Since i bought the wagon back in 2003, i have been stopped and shouted at almost every time i drive him. From the homeless, to the house wife and of course the classic car guys who know a good project when they see it. Notorious for weak front ends, the Nova and Acadian series were almost always rebuilt as soon as one picked it up with a plan, to either make it a driver once more or for much more power. The base package on this particular wagon is as basic as you can get, what with the lack of a radio, power steering or assisted brakes and the most obvious of all, no seat belts! Along my first trip to the Squamish Reserve i was pulled over by an RCMP and he just looked inside and exclaimed, "do you even have seat belts?" With a smile i responded "1962.5" and he just laughed saying i really should get some put in. I enjoyed the first trip as it was a long and windy logging road that actually vibrated the light loose on one side leaving a frankenstein like effect with such bold lines to show itself off as we arrived in the glacier valley known as Mile 36. This was my first true test of what the Wagon could handle and I decide to avoid any logging roads after that.
The Funny thing about travels is you can make a promise and find yourself in a bind where you have to make a choice. This choice ot go to yet another event call Soundwave was not an easy one, as i was warned about the road to there being worse then Mile 36, but was faced with no ride last minute and had to find my way. So once again the MrFrosty gets his boots and wheels dirty and ready for a long road trip to the Island and beyond. One of the windiest roads i have ever come across in my life, the # 1 highway stretches one final time from the mainland to Tofino, BC. and a skilled driver with good brakes and a steady mind would be the best way to say what is needed. We made the trip, my guests and i, very slowly but with many stops along the way to truly enjoy the fantastic variety of views, smells and landscapes.
With no radio, Mrfrosty is something to get used to as you hear and feel everything along the way but i have found it adds to the experience of driving an older vehicle. I am looking forward to it being insulated and knowing it is a safer ride with sweet sounds to hear as I cruise around with it's modest straight 6 250, but will enjoy the rustic feel and simplicity as others stare at the complete lack of technology when I open the hood or doors to expose the framing and electrical dangling;)
