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Projects 1952 Pontiac Catalina Hardtop Build

Discussion in 'Traditional Hot Rods' started by 1959Nomad, Sep 8, 2021.

  1. Bruce A Lyke
    Joined: Jun 21, 2009
    Posts: 2,523

    Bruce A Lyke
    Member

    p6.jpg p2.jpg p3.jpg p5.jpg p4.jpg
    Did some touchup on the badging to get the red back
     
  2. Bruce A Lyke
    Joined: Jun 21, 2009
    Posts: 2,523

    Bruce A Lyke
    Member

    Oh, despite what the state thinks, seems i have a 1952, not a 51. this is now located behind the battery holder tag.jpg
     
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  3. patsurf
    Joined: Jan 18, 2018
    Posts: 1,025

    patsurf

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  4. Bruce A Lyke
    Joined: Jun 21, 2009
    Posts: 2,523

    Bruce A Lyke
    Member

    Thanks
    One thing for sure, the price was right:cool:
     
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  5. Looking good Bruce!
     
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  6. Bruce A Lyke
    Joined: Jun 21, 2009
    Posts: 2,523

    Bruce A Lyke
    Member

    First time washing the car since I got it 52 Nov 21.jpg
     
    Last edited: Nov 18, 2021
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  7. Looks like it had a visor at some point? I see the holes in the a-pillar anyway.
     
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  8. Bruce A Lyke
    Joined: Jun 21, 2009
    Posts: 2,523

    Bruce A Lyke
    Member

    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
     
  9. Lol...only with my cheaters. :oops:
     

  10. Cleans up real nice. Sure is purdy!
     
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  11. BuckeyeBuicks
    Joined: Jan 4, 2010
    Posts: 2,705

    BuckeyeBuicks
    Member
    from ohio

    Good lookin' car, you found a keeper!
     
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  12. Bruce A Lyke
    Joined: Jun 21, 2009
    Posts: 2,523

    Bruce A Lyke
    Member

    Thanks Guys!
     
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  13. Bruce A Lyke
    Joined: Jun 21, 2009
    Posts: 2,523

    Bruce A Lyke
    Member

    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[​IMG]

    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.
     

    Attached Files:

  14. Spooky
    Joined: Mar 3, 2001
    Posts: 2,239

    Spooky
    Member

    What a sweet lil Poncho!
     
  15. Bruce A Lyke
    Joined: Jun 21, 2009
    Posts: 2,523

    Bruce A Lyke
    Member

    Skiet.jpg 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"
     
  16. buick bill
    Joined: Dec 18, 2008
    Posts: 856

    buick bill
    Member
    from yreka;ca

    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
     
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  17. Bruce A Lyke
    Joined: Jun 21, 2009
    Posts: 2,523

    Bruce A Lyke
    Member

    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:cool:
     
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  18. CruZer
    Joined: Jan 24, 2003
    Posts: 1,934

    CruZer
    Member

    That is a very unique car. I wish it were mine. Very cool!
     
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  19. Bruce A Lyke
    Joined: Jun 21, 2009
    Posts: 2,523

    Bruce A Lyke
    Member

    LOL, guessing that would be in addition to the 57 HT, not in lieu of:rolleyes:
     
  20. Bruce A Lyke
    Joined: Jun 21, 2009
    Posts: 2,523

    Bruce A Lyke
    Member

    Old Gear.jpg New Gear.jpg
    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.:rolleyes:
     

    Attached Files:

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  21. Bruce A Lyke
    Joined: Jun 21, 2009
    Posts: 2,523

    Bruce A Lyke
    Member

    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.
     

    Attached Files:

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  22. Bruce A Lyke
    Joined: Jun 21, 2009
    Posts: 2,523

    Bruce A Lyke
    Member

    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
     

    Attached Files:

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  23. Bruce A Lyke
    Joined: Jun 21, 2009
    Posts: 2,523

    Bruce A Lyke
    Member

    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
     

    Attached Files:

  24. PhilA
    Joined: Sep 6, 2018
    Posts: 2,061

    PhilA
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    1. Hydro Tech

    Coming along well!
     
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  25. Bruce A Lyke
    Joined: Jun 21, 2009
    Posts: 2,523

    Bruce A Lyke
    Member

    Progress continues
    Now have a functional shifter and a reasonably accurate indicator
    New indicator.jpg
     

    Attached Files:

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  26. Bruce A Lyke
    Joined: Jun 21, 2009
    Posts: 2,523

    Bruce A Lyke
    Member

    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:rolleyes:
    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!
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited: Dec 31, 2021
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  27. Bruce A Lyke
    Joined: Jun 21, 2009
    Posts: 2,523

    Bruce A Lyke
    Member

    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
     

    Attached Files:

  28. Bruce A Lyke
    Joined: Jun 21, 2009
    Posts: 2,523

    Bruce A Lyke
    Member

    Progress is steady but slow, as the rework on the wiring is getting done. Hard to see the progress but it is happening:rolleyes: wiring on 52.jpg
     
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  29. v8flat44
    Joined: Nov 13, 2017
    Posts: 1,211

    v8flat44

    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.
     
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  30. Bruce A Lyke
    Joined: Jun 21, 2009
    Posts: 2,523

    Bruce A Lyke
    Member

    One of the Before Pictures:rolleyes: wiring on 52 B4.jpg
     
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