Wildcat Challenge!

[SpecialWagon65]

We all need some inspiration, motivation, goals defined, and sometimes a good ole' kick in the a** to get ourselves going sometimes. Well, in Norwalk Wild Bill and I decided we need to finish our projects and drive them to the BCA nats in Seattle WA next year!

Wild Bill is working on an Awesome '66 Wildcat GS with a 455, Headers, Gear Vendors OD, the last set of 3.91 Buick gears on the planet, white w/black bucket seat interior!

I'm working on the Black w/ Red Interior '65 Wildcat Custom, Nailed 425 w/ Buick X code aluminum intake dual quad 5-speed 3.42:1 gears! Some Pix! (http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?t=64180)

Let the challenge begin! I don't think Bill has any pics of the White One up here yet...Any progress to report?
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f376/Wildcat65/DSC00225.jpg

Ted

[Floydsbuick]

Good idea guys. Especially since WILDCATS RULE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Heres my last pic of my 69 quarter installation...well...half quarter. I'll take pics of the whole mess this week. Unlike your cars, mine won't be very nice. But I've come to the conclusion that waiting 20 years from now to afford the resto sucks, so its gonna hit the road this year as a black primer and flamed "rat". I promise not to butcher anything though, so someday it will be original looking. Although I am considering adding another power antena to the pass side.

[pphil]

not to change the subject but who do you get to rechrome rally rims
i have a set and need to get something done on my car.
scott
1964 wildcat 425-2-4bbls 4 speed

[SpecialWagon65]

Scott- I had some rims done by Wheels! (http://www.rallyamerica.com/) Rallyamerica.com in Ca. Gary is the guy's name. 559-322-2128. He is hard to get a hold of but the ONLY guy that I know of that has the stuff to do them. I cannot figure out why its so hard to chrome a dad gum wheel! But it is and he is the guy.
Ted

[TXGS]

A friend of mine has a red 66. Here is a video of him cruising his Wildcat. It is not nailhead powered but is Buick powered. Click on the link below. Hope this motivates you a little.

http://www.austinbuicks.org/66%20buick.MPG

[Smartin]

Your cars sicken me, Ted!!!

See you in Rochester?

[SpecialWagon65]

Yup, I've got the week off and will be there with the Princess- thats the 4-speed convertible :beer
This weekend is the Indy show. I just found out the Concours show in conjunction with the F1 race is Saturday as well. 2 really big shows!

[pphil]

thank you ted.
scott

[SpecialWagon65]

Your Welcome Scott!

Ok, Status report on my Wildcat:
Body: paint done, chrome done not all installed yet. All the windows and regulators have to be installed. I want to convert to power windows, so I have ot knock out the spot in the door and jamb for that (without destroying the black paint!!!) I've got to figure out where to get the rubber material that holds the vent windows in the frame-

Interior; Have to send door panels off to SMS for color change. Get material for seats. Dye a dashpad. paint all the other interior bits....I had a black dash all ready to install. better dedo that in red.

Engine. Decision! I have one built, but thats when the car was going to be an automatic and have a Q-Jet carb set up. Now the intake will be the X-Code Buick Aluminum job, so the engine has to be fancier, right! So, I have to build an engine bottom end to match the top end :TU: LW Block(check)Ross pistons (check) Carmen heads (check) Balance w/Billet flywheel.

Biggest bugger is to get the transmission into the car- big hole to be cut, then new hump in place. Then the hydraulic clutch hook up challenge.

Pictures to follow, I promise.
Ted

[Floydsbuick]

Well.......mines certainly not one of Teds cars, but she ain't so bad. Keep in mind someday I'll do it up right. So heres some pics as of last night.

[Floydsbuick]

I finsihed the welding on the driver side quarter last night. :Dou: lotsa work!!

[Floydsbuick]

Besides the half quarter, a 69 LeSabre four door gave up its floor. I cut it at the spot welds at the toeboard, halfway in between the seat brace, and at the rockers above the frame. This way, you can look under it and not notice I put a floor in.

[Floydsbuick]

See what I mean? :pp OK, I need to paint the welds.

[Floydsbuick]

Hard to see, but I got the quarter graft to the outer wheelhouse lookin' fine! You can reach in and run your fingers inside and hardly have a clue!!!

[Floydsbuick]

These will help!! Sounds nice to. Thats a 54k drivetrain exhausting out there. Even though I don't have a tag (anyone got one?) thats a 3.07 posi in that rear. :3gears:

[sharkmonkey]

Dan, that's looking great!

[pphil]

ted i got my vent window rubber sets from steel rubber
they had a complete weatherstripping kit.if they had a 64 they
should have a 65.hope this helps
scott

[Hector]

Ted,the pictures of your engine on the frame are great,can't wait to see the firewall there.Wild Bill's garage looks like mine,with treasures(IT'S NOT JUNK!!!) all over.This should be a good "contest".Dan,that's a lot of work that you're doing and it's looking good,can't wait to see the first coat of primer on the whole car,it'll be sweeet!

[Topcat]

Ted's got the lead right now but i will be getting with the program.

Here's some photos of where i stand right now.

Peace WildBill

[Topcat]

....it's a nice 'Cat to start with.

Peace WB

[Topcat]

California clean Black plate car. :pp


Peace WildBill

[Topcat]

How many cases of beer will this trunk hold..... :laugh:

Peace WB

[Topcat]

A bare a**ed beauty.

Peace WB

[htrdbuick]

Hey bill thats a fine looking dash pad you got there. :TU: I gotta get going on mine , I think I have rounded up all the stuff i need to have a complete car . Where do you and Ted get the hard board type head liners?? I can't find it reproduced anywhere. Other than the head liner and package tray i think i have everything now all i have to do is get started .

[65specialconver]

How many cases of beer will this trunk hold..... :laugh:

Peace WB
we do sell beer in wa state,some of the best micros, & ive tried many :beer :TU: you really gonna drive over here with 3:91 gears bill?might want to toss a fuel cell or two in the trunk :Dou:

[SpecialWagon65]

Bill's got a Gear Vendors Overdrive to tame those 3.91 gears!
I'll be checking out the microbrews and bringing them back -in my beer belly :beer :beer
Tom, I'm in need of repo'd panels too. I have an idea to get them made. Still trying to figure out the rails to hold them.
Ted

[Topcat]

Ted, i got an extra ticket for the Phil Lesh(of DEAD fame) and Friends tonight in Louisville. Me and Greg Davis are heading down about 2:30 and should be in town about 4pm. Lots to talk about and see a GRATE(ful) show too>
Call my house get a contact # for us on the road...jump in the car and meet us there.....DO IT NOW.... :laugh:

Here is my secret weapon fo the challenge :3gears:

Peace WildBill

[TurboV6]

Hey Ted,

I have an extra set of the vent window seals from my "other" 64 Cat
$20.00 and they can be yours. I warn you though, they are a PIA to install.

[SpecialWagon65]

Thanks Mark,
The vent windows have that little chrome frame- I need the thin black u trough to seat the glass into that chrome frame. Thats the easy part. Getting the rest together is the pos part.

[Topcat]

These been hang'in around for over 20 years :pp

Peace WildBill

[Floydsbuick]

More progress on the 69. I grafted this piece in from another quarter.

[Floydsbuick]

Did this part too. Not as smooth as I woulda liked.

[Floydsbuick]

Turns out the front fender is an NOS replacement. Had that thick semi-gloss baked on primer.

