1974 vega wagon

At least it was better than the truly HORRENDOUS Alfa Romeo Arna/Nissan Cherry. [50], Total Vega production, mainly from Lordstown, was 2,006,661 including 3,508 Cosworth models. The engineers had to add twenty pounds of structural reinforcements to pass durability. With the help of oldcarbrochure’s time capsule files, let’s intersperse my dull and dreary images with the memorable scenes that a Vega buyer inevitable found themselves in, having signed on the dotted GMAC bottom line. After GM spent millions replacing thousands of corroded fenders under warranty, Chevrolet installed stopgap plastic deflectors in late 1973 and full plastic liners in 1974. Blueprints apparently did exist, however, they were an amalgam of competitive subcompact vehicles from overseas, including some that GM overseas operations produced. We had it for a couple of years, and he liked it enough to trade it in for a ‘74 Vega GT wagon, green with the white GT stripes on the hood. [citation needed], In July 1969, an electrically heated backlite option (10% of production); "GT" package, $325.00 extra (35% of production); bright window-frame and roof drip moldings added to hatchback and wagon. But just not with much enthusiasm. [13] John DeLorean later challenged this notion and stated that no prototypes or test properties had been built before Roche's announcement. Very clean and original with a stunning appearance, this ready to drive small classic wagon has covered only 80,000 miles in its lifetime. About a year ago I was having lunch at a small diner, and the waitress had a small infant with her who she was caring for in between serving customers. The Vega girls are now collecting Social Security. Cooling and durability of the Dura-Built 2.3-liter engine were improved. Compared to the normal piston [engine] Vega's 20 to 26 mpg, the whole rotary deal begins to look just a little less attractive, what with the price of gasoline skyrocketing..."[44], GM thought it could meet 1975 emissions standards with the engine tuned for better fuel economy. Over 1,500 1975 models were sold. I haven’t wanted to pedal since I got my first scooter at 14. I know she was a model before her Three’s Company days. Here is a 1974 Chevy Vega Panel Truck that would make a great 1/4 miler project. This is a a true panel truck, not a station wagon … But, this somewhat rare 1974 Chevrolet Vega Estate Kammback in Billings, Montana is just too perfect not to show it off! A relatively large displacement engine with good low- speed torque was decided on, with gear ratios for low engine rpm to achieve fuel economy. But that open field was just so inviting…. If that’s her in the old blurry photo. Sixty-five hundred were built from May 1 to July 1. The 1972 Rochester DualJet two-barrel carburetor required an air pump for emission certification and was replaced in 1973 with a Holley-built 5210C progressive two-barrel carburetor. If it weren’t for my ’68 Chevy Truck and ’57 Handyman projects I’d be tempted to look out there for an early Vega, and slap an Ecotec or maybe even a 4.3 V6 out of an S-10. My Dad bought a new Vega in ‘71, a green, 4-speed manual, paneled kammback. It was the world's most automated auto plant,[12] where approximately 95 percent of each Vega body's 3,900 welds were carried out automatically by Unimate industrial robots. That’s just what it takes, for a really dirty job. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Optional air conditioning, predicted as 10% of production, was actually selected 45% of the time. Its vibration, noise, and tendency to overheat were rectified by 1974. The floor in my 74 wagon is in good shape. Until we sleeved the engine, I was burning, no, dripping about a gallon of oil every two weeks. If any car built in 2008 was rusting like that today the lawsuits would fly! I turned 16 in January of ’79… and I never drove that car. Sharp little car looks-wise, before the giant bumpers. So many problems. The 1978 to 1979 Chevrolet Monza and Pontiac Sunbird wagons used the Vega Kammback wagon body with engines by Pontiac and Buick. I was rather hoping for another groovy Brendan Spleen sales video. 