1962 Wildcat

[msmith]

Does anyone out there have an idea of the estimated number of these cars left on the road? I met an old feller up here in Maine who owns probably the nicest one I have ever seen and he wanted to know if I knew. He said the one computer expert in his town had no idea either. I told him I would try to find out and let him know.

Thanks in advance all!

[CameoInvicta]

I believe only 2,000 were actually made. Not to sure on the number left, in 10 years I've seen about 10.

[kevin mcculloug]

I just got the name of a BCA member who was starting a registry back in the mid 90's. My dad's got one, so he's been in touch with him before. At the time, 1994 I think , he was up to 29 known 1962 Wildcats. I'm going to call him tonight and see if he's till up on things. I'll report back.:TU:

[Sergeant Major]

There were approximately 12,000 produced. As far as remaining, that's a good question. Sometimes I think I have the only '63 4 Dr HT Cat left. These old kitty's are getting harder to find that's for sure.

[CameoInvicta]

There were approximately 12,000 produced. As far as remaining, that's a good question. Sometimes I think I have the only '63 4 Dr HT Cat left. These old kitty's are getting harder to find that's for sure.

I believe the original poster was refering specifically to the '62 Wildcats.

For your '63, what does it being a Wildcat entail? Like what extras does it have? Was it an option?

[telriv]

I know someone close by that has a '63/4spd. 4dr.hdtp. Original from the factory. Many options, including A/C, but no pwr. brakes. Strange!!!!

[Sergeant Major]

That is a strange combo. I've got all the "power" stuff... automatic though.

[CameoInvicta]

I know someone close by that has a '63/4spd. 4dr.hdtp. Original from the factory. Many options, including A/C, but no pwr. brakes. Strange!!!!

I'd give an arm and a leg to have a 4spd in my '62. Just out of curiosity, do you all think I'd have to have the peddle assembly from a Buick or would one from any fullsize GM car work? Maybe this could be a winter project :Brow: ?

[Sergeant Major]

I go for the original parts. I'm sure with some research you'd be able to find it.

[SpecialWagon65]

"I'd give an arm and a leg to have a 4spd in my '62" Kinda hard to shift w/o that arm and leg!

I do not think Buick offered any (big car) manual trannie options in '62.
But I could be wrong and the LeSabre may have offered a column shift in '62.. Hafta check that!
Ted

[telriv]

I know for sure there were no standard shift '61 full size cars. Can't be sure about '62, but if there was I'm sure it's as rare as hens teeth.

[CameoInvicta]

"I'd give an arm and a leg to have a 4spd in my '62" Kinda hard to shift w/o that arm and leg!


LOL, ain't that the truth!

Did any of the later Nailhead cars come with a 4spd? I'm assuming I'd have a hard time finding a trans that would phsically bolt up to my motor. Am I assuming correctly? This is definitely something I am considering doing so any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks guys!

[64BuickCat]

In '62 the Wildcat was a trim level in the Invicta series, but became a stand alone car in '63 when the Invicta was dropped from the line up. To me, it was a half way house between the LeSabre and Electra, built for the person that wanted a sporty, but big car. The LeSabre being billed as a family car and the Electra as a luxury car. Wildcats were available as a two door hard top and convertible, sport sedan (four door, no pillar) , and a four door sedan

Four speed transmissions were available as options in '63, '64, '65, and '66 coupled with either the 401 or 425 engines. I don't know about other years, but in '64, the base transmission in a Wildcat was a three speed column shift with the 401 engine.

[SpecialWagon65]

"Four speed transmissions were available as options in '63, '64, '65, and '66 coupled with either the 401 or 425 engines."

No 4-speeders in '66; column shift 3-speeds were "standard" but super rare in '65 and '66- less than 100 for each year.

