hornet with a 258 and a '71 Electra with a 455. Yes, not the same, but pretty close. The hornet routinely got in the low to mid 20's on the highway. The Electra got 12-15.
Just a little bit. A properly tuned Qjet on an Olds will give surprisingly good mileage, providing you drive with an egg under your foot.
N Sperlo wrote: In reply to Grizz: Is that a Taurus with a Mustang clip? I can't tell..
It's a Fox wagon with a mustang clip.
Where the hell does the tailgate on the olds go?
Out I think. To the left, maybe?
The Olds is a "Clamshell" wagon. The bottom of the tailgate drops down under the load floor and the top retracts into the ceiling. Here's a Youtube video of a slightly unhealthy sounding one:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wg0fShIQIpQ
(which, I'm sure, most of them sound unhealthy at this point.)
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