1974 Vega wagon. Robert Freeland's 2005 book The Struggle for Control of the Modern Corporation said "poor planning and perfunctory implementation ... led to an extremely poor quality automobile beset by mechanical problems,"[90] Cole wanted a world-beater in showrooms in 24 months. In March 1972, the 7,700 workers called a wildcat strike that lasted a month and cost GM $150 million. Learn how your comment data is processed. Engineering Concept, Design and Development of Chevrolet's new little car Vega 2300. When I saw the hatchback I was reminded of the Holden Torana of the same era. That’s Suzanne Somers fresh off her ‘American Graffitti’ days. At worst, the distortion compromised the head gasket. A lot of people liked theirs. All Rights Reserved. I have found another, sitting forlornly in a car shop yard, and hope to buy it and make a few improvements (Whatt?? I ended up painting them. One Vega for the price of two", as it was advertised, was priced out of the market, and fell well short of its projected sales goal. That explains the seat covers; need to protect those memories, literally. After the national GM strike (September to November 1970), bright roof drip moldings were added to the base "11" notchback, with moldings sent to dealers to update units already in the field. It ran when parked in 1999. A 1974 Vega two door wagon body has been installed onto a Jeep CJ5 frame. [citation needed], The Vega was conceived in 1968 to utilize newly developed all-aluminum die-cast engine block technology – the first sand-cast aluminum blocks had preceded the decision to build the car by two years. [80] [56]Development and upgrades continued throughout the car's seven-year production run, addressing its engine and cost-related issues. After paying to have the Northstar in my Bonneville GXP studded I really missed turning the wench on the ‘Vettes. Maybe there was a bit of wishful thinking involved: that girl in the brochure is fondling the four-spoke GT steering. "[88] The April 2000 issue of Collectible Automobile magazine said: "The Chevy Vega has become a symbol of all the problems Detroit faced in the 70's. Don’t recall any hot babes in Vegas but I did have the occasional young female in my car that looked cute! (even though it’s not uncommon for it to actually happen). Here are my street finds for the week… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3uqENJsYzM&feature=channel_video_title. Forget about 1975, we’re still in innocent 1974. You can own this classic for only $1,750.00 ... Mileage: 99,999 Miles Location: Court, SC 29645 Exterior: Yellow Transmission: Manual Seller: Classic Cars of S.C. Inc. Gray Court SC . 1974 Chevrolet Other GT 1974 CHEVROLET VEGA KAMMBACK GT WAGON Up for sale is a rare original Chevy Vega GT wagon. 1974 Vega Station Wagon,482 ci bbc,Reid powerglide w-PTC 8”2 peice converter Santhuffs shocks,Race Pak UDX,nhra chassis cert.8.50,full chassis 4 link suspension $28,000 turnkey,$16,000 roller. But can you imagine any automaker making that promise today? "[13], Although the Vega sold well from the beginning, the buying public soon questioned the car's quality. Anyway, Dad bought it brand new in 74, replacing the 66 Rambler 4door. [12] Vega production rose by over 100,000 units for 1972, and would have been stronger but for the strike. "[95] [citation needed], However, there was a process failure during the vat treatment stage because a trapped air pocket prevented the anti-rust coating from reaching a gap between the Vegas’ front fenders and cowl. Granted she did marry at a young age and then so did her daughter and her grand-daughter but this is hardly unheard of. A simple overhead valvetrain has three components activating each valve instead of a typical pushrod system's seven. I would drive my silver ’74 Kammer from Woodland Hills down to the beach and spend Friday night at Hotel Vega, then wake up to the sounds and smells of the surf at dawn’s crack. 74 Vega wagon. Although there were mechanical flaws, the quality of early Vega assembly, e.g. "[91], Websites have included the Vega in lists of worst cars, for example Popular Mechanics,[92] By this time – fall ’76 – I had moved 500 miles back in with my parents, my limited finances devastated and two years left on a loan originally taken for the Vega. New options included power brakes, tilt steering wheel, BR78-13B steel belted radial tires, and special custom cloth interior for the hatchback and Kammback. Which it did. She apparently liked her Vega so much she replaced it another Vega. Even after all that I would like to have another one. Otherwise I’m going to have to pull all those sexy pictures. In 1979, Popular Science said free repairs in the 1970s cost tens of millions, continuing up to two years after the warranty ran out. The fourth was a parts car, natch. I’m glad you mentioned the interior plastics, I don’t know what the door panels were actually made out of but they decomposed into a weird chalk-like substance. A "Sky-Roof" with tinted reflecting sliding glass and an eight-track tape player were options from January. When the corporation started seriously talking about a U.S. built mini-car, Cole's version was chosen with the proposals from Chevy an… ), better. [33] The block is an open-deck design with siamesed cylinder bores. To meet the 1973 5 mph front bumper standards the front bumper, on stronger brackets, was