1973 Wagoneer or buy a newer Wagoneer?

[falmen]

I am new to these forums (I usually play with muscle cars) and have an opportunity to pick up a decent 1973 Wagoneer for $500. 360 with QT and TH-400 ok paint, nice interior and minimal rust. It runs and is one owner vehicle.

I have done some research and it seems most of the parts available are for 76 and newer wagoneers but I like the fact that I do not have to smog it in evil CA. I would like to add a 6" lift with 33" tires while adding A/C and a few modern touches. It would be used to take the family camping/fishing with some offroading (no major rock crawling).

I'm I better off getting newer rig with some of these features or is this a good deal? Any input would be great.

Thanks

[letank]

if the floor board at the wheel well and the roof does not have rust around the A pillar, this is a GO, recheck the rear quarter panel, but those are easy fixes.

For the 6" lift, you can have the standard front and go chevys for the rear.

With a 2" you can go almost anywhere, a selectable locker in the back will do a lot more than a 6" -flame suit on-

Picts?

[lost1]

Man I'd do it in a heartbeat... where are these deals when I'm in the market to buy? :D Stick it to the smog man.

[suzq044]

I am new to these forums (I usually play with muscle cars) and have an opportunity to pick up a decent 1973 Wagoneer for $500. 360 with QT and TH-400 ok paint, nice interior and minimal rust. It runs and is one owner vehicle.

I have done some research and it seems most of the parts available are for 76 and newer wagoneers but I like the fact that I do not have to smog it in evil CA. I would like to add a 6" lift with 33" tires while adding A/C and a few modern touches. It would be used to take the family camping/fishing with some offroading (no major rock crawling).

I'm I better off getting newer rig with some of these features or is this a good deal? Any input would be great.

Thanks
I believe it's got to be Manufactured in '75 to be smog exempt, not '76. Just wanted to make sure you knew that. Of course, it doesn't matter, since you're interested in a 73.. lol - Definitely go for the 73, it'll save you hastles with smog from the get-go; and probably a lot of money too.

[falmen]

Thanks for the help. Just wanted to confirm since I'm new to the Jeeping world. Us muscle car guys don't know what to do once the payment turns to dirt.

For the 6" lift, you can have the standard front and go chevys for the rear.

With a 2" you can go almost anywhere, a selectable locker in the back will do a lot more than a 6" -flame suit on-

What Chevy lift will work without to much hassle? I believe this is a Dana 44 rear since it has QT.

[lkmarsh]

Jump on it. Being a 73 means you can change whatever you want to newer spec, whether for availability or usefulness, it's your truck. Can't do that with 76 and later. You can run 31" without lift, 33" might look small under a 6" lift. If you want newer suspension, consider a body swap, your 73 onto a later frame. California's intrusiveness into our lives knows no bounds, so avoiding what you can only makes sense. Bring on the pictures!

[JohnnyJ]

The cut for the modern Wag lifts for front springs is 1974. Rear springs became common in 1976. 1973 does have the ability to use other 4" lifts available:

http://www.bjsoffroad.com/CartGenie/prod-709.htm

[Brizio]

I would say go for it. NO SMOG TEST...:D

[jaber]

First off, welcome to the land of empty pockets and unfinished projects...

There are a lot of aftermarket products that will still fit your '73. There are even lifts available for it. Dont let the age scare you.
I agree with the rest, a '73 in Ca. for $500 with little to no rust is well worth the money. Grab it, you wont be sorry.:D

[krek]

Grab it, you wont be sorry.:D

Oh... you'll be sorry... but it is a "happy sorry"... :thumbsup:

[AM Woody]

Taking rust out of the equation, IMO the #1 cause of grief in owning a late Grand Wagoneer is the overcomplicated emissions control system. Not just for smog testing, but driveability. It seems cobbled together and some stupid valve or hose is always breaking causing a flat spot or rough idle, or whatever. I would have to think a '73 would be simpler to start with. Also, the aging power luxury accessories can be a nuisance.

Plus, maybe you guys have them stacked like cord wood out there but I think a '73 would be a lot more distinctive than a newer one.

[tgreese]

The downside of a '73 is it has drum brakes, and a closed-knuckle Dana 30 front axle. One year newer gives you a Dana 44 with open knuckles and disks (usually).

Nonetheless, if it's in good shape, no rust, runs and drives, complete, I'd buy it for $500 on the spot.

[Badawg]

I love my 74 I picked up in January for 500. It runs great. No smog is why I bought it. As for daily driving you will spend money on gas...lots. I drove to work in it twice this week and thats 240 miles and 2 5000' climbs. she just chugs along and not even 40mph winds slow her down. Go for it. it's a good beast of burden.

[jMedia]

Do it, nothing beats not having to smog. It is such a paint in the bum to smog, you can't change anything on the vehicle unless its CARB approved. Trust me, it'll be worth it

[billyj7175]

Welcome from Southern Illinois...

I was stationed at Edwards AFB (Lancaster/High Desert area) back in the day...hated the smog issues I had to deal with on my 83' J10...

I agree with everyone else, I'd jump all over it...

[letank]

Thanks for the help. Just wanted to confirm since I'm new to the Jeeping world. Us muscle car guys don't know what to do once the payment turns to dirt.

For the 6" lift, you can have the standard front and go chevys for the rear.

With a 2" you can go almost anywhere, a selectable locker in the back will do a lot more than a 6" -flame suit on-

What Chevy lift will work without to much hassle? I believe this is a Dana 44 rear since it has QT.

You need the chevys rear springs only, there are some issues with the size of the post mount bushing for the spring, which makes the lift, not a standard out of the box deal.

As for Drums, you could have a late 73 which may have the disk front w Dana44.

[gladman]

We're both in California. To me, the rule is pre 75 only.

No smog. easy to register. done.

they are great vehicles and fun to work on.

[GrandWag&Prix]

"...aging power luxury accessories can be a nuisance." Andy - you are so right. Power everything is nice to have...when it works. I'm still trying to get the tailgate, right rear window, and cruise control to work properly.

[suzq044]

Any pics yet? :D

[falmen]

Here are some pics

http://pbckt.com/sZ.4TM

[Josh D]

Niiice! And I'm really liking that color!:thumbsup:

[lost1]

Daaaang! Unless those pictures are hiding the worst of it, that Wag is in beautiful shape for its age!

[tgreese]

Niiice! And I'm really liking that color!:thumbsup:

It's a nice color, but not factory for 1973. It's been repainted, and I expect that the clear-coat is failing - that's why it has the fogged spots on the hood. From under the hood, it looks like Fairway Green Poly, code 512, or 519 with white 2-tone. Fairway Green is a great color, if you wanted to put it back to the factory color.

[Fiodh. Argus]

Wow! all that for $500! Good find. The wood looks beautiful!