1963 Pontiac Catalina massive project build thread
#71
Senior Member
Posts like a Turbo
Thread Starter
![Default](https://www.gmforum.com/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Pulled the rear end out from under the car and put it on my work table. Mounted the first ladder I made on the rearend bracket and it slid on perfectly. So I set up the template with the second ladder bar and tack welded it together. Placed the second bar on the rearend brackets and it too slid on like I actually knew what I was doing??? HA.
![](https://www.gmforum.com/attachments/pontiac-168/6328-1963-pontiac-catalina-massive-project-build-thread-ladderbars001.jpg?dateline=1325990504)
![](https://www.gmforum.com/attachments/pontiac-168/6329-1963-pontiac-catalina-massive-project-build-thread-ladderbars002.jpg?dateline=1325990504)
Now I have to put them back on the template and build the crossbar supports. Mark L
![](https://www.gmforum.com/attachments/pontiac-168/6328-1963-pontiac-catalina-massive-project-build-thread-ladderbars001.jpg?dateline=1325990504)
![](https://www.gmforum.com/attachments/pontiac-168/6329-1963-pontiac-catalina-massive-project-build-thread-ladderbars002.jpg?dateline=1325990504)
Now I have to put them back on the template and build the crossbar supports. Mark L
#74
Senior Member
Posts like a Turbo
Thread Starter
![Default](https://www.gmforum.com/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Final configuration. Got the bars all tacked up except for the front catch attachment. Will talk to the welder on how he makes the catch.
![](https://www.gmforum.com/attachments/pontiac-168/6445-1963-pontiac-catalina-massive-project-build-thread-ladderbarsalmostdone001.jpg?dateline=1326937616)
I'll probably take them over tomorrow. Mark L
![](https://www.gmforum.com/attachments/pontiac-168/6445-1963-pontiac-catalina-massive-project-build-thread-ladderbarsalmostdone001.jpg?dateline=1326937616)
I'll probably take them over tomorrow. Mark L
#75
Senior Member
Posts like a Turbo
Thread Starter
![Default](https://www.gmforum.com/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I've been mulling over the placement of the radiator in the trunk and I think I've finally committed to it. I found a dual fan shroud for a mid 2000 chevy/gmc truck and figured I'd find a radiator sooner or later. Got that now. So I'm starting to do the mock up and playing with where and how I'm going to pull this all off.
![](https://www.gmforum.com/attachments/pontiac-168/6502-1963-pontiac-catalina-massive-project-build-thread-gastankandradiator003.jpg?dateline=1327453224)
![](https://www.gmforum.com/attachments/pontiac-168/6503-1963-pontiac-catalina-massive-project-build-thread-gastankandradiator001.jpg?dateline=1327453224)
I also found an aluminum boat gas tank a while ago. Seller claims 26 gallons.
![](https://www.gmforum.com/attachments/pontiac-168/6504-1963-pontiac-catalina-massive-project-build-thread-gastankandradiator002.jpg?dateline=1327453224)
To mount the radiator in the trunk I feel that I need to mount it in a shroud/duct by cutting the floor out and bringing the air in from the rearend area, thru the radiator, and then through more shrouding/ducting and back out the floor again. But this does not leave any room for that big gas tank. So I thought I'd cut the tank in half and mount the halves on either side of the trunk, in the pockets behind the wheelwells. Linking the tanks with a crossover. This way especially if I run E85. If I run pump gas, I might divide the tank two thirds and one third, pump gas in the two thirds and use the last third tank for race gas at the strip. I have to take into account the roll bar rear runners that will come down from the roll bar to the rear frame, so I have to build around that. I also made a deal on a Wenzler Tunnel Ram, so I am going ahead and working toward running the twin 750 blow thrus. Now the whole induction system will be a twin system. Mark L
![](https://www.gmforum.com/attachments/pontiac-168/6502-1963-pontiac-catalina-massive-project-build-thread-gastankandradiator003.jpg?dateline=1327453224)
![](https://www.gmforum.com/attachments/pontiac-168/6503-1963-pontiac-catalina-massive-project-build-thread-gastankandradiator001.jpg?dateline=1327453224)
I also found an aluminum boat gas tank a while ago. Seller claims 26 gallons.
