55 Chevy Shaggin Wagon

0%

Built by : Denver L & Ryan C

The yearly Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) exhibition is the Superbowl of exceptional rides. Around 1500 of the classiest rides are on display at the event held at Las Vegas Convention Center. For a vehicle to stand out and make its presence felt amongst the captive audience, it must be really special and eye-catching. Great specs and exceptional modifications are the routes to getting noticed here. The ’55 Chevy 210 Shaggin’ Wagon achieved this feat in 2017, which was the perfect ride to cast a spell on motor vehicle enthusiasts. The ride enticed the audience and gained publicity over media outlets as well. Let us summarize the story of this classic vehicle.

Buying the wagon off craigslist on a rainy day.

Got it home in the driveway

Widening the rear wheel wells

Widening the rear wheel wells

The wagon, built and owned by Denver Lawrence, was picked up as the perfect car for a rebuilt project to exhibit at SEMA 2017. It was listed on Craigslist and was immediately spotted by the present owner. The selection of this model was based on the vision the new owner had for the patina wagon’s transformation. The previous owner of the Shaggin Wagon kept the car for over 30 years and wasn’t enthusiastic about selling it. After all, it turned out to be a great vehicle for Denver. However, Denver bought the ’55 wagon only dealing with owner’s spouse because the husband did not want to see it leave. Denver was certain he got a good deal to fulfill his vision.. Surprisingly, the 1955 Wagon was not shifted to any professional garage for the buildup. Instead, most of the nine-month build of the car was completed in the driveway. Denver’s friends, cousin and other associates helped with the work for different installation related tasks.

The original exterior of the car was sturdy, and only one of the driver-side panels needed replacement, which was a positive sign regarding the vehicle's longevity. Furthermore, the car was given a new, larger set of wheel tubs to set a Ford Explorer 8.8-inch modified rear end housing into the car. This way, the problem of installing disc brakes to the Shaggin Wagon no longer existed. ’55 Wagon was further coated with POR-15 to prevent rust in the future. Additionally, the team also worked on adding a big brake kit, steering column, power steering system, master cylinder, steering linkage, and transmission mount on the car. The missing engine of the Shaggin Wagon was replaced with the modern 5.3-liter LS powerplant system installed in the ’04 Silverado Pickup. To feed the engine, a 255-lph fuel pump from Tanks Inc was installed in the Patina Wagon.

“Patina'd to Perfection
The right parts made this timeworn 210 a SEMA Standout!”

Super Chevy Magazine

The Shaggin Wagon got a new champion cooling system, all aluminum 4 core radiator and fan shroud with a dedicated engine trans cooler to support the ls motors heat and power. The vehicle has a four-speed transmission system PerformaBuilt Level 2 4L60E boasting a Hughes Performance 3,000-stall converter. The RideTech 4 link suspension installed in the rear with the gas tank relocated. Adding further to the power and performance of the Shaggin Wagon are the US Mags Nimitz wheels. The rear wheels measure 20 x 11 each, while the front wheels sit at 19 x 8 measurement. To give them a classy look, they have feature flat-black centers and are entirely wrapped with Continental rubber. The centers have bronze lips giving the wheels a rustic yet catchy finishing.

Adding 4 link to the wagon

CPP brakes going on

Shortened 8.8 Rear End

Sliding Roof Measuring

Sliding Roof hole cut

Homemade paint booth

55 wagon roof painted

painted roof and firewall

Engine added

Additionally, the power is sent back to the 3.73:1 ring-and-pinion filled Ford 8.8-inch housing due to the new Inland Empire Driveline Service-based driveshaft customized for the Shaggin Wagon. The entire engine dress-up has been replaced with the All American Billet LSX serpentine drive kit with valve covers from CRP Performance. These changes and installations have turned the classic car into a modern masterpiece.

Furthermore, the exterior now boasts an open roof to allow sunshine inside. This altercation was the biggest design change to the exterior of The Shaggin Wagon. According to Denver, this simple modification became a solid reason for the ’55 Wagon to stand out in front of the audience at the exhibition. Such roofs were uncommon in wagons of this design. Similarly, the patina wagon’s frame was installed with RideTech’s Tri-Five Coilover system boasting a four-link after the cleanup. The shortened 8.8 rear provided a suitable place to weld the four-link. New front control arms and drop spindles by Classic Performance were installed to help slide the frame back. Using the urethane body mounds, everything was mated up as well.

The incredible work on the car suggests perseverance, vision, and skill on the part of the team that worked to make the Shaggin Wagon a modern-yet-classic vehicle. Such a vision can provide the roots for unprecedented innovation in the vehicle market. It is safe to say, none of the audience at the SEMA 17 exhibition will ever forget this vehicle. With such visionary thinking, old cars can be converted into modern vehicles.