1963 Pontiac Catalina massive project build thread
#261
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Thank you William. Your kind words are very much appreciated.
I'm getting the car ready for the Pontiac heaven show this weekend. Assembling and mocking up everything just to tie up loose ends. Mocked up the Hilborn fuel pump system. Waiting for two fittings for the intercoolers and will be able to mock those up with AN fittings and plain old rubber hose. The little Mini radiator I'm using for the intercooler heat exchanger is getting bungs welded on and I should have that back tomorrow. I can finish mocking up the lines from it, through the pump and to the intercoolers.
Pic of the Hilborn fuel system.
![](https://www.gmforum.com/attachments/pontiac-168/11833-1963-pontiac-catalina-massive-project-build-thread-preshowpics001_zpsf7ac9948.jpg?dateline=1396397750)
I've been hunting for a '63 Grand Prix canter dash unit that hold the three factory gauges. Being pretty popular additions to standard dashes and are priced accordingly. Found one at Sundays swap for much-much less than the going rate. As you can see I jumped on it.
![](https://www.gmforum.com/attachments/pontiac-168/11834-1963-pontiac-catalina-massive-project-build-thread-preshowpics003_zpsed64efa1.jpg?dateline=1396397750)
I decided to make an easel sign for the Catalina to cover some of the stuff done to and put into it. I think this is going to be the official name of the car.
![](https://www.gmforum.com/attachments/pontiac-168/11835-1963-pontiac-catalina-massive-project-build-thread-preshowpics005_zps9f87047e.jpg?dateline=1396397750)
The sign sure as heck ain't pretty but it does reflect the look of the owner. LOL---wait a minute, what are you all laughing at?????
Then I can install all of the front sheet metal to the tilt assembly. I'm not going to add the hood yet and am still not sure if I will later. If I ever get to the dragstrip I may be forced to run it. In that instance though it may be better to have it on. I still have to map it out and cut out the shape around the scoop/inlet piping and possibly the BOVs.
Don't worry though. I will NOT be doing the lettering on the car.
Mark
I'm getting the car ready for the Pontiac heaven show this weekend. Assembling and mocking up everything just to tie up loose ends. Mocked up the Hilborn fuel pump system. Waiting for two fittings for the intercoolers and will be able to mock those up with AN fittings and plain old rubber hose. The little Mini radiator I'm using for the intercooler heat exchanger is getting bungs welded on and I should have that back tomorrow. I can finish mocking up the lines from it, through the pump and to the intercoolers.
Pic of the Hilborn fuel system.
![](https://www.gmforum.com/attachments/pontiac-168/11833-1963-pontiac-catalina-massive-project-build-thread-preshowpics001_zpsf7ac9948.jpg?dateline=1396397750)
I've been hunting for a '63 Grand Prix canter dash unit that hold the three factory gauges. Being pretty popular additions to standard dashes and are priced accordingly. Found one at Sundays swap for much-much less than the going rate. As you can see I jumped on it.
![](https://www.gmforum.com/attachments/pontiac-168/11834-1963-pontiac-catalina-massive-project-build-thread-preshowpics003_zpsed64efa1.jpg?dateline=1396397750)
I decided to make an easel sign for the Catalina to cover some of the stuff done to and put into it. I think this is going to be the official name of the car.
![](https://www.gmforum.com/attachments/pontiac-168/11835-1963-pontiac-catalina-massive-project-build-thread-preshowpics005_zps9f87047e.jpg?dateline=1396397750)
The sign sure as heck ain't pretty but it does reflect the look of the owner. LOL---wait a minute, what are you all laughing at?????
Then I can install all of the front sheet metal to the tilt assembly. I'm not going to add the hood yet and am still not sure if I will later. If I ever get to the dragstrip I may be forced to run it. In that instance though it may be better to have it on. I still have to map it out and cut out the shape around the scoop/inlet piping and possibly the BOVs.
Don't worry though. I will NOT be doing the lettering on the car.
Mark
#262
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When you get her done, I'll send you some GMFORUM decals. They will at add at least 5HP. J/K.
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#263
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5 total or 5 per decal??? I gots lotsa car there I can cover, heh. Otter get me a couple a hundered Horse powers there.
Nyuck, Nyuck, Nyuck!!!
Mark
Nyuck, Nyuck, Nyuck!!!
Mark
#264
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Nice Mark, You have been very busy!
I like the Hilborn fuel system ! Oh the GP dash once it'* gauged up will be perfect!
The Sign..ya chuckle...Are You placing a donation accepted box below?? LOL...
Look forward to pics from the Pontiac heaven show..have fun there!
I like the Hilborn fuel system ! Oh the GP dash once it'* gauged up will be perfect!
The Sign..ya chuckle...Are You placing a donation accepted box below?? LOL...
Look forward to pics from the Pontiac heaven show..have fun there!
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#265
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Damn, a donation box would be perfect---I bet I could fund a whole---uh---soda out of it--LOL. More like a couple of cigarette butts.
Mark
Mark
#266
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I just noticed something in the second pic above my post, is that a connecting rod on the steering wheel column?
If so that is ingenuity right there, an awesome temp way to steer if you need to.
