b_pappy

Here's what I found to start out with. Most of these have been rode hard and put away wet. I looked at mostly "project" cars, started and abandoned. It was depressing actually. Nothing I even really wanted to drag home for free, much less paying the money people were asking for them. Finally, on a lark, I searched Craigslist in Tucson, Az and there she was. Parked in 1980 and left for better days. It's all original, and largely rust free, although everything needs to be re-done, at least I'm not going backwards. It's going to be a long process, time and money restricted, but we're planning a 383 stroker, 200 4R trans, Don Hardy headers and mounts, Chris Alston & Spohn chassis parts, and lots of GM parts where I can; 4 wheel disc brakes, narrowed posi rear end. I want to make it look as much like GM built it as I can. Ugly as sin right now, but I'm excited. Bruce a pic (this is CA, but very cold that morning, so lots of frost)

Wow, how cool is that? I love the lines of that car. Bruce

Hey Tony, welcome. Bruce

I don't mind it too much, but talking the wife into getting up that early to help me sometimes gets difficult. Bruce

Short notice for y'all, but this Sunday (tomorrow) I'll have a booth at Motors 4 Toys. This is one huge event, starting at 6:30 AM, over by noon, and they expect 5000 cars (not a typo) to pass through. I'm donating some buckets to the auction, plus selling the entire product line, and some free samples! Come on down. Bruce http://www.motor4toys.com/

Who is back? Hah, just kidding, glad to have back in the house buddy. No more straying. Bruce

No problem. I made my wife a framed GM stock certificate for her office with that engraved on the plaque.(Actually made it for mine, but she liked it too much) Bruce

I read the article before I came here, sad, very sad. "BUY AMERICAN, BEFORE IT'S BYE AMERICAN" Bruce

Welcome, great people and great info here. Bruce

Sounds like you have the answer. "Conquista" was just a trim level. I had one way back when, it was a decal, not an emblem. Bruce

Welcome to the forum, and congrats on the new car. Bruce

Chris, My buddy used to drive big rigs, now he owns a Denali 2500 and a 36' car trailer. He agreed to do the run with me. He drove it all, and I kept him company. It was a bonsai blast, left Los Angeles at 11pm, drove 500 plus miles all night. Ate breakfast in the morning and drove the rest of the way to Tucson to get the car. Some last second hesitation on my part, eventually we bought it, loaded it, turned around and headed home. We got home around 9pm that night. Neither of us slept. My wife and his g/f had a great dinner waiting for us when we got home. Whew, it felt great to lay down afterwards, I was beat. Good to have friends like him. Bruce

Got one. Just brought it home last night after a 24 hour road trip (and realizing I'm not as young as I used to be). Anyhow, I'm the third owner of a 1972 Vega Kammback (wagon). It's all original, uncut, and unmolested, mainly neglected Arizona car. The engine went sour in 1980 at 55k and they parked it. And there it sat for 32 years. It's a little time capsule. The underside is bone dry and near perfect. No pics yet, but I'll start a new thread once I get some pics of it. It will be a long slow build, but worth it. Bruce

Great job, and beautiful garage! Love the murals on the back wall. Bruce

Funny, we just got a phone call today on the answering machine, claiming to be the IRS and they were starting suit against me. The wife and I looked at each other and laughed, but unfortunately they may catch someone a little gullible. Bruce

It is called a Powerglide, and GM had them for a long time. It's still used by drag racers, although the numbers are dwindling. Only 1 shift, so it made for good 1/4 mile times. On the street it's okay, but another gear for the highway would be nice. Bruce

Three speeds! Heck, my '64 Corvette is only a 2 speed, 3 if I count Reverse. It seems everyone had a Vega once, most have gone to the great beyond. I'm looking to build a first class version.

We'll see what I find. Some very rough stuff out there, easier and money ahead to buy better, so may not be a complete project. I'm still looking, humorous how proud some people are of their cars, parts and rust. Years ago I had a Vega wagon with a 383 in it. That was a blast. I've got plenty of cars, just kind of miss a Vega in my life. I can't believe my wife hasn't had me committed though. Thanks fro the encouragement though! Bruce

Rats, and I'm on a road trip. Have fun guys. Bruce

Yeah, I had a bunch of those too. I think you're on the right track making your own go kit. Bruce

Checking ebay and local Craigslist, and auto trader. Hoping someone personally knows of a solid start.I have looked at some serious junk.

Lift companies tend to come and go, mine has since gone. Backyard Buddy seems to be a good bet though.

Congratulations! Bruce

An American made 4 post lift is always nice...

So, I may be nuts, but I want to do a (another) Chevy Vega project. I figure my extended Adam's family could produce some leads. So, I'm looking for a 1971 - 1973 Vega, Hatch, wagon, or Sedan Delivery. I don't want to start with a total basket case though. Non running is fine, 4 cyl, or V8 conversion, doesn't matter. Would be nice if someone had started a project and lost interest, 5 lug conversion, etc. Anyhow, if you have, or know of something let me know. Thanks. Bruce Bruce4Adams (at) hotmail (dot) com