1964 Catalina Safari

[Namtra]

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).

[Namtra]

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.

[fleetus macmullitz]

Wow, what a transformation!

That is looking good...congrats.

[srh3trinity]

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

[waynieZ]

Wow great job ! It looks sweet!!!

[Che70velle]

I can't see the pics!

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

[Namtra]

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

[ScottieB]

Nice car! What are your suspension plans?

[Namtra]

Originally Posted by ScottieB

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.

[Namtra]

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