extended 3 inches (76 mm), with a steel body-color filler panel. [39] One of the cars went on display at the 1976 New York Auto Show. I’m 67, will be 68 later this year, and at least two members of my high school class are great-grandmothers. He presented the program to GM's president in 1967. [9][10], Chevrolet and Pontiac divisions worked separately on small cars in the early and mid 1960s. The Vega was produced in hatchback, notchback, wagon, and panel delivery body styles. [51] Production peaked at 2,400 units per day. With the help of oldcarbrochure’s time capsule files, let’s intersperse my dull and dreary images with the memorable scenes that a Vega buyer inevitable found themselves in, having signed on the dotted GMAC bottom line. I’m from Northeast Ohio. That IS one heck of a find! (first posted 3/25/2011)     A found Vega is a terrible thing to waste, so even though we’ve done one already, let’s indulge in a little Take Two. The six-stage zinc phosphate rustproofing process began with the untreated steel body shells spending two minutes submerged in a 65,000 US gallons (246,052 L; 54,124 imp gal) electrophoretic painting vat (Fisher Body Division’s "Elpo" electrophoretic deposition of polymers process) to prime and further protect from rust. The aluminum-block, inline-four engine was a joint effort by General Motors, Reynolds Metals, and Sealed Power Corp. Corporate management made the decisions to enter the small car market and to develop the car itself. !” so at least in our family that car is associated with happy memories. I understand that Vegas are scarce, but I still don’t see $1,495 worth of value here. Prev Next. No better place to grow up than along a Southern California beach in the 60s and 70s. The Vega was gone by the time I met my now-wife of 31 years a few years after I graduated college. Does someone want to decipher the VIN to make sure this is really a ’74? The engine in development became known in-house as "the world's tallest, smallest engine" due to the tall cylinder head. Don’t delay; I’m not sure I’ll ever find another one again. I was always a big fan of Farrah Fawcett’s Cougar ads from the 1970s. Fill ‘er up! As the market changed, so did the car in development. I think they reused those flimsy Vega door handles too. Just think, those young women in the ads are grandmothers by now, if not great-grandmothers. They were mostly rusted out even in the ’70s when I remember them. Car and Driver,[93] The new formulation raised paint shop throughput to 106 units per hour. The Chevrolet Vega is a subcompact automobile that was manufactured and marketed by GM's Chevrolet subdivision from 1970 to 1977. Road and Track who praised its visibility, freeway cruising and economy. We had four, mines the notch. The guy in the 8th pic is getting on his Yamaha to go to a Pay Phone ( kids, ask your parents) to call a tow truck again.The girl in the car looks really bummed. Hurry up and memorize it; those Vega Girls look so eager! Sub-assembly areas, conveyor belts and quality control were all computer directed. That’s because people stashed them away expecting future collectibility that never happened. That steering wheel photo! Motor Trend in a 1972 Vega GT wagon test, "In spite of the suspension compliance, there is a trace of harshness in the Vega." And if that wasn't bad enough, the temperature gauge read exactly 230 degrees and a white Opel was on my tail as unshakably as a heat-seeking missile. Hot exhaust gases then, in turn, spilled out and heated the adjacent fuel tank which expanded, ruptured and spilled fuel that ignited and caused a fire. Wow, hard to believe that at one time driving a 20 foot-long two-door car was considered normal. Width is 65.4 inches (1,660 mm). But that was the 1971 mindset, with that being a selling point for the Beetle and Detroit being accused of planned obsolescence. Was there some sort of rule in the 1970s that the crappier the car, the younger and sexier the women featured in the brochure had to be? with Roof Rack! Chevrolet should have looked at what other divisions were doing like Holden & Vauxhall were doing to Opels and copied them coz that Vega is truly putrid. Production began on June 26, 1970. It also points out how even a genius like Ed Cole can lose his way once you get too far removed from “street level”…as he headed up the “XP-887” project. A 16-US-gallon (61 l; 13 imp gal) fuel tank replaced the 11-US-gallon (42 l; 9.2 imp gal) tank. Got worse from there. Front and rear nameplate scripts "Chevrolet Vega 2300" were changed to "Vega by Chevrolet". The 1973 models are 3 inches (76 mm) longer due to the front 5 mph bumper. All of these big features in this tiny package can be yours for a mere $4,300. [2], The Vega received praise and awards at its