The Hurst shifter was restored...
The Hurst shifter was restored by Scott Tiemann and is connected to a Borg-Warner T-10 four-speed manual transmission. Hanging in a pod below the dash are a period-correct Jones/Motorola mechanical tachometer and Stewart-Warner coolant temperature and oil pressure gauges that Ken uses to keep engine vitals in check.
The Rare Pieces
Over the years, Ken acquired some Super-Duty pieces that were otherwise sold over the counter, and he felt the Catalina was the perfect candidate for them. "I purchased an original 'bathtub'-style dual-quad intake manifold from Bill Banks' family and later learned that Arnie Beswick owned it initially. I decided to use it instead of the original dual-quad intake that came with the car."
Ken also located an N.O.S. aluminum differential housing and installed the Catalina's original limited-slip unit onto it. "I found a factory 4.67:1 gear set to use in place of the stock 4.30 gears, which were missing. I also located a manual steering gear with an aluminum housing. It's a very rare piece that Tiemann also restored," he states.
The Catalina's distributor is unique. "It has a mechanical tachometer drive and I couldn't find its number listed in any of my reference manuals. Upon closer inspection, I discovered that 'engineering sample' was stamped on its identification tag, which may mean it's a Pontiac engineering piece that they used while dyno testing Super-Duty engines. Scott Tiemann completely restored it for me, too."
A Change Of Plans
Ken's initial plan was to race the completed Catalina, but after he saw how much he'd invested into its restoration, and how the value of the Super-Duty cars had skyrocketed, he decided that it'd be best to show it instead. "I'm just so happy with the way it turned out that I didn't want to take any chances racing it," he remarks. Since its completion in August 2006, Ken says that it's taken a top award at each of the shows he's attended so far.
This is the SD as it arrived...
This is the SD as it arrived at Al's shop for the body resto. Factory black paint is still visible in the jambs and a few other places. The pair of N.O.S. quarters to be welded on are on the roof.
The fact that his Catalina is just 1 of 14 Super-Duty sedans built that year, and that it's a factory-built race car with aluminum body panels are among what Ken likes best about it. "The stacked headlights and split grille look great. You can really tell where the GTO got its good looks," he adds.
Conclusion
Though Ken says he has little more to do to this particular Super-Duty, he has two others to occupy his free time in the future. "I found a '62 Super-Duty Catalina and a '62 Super-Duty Grand Prix in upstate New York, both owned by the same individual," he says. "The Grand Prix is 1 of 16 produced, and I believe only three have been located. It, too, is Starlight Black and is an unrestored original that just needs detailing." What better way to enjoy your retirement? Congratulations, Ken!
Resto Photos
Here are a few resto photos for your viewing pleasure.
The factory frame is off to...
The factory frame is off to the sand blaster.
You can see why the N.O.S....
You can see why the N.O.S. quarters and tail panel were required.
On the passenger side, work...
On the passenger side, work progresses during the replacement of the rear quarter-panel.
With the body back on the...
With the body back on the restored frame and suspension, engine, and trans in place, next will come the aluminum front-end parts.