[Floydsbuick]

Taking this to bare metal was fun :blast:

[Floydsbuick]

Heres me and my handywork. Looks like we both need bodywork :rolleyes:
I hope to have the whole thing down to metal tomorrow night. Bodyman starts third week of Aug :TU:

[sharkmonkey]

Bodyman starts third week of Aug :TU:

Is that when you start your workout routine? :rolleyes:

[Floydsbuick]

Dunno 'bout that :laugh: I finshed the chemical stripping last night. Except for a little DA time needed still on the decklid and driver door, she's down to bare metal!!

[Floydsbuick]

Progress.

[Floydsbuick]

other side

[Floydsbuick]

last view. Note the bodyman has started :TU:

[65specialconver]

i just got done striping that black factory primer off my two fenders :puzzled: thats some hard-core stuff,next panel thats got it,keeps it! :laugh: great progress on yours :TU:

[Floydsbuick]

Some updates

[Floydsbuick]

More....

[Floydsbuick]

'nother

[Smartin]

top secret spy photo leaked from a garage in Ohio...

http://www.buickpartsdirectory.com/coupe/small/wildcat_challenge.jpg

[buickbonehead]

Another secret photo from the Ohio Skunk Works. Here's an interior shot of that black stealth cat :laugh:

Rick

[flynbuick]

Must be Nagel's Lair a/k/a Wildcat Skunkworks. I've heard tale of him and his operation.

[SpecialWagon65]

Another secret photo from the Ohio Skunk Works. Here's an interior shot of that black stealth cat :laugh:

Rick

I wondered where the Batmobile interior went!
Thats pretty awful.

Crikey, I need to stop messing around with the A-body stuff and get back into the B body project!

Ted aka skunk

[SpecialWagon65]

Moved the project to the active side of the garage, had to take a couple pics :Brow:

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f376/Wildcat65/DSC00011.jpg


http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f376/Wildcat65/DSC00008.jpg

[buickbonehead]

Man that is FINE!

[SpecialWagon65]

I dropped the engine in last night. Next is fitting the trannie up behind it and cutting the big hole for the tremec. Here is the mess I made!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f376/Wildcat65/DSC00012.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f376/Wildcat65/DSC00013.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f376/Wildcat65/DSC00014.jpg

Next to drill new holes for the trannie crossmember.
Wildcats have 2 positions drilled from the factory-1 set for the ST400
another set are pre-drilled for the 4-speed! :TU:

[SpecialWagon65]

Another little project: Tom's Roller Rockers.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f376/Wildcat65/DSC00017.jpg

Teaser for the day: Can you say X-Code?

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f376/Wildcat65/DSC00021.jpg

Compare and contrast: To Extrude honed stocker...

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f376/Wildcat65/DSC00022.jpg

[65WILDKAT]

Ted, That looks like a work of Art! :TU: . I hope that I will have my garage soon! :af: Darn Township wants me to jump thru hoops.
Can I move to Ohio for the Winter? :laugh: I have seen the "Nagel Skunk Works" all I can say is :shock: No matter where you look all you see is jaw dropping toys. Seems to be getting better all the time!
Don

[SpecialWagon65]

Thanks Don!
When I took these pics I realized how many friggin' projects I have going-
I need to take pics more often just to keep them all in mind.

Ted

[sore loser]

Ted,

Thanks for all the pictures...very helpful and inspirational!!

[Topcat]

Ted.....i've been busy too:3gears:

At my buddy Dale's shop to use the lift.....monsoon season.....
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/OD1.jpg

The starting point...the pivot bracket gets moved over one set of holes to the drivers side and two new holes drilled.
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/OD2.jpg

Removal of the tailshaft and crossmember.
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/OD3.jpg

OD spacer mounted.
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/OD4.jpg

Gear Vendos OD mounted and areas where more room needed identified by drilling 1/8" hole thru floor at four corner points of floorboard section to be removed.
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/OD5.jpg

Starting point inside with the shifter mount bracket still attached to the floor.
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/OD6.jpg

Another friend(Bill Pavey) lending a hand removing the shift rod boot and cutting slots so i can get the saw blade in to make the cuts.
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/OD7.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/OD8.jpg

Yours truly cutting the floor section out....notice my friend Bill sitting in the back seat supervising :laugh:
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/OD9.jpg

The PRIZE.....and it can be easily welded back in :pp
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/OD10.jpg

Now we have some room.
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/OD11.jpg

A couple shots of the crossmember installed and everything in position......it fits PERFECT
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/OD12.jpg
Dale pointing out the crazy guy with the camera
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/OD13.jpg

A couple shots of the topside.....just need to make my new "hump"....make a bend or two in the down rod from the shifter and trim a little from the bottom of the front of the console and VIOLA! ....i'm over-driven :pp :pp :pp :pp :pp :pp

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/OD14.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/OD15.jpg

Now for a one piece driveshaft.......

Ted, i can just FEEL those side-by-side 150mph WILDCAT Blasts down the highway now......Flint Michigan....here we come :3gears:

More update soon.....


Peace WildBill

[Hector]

:gp: This is getting good!

[Sergeant Major]

This is better than any action movie out there...niiicccceeee....:TU:

[Topcat]

Well.....i can't get ahold of Ted so he must be in New Zeeland gett'in some nookie :Do No: :laugh:

The Star Wars air cleaner plan had to be scrapped because the B4B sits the carb too high on the motor.Looks like i will be running a 66 Q-jet cleaner as initally planned. Anyone have one that has had holes drilled in the botton for more air flow?......old 60's-70's trick for stock look-better breathing.I can't bring myself to doing it to one of mine.....

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000597-2.jpg

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000601.jpg


Alot of people are gonna see these this summer :pp

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/Scan0030.jpg



.......more up dates soon............

Peace WildBill

[Roberta]

Topcat, I have the black one but I don't want to give it up for my eventual '66 WC, q-jet, but if you need it you can have it back, for :beer

[Floydsbuick]

I see some great Wildcat progress!!! Youns have great tastes in cars:TU:

[Topcat]

Dan.....us Wildcats are gonna have fun this summer :3gears:
I look forward to seeing you soon :TU:

Peace WildBill

[Floydsbuick]

Dan.....us Wildcats are gonna have fun this summer :3gears:



Absolutley!!!

[Topcat]

I am off to Automotive Machine and Performance tomorrow and we will be running it in on the dyno saturday morning.It has been stored for the last 4 years so i thought i should rotate it upside down a few times to wash all the internals with oil. I add the custom aluminum spacers my friend Bill Pavey made for me to clear the T/A roller rockers:TU: An Accel street billet distributor and a set or Taylor wires are finally in place......

is the challenge still on Ted :Brow:

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000912-1.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000914.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000916.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000928.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000930.jpg

I cannot wait to hear this BIG BLOCK BUICK...ROAR to life.:pp :pp :pp :pp :pp :pp :pp :pp

Peace WildBill

[64BuickCat]

Talk about a sleeper! Someone's gonna be eating exhaust! :TU:

[wkillgs]

Lookin' good!:TU:
It would be interesting to see if that 66 air cleaner affects performance on the dyno (can you test it?:Brow: )
When I did some 1/4 mile testing on my blue car with the Q-jet, that air cleaner, with a new Fram element, slowed me down 6 tenths!:eek2:
I heard you can flip the element up-side down to leave a gap at the lid to let in more air.
Good luck!:beers2:

[Topcat]

Everything went PERFECT at Automotive Machine and Performance during the dyno break-in and tuning power pulls.

Anyone want to guess what this motor produced :pp

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000934.jpg

A dyno tune by AMP is the single best thing you can do with your new Buick motor before you put it in your ride....especially if it's been sitting for 6 YEARS ! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

More soon......

