[usc2001gc]

After over three years of no attention, the wagon is finally back in the shop. Kinda quit with the wagon once Covid hit. Ending up working on other projects for friends, but now it's time to get this thing going.
Before I pulled it out of the shop, I applied white SPI epoxy primer on the bare metal areas I had been working on. I had the 5.3/4l60e in the car with drive shaft connected and the exhaust temporarily mocked up. But since I was last working on it, I decided to build a 6.0/4l80e combo to go in it. I have a LQ4 that has been bored 20 over, BTR Stage 3 Truck Cam, 799 heads, TBSS Intake with a 92mm Holley TB. I build the trans using a Jakes Performance Stage 2 kit and have a 3K Stall converter to go with it. I plan to install a 3.55 gear and posi unit in the 12 bolt when I get a change.
So, I moved the wagon in the shop yesterday evening and pulled the 5.3/4l60e today. I had a Holley 302-2 pan on the 5.3, but I bought a 302-2 knock-off on eBay for the 6.0 for less than 1/2 the price of the Holley pan. Of course a deal is not a deal if it doesn't work and unfortunately, this one slightly contacts the crossmember.
Doesn't look like it will take much to notch and box the crossmember where they are contacting, so I'll probably go that route and leave the holley knock-off on the 6.0. The 5.3 combo will end up in a 70 2 door I have that I will be building for my son.

5.3 about to be removed

Holley forward motor mounts

Initial test fit of the 6.0 with the Holley 302-2 eBay knock-off.

Knock-off pan contact near the the brake line (its contacting the crossmember, but not the brake line)

Knock-off Oil pan with contact just to the right of the brake line. It makes contact on both sides. I did check and have not contact at the inner tie-rods.

This is the 5.3 and the fitment of the actual Holley 302-2 oil pan

 

[Hotwire]

The knock off pan really looks like my f-body pan

 

[usc2001gc]

The knock off pan really looks like my f-body pan

It's similiar, but there are differences between those two also. I don't have pictures, but we used the f-body pan on a 63 Impala swap that the knock off pan was tested on, but had interferences.

 

[Rod65wagon]

It's similiar, but there are differences between those two also. I don't have pictures, but we used the f-body pan on a 63 Impala swap that the knock off pan was tested on, but had interferences.

Nice work on the tailgate and 1/4 panel! Just a suggestion on the lap joints, try and seal the open end of of the joint (seal sealer will do) if you can. Water/dirt can migrate into the open end resulting in corrosion down the road. A quick coat of epoxy will add additional protection, then a little spray of rocker guard or bedliner for some sound deadening. 65Rod

 

[usc2001gc]

So, not sure I've shared the plans for the wagon's appearance.
Plans:
The wagon was original interior code 720 (tan), but was converted to black at some point. I had thought about going back tan (the 72 tan interior had black carpet and headliner), but after a call to Hinshaw's and finding out that it may take close to a year to get door panels, I have decided to stick with the black interior for now (I had previous purchased new black door panels and just need to assemble them).
I have been considering doing a plaid insert in the black seats (a little something different) and possibly installing late model power bucket seats in the front.
Exterior wise, I plan to do the Concours Estate trim and woodgrain inserts. I've had an idea in my mind on what this could possible look like with a lowered stance and some larger aftermarket wheels and have finally found a picture for inspiration. My plans are to do the color in 1971 color code 43, Lime Green Metallic. I think the below plaid insert in the seats would tie the interior together with the exterior color and woodgrain.

 

[B52bombardier1]

Wagons are COOL!!! And still quite reasonably priced.

Rick

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

 

[usc2001gc]

I initially did some minor nothing of the frame to clear the two areas that was making contact, but after welding everything up and installing the motor and trans for what I thought was the last time, I found that the front of the sump was making slight contact with the back of the crossmember. Out came the motor and trans again and I did some additional clearancing. Everything was welded back up, using material that was as thick, if not thicker than what was removed. No more issues. The Holley motor mounts moves the engine 1-1/4" forward to help with transmission tunnel clearance. If it had only move it 1 inch, I don't think I would have had any issues with the ebay pan. I'm don't another swap in the 71 wagon I just sold and we're going with a 6l80e in that one. Since I have to cut the tunnel for the 6l80e, I think I'm going fabricate some mounts similar to the holley mounts, but only move the mount forward about 1 inch. This way one of the ebay pans can be used without any crossmember contact issues.

 

[usc2001gc]

Pics of how I routed the transmission cooler lines. I haven't decided if I will continue with hard line or use raid line for the routing to the radiator and cooler.

 

[usc2001gc]

I'm using Phillip's idea of updating the factory AC box evaporator with a later model that utilizes an orifice tube instead of the POA valve. I was originally going to use the same evaporator that Phillip used, but I found that the 77 malibu evaporator was the same size as the factory evaporator and was available for less than $70 on Rockauto. Using that and an accumulator that has the swivel head.

 

[usc2001gc]

Haven't posted lately, but have big goals for the next few months. I've committed to completing the 2023 Hot Rod Power Tour. Five day event, starting June 12 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Then SC State Fair grounds on 13th, 14th is Rockingham Motor Speedway, 15th Charlotte Motor Speedway and 16th is at Bristol Motor Speedway. Hotel Reservations have been made.
Plan A, take the wagon, so the next few months are going to be busy!
Plan B, will be to take the Chevelle.

 

[usc2001gc]

Bodywork has begun. Nearing completion on the tailgate, before starting to work on the individual doors.

 

[usc2001gc]

Exhaust is done.

 

[usc2001gc]

Test fit of the Alan Grove low mount ac compressor bracket. Good clearance using the Holley forward fit LS motor mounts.

 

[usc2001gc]

With the LS Swaps, you need a fuel system that will maintain 58 psi (stock setting). In my 71 Chevelle swap, I used a late model corvette fuel filter which has a built in regulator and a return to maintain the correct pressure. For this swap, I'm using holley fuel filter that has the built in regulator and return and pumping the entire system with Russell Classic II Breaded line.