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Namtra
08-25-2013, 11:56 PM
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).

http://s3.amazonaws.com/reallysimplepress/29/pr_216_12385594571.jpg
http://s3.amazonaws.com/reallysimplepress/29/pr_216_12385594572.jpg
http://s3.amazonaws.com/reallysimplepress/29/pr_216_12385594573.jpg
http://s3.amazonaws.com/reallysimplepress/29/pr_216_12385594584.jpg
http://s3.amazonaws.com/reallysimplepress/29/pr_216_12385594585.jpg
http://s3.amazonaws.com/reallysimplepress/29/pr_216_12385594586.jpg
http://s3.amazonaws.com/reallysimplepress/29/pr_216_12385594587.jpg
http://s3.amazonaws.com/reallysimplepress/29/pr_216_12385594598.jpg
http://s3.amazonaws.com/reallysimplepress/29/pr_216_12385594599.jpg

Namtra
08-25-2013, 11:56 PM
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.


http://namtramedia.com/cc/c_IMG_5698.JPG
http://namtramedia.com/cc/c_IMG_5701.JPG
http://namtramedia.com/cc/c_IMG_5704.JPG
http://namtramedia.com/cc/c_IMG_5711.JPG
http://namtramedia.com/cc/c_IMG_5720.JPG
http://namtramedia.com/cc/c_IMG_5724.JPG
http://namtramedia.com/cc/c_IMG_5725.JPG
http://namtramedia.com/cc/c_IMG_5726.JPG
http://namtramedia.com/cc/c_IMG_5727.JPG
http://namtramedia.com/cc/c_IMG_5729.JPG
http://namtramedia.com/cc/c_IMG_5731.JPG

fleetus macmullitz
08-26-2013, 01:42 AM
Wow, what a transformation!

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

srh3trinity
08-26-2013, 09:27 AM
I keep telling my wife that we need to build a wagon for a "family car." I love the green you chose.

waynieZ
08-26-2013, 09:45 AM
Wow great job ! It looks sweet!!!

Che70velle
08-26-2013, 05:56 PM
I can't see the pics! :headscratch:

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

Nelson Racing
08-26-2013, 07:53 PM
Awesome job Mike
That engine looks incredible haha

56pickup
08-26-2013, 08:25 PM
Awesome Job! Love the color! :cheers:

bonecrrusher
08-28-2013, 07:00 PM
It's the F'n Catalina Wine mixer!

Radlark
08-28-2013, 10:21 PM
GREAT JOB!!! Looks killa!!!!

Fluid Power
08-29-2013, 10:21 AM
I love wagons.

Namtra
08-30-2013, 01:41 PM
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.

enzo
08-30-2013, 02:18 PM
It's the F'n Catalina Wine mixer!

boats and ho's!!

Code510
08-30-2013, 04:20 PM
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!

Namtra
08-31-2013, 01:16 AM
boats and ho's!!

Prestige Worldwide.

Namtra
09-09-2013, 12:58 PM
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 :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjhlGGdeVIc&feature=youtu.be

ScottieB
09-09-2013, 01:21 PM
Nice car! What are your suspension plans?

Namtra
09-09-2013, 02:11 PM
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
04-22-2014, 12:31 PM
Figured I would post an update. The /Drive network did a cool little feature on the wagon:

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

chichirone
04-22-2014, 06:14 PM
Figured I would post an update. The /Drive network did a cool little feature on the wagon:

http://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:

Namtra
04-23-2014, 02:08 PM
Thanks Jay!

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

http://namtramedia.com/safari/

Zoomin
04-23-2014, 03:27 PM
Very cool car! Love stuff that's off the beaten path like the Safari.

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