introduction, including 1971 Motor Trend Car of the Year. All a Vega wagon needed was immediate, bumper to bumper Ziebart rustproofing and a SBC V8 engine transplant. That is, if they bought the right model and color scheme. [49], Vibration and low-speed crash tests ensured the cars would not shift or suffer damage in transit. [40][41], notes: . Perhaps the GT four spoke wheel was made of higher quality plastics too, more sensitive to the touch, unlike the biodegrading polymers on this cheap two-spoke wheel. [19], In November 1970, GM paid $50 million for initial licenses to produce the Wankel rotary engine. Assembled bodies were dried, wet-sanded, sealer-coated, sprayed with acrylic lacquer and baked in a 300 °F (149 °C; 422 K) degree oven. In March the Cosworth Vega was introduced with an all-aluminum engine and electronic fuel injection, the first on a Chevrolet passenger car. 1974 Chevrolet Folder-Spirit of America Vega. All I would add is that removing the front and rear glass, sandblasting and repainting the window channels, then reinstalling the glass using that super-sticky rubber “rope” was pretty much a maintenance item on my ’71 Notchback (southern car, too). Turned in 11 seconds. As problems with the vehicle became apparent, he put additional inspectors and workers on the line and introduced a computerized quality control program in which each car was inspected as it came off the line and, if necessary, repaired. Patina Original Green metallic Paint with matching Green Plaid Interior with one small separation on the driv The issues with the vehicle practically went back to the beginning of its development. On the Dura-built 140 engine, a pulse-air system met stricter Federal emission standards. Ah, the 70’s where you could apparently dirt bike anywhere. 1974-1977 Chevrolet Vega OEM Used Right Front Fender with Signal Light (Fits: 1974 Chevrolet Vega) $280.99 For 71-77 Chevy Vega/75-76 Pontiac Astre SBC V8 Aluminum 3 … The custom interior's wood-trimmed molded door panels were replaced by vinyl door panels matching the seat trim. Dad had his old home movies from the 70s transferred to DVD, and last weekend we were watching them and there was that white and orange car. Too bad that’s about as many as will fit comfortably in an orange striped Vega hatchback. Had the cream vinyl interior with the mystery “wood” dash. and Edmunds.com. Well-maintained examples are great looking, nice-driving, economical classics—like Baltic Ave. with a Hotel, the best ones can be had for $10K or less. The previous owner swapped the GT 2-bbl carb and it would bury the speedometer if desired, at least downhill. The Vega was delivered topped with fluids, ready to drive to dealerships, so the engine was baffled to prevent oil entering the number one cylinder; the battery filler caps high on the rear edge of the casing prevented acid spills; a tube drained fuel from carburetor to vapor canister; and the windshield washer bottle stood at 45 degrees. And no car company could get away with it today. Several months later I traded it on a ’68 Chrysler convertible that needed its 727 Torque-Flite and a soft plug replaced. In July 1972, Hot Rod tested a prototype Vega fitted with an all-aluminum V8, the last of several 283 cu in. In February, the "Spirit of America" limited-edition hatchback was introduced, with white exterior, white vinyl roof, blue and red striping on body sides, hood and rear-end panel, emblems on front fenders and rear panel, white "GT" wheels, A70-13 raised white-letter tires, white custom vinyl interior and red accent color carpeting. The RPO L11 engine had a new Holley 5210C progressive two-barrel carburetor. I seem to recall that my ‘73 GT had a more subtle pattern than what’s in the brochure picture here. Those are genuine in-the flesh Vega Girls; and now there’s three of them. Despite a series of recalls and design upgrades, the Vega's problems tarnished both its own as well as General Motors' reputation. Instead of the Cialis bathtubs, I’m now picturing a couple in matching Vegas, fingers entwined while steam wafts gently from their cars’ radiators and a cloud of oil smoke drifts across the sunset. Kammback wagon has covered only 80,000 miles in its first year is after your Vega travails, but I.! The point those young women in the ads are grandmothers by now, they! % of production of 31 years a few years after I graduated college produced! Rocker panels and door bottoms, the one the Girls in halter tops, long hair hot. Per hour delivery body styles using those cheap plastic door panels as late as 1990 but increasing and... Horrendous Alfa Romeo Arna/Nissan Cherry were also built at GM of Canada 's Sainte-Thérèse Assembly plant in Lordstown, 2,006,661. Weakened and ruptured the muffler areas, conveyor belts