If you can find a bellhousing, the trannie is easy. The ones that were in the cars were standard size Warner T-10's, same shaft length as a muncie or Super T-10 as far as I can tell. I am installing a 5-speed Tremec and it bolted perfectly to the 65 GS bellhousing, snout perfect in the end of the nailhead crank bushing from Carmen.

Ted:beer

[64BuickCat]

I stand corrected on the years of availability. Thanks, Ted.

[SpecialWagon65]

:beer

[nitrousfish]

Lots of early 60's pontiacs had sticks,don't forget the 3 speed cars had the same pedals..good luck...Fish

[pphil]

LOL, ain't that the truth!

Did any of the later Nailhead cars come with a 4spd? I'm assuming I'd have a hard time finding a trans that would phsically bolt up to my motor. Am I assuming correctly? This is definitely something I am considering doing so any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks guys!

if you want to change the crank in your motor to a 64 crank i have a complete 4-speed set up off a 64 wildcat from petals to shifter for a 401-425
prescottphillips@bellsouth.net
scott

[kevin mcculloug]

Back to the original topic.... I called the BCA member that started the 62 Wildcat registry and have not had a return call.

[wildcat62]

Kevin, was the gentlemen in Wisconsin? I recall being contacted about the same time from someone who wanted to start a 62 registry, but I misplaced the contact info and never heard from him again.

[LAST1987GN]

I know someone close by that has a '63/4spd. 4dr.hdtp. Original from the factory. Many options, including A/C, but no pwr. brakes. Strange!!!!

Tom, correct, standard drum brakes :Dou:

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z175/LAST1987GN/DSC01712.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z175/LAST1987GN/DSC01715.jpg

[CameoInvicta]

Tom, correct, standard drum brakes :Dou:

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z175/LAST1987GN/DSC01712.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z175/LAST1987GN/DSC01715.jpg

Ooo! Man am I jealous!

Would you mind posting/sending me a pic of the pedals? Thanks!

[WQ59B]

'62 Wildcat production was 1,116.
A general, round number to start survival assumptions with is 10% when talking about this era- which would be 111 cars left. Collectibility plays into this among other factors, moving that number up or down. In this case it probably moved it down- I would guesstimate between 5-10%, or 55-111 left.

[wildcat62]

'62 Wildcat production was 1,116.
A general, round number to start survival assumptions with is 10% when talking about this era- which would be 111 cars left. Collectibility plays into this among other factors, moving that number up or down. In this case it probably moved it down- I would guesstimate between 5-10%, or 55-111 left.

Mark, where did you find a production number for 1962 Wildcats? I've never seen anything other than the general production number for model 4647, which included the 2dr ht Invicta and the Wildcat.

[WQ59B]

I didn't record the source (tho it is very likely either this board or from the BCA board), but I have a text file I keep whenever I encounter a credible production #. Wish I could be more specific, but at the time I entered the #, I know I was convinced it was accurate (else I would not have recorded it), and I am a stickler for the facts. I want to say an ex-BMD guy stated it, but this was the better part of 10 years ago- the memory lapses. So I cannot document it, nor can I 100% guarantee it, sorry. I will say one thing- it sure comes off a lot more exact than 'circa 2000'.

I have a short list of random performance quantites, for ex :

'66 Wildcat GS 2x4 : 21

'65 Bonneville convert 421 HO 4-spd : 3

'58 Fury w/ FI : 2

'57 T-Bird w/ SC : 208

that sort of thing.

[MullyClu]

I know that this thread is pre 62, but I watched a nice , just restored 66 cat conv. go at a auction recently for $27 K. I should have bid. Anybody know how many of these were made. It had the 401 naihead. It was nice!

Steve

[josh7652]

i just bought a 62 in anahiem. it is in rather poor condition but still very solid....just had been neglected. tach is long gone, but i still have the console...(whats left of it!)

[josh7652]

took this from a musclecar website....

as soon as i get 10 posts i'll add the link......