If so that is ingenuity right there, an awesome temp way to steer if you need to.
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#267
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That aluminum rod is the actual steering drop (bracket). I have an old set of Howards rods and I've used them in several places. The steering column is held up with a 1 inch square steel frame work. It holds the steering and the brake mounting assembly. You can see it in this pic. I'll be making a dash face that will go behind the rod between it and the square tubing mount and then get housed in with sheet metal. It will hold additional gauges and the speedometer and tach. Still have to get the tach and speedometer so I can cut aluminum and mount it.
![](https://www.gmforum.com/attachments/pontiac-168/11838-1963-pontiac-catalina-massive-project-build-thread-cruiseoncentral004_zps82652665.jpg?dateline=1396491632)
I also cut one in half and used it to attach the other end of the steering column (on the engine side of the firewall). I used just the big end. You can see it peaking out behind the brake proportioning valve.
![](https://www.gmforum.com/attachments/pontiac-168/11839-1963-pontiac-catalina-massive-project-build-thread-mastercylinder001_zps4a08db7f.jpg?dateline=1396491632)
And brackets to hold the front Moon tank. You can see one side pretty clear in this pic.
I'm always looking for brackets made from car parts that fit the bill. Makes people go HMMMM! The brackets holding/bolting down the separate intercoolers are small block Chevy alternator bottom brackets.
Mark
![](https://www.gmforum.com/attachments/pontiac-168/11838-1963-pontiac-catalina-massive-project-build-thread-cruiseoncentral004_zps82652665.jpg?dateline=1396491632)
I also cut one in half and used it to attach the other end of the steering column (on the engine side of the firewall). I used just the big end. You can see it peaking out behind the brake proportioning valve.
![](https://www.gmforum.com/attachments/pontiac-168/11839-1963-pontiac-catalina-massive-project-build-thread-mastercylinder001_zps4a08db7f.jpg?dateline=1396491632)
And brackets to hold the front Moon tank. You can see one side pretty clear in this pic.
![](https://www.gmforum.com/attachments/pontiac-168/11840-1963-pontiac-catalina-massive-project-build-thread-newintercoolerconfiguration-2002_zpsbde72a8b.jpg?dateline=1396491632)
I'm always looking for brackets made from car parts that fit the bill. Makes people go HMMMM! The brackets holding/bolting down the separate intercoolers are small block Chevy alternator bottom brackets.
Mark
Last edited by Marks02bonneville; 04-02-2014 at 10:23 PM.
#268
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Getting the car ready for Pontiac Heaven this weekend. Mocked up everything to look complete. Installed the front sheet metal. Dropped her down on her feet.
![](https://www.gmforum.com/attachments/pontiac-168/11842-1963-pontiac-catalina-massive-project-build-thread-downandreadytoshow001_zps2ceee3ef.jpg?dateline=1396559454)
![](https://www.gmforum.com/attachments/pontiac-168/11843-1963-pontiac-catalina-massive-project-build-thread-downandreadytoshow002_zps851654a9.jpg?dateline=1396559454)
![](https://www.gmforum.com/attachments/pontiac-168/11844-1963-pontiac-catalina-massive-project-build-thread-downandreadytoshow004_zpsbf52a90a.jpg?dateline=1396559454)
![](https://www.gmforum.com/attachments/pontiac-168/11845-1963-pontiac-catalina-massive-project-build-thread-downandreadytoshow003_zpsbc7021c2.jpg?dateline=1396559454)
Feels good to be able to set down into the car instead of crawling up into it.
Mark
![](https://www.gmforum.com/attachments/pontiac-168/11842-1963-pontiac-catalina-massive-project-build-thread-downandreadytoshow001_zps2ceee3ef.jpg?dateline=1396559454)
![](https://www.gmforum.com/attachments/pontiac-168/11843-1963-pontiac-catalina-massive-project-build-thread-downandreadytoshow002_zps851654a9.jpg?dateline=1396559454)
![](https://www.gmforum.com/attachments/pontiac-168/11844-1963-pontiac-catalina-massive-project-build-thread-downandreadytoshow004_zpsbf52a90a.jpg?dateline=1396559454)
![](https://www.gmforum.com/attachments/pontiac-168/11845-1963-pontiac-catalina-massive-project-build-thread-downandreadytoshow003_zpsbc7021c2.jpg?dateline=1396559454)
Feels good to be able to set down into the car instead of crawling up into it.
Mark
#269
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Mark Enjoy the show!
You are going to have a crowd around !
Hopefully no one needs medical attention after their jaw hits the floor !! (LOL)
You are going to have a crowd around !
Hopefully no one needs medical attention after their jaw hits the floor !! (LOL)
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#270
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Mark, I've been following your thread for some time now, I'm in awe of your stupendous fabrication skills and the imagination you've shown in your build. I know you're building the car as a gasser, but I can only wonder what if with a 3'ish rear gear your Bonneville would do on the Salt Flats. Probably more like 2.5:1 would be in the sweet spot for top mph with all that turbo hp!
2004 Bonne SLE
1971 Chevelle SS
2004 Bonne SLE
1971 Chevelle SS