Peace WildBill

[Topcat]

It would be interesting to see if that 66 air cleaner affects performance on the dyno (can you test it?:Brow: )



Walt, i will most likely modify my cleaner and drill nickle sized holes just outside and around the filter element in the base so that i will have basically an open element. It will be drawing hot air off the top of the motor but it should not affect performance too much....motor should run cool on pump gas:3gears:

Peace WildBill

[Hector]

WildBill,I won't put a guess on the numbers(altough I want to know:Brow: )but I'll say that it'll look sweeet doing them.

[1967 Big Buick]

I want to know where you got that over drive kit for your tranny?
Do they make it for every model? I have a 70 Wildcat. I need to plate my Wildcat this year, it's been sitiing for to long.

[87GN@Tahoe]

I want to know where you got that over drive kit for your tranny?
Do they make it for every model? I have a 70 Wildcat. I need to plate my Wildcat this year, it's been sitiing for to long.

check 'um out :TU: http://www.gearvendors.com/

[Topcat]

Here's my custom made stainless valve cover bolts for clearing the billet 1/2 inch spacers......these mount the NAPA 4-wire looms.You can see the bolt i started with to the left.....
These looms easily mount the 8.2MM Taylor Thundervolt wires(USA made:TU: ) that i am running.

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000964-1.jpg

Peace WildBill

[Topcat]

MOTORVATION for the NEXT CHALLENGE :grin:

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000976-1.jpg

More progress shots soon.......i just pulled out my dashpad....it has not seen the light of day for 19 years :eek2: .....it is perfect :)

Peace WildBill

[sharkmonkey]

This is a very cool thread. Very motivational.
-mark

[65WILDKAT]

STOP THIS MADNESS! I will never get my Cat on the road,and if I do I will never drive anywhere so people won't come up to me and say....." I have seen a WHOLE LOT BETTER then that thing!"
Keep posting the pictures guys! They look beautiful! :eek2: :TU:

[Topcat]

This baby ought to cool the savage beast :Brow:

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000098-2.jpg

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000101-1.jpg

Peace WildBill

[Smartin]

Damn...how much did that recore run? Looks great!

[Topcat]

$330.00 taxes included with a lifetime warranty using a USA made 4-core :TU:

Peace WildBill

[64BuickCat]

At least you know it will fit... :laugh:

[Topcat]

....and look stock :grin:

Peace WildBill

[Topcat]

NOS 5 inch bolt pattern SPYDER centers have just arrived......now it's time to get the wheels hooped up :3gears:

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000343.jpg

Peace WildBill

[Sergeant Major]

Nice...verrryyyyyyy niiiccccccceeeee.... now if I can only get my Cat to the paint and body guy...hopefully by the end of this week..maybe next..

[Floydsbuick]

Aw man do I love Spyders!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:TU: :TU: :TU: :TU: :TU:

[Thriller]

Very nice guys...I'm noticing an absence of Ted though recently...mind you now that I'm back around, he's probably scarce after the drool I left on his car in Rochester....

The (hopefully) attached photos show my some days challenged Wildcat at the body shop where she underwent extreme cancer therapy, the mechanical shop who rebuilt her innards, and the last time I saw her putting her to bed last fall...I really gotta get down there soon.

[65WILDKAT]

Damn...how much did that recore run? Looks great!
I got mine recored for $145.00 I found this old timer who after many many shops that said that "NEVER SAW ONE LIKE THAT BEFORE" or They would try and sell me on one that I would have to do all kinds of plumbing to make it work. I don't know what is so different about them except for the top neck and the bottom neck being different from most cars :puzzled: . But when I just happened to see this little Radiator shop one day and I pulled in and asked if he could help me he said no problem! Before I could tell him what it was for he told me what car it was for. Now that is a man that knows his trade! I have had mine now for over a year and no problems at all ("knock on wood")He is semi-retired now but still does work at his home shop, So if I ever need to get mine repaired or recored he has given me his home number and said he would help me out! But I am too use his number very sparingly. I went crazy looking for a place and I end up finding someone by pure luck and also for a great price! :beers2: God sure does work in weird ways!:pray:

[Topcat]

Derek.......Ted's distracted right now...........i love your Wildcat :TU:

Peace WildBill

[SpecialWagon65]

I'm motivationally challenged!
I've got the Wildcat on the lift and a car under it, that one has to go!
Otherwise distracted by a certain A-body and a Wagon head/cam upgrade
i've got to get done by Norwalk.
Ted

[Topcat]

Here's some progress(not much) photos......PM me if you want info on how to have a NEW USA made power steering pump using your early tank for under $100.00

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000571-1.jpg

Finally un-wrapped the headers from thier 4 year hibernation and hung them on the motor :pp

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000578.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000579.jpg

Peace WildBill

[SpecialWagon65]

From a garage deep in Wildcat territory, a 4-speed dual quad Wildcat is getting a bunch of attention...



http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f376/Wildcat65/DSC00359.jpg



http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f376/Wildcat65/DSC00360.jpg



http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f376/Wildcat65/DSC00358.jpg

Meanwhile at my garage no progress from me!
I did get a little 350 back from the machine shop
BUt the Super Wildcat for this burgundy car is first to
be assembled...gotta call Mike @ AMP for some dyno time:3gears:

[Sergeant Major]

Lookin good. I wonder what dual qawds would do with my Cat.... hell, she'd probably run over caddys....

[oldrocka]

From a garage deep in Wildcat territory, a 4-speed dual quad Wildcat is getting a bunch of attention...



http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f376/Wildcat65/DSC00359.jpg



http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f376/Wildcat65/DSC00360.jpg



http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f376/Wildcat65/DSC00358.jpg

Meanwhile at my garage no progress from me!
I did get a little 350 back from the machine shop
BUt the Super Wildcat for this burgundy car is first to
be assembled...gotta call Mike @ AMP for some dyno time:3gears:

Cool car, can't wait to see it finished :TU:

[Sergeant Major]

I am impatiently waiting for this..... gotta love a Cat....more pics please!

[Topcat]

Ted....that does not look like the Taj-Ma-Garage........that's not fair :rant: :grin:

Peace WildBill

[SpecialWagon65]

Well, the Burgundy Wildcat is still getting more attention than Blackie-
But the tide is turning, my brain cloud is fading and I'm getting some Mo-ti-vation to work on the Black car. But! here is progress!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f376/Wildcat65/DSC00397.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f376/Wildcat65/DSC00396.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f376/Wildcat65/DSC00395-1.jpg

Dual quad 4-speed posi buckets a/c gettte-r done.

[Topcat]

The motor will soon be dressed out nicely....then covered awaiting it's new home..........

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/WILDCATPOWER.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000312-1.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000181-1.jpg


The Challenge is still on !

Peace WildBill

[Topcat]

New METCO adjustable upper control arms for fine tuning the new one piece driveshaft.........

They are NICE !

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000893-1.jpg

Peace WildBill

[Topcat]

Meanwhile.....back at the Cat's Lair.......the heart of the BEAST is nearly complete........ :pp

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000452.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000456.jpg

Peace WildBill

[Tim N.]

Meanwhile.....back at the Cat's Lair.......the heart of the BEAST is nearly complete........ :pp

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000452.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000456.jpg

Peace WildBill

I like your reading material there WildBill :grin:

[buickbonehead]

I like your reading material there WildBill :grin:

See. Wildbill has interests outside of cars. :TU:

Doesn't mean he can read, but he can certainly look at the pictures.

Rick

[EEE]

Nice to have the Playboy magazines on the shelf like that. :Brow:

[my sonoma]

ck ouy my 1970 wildcat been sitting for almost 20 yrs it needs lots of work but it runs now:Brow: :Brow:

[Topcat]

Jamey.......Get that 'Cat to Bowling Green this spring.........

