1964 Catalina Safari
 

I accidentally posted this in "project introductions" a minute ago...meant to post it here (sorry!) since they are never actually done :)

Hey guys, I've been lurking on Lateral-G for years pulling inspiration from all the amazing G-Machines on here.

5 years ago this October, my daughter was 3 months old and I thought I needed a project to have my "me" time. I scoured Craigslist for a few weeks, and because I had no money, I purchased the biggest pile of s#!t car possible. I new I shouldn't have bought it. My best friend and I grew up building cars together. I talk to him daily and yet I didn't tell him I was buying this wreck. I should have known better.

I picked this 1964 Catalina wagon up from a guy who flipped it from a police auction. It was a total rust bucket, the front left fender was smashed in, had the ride height of a 4x4 and possibly the most embarrassing set of American Racing wheels ever made. In the wagon I found a bunch (14) empty beer cans, a birthday card, and a pair of woman's panties. Apparently someone had a fun birthday. His car was impounded. His loss my gain (or maybe I should've considered it a loss as well).

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5 years later...
 

So 5 years later, she finally came to life.

1964 Catalina Safari
Style: 90's Street Racer / Surfmobile
Engine: 570hp NRE 468bbc
Trans: Turbo 400
Rear End: Currie 9"
Suspension: All rebuilt stock (oh boy!)...for now. Found some helpful goodies @ Ridetech that will be under the Xmas tree. Although this thing is heavy it has almost perfect 25% weight distribution to each tire.


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Wow, what a transformation!

That is looking good...congrats. :thumbsup:

I keep telling my wife that we need to build a wagon for a "family car." I love the green you chose.

Wow great job ! It looks sweet!!!

I can't see the pics! :headscratch:

Ok I got em now. Most excellent job! That's a great looking car.

The Wagon
 

Awesome job Mike
That engine looks incredible haha

Awesome Job! Love the color! :cheers:

It's the F'n Catalina Wine mixer!

GREAT JOB!!! Looks killa!!!!

I love wagons.

Thanks
 

Thanks for all the comments guys!

It was a long process, but happy to be having fun with it now! Going to hit the street legal drags with it tonight in San Diego (only 1/8 mile). Saving up for some suspension so I can see how many cones in the autox I can knock over :)

Jason Pecikonis @ Timeless Kustoms in Camarillo, CA deserves the credit for transforming the body and paint on the wagon... he did a really amazing job. The color is Pontiac Lime Light Green.

boats and ho's!!

Wow! I was not expecting that transformation. I think these old weeks are neat. Tried convincing the wife we need one as a family car, she didn't agree with me.

Great job on this!

Prestige Worldwide.

Damn Turbo Porsche!!
 

Took the 5,000lb boat out to the local grudge match. Had a blast with the stock "floating couch" suspension. That is until a damn Turbo Carerra showed up :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjhlG...ature=youtu.be

Nice car! What are your suspension plans?

Thanks!

I spoke with RideTech and they think a Coolride set up for the front and a Shockwave for the back.

I am looking for input if anyone has any? I want to take it autocrossing but don't want to break the bank. The suspension is currently completely stock but rebuilt.

Featured on /Drive
 

Figured I would post an update. The /Drive network did a cool little feature on the wagon:

https://www.youtube.com/embed/P_-eAP_CTHM?rel=0

Dude! This was an awesome episode. Sounds fantastic and it was a joy to watch. Very well done. :cheers:

Thanks Jay!

Sadly, its time to make room for a new project though...

http://namtramedia.com/safari/

Very cool car! Love stuff that's off the beaten path like the Safari.

But, uh, what's the next project? :idea: