Barn Finds reader Gary must be well-aware that we frequently post “shortys” (some might say we find every single one that’s for sale) as they seem to be very polarizing amongst our readers. He was kind enough to send in the link to this drastically shortened 1963 Chevy II station wagon that’s listed for sale here on Facebook Marketplace. It’s located in Cataula, Georgia, and is offered for sale for $3,000.
I think the modifier of this wagon was trying for the “panel truck look” as it looks like the coverings for the rear side windows are solid. You can tell that the starting point was a four-door wagon just like this similar car that Jeff wrote about in 2018. Checking out that post will also give you a pretty decent idea of what this project would look like once completed. If you take this car on, it would probably be inspiring — and necessary — to post pictures on the wall of your garage reminding you of what it can look like; the overall presentation at this point is hardly inspiring. Neither is the ad, as apart from stating that a lot of parts come with the car, we are told absolutely nothing about it.
It’s apparent that the passenger side of the car was where the project stopped; hopefully, either a modified or the original rear door from the wagon is included. Understandably, originality isn’t important with a project like this, but it is nice that bumpers and the side trim are included (hey, I’m trying to be positive, ok?) Sure, there’s rust — but are you really worried about structural integrity if you are willing to drive something as altered as this car is? Heck, depending on what engine you put in (and how far back you install it) you might have a great wheel stander project — Chevy II Under Glass? The Little Red Panel Wagon? I’ll let the future owner decide.
I don’t remember ever being particularly enthusiastic about the idea of cutting a chunk out of the wheelbase of any car, but it was a popular thing to do in the 70s and early 80s. Anyone feeling nostalgic for a shorty?
Give me a break! Maybe $300 for parts or if you really wanted to do a shorty project.
Looks to me it’s short of everything….
If you squint the back end kinda looks like the back end of a Jeep Wagoneer
This car is an abomination, the proportions are all wrong. There is a reason it was abandoned in the woods.
Steve R
I wonder why people don’t narrow these about a foot as well? I mean, why not go all out with a 5/8 version with a monster engine? (ala CarToon’s magazine style)
Would have been worth more if they done nothing.
I say if short on cash pull drive train and glass and sell for scrap metal.
I love the idea of shorties and have seen some great ones and some abominations. One of the biggest shortcomings could be overcome if the moved the rear axle and wheel well back to bring it back into balance
Junk!
One mans trash is another mans trash.
scott m has it right. Using the skill it takes to shorten a car, why not also move the rear axle back and these would be reasonably attractive vehicles. Yeah, it would take a skilled body man working the sheet metal, but not beyond possible.
If he pays me I’ll stop by to haul it away!!
Crush it and half a million other hillbillied out POS’s that exist in this country.
while ‘off’ a lill the ingenuity and gumption ‘to put hands on’ & ‘geterdone’ are what we need more of today in usa.
“Nah! let’s get back to our ‘puters’n ‘F’ that.” is heard too often around me. I’m w/Scott’n others. A lill sheet metal’n frame wrk can bring this back into proportion – makes worth while endings…
Why is time even being wasted talking about it. Stick to things at least somewhat worthy
You wasted time complaining about other people wasting time?