![](https://www.gmforum.com/attachments/pontiac-168/6504-1963-pontiac-catalina-massive-project-build-thread-gastankandradiator002.jpg?dateline=1327453224)
To mount the radiator in the trunk I feel that I need to mount it in a shroud/duct by cutting the floor out and bringing the air in from the rearend area, thru the radiator, and then through more shrouding/ducting and back out the floor again. But this does not leave any room for that big gas tank. So I thought I'd cut the tank in half and mount the halves on either side of the trunk, in the pockets behind the wheelwells. Linking the tanks with a crossover. This way especially if I run E85. If I run pump gas, I might divide the tank two thirds and one third, pump gas in the two thirds and use the last third tank for race gas at the strip. I have to take into account the roll bar rear runners that will come down from the roll bar to the rear frame, so I have to build around that. I also made a deal on a Wenzler Tunnel Ram, so I am going ahead and working toward running the twin 750 blow thrus. Now the whole induction system will be a twin system. Mark L
#76
Senior Member
Posts like a Turbo
Thread Starter
![Default](https://www.gmforum.com/images/icons/icon1.gif)
OK. I've been playing with every conceivable location/installation of the radiator and fan shroud for the trunk of the '63. Because of that I haven't gotten anything really done on it. Just set there putting it in, taking it out. Measuring, thinking about it etc. It'* done. I just went ahead and cut the floor open.
![](https://www.gmforum.com/attachments/pontiac-168/6616-1963-pontiac-catalina-massive-project-build-thread-radiatortrunkmods001.jpg?dateline=1328062079)
Placed the fan/shroud up under the floor.
![](https://www.gmforum.com/attachments/pontiac-168/6617-1963-pontiac-catalina-massive-project-build-thread-radiatortrunkmods002.jpg?dateline=1328062079)
This is the shroud underneath.
![](https://www.gmforum.com/attachments/pontiac-168/6618-1963-pontiac-catalina-massive-project-build-thread-radiatortrunkmods003.jpg?dateline=1328062079)
![](https://www.gmforum.com/attachments/pontiac-168/6619-1963-pontiac-catalina-massive-project-build-thread-radiatortrunkmods004.jpg?dateline=1328062079)
And the radiator in its place (just laying in the trunk) with the fuel tank in its place.
![](https://www.gmforum.com/attachments/pontiac-168/6620-1963-pontiac-catalina-massive-project-build-thread-radiatortrunkmods006.jpg?dateline=1328062079)
Still have to reinforce the opening and use foam to line the shroud and radiator edges for sealing. Now I have to find an inlet for air to the trunk. Then run all the water tubing. Mark L
![](https://www.gmforum.com/attachments/pontiac-168/6616-1963-pontiac-catalina-massive-project-build-thread-radiatortrunkmods001.jpg?dateline=1328062079)
Placed the fan/shroud up under the floor.
![](https://www.gmforum.com/attachments/pontiac-168/6617-1963-pontiac-catalina-massive-project-build-thread-radiatortrunkmods002.jpg?dateline=1328062079)
This is the shroud underneath.
![](https://www.gmforum.com/attachments/pontiac-168/6618-1963-pontiac-catalina-massive-project-build-thread-radiatortrunkmods003.jpg?dateline=1328062079)
![](https://www.gmforum.com/attachments/pontiac-168/6619-1963-pontiac-catalina-massive-project-build-thread-radiatortrunkmods004.jpg?dateline=1328062079)
And the radiator in its place (just laying in the trunk) with the fuel tank in its place.
![](https://www.gmforum.com/attachments/pontiac-168/6620-1963-pontiac-catalina-massive-project-build-thread-radiatortrunkmods006.jpg?dateline=1328062079)
Still have to reinforce the opening and use foam to line the shroud and radiator edges for sealing. Now I have to find an inlet for air to the trunk. Then run all the water tubing. Mark L
#77
Senior Member
Posts like a Turbo
Thread Starter
![Default](https://www.gmforum.com/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Made the duct to seal the radiator to the trunk floor.It was mentioned to add a tilt tot he radiator so it fills and is more efficient, thank you Bruce, I hadn't given it any thought and probably would not have thought of it. This is he rough opening sealed with pipe foam, slit and slid over/against the edge. I still have to do more cutting back on the front edge (top of pic) to fit the shroud, then I'll glue the foam seal in.
![](https://www.gmforum.com/attachments/pontiac-168/6730-1963-pontiac-catalina-massive-project-build-thread-moreradiatoranddashnacelle002.jpg?dateline=1328583114)
This is the angled duct.
![](https://www.gmforum.com/attachments/pontiac-168/6731-1963-pontiac-catalina-massive-project-build-thread-moreradiatoranddashnacelle003.jpg?dateline=1328583114)
Duct in place.