Comments: The first Wildcat (officially named the Wildcat Sport Coupe) was part of the Invicta line, but included front bucket seats, a console, tachometer, and a rear floor lamp. It's body style was classy and attractive. Buick engineers adjusted the suspension to improve the handling of the Wildcat. Highlights included a frame which carried boxed cross-members with heavy side rails, coil springs on all four corners, and oversized 10 inch drum brakes. Sporty yes, but light, no. The Wildcat weighed in at 4,150 pounds. Standard power was the Buick LT401 cid V8, rated at a strong 325 bhp. Although this engine was also available in the regular Invicta line, the Wildcat came with a standard 3.42:1 rear end. A 4.45:1 rear end was optional for those wanting even more drag strip performance. Marketed as a "family-sized sports car", approximately 2,000 were sold.

Production: 2D Hardtop: 2,000 (est.)
Engines: 401 V8 325 bhp @ 4400 rpm, 445 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm.
Performance: .

[HOTTROD]

My wifes ride.

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t186/hotrodr1/PICT4419.jpg
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t186/hotrodr1/PICT4418.jpg
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t186/hotrodr1/PICT4417.jpg
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t186/hotrodr1/PICT4416.jpg
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t186/hotrodr1/PICT4415.jpg
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t186/hotrodr1/PICT4414.jpg
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t186/hotrodr1/PICT4413.jpg

[PackerBacker]

That car is beautiful!:cool:

[austingta]

As my signature attests, there were lots more 'Cats in later years.

[dmfconsult]

From my discussions with the brothers that own the two '62 Wildcats below, their best guess is around 2100 '62 Wildcats built in both the US and Canada. And as stated before, given it was an optional trim level on the Invicta, it doesn't have a specific model number, so its extremely difficult to track and figure out how many remain. I think it's safe to say there is probably less than 200 left.

[Mr62Buick]

Well, I happen to be one of the lucky ones I guess.... I heard the production number was around 2000 in many books and on-line reading. I just bought a 62' Wildcat with 41K on it. Originally bought in Eugene OR, by a 32 year old guy. He sold it in 1972 to a older (in thier 40's) couple in Veneta OR. (about 20 miles west of Eugene, OR. In the early 80's the husband passed and left the car to his wife. She put new tires on it in 1985 at 39,000 miles on it. That was 3000 miles ago, and 23 years ago! These tires are still on the vehicle with no tears rips or cracks. (they will not be driven on, they will be for looks only) In 2002, she passed and left it with her son whoo in turn sold it back to the original owners son. He also kept it garaged and after 7 years decided to sell it. He drove maybe 500 miles on it in the 7 years he had it. After I acquired it, I drove it around town with many a great compliments. My wife thought it was strange how people would roll down thier windows at a stop light, honk at us for our attention, then tell us the car is beautiful then drive off. I am used to it since my first car was a 62' LeSabre 2 door ht. Anyways, I drove it once in the rain, seen water in the trunk, then decided it was time for repairs. So, the Buick is undergoing a complete 46 year old make-over. Interior removed and being redone, all glass out, body/frame/interior shot with walnut shells to just remove the paint. The floorboards (hardly any rust in entire vehicle), package tray and trunk were shot at Xtreme coatings. They are a spray on bedliner company here that shoots thier stuff on HOT, and the chemicals mix in the gun to cook onto metal, and is sound proof, water proof and impossible to break. (would not even consider line-x or the other cheaper brands as they are not water proof and dont come close to the quality of the X-treme coatings material) I had my truck bed lined a few years ago and I drop engines in the back and the bed dents and the liner is like new still. Plus they have a lifetime warranty too! Anyways, after getting the car blasted with nut shells, it is off to the body shop on monday for a 10k body shoot. The original motor runs great. The diff is a 63' 3:42 posi with resplined original axles. The dynaflow will be going bye bye and saying hi to a 700r4 I rebuilt for her. I have enclosed a few pics of the work done.... anyone else got 62' wildcat pics?? Also, the 62' had no manual trans option, and many a places recall the GM later made admitting to the failure of putting in a manual in a 62'. BUT, who seem a cadillac with a 4 speed? People see me spin my power steering with my pinky and after letting go, the wheel is still steering! As far as pedals, I put a set of 63 pedals in my first 62. They worked, but with a little modification. So, if you have a 62' with an auto on the floor, but had a 63 on the column manual trans set-up, the frames are all the same until 64' and it is highly possible to make it fit easily. After all, people told me a t-400 from 65' wouldnt fit my 62'. And since they couldnt answer the question of why, I decided to prove them wrong. In 1982, my 62 had a t-400 in it. I never lost a race in her either... GO BUICKS GO!

