1965 Catalina Safari in Chicago

Discussion in 'The Welcome Wagon' started by ponchopio, Feb 25, 2012.

  1. ponchopio

    ponchopio New Member

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    Good morning all. Finally taking a moment to participate in the board and share pics of my CA born and raised 65 Catalina Safari. It's a nice dry old CA car that is SO TIRED visually but a fantastic running and driving hauler.

    Kipps Service on Milwaukee Ave up in Chicago IL just had her recently to go over the car and address some issues to make her a running, driving hot rod again. If anybody needs a couple of die-hard wagon experts to perform just about any mechanical work you can imagine, these are the guys you need to see. They specialize in the wagon-specific stuff like the power rear window and clamshell issues.

    ANYWAY, it's an odd mix of options and lack of options. It came with a bookbag filled with receipts and notes going back to at least 1971. It came with Saf-T-Trak rear end, towing package, AC, 8 lug wheels, but not a lot else. As I said, she's a little tired looking but runs beautifully.

    I've just started to gut the rotten, dried-out interior and replace some items with nice old parts and panels I've collected over the years. She's already a runner/driver but is in the process of moving from a car you need a tetnus shot to drive in to a more presentable, patina'd cruiser. I'll try to post in-progress pics as I move forward. Enjoy!

    John Piotrowski
    Homewood IL
     

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  2. silverfox

    silverfox New Member

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    :Welcome:to the wagon train, ponch.:tiphat: Tired looking or not, and I don't think it IS tired looking, that's a great wagon style and glad to see it still on the road.(y) We're glad you found us and look forward to progress pix as you fix it up as you like. Looks to me like it's on its way to a great patina. I like that wagon.:yup:
     
  3. MotoMike

    MotoMike Well-Known Member

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    Welcome to the madness! Cool wagon, what engine does it have? Was the outside rear view mirror on the fender from factory? :Welcome:
     
  4. pt61v

    pt61v New Member

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    Welcome to the site. That's a great looking wagon.
     
  5. ponchopio

    ponchopio New Member

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    Thanks guys! Yes, it did have an outside remote mirror which was mounted on the fenders for the early to mid 60s Pontiacs. The mirror was long gone when I picked it up. I found the coolest mirror from an International Harvester of all things that I found in a junkyard years ago. It's so cool. I might use that in the meantime. I'll post pics as she comes along.
     
  6. Dewey Satellite

    Dewey Satellite New Member

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    Welcome to the forum John! Great looking wagon you have there, good pics and a good story to boot, we love that!

    :Welcome:
     
  7. 65 2dr

    65 2dr Fix 'em all -

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    Welcome - when you're ready for bodywork + paint, let me know!
    Got a '65 Catalina 2+2, 421 3x2 4-speed body-off we're just finishing.
    Shops pretty close to the Milwakee Av. shop you're talking adout!
    I'm in Shorewood, just west of JOLIET!
     
    Last edited: Feb 26, 2012
  8. jmt455

    jmt455 Well-Known Member

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    Welcome, John!

    Always glad to see another Poncho fan on the forum...us PontiYakkers gotta stick together.

    That's a good looking car; can't wait to see your progree photos!
     
  9. Jim 68cuda

    Jim 68cuda Well-Known Member

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    Nice Pontiac. I love those 8 lug wheels!
     
  10. fannie

    fannie Well-Known Member

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    :biglaugh:I thought it was my recent cold that had me yakken, turns out I have Ponti issues...:rofl2:

    Love the Bonnie! Doesn't look tired to me either, maybe the pictures are lying but it sure looks good from here:thumbs2:. How long have you had your car?
     
  11. ponchopio

    ponchopio New Member

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    Cool! I've had it for a couple of years now but I've had scores of Pontiacs, especially wagons, over the years. I'll post some photos of the last Safari I finished. I like to bring them back to life, drive the wheels off for a couple of years and then attack another one!

    I've attached a couple pics of my previous Safari--a 1964 Bonneville Safari. Enjoy!

    John

    By the way 65 2 door, I make brand new 8 lug wheels for our big Pontiac boats. Let me know if you need set for the 2+2!

    www.arrowheadcomponentsinc.com
     

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  12. fannie

    fannie Well-Known Member

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    [​IMG]



    Ohh my, ooh my! :thumbs2:
     
  13. silverfox

    silverfox New Member

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    Oh man....I'm loving that Bonney wagon!!:1st:
     
  14. the Rev

    the Rev senior junior Charter Member

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    :Welcome: Ponch....sweet rides:yup:
     
  15. Svendsen

    Svendsen Active Member

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    Beautiful wagon, best guys on the planet for those full size Pontiacs is Tri Power Automotive in Libertyville. I'm in New Lenox, so we are just about neighbors, are you going to bring the car to the Frankfort Thursday night cruise sometime?

    Arvid Svendsen
     

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