Peace WildBill

[Topcat]

This baby ought to cool the savage beast :Brow:

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000098-2.jpg

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000101-1.jpg

Peace WildBill


This radiator is available for what i have in it...fits all Big Buicks 1965-66...Riviera also i beleive.......PM me for detail


What a dummy.....i should have used a 1967 radiator :Dou:

Peace WildBill

[SpecialWagon65]

Merry Christmas to all Wildcat Challenge parties!

I've done a little - no pictures yet, but my trannie is about to get installed a little more permanently...hump is done, seam sealer and paint needed, then bleed the hydraulic clutch...shorten driveshaft some more :spank:
then its pedal time as in install brake and clutch pedals. Do brakes. install dynamat. do electric harnesses...install dash...windows...back to the body shop for some finish trim...then interior change to red. I have to send my interior parts out soon.

[oldrocka]

Merry Christmas to all Wildcat Challenge parties!

I've done a little - no pictures yet, but my trannie is about to get installed a little more permanently...hump is done, seam sealer and paint needed, then bleed the hydraulic clutch...shorten driveshaft some more :spank:
then its pedal time as in install brake and clutch pedals. Do brakes. install dynamat. do electric harnesses...install dash...windows...back to the body shop for some finish trim...then interior change to red. I have to send my interior parts out soon.


Hi Ted,

I am looking forward to seeing more pics of your car.

We are having nice hot cruising weather down here now.

:3gears: :3gears:

Merry Christmas from downunder.


:beer :beer :beer :beer :beer :beer :beer

John

[SpecialWagon65]

Hi Ted,

I am looking forward to seeing more pics of your car.

We are having nice hot cruising weather down here now.

:3gears: :3gears:

Merry Christmas from downunder.


:beer :beer :beer :beer :beer :beer :beer

John


Cheers back at you from "upover" -
we are having some nasty cold weather- I should be travelling to NZ!

:beers2: :beers2: :beers2: :beers2: :beers2: :beers2: :beers2:

[oldrocka]

Cheers back at you from "upover" -
we are having some nasty cold weather- I should be travelling to NZ!

:beers2: :beers2: :beers2: :beers2: :beers2: :beers2: :beers2:


I would be real happy to see you down here again, it's great Tui drinking weather.

:beer :beer :beer :beer :beer :beer :beer

[Topcat]

Meanwhile.......back at the Cat's Lair :Brow:

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000438-1.jpg

Peace WildBill

[Topcat]

These virgin never turned low mile rear drums are ready to GO !

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000769.jpg

Went to my friend Dale's shop to cut the steel to box in the lower control arms....i will weld 'em up tomorrow :cool:

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000771-1.jpg

Peace WildBill

[EEE]

What's the reason for welding up control arms? They flex when there's too much power?

[Topcat]

Yes, it's just a little bit of insurance..........:3gears:

Pictures tomorrow.

Peace WildBill

[wkillgs]

What's the reason for welding up control arms? They flex when there's too much power?

The reinforcements help on keep the arms from flexing during turns and those 'sideways' maneuvers.
Maybe Wild Bill is building a 'cat for drifting.....to show up those guys with the imports. :grin:

Drifting= A long smokey burnout, even around turns!

[Topcat]

I will be "Drifting" all over the place in this car :grin:

A little more progress......

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000839.jpg

Peace WildBill

[Roberta]

I will be "Drifting" all over the place in this car :grin:

A little more progress......

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000839.jpg

Peace WildBill

You drift more than anyone I know, if this Wildcat is not done in 2009 then I don't know what to do to you, but :Dou: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: and more:spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :blast: :3gears: :Dou: :beers2: :beers2: :beers2: :moonu:

[Topcat]

Hey Girl.......can i borrow your HR Parts and Stuff bushing removal tool :pp

I'm going to camp out in your yard the night of the Warren leg of the HotRod Power Tour :beer ........wanna bet ? :dollar:

See ya soon !

Peace WildBill

[EEE]

They sure are...


New METCO adjustable upper control arms for fine tuning the new one piece driveshaft.........

They are NICE !

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000893-1.jpg

Peace WildBill

[Topcat]

....a few more in-progress photos..

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000776-2.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000784.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000779.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000783.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000786-1.jpg


Peace WildBill

[Topcat]

So......the NOS Spyder centers are off to McWheels to be mated with some 15x7 hoops......here's a glimpse.......

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P1010216.jpg

Peace WildBill

[Hector]

So......the NOS Spyder centers are off to McWheels to be mated with some 15x7 hoops......Peace WildBill

Those wheels will be the jewels on that crown,great choice.:bglasses:

[Topcat]

Thanks Hector.....they should be different at the least :puzzled:

Here's the A-arms with new ball joints and bushings.......time for a little painting :Brow:

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000858-2.jpg

Peace WildBill

[SpecialWagon65]

I made a little progress on the brakes Saturday

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f376/Wildcat65/DSC00068-1.jpg

:beer

[Roberta]

:Dou:
Hey Girl.......can i borrow your HR Parts and Stuff bushing removal tool :pp

I'm going to camp out in your yard the night of the Warren leg of the HotRod Power Tour :beer ........wanna bet ? :dollar:

See ya soon !

Peace WildBill
I can put the tool in the mail in the next 2 days, if you think you really need it, I took a walk in the treachous snow up to my knees to the trailer to get it!
I'm not sure you want to be here for the Power Tour at the Tech Center, that's at least an hour away, and I may not be here, :beers2: etc

[Topcat]

Roberta....please send the tool to me....then Davis wants to use it....he will owe you too :Brow:

What do we have here :grin:

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000926.jpg

Peace WildBill

[Topcat]

Hump job today........

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000888.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000891.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000880.jpg

Peace WildBill

[EEE]

Are we talking manual here?

[Topcat]

OVERDRIVE !

First we hand form the sheet metal.....

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000964-2.jpg

Then we test fit and tweak it a little....

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000967.jpg

All bolted down...just have to make the hole for the downrod tomorrow.

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000970-1.jpg

Peace WildBill

[Topcat]

Actually had to make a little more "room" for the OD...out came the BMF Hammer :grin:

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000027-1.jpg

Trying to keep it as original as i can so i re-used the boot.

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000033.jpg

Saved these for awhile.....they should stop the raging beast :Brow:

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000029.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000030-2.jpg

Hard to believe that this car is this clean after 43 years and 150,000+ miles

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000002.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000013.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000994-1.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000006-1.jpg


Peace WildBill

[Topcat]

Strange hole that i found punched thru the passenger side rear wheelwell.......from the inside :puzzled:
Had to have been done when this car was made......size of a quarter.

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000067-1.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000069.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000063-1.jpg

Peace WildBill

[Topcat]

McWheels brought my NEW Spyders to Indy and i met him there to pick up these........

Thanks Curt :TU:

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000181-2.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000174-1.jpg

Peace WildBill


WOW......these things are valueable !

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160397112364&viewitem=&sspagename=ADME%3AB%3AWNA%3AUS%3A1123

[Topcat]

Looks like this is all i'm giong to do to the car for now...............

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000171-3.jpg


No sense in proceeding until i find a pair of these that will do the rest of the car justice..........

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000912.jpg


Peace WildBill

[Topcat]

Well.....i got to find a good paint shop to finish my car......or else do it myself and probably not get it done until the fall.

As it sits now.........
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000193.jpg

My wheels looks FANTASTIC !
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000351.jpg


Did i say i was looking for a good paint shop that can get my car in and done sometime this month ?

Peace WildBill

[EEE]

I don't quite see the big deal with those little trim pieces, can't you just re-chrome some used ones?

