Ford Fairlane Station Wagon
Font size: [A] [A] [A]
e-mail this
share this
Q: Greg, I have a 1964 Ford Fairlane 500 Station Wagon. I am trying to keep it in good running condition and appearance. I would like to know where I can attain replacement parts, and would like to know how many of these cars were produced. I've only seen one other car like this in an area of 50,000 people. I enjoy your old cars column. James P., Rocky Mount, N.C.
A: Thanks James, and you've got a pretty rare wagon on your hands. Ford produced only 24,962 Fairlane 500 Station wagons in '64, and since wagons are still on the "collector endangered species" list, the longer you keep it, the better.
Your Fairlane wagon sold new for $2,612, has a wheelbase of 115.5 and weighs 3,310 lbs. As for securing parts, I recommend you subscribe to (or pick up regularly) the monthly Hemmings Motor News and the bi-weekly Auto Roundup, both of which are loaded with ads from companies and individuals for all types of vehicles.
Both Hemmings and Auto Roundup are available at quality book and magazine stores, and 7-11 quick food stops everywhere. You can also pick up a JC Whitney Auto Parts catalog, too, as they've been around for a long time and still sell lots of parts. Good luck, and take care of that '64.
Truck cap with built-in seating
Q: I remember you once wrote a column that appeared in our area paper about the dangers of passengers riding in truck beds. You mentioned widespread and vast measures to try and stop people from doing this. However, some people have no other transportation, and have to ride in the bed. With this in mind, why doesn't a company develop a cover cap that slips over the bed with a seat built-in near the cab side of the bed? This would effectively turn the truck bed into a passenger area for three more passengers, while still retaining most of the carrying capability of the truck bed. The slip in passenger seat attachment would be equipped with seat belts, making it as safe as the cab. Blake M., Keyser, Va.
A: Good idea Blake, as long as it passes government safety demands and area codes of transportation. Maybe some company out there is reading this right now.
Oldie but goodie
Q: Greg I have a 1970 Chrysler Newport, which has always been garage kept. My late husband and I took good care of it, and it has low miles. I'm not sure what to do with it since I have a newer car, and I don't know its present value. Can you help? Mrs. S. S., Pennsylvania.
A: Mrs. S., your '70 Newport will never become a prized collector car due its fairly common status and production of 110,292 units that year. However, if the car is as nice as you say, you might want to try to sell it on a "best offer" basis by running a classified ad in your local newspaper. You may get as high as $1,500 to $2,000 from a buyer looking for a car like yours. The second option is keeping the car, however, because it seems from the tone of your letter that the car also has a sentimental value. Since it's paid for, you might want to consider keeping it. If your present car breaks down, you've got a buddy waiting in the wings. I would bet that on a nice spring or fall day, a drive in your Newport could serve you well for many reasons.
Thanks for your letter, and God bless you.
Be the first to comment on this article!