[HOTTROD]

new pics of ours
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t186/hotrodr1/PICT4530.jpg
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t186/hotrodr1/PICT4533.jpg
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t186/hotrodr1/PICT4534.jpg
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t186/hotrodr1/PICT4535.jpg
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t186/hotrodr1/PICT4536.jpg
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t186/hotrodr1/PICT4537.jpg
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t186/hotrodr1/PICT4539.jpg
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t186/hotrodr1/PICT4540.jpg
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t186/hotrodr1/PICT4542.jpg
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t186/hotrodr1/PICT4544.jpg
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t186/hotrodr1/Wildcat.jpg

[Mr62Buick]

Here is the continuing restore...

[austingta]

Very nice. I really like these old 'Cats...

[HOTTROD]

Here is the continuing restore...

Looking good!! Here are a few newer pics of ours. 18's ans 20's with disc brakes up front. sorry I like pics

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t186/hotrodr1/PICT4581.jpg
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t186/hotrodr1/PICT4583.jpg
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t186/hotrodr1/PICT4586.jpg
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t186/hotrodr1/PICT4590.jpg
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t186/hotrodr1/PICT4592.jpg
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t186/hotrodr1/PICT4747.jpg

[CameoInvicta]

HOTTROD, did you lower your '62 at all? If so, how? I really like the stance!

[HOTTROD]

cut coils in the front ( not sure how much ) . For now have some weight in the trunk. Plan to put air ride on the back.

[larrycoldwater]

In Phoenix, Arizona. Come see I have a blue with white top '62 Wildcat, 2 door coupe, electric windows, bucket seats, must see ! 405 engine. Feel free to call my cell phone. Birdsong (602) 405 - 8725:beer

[Page2171]

HOTTROD, is your 62 two-toned, or is just the lighting that makes it look that way to me? I have to say that is one beautiful car. It is kind of what I have in mind for my 62 Electra if the Marine Corps ever keeps me in one place long enough to do a good resto on it. :pray: Here is a pic of my Electra...

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y126/page2171/62Buick001.jpg

[CameoInvicta]

Brian, long time no see :beer ! It's good to have another '62 back on the board!

And yes, HOTTROD's '62 is two-toned (blue on the top, silver on the bottom).

[Page2171]

Brian, long time no see :beer ! It's good to have another '62 back on the board!

And yes, HOTTROD's '62 is two-toned (blue on the top, silver on the bottom).

Yeah, I had to take a little vacation to Iraq. :beer Made it back safe and sound, now I need to fix the stuff that went bad on the car while it sat in storage. :(

[CameoInvicta]

Yeah, I had to take a little vacation to Iraq. :beer Made it back safe and sound, now I need to fix the stuff that went bad on the car while it sat in storage. :(

Wow, I had no idea! Thanks for your service, it's very much appreciated :beer . Glad you made it back safe and sound!

I know what you mean about storage. I got really busy a while back and because of a few pesky problems I put less than 200 miles on the car over the course of 2-3 years. Now that neglect has come back to bite me in the butt! I'm going to drop about $1k to get it road-worthy and another $1k to get her back into "cruising" shape. It'll all be worth it in the end though :3gears: !

