I bought this '51 Pontiac Super Deluxe Catalina in 1997 so I could participate in car shows with my husband, Rob. After many modifications, we finally put her on the road in 2005.
While it doesn't appear to be a traditional hot rod, with a rebuilt-to-stock 455 Pure-Pontiac motor, a Turbo 400, a Trans Am 3.08 posi rear, a custom 2 1/4-inch exhaust, and weighing about the same as a '68 GTO, this is one fine Poncho that can get up and go!
My Super Deluxe Catalina was built at home by my husband with some help from me. Fabricating, welding, body, paint, electrical, and machining were all part of the process. The theme was to have a stock-appearing Pontiac with modifications that would enhance performance, handling, and ride. Only Pontiac parts were used for the entire build.
To help our project, we purchased a '79 Trans Am and a '71 Grand Ville, and used parts from a '68 LeMans. The T/A supplied its subframe and rear end; the GV donated its 455 motor, Turbo 400 trans, and other parts; and the LeMans offered its steering assembly.
The '79 Trans Am subframe was grafted onto the '51 frame. This allows for power steering, disc brakes, and stock motor mounts. We fabricated a new front crossmember, along with attaching the original frame horns to the subframe for mounting the bumper.
In keeping with the stock-appearing theme, the original steering column had to be modified so that it could stand alone, as opposed to being part of the steering box. Components from the LeMans were used to accomplish this.
Parts from the Grand Ville were used to fabricate the transmission shift linkage to the original '51 shifter. The original spring perches from the '51 rear were removed and welded to the Trans Am rear end, and the power seat mechanism from the Grand Ville was modified to work with the original '51 front seat. This was done so I could see over the steering wheel.
For a Northeast car, the body wasn't too bad. NOS front fenders were found and installed, along with new rocker panels, lower quarters in front of the rear wheels, and one front floorpan. The chrome was redone, and the stainless trim was straightened and polished. All of the glass was replaced and we used new gaskets.
I love driving my Pontiac to shows and cruise nights. It amazes me how people are drawn to her. Keeping our Pontiac all-Pontiac seemed like an endless endeavor, but it was definitely worth it!
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My Pontiac and Me
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