[Topcat]

I don't quite see the big deal with those little trim pieces, can't you just re-chrome some used ones?

Kimson......you have to have nice cores. You are in Cali where the chance of finding these parts are much higher. The better you start with the better you end up with... Don't want these pieces to be the only crappy die-cast on the car.
Here's a pair that a V8 member sent me from Illinois....and NO the screw holes are NOT original.
These parts were almost never worth saving from a mid-west car......

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000237-1.jpg

I am still looking for a nice pair....the ones pictured will be used as a last resort.

Peace WildBill

[buickbonehead]

Geez if Wildbill can't find anyting better than that they must be way rare.

Rick

[EEE]

I'll keep my eyes open for you..

You need some special tool to remove the trim parts around windows etc?

[Metty]

holy, i don't know how i have missed this thread, this is AWESOME. more pics of the black one with the redlines please ;)

[Topcat]

I'll keep my eyes open for you..

You need some special tool to remove the trim parts around windows etc?

Kimson.....you have to remove the inner rear door panels and then the glass to get at the screws and be able to take the lower stainless window trim off. Once that is done you have to peel the rear of the driprail moulding up and away from the car....only then can you unhook the moulding and remove it from the drip rail it's lipped into......

BIG MONEY $$ waiting for a perfect pair


Peace WildBill

[Topcat]

Had to notch the front of the original style trans mount and shave the rear edge....that way i don't have to re-drill the cross-member for the newer style mount with a different bolt pattern.

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000479.jpg

More progress soon.....

Peace WildBill

[Tom Miller]

Bill,
me thinks it's time for an update:Smarty:

[Topcat]

This sunday i take the car to the painter.....been very busy......here's some photo's of the final mate-up of the Gear Vendors Overdrive and the totally re-built 69 "BT" TH-400........

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000457-1.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000461-1.jpg

Milled the GV adapter's trans mount pads down the thickness of two shims and then added them with the new NOS mount so that i will have some adjustment in the down direction to dial in the right driveline angles and alignment.

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000477-1.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000480.jpg

After putting a straight edge across the back face of the adapter and seating the transfer hub fully on the trans output shaft.....you take the supplied round shims and use just enough to fill the gap made by the ruler and the hub edge.....put them in the end of the hub and they take up the end play between the trans and the overdrive

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000483-1.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000485-2.jpg

overdrive input shaft......notice pump cam right behind shaft splines......
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000490-1.jpg

And then you end up with this........man, it's long :grin:

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000493-1.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000494-1.jpg

The challenge is back on.....for the 30th GS Nationals !


Peace WildBill

[Topcat]

I finished up the custom motor mounts and hit them with some primer......

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000080-1.jpg

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000549.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000553-1.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000555-2.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000556-2.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000554-4.jpg

California clean....man.....it's just the way it came from the factory :pp

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000557-1.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000565-1.jpg
Here's the body mount that ALWAYS rusts out on these cars......
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000563-2.jpg

Hauler made for easy access to clean the undersides.......

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/IM000567-1.jpg

Peace WildBill

[Topcat]

I challenge ALL Buick Wildcats to be at the 30th GS Nationals for a WILDBILL sponsored Wildcats only class with special awards......more info soon.


Peace WildBill

[Joe65SkylarkGS]

I challenge ALL Buick Wildcats to be at the 30th GS Nationals for a WILDBILL sponsored Wildcats only class with special awards......more info soon.


Peace WildBill



You sunova b....

Your making me want a cat now?!?!?!

Your a madman!!!!

[SpecialWagon65]

I'm gonna need some drivers :3gears:

[Roberta]

I'm gonna need some drivers :3gears:

Do I get to pick which one???

[65gs76limited]

I get the red 4-speed car.

[Roberta]

I get the red 4-speed car.

I don't think so, I was first! To ask what I get to pick out to drive!:spank: :beer

[65gs76limited]

That's where you made your first mistake. You ask if you could pick whereas i made my first choice.

[Roberta]

Well, then I can build a 401 with all kinds of goodie parts to put in my '66 Wildcat, get WildBill to come help, he already said he would, and the 3.42 gear, it might not be pretty but it will run! So there! I don't need to borrow a car, but Ted knows I know how to drive a 4-speed, with Class! :3gears: :beer

[65gs76limited]

I know Wildbill would be more than happy to take one for the team so start building.

[Topcat]

All Wildcat Reunion entrants will be given a special Cat's Lair designed T-shirt and other goodies :TU:

Peace WildBill

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykRZbOb1c5c

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/Topcat77.jpg

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/Scan0001oversize.jpg

[sharkmonkey]

I'm gonna need some drivers :3gears:

How about a newbie driver? :Brow:

[Topcat]

*****...is being painted right now :pp

More soon.......


Peace WildBill

[Topcat]

You sunova b....

Your making me want a cat now?!?!?!

Your a madman!!!!

And you are a fellow madman !?!?!?

Miss'in you my friend.....come to the MWBC......I'll cover your room :beer

LMK

Peace WildBill

[SpecialWagon65]

Wildcat Union- first time can't be a re-union, right?
WOT Meeting
GSCA @ Bowling Green 2010! :Brow:

[66cat]

How big are the wheels and tires on the Top Cat in the older pictures?

[Topcat]

Those are first generation Cragar SS wheels 15x6 on the front with 8.25x15 Kelly-Springfield tires and the rears are 15x7's with L-60 15's Kelly-Springfield Super Charger's.......how about that for a FLASHBACK :grin:

Peace WildBill

[Topcat]

WOT Meeting
GSCA @ Bowling Green 2010! :Brow:

2010 W.O.T.Nationals at the GSCA in Bowling Green and at the BPG Nationals in Ohio.......more details soon.......

Peace WildBill

[SpecialWagon65]

2010 W.O.T.Nationals at the GSCA in Bowling Green and at the BPG Nationals in Ohio.......more details soon.......

Peace WildBill

Year of the 'cat!

[buickbonehead]

2010 W.O.T.Nationals at the GSCA in Bowling Green and at the BPG Nationals in Ohio.......more details soon.......

Peace WildBill

ME likey the sound of this! :beers2:

[65gs76limited]

So,Am i still driving the red 4-spd car for you?:3gears:

[75Riv]

Is that (BPG-event) at the end of July and early August 2010?? Have to arrange my holiday period ASAP.

A Wildcat meet.... hmmmm need to go there in style :Brow: :Brow:

[Smartin]

The BPG national meet is July 30 - August 1, 2010

[Topcat]

Guy's.......it's gonna happen :beers2:

And in the meantime.......i will be building this Wildcat to bring to the event :TU:

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P9270191.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P9270186.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P9270195.jpg

Peace WildBill

[Tom Miller]

Cat look's great Bill, but it needs a set of redlines:Smarty: :TU:

[SpecialWagon65]

Snap! Tom, you are right. Looking good Bill!
:beers2:

[Topcat]

Radiator core support is primed and ready for paint tomorrow :)

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/PA010197.jpg


Picking the best bumpers from the pile right now...........

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/PA010204.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/PA010199.jpg

More progress soon.....

Peace WildBill

....DAMN!....now,that's a BUMPER!

[75Riv]

Picking the best bumpers from the pile right now...........


Peace WildBill



From the pile even.....:shock: :eek2:

Is there underneath this pile a nice 71 Buick full size front bumper you weren't aware of?

[Topcat]

Sorry Rob.....only 66 Wildcat bumpers in the pile :grin:

Any SPRAYBOMBERS out there ?:laugh: :laugh:

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/PA030186.jpg

Core support is a perfect shade of Krylon Rust-Tough Semi-Flat Black :cool:

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/PA030189.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/PA030191.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/PA030192.jpg

The pace accelerates......:3gears:

Peace WildBill

[EEE]

The pace accelerates......:3gears:

Peace WildBill

Wouldn't surprise me if you finished your's before mine.

[Topcat]

You drift more than anyone I know, if this Wildcat is not done in 2009 then I don't know what to do to you, but :Dou: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: and more:spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :blast: :3gears: :Dou: :beers2: :beers2: :beers2: :moonu:


2010 Year Of the Cat !


Peace WildBill

[Topcat]

.....a little slowdown until my truck gets painted..........Showed my S-10 4x4 a little love with a paint job and new heater core,shocks,fuel filter,brake hoses,muffler,tailpipe and a Delco AM-FM CD radio :)

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/PB050336.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/PB050339.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/PB050337.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/PB050338.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/PB050340.jpg

Peace WildBill

[Topcat]

Truck is now done and it is time to get to work and build my WILDCAT !

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/PC160035.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/PC160041.jpg

More progress and pictures soon........

Happy Holidays and Peace !

WildBill

[Topcat]

2010 W.O.T.Nationals at the GSCA in Bowling Green and at the BPG Nationals in Ohio.......more details soon.......

Peace WildBill

After a nice phone call from Richard Lasseter.......i can now confirm that this event will be held in conjunction with the 30th Anniversary of the GS Nationals....more info to follow soon. :3gears:


Start getting your 'Cats ready......we will have awards for the mangiest cat,classiest cat,quickest cat and more....plus the TOPCAT award.

The goodie bag will be very nice.......if i can help it :grin:

Peace WildBill

p.s.....waiting for the BPG to get back to me on the BPG leg......Norwalk Buick event also wants the Wildcats and that is in the works......

[Topcat]

Never posted any before photo's...........

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/Scan0030.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/Scan0012.jpg

Peace WildBill

[Kqqlcat]

Did anyone else see the CSI episode that rolled the 65 or 66 buick wildcat?

Pat

[Smartin]

Yes. It bears a striking resemblance to my old 66.

http://forums.aaca.org/f115/did-anyone-watch-csi-last-night-273584.html

[EEE]

Hmm... I wonder what yard that ended up in? I've seen movie cars previously in the yards around here, and by looking at the nature of the area of where the car flips over, I'd say it would have been shot in SoCal.

Adam, did your car have the deluxe interior, with the chrome ceiling trim? The car in the show appears to miss that trim on the dirver's side.

[75Riv]

Are there any updates on Wildcats at the BPG Nationals?
I'm already roughly planning my next (holiday) visit to the USA.

[Topcat]

Rob

I am waiting for the BOD's reply......i will have an update real soon.


Peace WildBill

[75Riv]

OK thanks.... there are a few other Buick events around that period of the summer:
= Riviera Owners Association (June 21-24, 2010. Hershey/Harrisburg PA)
= BCA Nationals (July 24 - 31, 2010 Ames, IA)

The last one has an overlap with BPG Nationals, but distance and other plans for my road trip (have to finish in TX 2 weeks later) forces me to make a choice.
Doing my road trip in a Cat makes the BPG event my first choice (if the Wildcat Challenge is on)



(although the GSX reunion is one I wouldn't miss either)

2010 Year Of my Cat ! :Brow:

[Smartin]

GSX Reunion was 2009. Stage1 Convention is 2010 - you don't want to miss that one, either :laugh:

I will stoke the conversation fire with the BOD to see if we can work out some details.

[75Riv]

What a typo..:eek2: . Was so excited last week to maybe see Tom's 74 Riviera GS StageI there and still I write 'GSX' :rant:

Still got a few weeks to come up with a request for a holiday period at work, so I got some time left.
:beer

[Topcat]

There will be WILDCAT Nationals at both the GS and BPG Nationals.......gonna be FUN :beers2:

I wanna see those 'Cats :3gears:

More info soon.

Peace WildBill

[Topcat]

Time to get this 'Cat done !

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P9270201-1.jpg

Peace WildBill

[Topcat]

Rear brake backing plates are done now......move the car into the Cat's Lair in a few days and final assembly will begin.

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P1120167.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P1120168.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P1120169.jpg


Peace WildBill

[Topcat]

Finally !....some progress !!!!!!

Car is in the Cats Lair and work has finally begun.......

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P2020009.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P2020012.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P2020014.jpg

First up....remove the front suspension and the rear end....then paint the cowl,underbody and frame.......

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P2030018.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P2030019.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P2030023.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P2030025.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P2030026.jpg

Then it's all "put it back together time".........:pp

More progress soon...

Peace WildBill

[Topcat]

Front spindles cleaned up to just like they came off the line 44 yers ago :pp

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/new015-5.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/new016-4.jpg



Time to give the lower control arms some love......new MOOG ball joints and PERFECT CIRCLE bushings will do the job nicely :)


http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P2070003.jpg

Peace WildBill

[70stage1]

Lookin good WildBill. Are you going to have her ready for Norwalk? I'm counting down the days:beers2:

[Topcat]

I'm a try'in my friend....lot of work to put a car back together when you are only one man.........


Peace WildBill

[Roberta]

I'm a try'in my friend....lot of work to put a car back together when you are only one man.........


Peace WildBill

Come on, your WildBill, turn up the tunes and get to work.......
Isn't it about time??????:beer :beer :beer

[70stage1]

I'm a try'in my friend....lot of work to put a car back together when you are only one man.........


Peace WildBill

If I were closer you would have an extra set of hands to do some wrenchin and I work for beer. I'm getting ready to pull the motor out of the Stage car this weekend for some upgrades. I'm already getting excited

[1ATony]

That's a great looking project.

[Topcat]

I finally started putting parts back on the car :pp

First parts to actually go on the car are the front A-pillar driprail stainless trims.......thanks to my Chevy friend Bill Pavey:TU:.........he hooked me up with new correct and very specific phillips screws to mount the trim and 3-M strip caulk and roll mount tape to seal the trim like the original GM goop.........after a little time under the buffing wheel :Brow:

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P2090018.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P2090020.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P2090026.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P2090029.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P2090022.jpg


Peace WildBill

p.s.....I'm CRANK'IN UP the TUNES !!!!!

[DaWildcat]

Never seen a grinder/polisher clamped to a folding wooden ladder before.

I am inspired!

Devon

[Topcat]

Yeah.....my 2x8 seat was missing from the picture.........:pp

You bringing DaWildcat to the Wildcat Nationals ?


Peace WildBill

[DaWildcat]

Yeah.....my 2x8 seat was missing from the picture.........:pp

You bringing DaWildcat to the Wildcat Nationals ?


Peace WildBill

I would LOVE TO. Cannot due to funds, sick wife. I'm not taking my eyes off you guys though, I look forward to lining these big cars up in the future.

Devon

[Topcat]

The front lower control arms are primed with self-etching primer and await final paint............

<a href="http://s35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/?action=view&current=Picture036.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/Picture036.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Roof rail stainless weatherstrip holders were a real PAIN.....had to scrape the 44 year old seal tape from them with a razor blade...just so the gasoline could cut and dissolve it off the part......then a little 0000 steel wool and some time under the buffing wheel......they look and shine like NEW :grin:

3.5 hours invested.......

<a href="http://s35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/?action=view&current=Picture034.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/Picture034.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
<a href="http://s35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/?action=view&current=Picture033.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/Picture033.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
<a href="http://s35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/?action=view&current=Picture031.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/Picture031.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

More progress soon.........

Peace WildBill

[Topcat]

Spindle are ready.....hopefully i will get the center link and steering box done today plus get the springs blasted and painted.......

