We all know that the gm clamshell wagons are rare birds, and we also know that us who own them are always looking for parts. I am no different! I recently bought my dream clamshell, a 71 Custom Cruiser so I thought I'd throw my hat in the ring to put out parts feelers.

Honestly I'm open to hearing from anyone that has any kind of clamshell specific parts at this point. But if I had to make a specific want list it would be as follows: *color of the parts is of no concern*

-All the interior parts needed to convert a six passenger to a nine passenger, including second and third row seats.

-All cargo area side panels

-All cargo area interior side and tailgate window trim/mouldings

-All rear side glass and tailgate stainless trim

-Any and all tailgate operational equipment, ideally tested and in known good working order. Everything from motors, switches, relays, cables, etc.

-And probably anything else you can think of!

Thanks so much everyone!

 

You would be better off just getting a three-seat wagon in the first place. The amount of work required to do this would be extensive and require some effort, including drilling new second-seat mounting holes since the two-seat wagons did not have a split second seat. Probably have to drill new seatbelt mounting points as well, and the reinforcements in the floor pans would not be in the correct locations for them. There may or may not be seat belt mounting points for the third seat as well.

Is it that important to have the third seat? There's something to be said for keeping the car original, and unless you're going to be regularly hauling more than six people, why do you need a third seat?

 

You need a parts car. In fact, you need so many parts from the parts car, and presumably the parts should be in good working or cosmetic condition, that, if you actually found another '71 CC usable as a parts car, you might be better off keeping THAT car as your project and using your current car as the parts car.

 

Hello I parted a clamshell Buick estate wagon from 72 a while back. It was a three seater and I saved lots of the load floor parts. I have all the door and quarter side glass as well as the rear window plus all their stainless. The rear seat is in two parts for sure and needs a special bracket on the floor to hold the middle seats. I am a big wagon fan and wood like to help you if I can. The big question is where do you live? I also have a roof rack and many interior trim plastic parts. I have a near mint driver side remote outside mirror. Might be nice to talk on the phone one day. Trent in Los Angeles

 

I have a lot of what you are looking for.

I parted out a fairly decent Vista Cruiser last year.

Tom
Birmingham Alabama

 

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Vista Cruisers and full size clam shell wagons have no parts that interchange. I am confused about this post.
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I did not know that. Sorry.

 

Hi Olds442redberet: No problem. This site is great to help each other with information, parts, statistics, etc. I have had several of both types of wagons so know the parts. You have quite a nice car and I am sure you have your share of info. This is a great meeting place to help each other. I have also been schooled on many items myself. Best Regards, Trent in Los Angeles

 

I'm new on here and just found this. Did you find a source for clamshell mechanical or electrical parts? Gaskets/seals too ??

 

This is an aged thread. I bet if you made a new post at Parts Wanted you would have better luck getting a response. Happy Motoring!

 

You might try Derby suppliers. Believe those wagons were sought after by the Midwestern Derby crowd. There was a site known as "we crash". It is now defunct and it's followers are now likely on the fackbook site. I do know an individual who obtains and hauls cars and parts for the Derby crowd. He might be a source for part leads. Can furnish his contact info.