This 1953 Chevy Wagon has been in my family since it was bought new by my Grandfather as a delivery wagon for his grocery store. My Uncle and Cousin had restored and maintained it until it was passed on to me. This is the actual first car I remember riding in as a toddler. I was facinated by the chrome on the dash, and have been a car nut ever since.
After a lot of thought and conversations, I have decided what direction to go with the restoration of the Wagon. At first, I wanted to preserve the orginal state of the car, but if I did that, it would be dangerous to drive in today's traffic. In 1953, there were no seatbelts and few other safety devices. I really would like to enjoy the car as it was meant to be.... driving it as much as possible. I plan to install the original Corvette engine and transmission from the '78 Vette. I also want to install disc brakes all around with radial tires. Of course there is creature comforts like air conditioning I want to install. I will keep the original look of the car.
The Chevy is 50 years older than my '03 Tahoe pulling it home.
Arriving home
At its new home. I now have tarps over it to keep it out of the elements
Everything is all factory original
Original spare tire and jack
The ultimate goal for the Wagon is to build it in such a way that it can pull a car hauler with the Corvette on it. When we arrive to our destination, drive the Vette. The plans for the wagon are to replace the original 6 cylinder and power glide trans with the 350 small block and TH 350 auto trans that was originally in the Vette. I would love to drop a Big Block in it, but since I have this 350, might as well use it.
One of the first things that needs to be replaced is the original rear axle. The factory rear end is a closed drive shaft, and to upgrade to a more modern drivetrane, we need an open drive shaft rear end. I bought this rear end out of a '55 Chevy which is an open driveshaft car, but has the same dimensions as the '53. The drum brakes will be replaced with disc brakes. The differential will be rebuilt as well.