<a href="http://s35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/?action=view&current=P2130038.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P2130038.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>


Peace WildBill

[Topcat]

Lower control arms and sway bar mounts are painted and ready to go........damn snow :rant:

<a href="http://s35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/?action=view&current=P2140073.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P2140073.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Peace WildBill

[SpecialWagon65]

You are hell when you are well, my energy is getting aligned to work on Buicks...maybe not the Wildcat but something fun anyway :beers2:

[Topcat]

Surf Bunnies and Hot Rod Honeys :pp :pp :pp :beer

Peace WildBill

[Topcat]

Well.....i finally got the steering box/drag link/idler arm/tie rod assembly all cleaned up and painted.....did'nt want it to stand out too much so i used a cast iron color.........

<a href="http://s35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/?action=view&current=P2190059.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P2190059.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
<a href="http://s35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/?action=view&current=P2210060.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P2210060.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Man.....those are some big and HEAVY front springs :grin:

<a href="http://s35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/?action=view&current=P2200066.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P2200066.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Put the 20 year old NOS Au-ve-co window reveal trim clips on the car in advance of installing front and rear glass.....no repo chinese clips here :bglasses:

<a href="http://s35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/?action=view&current=P2210057.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P2210057.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
<a href="http://s35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/?action=view&current=P2210065.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P2210065.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
<a href="http://s35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/?action=view&current=P2210066.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P2210066.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>


More progress tomorrow......dang.....it's FUN putting it back together :beer

Peace WildBill

[Topcat]

Dropped the rear to get ready for the painting of the frame and underbody :TU:

<a href="http://s35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/?action=view&current=P2230057.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P2230057.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/?action=view&current=P2230065.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P2230065.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Spent a few hours with the wire wheel and scotch-brite pads on the front frame today......need a few few more hours tomorrow........

<a href="http://s35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/?action=view&current=P2230058.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P2230058.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
<a href="http://s35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/?action=view&current=P2230060.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P2230060.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

PLUS...the rear springs are blasted and after a trip thru my "paint booth" they are primed and ready for final paint....

<a href="http://s35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/?action=view&current=P2230063.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P2230063.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

More tomorrow.......did i tell you about the WILDCAT NATIONALS !


Peace WildBill

[65gs76limited]

I'd like to know who lite the fire under your A$$ to get you in gear?Your moving like a Mad Man lately.

[Topcat]

GIT-ER-DONE ! :Brow:

Peace WildBill

[Topcat]

Front frame is primed and ready for paint tomorrow.....lots of sweat and hours.....am i crazy?

<a href="http://s35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/?action=view&current=P2250061.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P2250061.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
<a href="http://s35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/?action=view&current=P2250059.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P2250059.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Rear springs are ready.....

<a href="http://s35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/?action=view&current=P2250067.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P2250067.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>


Peace WildBill

[Tom Miller]

I can't wait to see this car done.

Nice looking work Bill:TU: :TU:

Can I drive it?:Brow:

[Topcat]

Tom.....you can drive it.....just gotta catch me....don't plan on being parked for too long :)

Under body paint....starting from the back.......

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P2280058.jpg

More soon......

Peace WildBill

[RapidRick]

Front frame is primed and ready for paint tomorrow.....lots of sweat and hours.....am i crazy?

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P2250061.jpg (http://s35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/?action=view&current=P2250061.jpg)
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P2250059.jpg (http://s35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/?action=view&current=P2250059.jpg)

Rear springs are ready.....

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P2250067.jpg (http://s35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/?action=view&current=P2250067.jpg)


Peace WildBill

Of course not!.....
the pride and hard work put in will be evident by all the gawker's and compliments you'll rec'v down the road....
But you already know that I'll bet.
Lookin' real good, and I for one can't wait for your updates sir! :beers2:

[Lucy Fair]

This is pure beauty.:3gears:

[Topcat]

Thanks Kacper !

Started grinding the 65 3:90 posi rear end to clean it up before some paint.....i could see the 6-17-89 junk yard pull date written in paint pen.

Both my 66's have the 65 housing so i can easily change ratio's :Brow:

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P3020065.jpg

The bottom will be painted by tomorrow......more soon.

Peace WildBill

[EEE]

How did it feel to locate a 3.90:1 rear axle in a junk yard?

[Topcat]

Kimson......it felt like hitting the lottery......i always looked for BIG trailer hitches on 62-65 Big Buicks when i was junkyarding.....it paid off a couple times :grin:

The 20 year old air shocks are in great shape and ready to hang after a repaint and new lines......

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P3040059.jpg

FINALLY got the front frame and cowl sprayed :pp

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P3040063.jpg

plus i got the rear end primed........love that self-etching primer.......

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P3040070.jpg

Very soon the wrenches will fly !

Peace WildBill

[Roberta]

Very soon the wrenches will fly !

Peace WildBill

Look out, flying wrenches!!! Do they have lights flashing???? LOL:beer :beer :beer :beer:TU:

[Topcat]

Look out, flying wrenches!!! Do they have lights flashing???? LOL:beer :beer :beer :beer:TU:

Yes......and they proclaim they come in peace looking to find true BUICK HORSEPOWER :grin:

Peace WildBill

[Topcat]

'nother


I expect this 'Cat to be at the Wildcat Nationals :TU:

Peace WildBill

[Topcat]

The rearend is now ready for installation along with the new METCO adjustable upper control arms and my own custom boxed lower stock arms :pp

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P3070001.jpg

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P3070002.jpg

Install of the suspension and fuel/brake lines are the next two tasks !

Peace WildBill

[Topcat]

More progress today,after i made a special cradle for the floor jack to hold the rearend.......it went in easily ..........

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P3080002.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P3080003.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P3080004.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P3080006.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P3080007.jpg


Peace WildBill

[Topcat]

Cleaned up the tail lights......then pulled out the NOS tail-panel that i bought from the late Great Buick NOS parts seller,Dave Czako. It had not seen the light of day for 20+ years :pp

After the install.....things are looking up.

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P3100003.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P3100004.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P3100012.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P3100021.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P3100022.jpg

More parts to install tomorrow :3gears:

Peace WildBill

[Topcat]

Inner air box with a new heater core and the defroster ducts are ready to go.....

Paint the lower dash and the lower rear window trim today and i should be all done painting :pray:

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P3110003.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P3110005.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P3110002.jpg


Peace WildBill

[Topcat]

The dash is painted and the inner/outer air boxes plus defroster ducts are installed.

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P3120009.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P3120010.jpg

Peace WildBill

[Topcat]

Well.....the last two weeks have been hell......traveling to Michigan to do a swap meet and then having my paint shop guys in to do a final sand and buff before assembly........

Got the dash installed and the NOS brake booster/master cylinder mounted.......

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P3170005-1.jpg (http://s35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/?action=view&current=P3170005-1.jpg)
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P3170010.jpg (http://s35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/?action=view&current=P3170010.jpg)

Pat and Eric from my painter's shop came out for the final sand and buff....unfortunately we had a couple thin spots in the $400.00+ a gallon ChromaOne Artic White Paint........here's a few shots of them making everything perfect :TU:

Here's Eric doing some hand buffing........

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P3230008.jpg (http://s35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/?action=view&current=P3230008.jpg)

Here's Pat as he color sands through the thin paint...........real time photo here !

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P3230012.jpg (http://s35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/?action=view&current=P3230012.jpg)

Here's Eric inspecting the second coat he shot after it had cured some.....

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P3240024-1.jpg (http://s35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/?action=view&current=P3240024-1.jpg)


These guys are good......need a paint job?

PM me for details...