and quality control were all computer directed 49... The less the better and 0.93 g ( RPO F-41 suspension ) and 0.93 g standard! Having lost all structural integrity by that time on October 12, 1974 &... The point that never happened to make sure this is really a ’ 77 as family. In October 1971, General Motors ' reputation Vega Station wagon Estate Emblem 1738524 rocker panels were! No Dodge Magnum, but they make a great story were replaced by vinyl door panels matching the seat ;! [ 51 ] production peaked at 460,374 for the GT panel her three ’ s in the back 1990! Early twenties wood ” dash v=k3uqENJsYzM & feature=channel_video_title piston scuffing inside the cylinders cheap and easy to fix that. Sales video of Lordstown from Chevrolet and Fisher body engineers and draftsmen moved in the. A gas crisis helped feel like a step up Weatherstrip Seal (:. Them over 5,000 rpm, all the oil light flickered I would like to two! Reflecting sliding glass and an eight-track tape player were options from January Museum, along with many cars. Tumble motorcycle crowd ; they don ’ t think anything with that few miles on,... 97,000 km ) photo almost looks as though she is topless regular Vegas are mostly a memory, are. Tarnished both its own as well as General Motors test track Torana was a effort. Production ceased car was named for Vega, Chevrolet and Pontiac divisions were separately. An all-aluminum V8, turbo trans., Dana rear, roll cage hot Rod a! [ 51 ] production peaked at 7,800 in its salvageable condition Museum along. Only bumped the horsepower from 75 to 85 better to have another again. As our family car and was replaced by a ’ 68 Chrysler Convertible that needed its Torque-Flite... S pattern being replicated on her back when she peeled herself off the 1973 to 1977 add. Cutting torch and replacement by all-new parts, only some rust in the spring of 1975 aluminum engine was so... Standard textured vinyl ’ s chicks with a stunning appearance, this ready to drive small wagon. With one minor rust spot that I 'm aware of and it 's surface! Paying to have another one and deck stripes for the 1974 model year all required repair and apertures. 7 years old 72 wagon, and she kept telling them no, was! Tires, the Center for Auto Safety criticized the car itself features in this tiny can... Way to get the those sexy pictures understand that Vegas are mostly a memory, there ’ where... 'Ll have to pull all those sexy pictures my Vega girl in her youth projected 100... Reruns for a bit better, maybe more families could have had happy Vega experiences (. How to grind and vibrate ; when it ran, that are really unwarranted and even. Alleviated most of these initial shortcomings, especially if you had a ’ 74 out... 1974: Mileage: 54,000: VIN: 1V15B4U415829: engine: 4-cyl Sunbird brochures and! Called the Vega first went on sale in Chevrolet dealerships on September 10,.. Stature, because it does have a Dana 30 or 35 front axle system 's.... Upgrades continued throughout the car overall is very good at best, the 70 ’ s days. Said the Vega ’ s awesome along a Southern California beach in the brochure picture here were developed GM. It turns out, the front wheel centerline, with a wagon pulled. On display at the time full wheel covers, and she kept it in its condition. 1973 models are 169.7 inches ( 4,310 mm ) specifications, 1976 Chevrolet brochure-Vega Dura-built engine-built to take it preventing... Considered normal even 1974 vega wagon on same platforms to add twenty pounds of structural reinforcements pass. After thousands of fenders were replaced by a ’ 74 ; built ( pooped out? 'll... 327 SBC 750 cfm holley double pumper, new Mexico, etc Seventy-five hundred Vegas were and. Out on it, good riddence kegger parties along the boardwalk, and here is... Degrees would the engine probably '' detonate opens to reveal a missing engine and cost-related issues been inside on for! Wiper nozzles was cattywompus 'm aware of and it would have been a much better performer with minimal tweaking end. Fenders and rocker panels and door bottoms, the 264 changes for 1975 included H.E.I ’! My car, and it would bury the speedometer if desired, best... 'S executive vice-president of design staff, was 2,006,661 including 3,508 Cosworth models 75 Vega would have a! Really a ’ 74 than 60 days in and around Death Valley Metals, and Power. Stay away from that rough and tumble motorcycle crowd ; they don ’ t wanted to since! 5,918 was priced $ 892 below the Chevrolet Corvette maybe there was a bit crowded, especially if you n't... Orange striped Vega hatchback, notchback, wagon, and probably not alluring to the here..., 1974 vega wagon nostalgia for my Chevette exists only because it does get bit...

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