Kurt in NJ may be on to something. Did you look at the LF wheel cylinder, while someone pumped the brake pedal, with the drums off, to make sure it was working? The shoes should be moving.
And then there's the small detail of the title. Your title is for a convertible. You can not change the title from convertible to station wagon (legally). You will not be able to get insurance for a station wagon (woodie) with a convertible title. And comes the time to transfer ownership, you...
Like Lawson said but change the oil more often. Like when it gets black on the dipstick. I like the look of an engine without all the oil filter crap taking up all that space.
I have an idea. Why don't you ask him, in a PM, for his phone number. Then you can speak with him directly. Maybe he will sell you just the wheels. Shipping is not that bad for wheels. Good luck rockfla
Perhaps you could hide a 12V battery in the trunk and run your 12V AC with that. You could then just recharge the 12V battery after use. For long trips, carry a 12V booster pack with you.