Peace WildBill

[SpecialWagon65]

The rear panel,dash and everything looks terrific Bill .
Lookout mama there's a white Wildcat coming from Kokomo!

[EEE]

What year model is the dual NOS brake booster/master cylinder for?

[Topcat]

Spent a few hours with a scotch-brite on the gas tank...........

Before......

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P3230004.jpg

After........

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P3230009.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P3230006.jpg


Peace WildBill

[Topcat]

The guys finished the sand and buff.......Eric had the "touch" with a buffer :TU:

Bright and shiny now.......time to hang the trim.

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P3260005.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P3260006.jpg

Peace WildBill

[Topcat]

What year model is the dual NOS brake booster/master cylinder for?

1967 w/drum brakes

Peace WildBill

[Topcat]

Got the buffing rig set up and spent a few hours under the wheel :laugh:

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P3270022.jpg

The window reveals look like new....don't even need to change the rubber wipers :pp

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P3270009.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P3270010.jpg

Finally got the Wildcat GS on the rear quarters....i am so happy !

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P3270033.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P3270034-1.jpg

Putting a Wildcat back together is an exercise of memory with a twist of ecstacy ........

Peace WildBill

[Topcat]

Next up...clean the 44+ year old "red stuff" off the set of NOS wheelwell mouldings i have been saving for at least 20 or more years now and give them a light buff before going on ?????......the name of my new 'Cat cat has five letters :grin:

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P3270017.jpg


Peace WildBill

[SpecialWagon65]

Shiny Arctic Cat looking good Bill
GS EMBLEM nice:beer

[Tom Miller]

the name of my new 'Cat cat has five letters :grin:

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P3270017.jpg


Peace WildBill

PUSSY CAT????? Do I win something?

Looking great Bill, can't wait to see it done.:TU:

[Roberta]

PUSSY CAT????? Do I win something?

Looking great Bill, can't wait to see it done.:TU:

Forgot how to count, Miller?????
Kitty!

[Topcat]

Forgot how to count, Miller?????
Kitty!

I think he was focused on one of the words for his count :laugh:

Peace Wildbill

[Roberta]

I think he was focused on one of the words for his count :laugh:

Peace Wildbill

DUH! LOL!

[greg davis]

the name of my new 'Cat cat has five letters :grin:

I know, I know, but I have been sworn to secrecy :bglasses:

[Topcat]

Well....i pulled out the 10 year old Metro trunks seal......it's just like new and it fits perfectly. Just like the factory installed........the soft-seal stuff is too spongy for me.

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P3290054.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P3290053.jpg

The die-cast trims that i looked a year for are installed and looking good. Not as nice as the ones that came with the car but.....i'm happy with them.:pp

I saw an e-bay auction where the seller had some real nice 66 Wildcat parts and he was in california....turns out he has the trims i need on a 2 door he is parting...hooked me up good and at a great price.So my cali car now has replacement parts from cali :)
If you ever need parts for your Buick....look up Mike Hogan at the Buick Bonnery......he's the best !!!!!

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P3290057.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P3290062.jpg

I put the stainless window seal channels in and the A-pillars and side glass are up next.........

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P3290059.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P3290064.jpg

More progress tomorrow.

Peace WildBill

[Topcat]

I peeled the red "goop" off the NOS rear wheelwell mouldings and gave them a buff.....looks like chrome now.I also gave the striped side trim a little time under the wheel :Brow:

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P3300006.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P3300007.jpg

The trim is looking good......tomorrow the side glass........

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P3300008.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P3300011.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P3300012.jpg

Gotta tweak the front of the wheelwell moulding in a bit........

Peace WildBill

[SpecialWagon65]

I loves me some shiny wildcat trim. Looking fine WildWill!:beer

[Topcat]

Progress has been a little slow.....now that the grass mowing has begun :mad:

Pat came over and wet sanded and hand buffed the rear quarter end caps...

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P3310033.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P3310031.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P3310030.jpg

I then added the cleaned up original gaskets and NOS trunklip extension chrome to them and mounted the end caps up.....looks more like a WILDCAT every day :pp

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P4010001.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P4010002.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P4010004.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P4010005.jpg

My chevy friends Dale and Bill stoped by on the way home from the interior shop with Dale's seats for his current 66 Impala project......the seats looked great:TU:

They gave me a hand getting the steering column installed........

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P4010006.jpg

More soon.....the interior is ready and waiting.....

Peace WildBill

[htrdbuick]

looking great Bill, i love the NOS quarter extension chrome pieces. The ones on mine are really ugly, Do you have any more of those in the cats lair??
Keep up the good work; it is fun to watch all the shiny bits come together to make another cool cat come back to life.

[Topcat]

Tom......i know you said you needed them chrome trunklip extensions.I have a spare pair of NOS that i had on another car for a while.....they were gonna be my spares but let me think about that. I will pm you tonight.Got your letter and i am boxing the steering wheel today.

Thanks for the good words on the 'Cat :TU:

Peace WildBill

[m.kozlowski]

That is going to be outstanding car. Beautiful work and parts :)

[EEE]

Looking good!!!

Any suggestions for taking out and re-installing the steering column? I'll be taking mine out over the weekend to have it tightened up and painted..

[Tom Miller]

I normally do not care for white cars at all.

But Bill, I gotta tell ya, this car just looks "RIGHT"!!!! It looks Fantastic:Smarty:

I want it:TU:
:3gears:

[Topcat]

Thanks Tom......this is my other "Dream Wildcat"..........if you are gonna do white...do it right :TU:


Cleaned the factory tinted rear quarter glass and installed them.......

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P4020005.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P4020012.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P4020014.jpg

Here's EXTREME BUFFING for you :Brow:

I'm blind in one eye(and can't see out the other).......had to buff all the 44 year old oxidation off the exposed stainless on this pair of 4 1/2 ft long NOS door mouldings.......one slip and you buff the paint out of the stripes:eek2:

No slips so they look great :cool:

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P4020007.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P4020010.jpg

More soon......the process is accelerating.

Peace WildBill

[Topcat]

A-pillars and door glass are in.......very tricky when you mix and match parts from different cars and change original locations of things like the upper window seal channel......but that's why Buick designed them to be so easily adjusted for.......think like a Buick assembly person in 1966 :Smarty:

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P4030006.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P4030014.jpg

The trim is all mounted except for the passenger side door........i need a NOS one if anyone has one....trade my NOS DS one for it or MUCHO $$$ for the right part..........

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P4030017.jpg

WILDCAT Nationals 2010 !



Peace WildBill

[SpecialWagon65]

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P4030014.jpg





Love this shot and the decal- thats got to be a "one of"
Too CoolCat :TU:

[Topcat]

Thanks Ted :beer

Those decals recognize the 3:90 posi that is in the car......been there for 25+ years :pp

Painted the tank and installed it this week......

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P4050005.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P4060019.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P4060020.jpg

Also, this week i installed the rear seat "package shelf"......

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P4060011.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P4060012.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d167/TOPCAT66/P4060014.jpg

GRAND children are here for the week...Jadyn is 4...Dylan(as in Bob)...10 months....i will spend ALL my time with them this week :)

.........more progress next week


Peace WildBill

[Topcat]

Hey bill thats a fine looking dash pad you got there. :TU: I gotta get going on mine , I think I have rounded up all the stuff i need to have a complete car . Where do you and Ted get the hard board type head liners?? I can't find it reproduced anywhere. Other than the head liner and package tray i think i have everything now all i have to do is get started .

Tom.....i wanna see pictures of your Wildcat if you can't make it to the Wildcat Nationals........

Post them up here in this thread :TU:

Peace WildBill

hard to believe this thread has been going on for this many years :Dou: :Brow: