1973 Chevelle SS Station Wagon
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1973 Chevelle SS Station Wagon
by bucket Fri Jan 15, 2021 12:00 am
This thread will have no real direction, it is mostly just to help me keep track of what has been done, what needs done, and my findings along the way. If folks are interested in seeing it and reading about it, that's even better, lol.
I came across this car a couple years ago. It was the second SS wagon I had seen in person, with the first being spotted about 15 years before that. I was finally able to strike a deal and brought it home a few days ago.
Looking at paperwork in the glove box, the car was purchased new at Bobb Chevrolet in Columbus Ohio, by a couple in the Westerville area. They had the car until around '84. It was then possibly purchased by someone in the Grandview area, they had the car until '92. It was then purchased by a fellow in London Ohio who drove the car until around '97. Then it sat in a barn until it wound up at his buddy's used car lot a couple years ago, which is when and where I found the car. Now I own the car and it is back in the London OH area.
I came across this car a couple years ago. It was the second SS wagon I had seen in person, with the first being spotted about 15 years before that. I was finally able to strike a deal and brought it home a few days ago.
Looking at paperwork in the glove box, the car was purchased new at Bobb Chevrolet in Columbus Ohio, by a couple in the Westerville area. They had the car until around '84. It was then possibly purchased by someone in the Grandview area, they had the car until '92. It was then purchased by a fellow in London Ohio who drove the car until around '97. Then it sat in a barn until it wound up at his buddy's used car lot a couple years ago, which is when and where I found the car. Now I own the car and it is back in the London OH area.
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Re: 1973 Chevelle SS Station Wagon
by bucket Fri Jan 15, 2021 12:16 am
The car seems to be wearing it's original paint still. I only question the LR door and the front section of quarter panel, it looks as if the black paint may have been blended in at some point early in the car's life. There's also a scuffed/scratched area that has a light purple sealer exposed. There's also a halo in the paint in the same area.
That is the reason I believe that area had been repaired post-'73. But then I noticed that the left A-pillar has the black paint peeling off and the same color sealer is visible.
What color sealer was used in '73? Is it possible that there was a blemish at the factory and the paint was repaired at the factory? That halo/discoloration came from somewhere. Either way, I plan to fully document the placement of the lower body striping so it can be replicated later on down the road.
That is the reason I believe that area had been repaired post-'73. But then I noticed that the left A-pillar has the black paint peeling off and the same color sealer is visible.
What color sealer was used in '73? Is it possible that there was a blemish at the factory and the paint was repaired at the factory? That halo/discoloration came from somewhere. Either way, I plan to fully document the placement of the lower body striping so it can be replicated later on down the road.
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Re: 1973 Chevelle SS Station Wagon
by bucket Tue Jan 19, 2021 11:12 pm
I have removed the 2GV carb for an overhaul, that will be the first step in the fuel system rehab.
The emissions label on the radiator support states Federal and California compliant, where applicable. I'm not exactly sure what the "where applicable" part means.
Also, it turns out that I know the car owner from 1992-2019, so that's pretty cool. I haven't talked to him in a few years, hopefully he's still alive and kicking.
The emissions label on the radiator support states Federal and California compliant, where applicable. I'm not exactly sure what the "where applicable" part means.
Also, it turns out that I know the car owner from 1992-2019, so that's pretty cool. I haven't talked to him in a few years, hopefully he's still alive and kicking.
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Re: 1973 Chevelle SS Station Wagon
by bucket Tue Jan 19, 2021 11:15 pm
I will also be removing the smog pump and related parts, as well as the charcoal canister. I will replace the fuel cap with a vented unit. All stock parts that get removed and not reinstalled will be boxed up for potential use in the future.
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Re: 1973 Chevelle SS Station Wagon
by bucket Thu Jan 21, 2021 11:40 pm
The original paint shines up surprisingly well:
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Re: 1973 Chevelle SS Station Wagon
by bucket Thu Jan 21, 2021 11:47 pm
Mounted up some custom painted IROC-Z 16" wheels because they look better than the S10 14" rims and bad tires that were on it. I'm not sure what I think of them yet, pretty sure I still want to run a set of 15x8 rallies.
I also realized that I actually know the owner from '92-'19-ish. I'm bad with names so it took a lot of hints before it finally rang a bell in my head.
I also realized that I actually know the owner from '92-'19-ish. I'm bad with names so it took a lot of hints before it finally rang a bell in my head.
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Re: 1973 Chevelle SS Station Wagon
by g3chevy Fri Jan 22, 2021 2:08 pm
Very cool SS! Had a chance to trade for one with a member here a few years back. I kick myself for not doing the deal! Keep the posts coming!
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Re: 1973 Chevelle SS Station Wagon
by mldinneny Fri Jan 29, 2021 2:16 pm
I got a hood for my 76 elcamino in Blue Springs MO. He has one of these in his garage ! Not sure if it the same SS talked about in this thread ? Thanks.
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Re: 1973 Chevelle SS Station Wagon
by bucket Sun Jan 31, 2021 12:39 pm
Some interesting artifacts were found in the glove box and under the seats:
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Re: 1973 Chevelle SS Station Wagon
by bucket Sun Jan 31, 2021 12:45 pm
Most of the stuff seems to be from the late 80's to the early 90's. I know that 99.7fm has been The Blitz since at least '92. I don't recall exactly when those ugly California Raisins characters were trendy.
I also got the original polycast wheels with the car. All caps are accounted for, but a couple of the rings are a little banged up.
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Re: 1973 Chevelle SS Station Wagon
by g3chevy Sun Jan 31, 2021 1:10 pm
Automotive archeology always turns up interesting stuff!
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Re: 1973 Chevelle SS Station Wagon
by Iggy Mon Feb 01, 2021 10:30 am
looks like the 1980's a calling, they want their trash back!
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Re: 1973 Chevelle SS Station Wagon
by bucket Wed Mar 31, 2021 11:37 pm
A few weeks ago, I got the front bumper tucked in closer to the body. I'm very happy with how it turned out. I also removed the rub strips... besides them being a little rough, I just don't care much for them. I also removed the bumper guards.
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Re: 1973 Chevelle SS Station Wagon
by bucket Wed Mar 31, 2021 11:41 pm
This evening I picked up a set of GM 15x8 rallies for the car. I plan on having my new tires mounted tomorrow. 255/60 front and 275/60 rear. White letters out of course.
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Re: 1973 Chevelle SS Station Wagon
by S3TPI Thu Apr 01, 2021 8:57 am
The bumper looks good, did you have to make some brackets to relocate it?
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Re: 1973 Chevelle SS Station Wagon
by Limey SE Thu Apr 01, 2021 11:10 am
S3TPI wrote:The bumper looks good, did you have to make some brackets to relocate it?
Theres actually a member here that makes relocation brackets to move the bumpers in
___________________________________________
1977 Chevelle SE x2
One Mild original
one Wild NON original
Anthony
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Re: 1973 Chevelle SS Station Wagon
by bucket Thu Apr 01, 2021 6:17 pm
S3TPI wrote:The bumper looks good, did you have to make some brackets to relocate it?
I flipped the factory "side" brackets from side to side, turned them around and re-mounted them to the center brackets, after drilling holes to get the placement right. Right now, the bumper is actually only bolted to the bottom of the brackets. I have square tube spacers bolted to the top of the brackets that push up against the backside of the bumper to keep it supported for now.
It's functional for now, but when I find a decent bumper without all the extra trim holes, I will fab up a couple upper brackets that utilize the factory bolt holes. If all else fails, I'll shave all the holes in the stock bumper and have it re-chromed.
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Re: 1973 Chevelle SS Station Wagon
by bucket Thu Apr 01, 2021 6:22 pm
Limey SE wrote:ÂS3TPI wrote:The bumper looks good, did you have to make some brackets to relocate it?
Theres actually a member here that makes relocation brackets to move the bumpers in
Hmm. I was not aware of that. Oh well, I guess I at least got a little satisfaction from rearranging factory parts to make it work, lol.
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Re: 1973 Chevelle SS Station Wagon
by bucket Thu Apr 01, 2021 6:35 pm
This is the factory positioning of the brackets, with the upper panel removed:
Here the brackets have been swapped around and marked for where the holes needed drilled:
New holes drilled:
Here the brackets have been swapped around and marked for where the holes needed drilled:
New holes drilled:
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Re: 1973 Chevelle SS Station Wagon
by bucket Thu Apr 01, 2021 6:45 pm
Here's the admitted hokeyness going on down below. It works, but is not pleasing to the eye. When it goes back together next time, the brackets will get trimmed to match the edge of the bumper and I will use polished stainless hardware.
Today I got the tires mounted and balanced.
Today I got the tires mounted and balanced.
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Re: 1973 Chevelle SS Station Wagon
by Hs1973 Sun Apr 04, 2021 2:01 am
Cool car. Here in Copenhagen in the 80s we had alot of elcos and wagons. I always had a soft spot for them. But sadly they are all gone now and rare. I guess all died from the salt on the vinter roads. However in the 80s you could have on running and driving for 1500 dollars. Nowadays if you find one its more like 20 000. I sold a fully restored 73 elcamino with 350 and auto for 15 000 some years ago. I would kill to have that wagon.
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Re: 1973 Chevelle SS Station Wagon
by bucket Tue Apr 06, 2021 1:16 am
They are a rare sight around here these days too. This one is certainly a little rough, but at least it still exists! Lol. I talked to the guy that owned the car from '92-'19 and he was happy to know that I intend to put the car back on the road. He said when he last drove the car in the late 90's, it was running and driving well, even the AC was operational.
I don't have much left to do, just put the carb back on and put a battery in it. But that will have to wait until I get back home from working out of town. But the wheels are on and the car is finally off the trailer. The trailer made a nice work surface so I didn't have to lay on the ground.
I don't have much left to do, just put the carb back on and put a battery in it. But that will have to wait until I get back home from working out of town. But the wheels are on and the car is finally off the trailer. The trailer made a nice work surface so I didn't have to lay on the ground.
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Re: 1973 Chevelle SS Station Wagon
by Mitchell Murphy Tue Apr 06, 2021 6:52 pm
Yes, really neat piece of Super Sport History, Always will wonder why did Chevrolet decide to do this? I had a 454 car in the Chamois Color and neutral interior. Everywhere, and I mean everywhere I drove the car, it was a magnet, and pulled all kinds of people up to the car asking questions about...talk about a conversation piece? Wow...Only thing I added was the factory gauge cluster with the Tach, to me all 454 cars, this should have been standard OEM on the cars. Thank you for buying this car, take your time, Do it right, and when you go to sell it, it may do right by You, Mitch
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