330Rocket

I wanted to share a few updates regarding the progress of my Vista Cruiser. I’ll be honest, the more I work on her, the more I love this wagon!

Work began by cleaning her out and evicting the rats and black widows. Replacing the cargo well area, floor boards, and getting her mechanically sound.

Unfortunately, I had to pause working on the VC because we had a devastating event in our family. We lost our 7 year old daughter Layla. It really rocked my wife and family.



My little girl Layla

I decided to rename my Vista Cruiser to Layla’s Cruiser. She absolutely loved the wagon. May my little angel rest in the arms of the Heavenly Father.

Here’s a list of some of the major items I fixed or replaced:
Front bumper
Double hump hood
Four barrel intake
Fitech fuel injection
New Upholstery
Sound deadening material
New wheels and tires
Wilwood disc brakes
New brake lines
New master cylinder
New upper and lower control arms
New front and rear springs
New exhaust, including down pypes, X pipe, and black widow mufflers
New headlights and grill

I currently have a small block 350 getting built with hypereutectic pistons, Lunati, cam, and machined 5A cylinder heads. I will keep you guys updated with more improvements. I make to the wagon. Here are a few pictures:

She was looking really sad


Quite filthy













She actually runs great and real smooth! The FiTech made a huge difference



Bucket seats

Oldsguy

Nice work.

1arunem

Very sorry about your loss. Great work and tribute!

VC455

I had a very difficult childhood from age 3. And when I asked myself why I had to go through what I did, I got the message, "I love you. You'll be OK." And Layla is OK too.

Nice work on your Vista Cruiser.

Mine is an LA car as well. Like yours, the most rust was from the windows being left down. The spare tire well on mine was mostly gone. The previous owner "repaired" it with dental casting compound (he owned a dental lab).

It took me 15 years to finish mine. You're getting it done much faster.

330Rocket

Gary, thank you so much for your words of support. I really appreciate that. I also appreciate the previous messages that people have left as well.
Your car sounds awesome! Hopefully you have some pictures posted somewhere so I can check it out!

VC455

Thank you!

For pictures:
Click on VC455 at top left in one of my posts.
Click "View Public Profile"
On the RH side, click "Show All Albums."

There are a lot of stories behind those construction pictures. Shoot me a PM if you have questions.