Oh, despite what the state thinks, seems i have a 1952, not a 51. this is now located behind the battery holder
Yep, and skirts too. I have found some original skirts that will get restored at some point. Looks like the visor will have to be a Oldsmobile version since it had a 1 piece windshield. there are Re-pops available and, like the rear window screen for the 59 Nomad, will be one of the last things to spend money on (unless I find a super deal some where). BTW, good eyes
Tanks, but no Thanks?! Since is is now December and winterish, and the sending unit seemed to be bad, it was time to pull the gas tank to figure out what exactly the PO had in mind From what I can surmise, they either had, or inadvertently purchased a 1953-54 gas tank (which was identified while searching for the correct one). The bad news is the filler tube would not clear the frame, so they installed some 1X4 wooden cribbing to lower the tank. hey also cut the tube and added a joint. And yes, the sending unit is bad and seems to also be the wrong ohm range. Sold the wrong one on Marketplace to a guy here in Lakeville New tank is on order. On deck is the rework of the Painless Wiring install and the conversion to 12 volt from 6 Volt. think it is still ~28-29 weeks to BTT50's, its all good.
Look what finally arrived yesterday Not high priority Painting will likely have to wait for spring but something i want to get the car "complete"
awsome ride . i had a 50 for awhile a few yrs back . like most , i wish i had kept it . but i wasnt that impressed withe the straight 8 hydro . grt from a nostalgia aspect . but the 350 will be much better for a driver . in my opinion anyway . if mine had a 350/400 i dont think i would have let it go
Agree that original would be a little weak, my 1959 Nomad has a 235 6 with a Powerglide and that was one of the main reasons is decided to sell. had it not sold, it would be getting a transplant this winter
Finally "faced the dragon" of getting the TH400 converted to gear drive speedometer that will work with the 52 Catalina original dash. After a lot of effort to remove the press fit electronic drive the plan is now to use the plastic gear and clip. Seemed like a lot could go south with a ~500 F gear while trying to get it on to the shaft and in place.
Got the new tank is and now have a functional gas gauge. Also now have a filler neck that is where it should be and is not flopping around.
Pulled the old shifter linkage and did some troubleshooting on the range of movement. From the looks of things, the PO put the engine back a bit too far, with homemade engine and tranny mounting supports. the shift lever on the column hits the valve cover. It looks like I can cut off an inch or so, it is currently about 5" from the center of the shaft to the current connecting rod shaft. Have a Lokar (or that style) kit on order and looks like this will allow a normal range to all gears. Currently it was not possible to downshift to 1 & 2
Well with a bit of effort, some cutting, welding, rework and some trial and error, the Catalina now has a fully functional gear shift. the lever on the column no longer stops at the valve cover. The Parking brake has a new cable and is fully functional. the speedometer drive gears have been switched and should soon provide an accurate indication of MPH. The old semi-shiny gas cap without a seal has been replaces too with a new one with a decent seal
Yearend update, hope to keep making progress and will be making updates every 1-2 weeks to help stay on track. Feel free to bug me if it seems that things have stalled Updated gauges to use a chrome mounting that was in the Nomad when I got it. Working on rerouting wiring, may have to shorten most of it, good news is ~75% was completed and working. adding 12 volt wipers, th400 kickdown, Backup switch and Neutral safter Switch, as well as a Small "defogger" just to have for a rainy day the little one purchased was way too weak, so im making a "hot rod version" with much larger and higher static fans, we will see how that goes, Happy New Years to all my HAMB friends!
Time for an update.... The new wiper motor is now in and the switch was modified to go in the top of the dash and use the original knob Also have the heater ready for some paint and then installation, there will be plenty of air going to the windshield which was the main goal
Progress is steady but slow, as the rework on the wiring is getting done. Hard to see the progress but it is happening
Really nice Bruce ! I'll bet you Lyke it alot ... punn intended. Love the straight 8 too. You are blessed to find such a nice one.