![](https://www.gmforum.com/attachments/pontiac-168/6732-1963-pontiac-catalina-massive-project-build-thread-moreradiatoranddashnacelle004.jpg?dateline=1328583114)
Duct in and sealed.
![](https://www.gmforum.com/attachments/pontiac-168/6733-1963-pontiac-catalina-massive-project-build-thread-moreradiatoranddashnacelle005.jpg?dateline=1328583114)
And the radiator on the sealed duct ready to be bolted/clipped down.
![](https://www.gmforum.com/attachments/pontiac-168/6734-1963-pontiac-catalina-massive-project-build-thread-moreradiatoranddashnacelle006.jpg?dateline=1328583114)
I was thinking of using springs to hold the radiator in place. That way the radiator could float a little above the seal and not have any strain in it.
Mark L
![](https://www.gmforum.com/attachments/pontiac-168/6730-1963-pontiac-catalina-massive-project-build-thread-moreradiatoranddashnacelle002.jpg?dateline=1328583114)
This is the angled duct.
![](https://www.gmforum.com/attachments/pontiac-168/6731-1963-pontiac-catalina-massive-project-build-thread-moreradiatoranddashnacelle003.jpg?dateline=1328583114)
Duct in place.
![](https://www.gmforum.com/attachments/pontiac-168/6732-1963-pontiac-catalina-massive-project-build-thread-moreradiatoranddashnacelle004.jpg?dateline=1328583114)
Duct in and sealed.
![](https://www.gmforum.com/attachments/pontiac-168/6733-1963-pontiac-catalina-massive-project-build-thread-moreradiatoranddashnacelle005.jpg?dateline=1328583114)
And the radiator on the sealed duct ready to be bolted/clipped down.
![](https://www.gmforum.com/attachments/pontiac-168/6734-1963-pontiac-catalina-massive-project-build-thread-moreradiatoranddashnacelle006.jpg?dateline=1328583114)
I was thinking of using springs to hold the radiator in place. That way the radiator could float a little above the seal and not have any strain in it.
Mark L
#79
Senior Member
Posts like a Turbo
Thread Starter
![Default](https://www.gmforum.com/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Thanks. Got more rediculas stuff, LOL.
Still playing with options for building and or making a dash board. I still have the original dash in place cut up to fit around the steering support. I want to build or use something to bring the speedometer and gauges closer to the driver. So I found this at the last swap. It'* actually a fiberglass motorcycle headlight nacelle. I mocked it up kind of in place, but it would end up be more towards the driver. The other pics show what I would do with the gauges with the other opening holding a 5 inch speedometer.
![](https://www.gmforum.com/attachments/pontiac-168/6735-1963-pontiac-catalina-massive-project-build-thread-moreradiatoranddashnacelle008.jpg?dateline=1328593490)
![](https://www.gmforum.com/attachments/pontiac-168/6736-1963-pontiac-catalina-massive-project-build-thread-moreradiatoranddashnacelle009.jpg?dateline=1328593490)
![](https://www.gmforum.com/attachments/pontiac-168/6737-1963-pontiac-catalina-massive-project-build-thread-moreradiatoranddashnacelle007.jpg?dateline=1328593490)
Once the bezel is on place I will use sheet metal to fair the bezel back into the dash to cover the steering support and run the wires etc.
I like this better than the pevious idea of using the '63 head light bezel.
Mark L
Still playing with options for building and or making a dash board. I still have the original dash in place cut up to fit around the steering support. I want to build or use something to bring the speedometer and gauges closer to the driver. So I found this at the last swap. It'* actually a fiberglass motorcycle headlight nacelle. I mocked it up kind of in place, but it would end up be more towards the driver. The other pics show what I would do with the gauges with the other opening holding a 5 inch speedometer.
![](https://www.gmforum.com/attachments/pontiac-168/6735-1963-pontiac-catalina-massive-project-build-thread-moreradiatoranddashnacelle008.jpg?dateline=1328593490)
![](https://www.gmforum.com/attachments/pontiac-168/6736-1963-pontiac-catalina-massive-project-build-thread-moreradiatoranddashnacelle009.jpg?dateline=1328593490)
![](https://www.gmforum.com/attachments/pontiac-168/6737-1963-pontiac-catalina-massive-project-build-thread-moreradiatoranddashnacelle007.jpg?dateline=1328593490)
Once the bezel is on place I will use sheet metal to fair the bezel back into the dash to cover the steering support and run the wires etc.
I like this better than the pevious idea of using the '63 head light bezel.
Mark L