If the Checker Aerobus we featured earlier has too many doors for your tastes or is simply too long, you might be more interested in this 1962 Ford Country Wagon. Reader Richard B came across it here on craigslist and thought it would be a great candidate for Wagon Wednesday. This one looks rough on the outside, but has already had a lot of work done to it and is ready to drive. We aren’t sure about the rust… or patina as the seller calls it, but it could be a great project. Our thanks to Richard for the tip!
The seller has already gotten this wagon back on the road. They installed a new motor with all new hardware and exhaust system. The original three speed transmission is still in place and supposedly works great. On the inside, they installed new carpets and seat covers, but left the rest of the pieces showing their original patina. It is an interesting mix of new and old. Depending on what motor they installed, this could make for a great stoplight sleeper that would leave a smile on your face and a look of dismay on all the cars you beat off the line!
We appreciate the style and look of patina, but this wagon looks to have more rust than patina. While we would hate to lose the originality, we think this one might be better off with some new paint. Perhaps a good painter could accurately replicate this one’s original look with paint. It might not look the same, but at least you would know it isn’t going to rust away anytime soon. So would you leave it as is or would you repaint it?
Patina is one thing, cancerous rust is another thing entirely. This car has rust coming THROUGH the fenders and I would not be surprised to find it close to coming through toe roof & hood. I’d only leave it as is if I was gonna use it to go fishing in. For a car show it needs and deserves to be patched and painted!
I’m holding out for a white ‘62 Country Squire with red interior with faux wood side! Truely, a “Dorothy Baxter special”!
That interior sure looks clean though :)
2 wagons today and they both have 3 on the trees, great fun. get a wagon before the prices start to climb.
I’m with you on these jim s, this one has that dry climate rust most likely surface & not through rust.
The ad says calls only, but does not have a phone number
Dave, if you click the “contact” button, a drop down box will give you the phone number.
Worthwhile project if you ask me. Complete and fairly straight. Someone’s going to have some fun.
I agree, I love the looks of ’50’s and ’60’s wagons, so personally I think they are all worthwhile projects heh!
So many choices. Do you go with the turquoise, the white, a rusty brown or maybe a panel of each? I always liked the ’62’s and I particularly like the 390 engine call out on the front fenders. Please don’t rod it.
Barry Thomas’ “Wheel to wheel” blog
i’m for a repair or replace and repaint. newer suspension, some deep dish chrome wheels with baby moons and bigger tires in back stock size chrome and baby moons up front and hope they did the motor justice..three on the tree are cool but you gotta be good if your going light to light.