That new member nag screen is starting to get on my nerves, so I guess I'll post an intro to get rid of it. I'm pushin' 70 and was a mechanic for 38 years. Had a Shell Auto Care, a Shell pumper, and an auto shop. Also have a BS in Biology, a minor in Chemistry, and an MS in Human Resource Management. Sold everything out when I turned 55 and have been building custom muzzleloaders for the last 12 years. I'm more of a 50's and 60's kinda guy and have had my share of money pit muscle cars over the years. Don't even know if I can remember them all. I assume I've wised up since then, but seem to be headed down that road again. This will be my last one and it's going to be a daily driver. It all started about 1.5 years ago when I got tired of having my 2 dogs in the front seat of my truck whenever I went anywhere. So I deduced a station wagon was just the ticket. We had owned a number of wagons over the years when the kids were growing up. If you ever told me I would be fixing up an 80's car, I'd have said you're nuts. Found several locally but they were ratted out redneck cars needing too much work. Missed a nice 64 Falcon wagon by hours. Then this Pontiac showed up on craigslist just a couple of miles down the road from me. Having learned my lesson, I immediately called the guy and went to see it. Took me about 3 minutes to make up my mind. Twas a bare bones 80 Catalina with 128k miles on it. Everything on the engine was orginal except the alternator. Had a recent master cylinder, shocks, tires, ball joints and muffler. Totally rust free. It had been the guy's father's car and obviously well maintained. He inherited it when the old timer croaked. Didn't even have to dicker with him. He was asking $1500, I asked what his best price was and he said $1200. Bought it on the spot.
Oldfox. Wow! I'll give you $1500 without even looking at that old wagon. You are among many other old foxes and a flock of young dudes and dudettes so get ready to enjoy a fun hobby. Great intro for a change of pace. Us old guys rule.
Denny, Your generosity is exceeded only by the ambiance of your driveway. I'm past all that youthful exuberance. Ain't much that gets me excited anymore. Let the younguns have all the fun. My body can't handle it anymore.....been rode hard and put away wet too many times.
Welcome to the nut house, Oldfox. Great car, and a great deal. Given your history, I bet it is not long before the Catalina is in fantastic shape, and working better than she has in her life. Feel free to join in all the discussions. I'm sure you will add a LOT to the threads.
Fannie, Already started a thread in the restoration forum showing what I've done in the last month and a bit of what's next. Waiting for better weather for some things. Will be looking for parts in the meantime.
Welcome to the SWF....... That Catalina Safari looks to be in excellent condition. We'll have to exchange notes. I see you also have bumper filler issues. My front one is perfect. It's the back one that's messed up. How's your headliner? I just had mine replaced. I picked up my Bonneville Safari ('81) from the seller in Wisconsin in December. 22,000 original miles when I bought it. Has a few niggling issues, but all in all, they make great drivers. Marshall
As of a few years ago (2006) when I priced them, you could still get the center (under the tailgate) section of the B-body wagon fillers from a GM dealer. If I remember right the price was about $380, and the dealer offered one to me for $199, but I never got the wagon. The left and right corner ones AND the center one are reproduced for wagons for $49 each here: http://www.replica-plastics.com/EditParts.aspx?Make=Chevrolet Scroll nearly to the bottom it's under 80-90 GM Station Wagon. I honestly believe the part is the same for all four makes of *WAGON*, but this site only lists them under Chevrolet. Buyer Beware, YMMV, etc... They have your front corners left and right listed under the Pontiac header: http://www.replica-plastics.com/EditParts.aspx?Make=Pontiac But not the center piece, sadly...but your front center, OldDude, it looks good. So $245 and shipping (it says $16 for me in Texas) and some cream colored spray paint and you're in business! CAREFUL this is not the B-body piece: 1984 - 90 Chevrolet Wagon CEL 84 RCF Rear Center Filler That is for A-body (FWD) wagons...I got confused at first, too. Here's what my cart looks like for your '80: Pontiac 1980 - 91 Pontiac, Bonneville, Catalina, Granville PB 80 FLF Front Left Filler 49 Pontiac 1980 - 91 Pontiac, Bonneville, Catalina, Granville PB 80 FRF Front Right Filler 49 Chevrolet 1980-90 GM Station Wagon GM 80 RLF Rear Left Filler 49 Chevrolet 1980-90 GM Station Wagon GM 80 RRF Rear Right Filler 49 Chevrolet 1980 - GM Station Wagon GM 80 RCF Rear Center Filler 49 Subtotal $245.00 Shipping $16.00 Total $261.00 Those should be all the pieces you need sans paint.