[Page2171]

Wow, I had no idea! Thanks for your service, it's very much appreciated :beer . Glad you made it back safe and sound!

I know what you mean about storage. I got really busy a while back and because of a few pesky problems I put less than 200 miles on the car over the course of 2-3 years. Now that neglect has come back to bite me in the butt! I'm going to drop about $1k to get it road-worthy and another $1k to get her back into "cruising" shape. It'll all be worth it in the end though :3gears: !

Storage is a real killer. I bought my 62 over 13 years ago, about two months before I went to boot camp. When I went to boot camp it went into storage at my father-in-law's farm in MN and spent all but three weeks of the next 8 years there. Then I got it out, spent $1k getting it road-worthy and cruiseable (that was when I was in Wisconsin as a recruiter). When I got transferred to CA it went back into storage at my father-in-law's for about 9 months until I was able to get into a house with a garage to park it in. Then I put it in storage again (here in CA this time) a year ago when I was getting ready to leave for Iraq. Now I'm back and it needs the heater core, fuel pump? (leaking fuel from around the pump somewhere...haven't figured out exactly where yet), and exhaust work. Then I can get the rust in the trunk that it developed when it was in storage the first time repaired. Anyway, the best thing I think we can do for these cars is get them out and drive them.

[CameoInvicta]

Storage is a real killer. I bought my 62 over 13 years ago, about two months before I went to boot camp. When I went to boot camp it went into storage at my father-in-law's farm in MN and spent all but three weeks of the next 8 years there. Then I got it out, spent $1k getting it road-worthy and cruiseable (that was when I was in Wisconsin as a recruiter). When I got transferred to CA it went back into storage at my father-in-law's for about 9 months until I was able to get into a house with a garage to park it in. Then I put it in storage again (here in CA this time) a year ago when I was getting ready to leave for Iraq. Now I'm back and it needs the heater core, fuel pump? (leaking fuel from around the pump somewhere...haven't figured out exactly where yet), and exhaust work. Then I can get the rust in the trunk that it developed when it was in storage the first time repaired. Anyway, the best thing I think we can do for these cars is get them out and drive them.

Yep, I'm basically dealing with all that as well (heater core, exhaust, leaky carb). Kinda funny that we both have 62's and are dealing with the same problems :laugh: ! Just curious, what kind of shape is your radiator in?

Like I said in the other thread, shoot me a PM or email if you want any help or advice when your doing the heater core. And yes, you will have to have it re-cored since nobody makes replacements.

As far as the fuel pump; if it's leaking from that general vicinity and it's not a loose line at the pump, filter, or carb, then I'd bet it was the pump. That should be a fairly cheap and easy fix.

My exhaust is shot as well. I was going to try and salvage the factory system but it was just too far gone. Right now I'm in the process of restoring my factory manifolds (couldn't justify headers) and fabbing up my own system with flexible exhaust tubing. I'm going to end up with a dual system for under $100 :TU: !

[Page2171]

Yep, I'm basically dealing with all that as well (heater core, exhaust, leaky carb). Kinda funny that we both have 62's and are dealing with the same problems :laugh: ! Just curious, what kind of shape is your radiator in?

Like I said in the other thread, shoot me a PM or email if you want any help or advice when your doing the heater core. And yes, you will have to have it re-cored since nobody makes replacements.

As far as the fuel pump; if it's leaking from that general vicinity and it's not a loose line at the pump, filter, or carb, then I'd bet it was the pump. That should be a fairly cheap and easy fix.

My exhaust is shot as well. I was going to try and salvage the factory system but it was just too far gone. Right now I'm in the process of restoring my factory manifolds (couldn't justify headers) and fabbing up my own system with flexible exhaust tubing. I'm going to end up with a dual system for under $100 :TU: !

My radiator is in good shape...it is the original radiator so, trust me, I just knocked on wood.

I had to do some exhaust work on mine when I got it out of storage the first time. I replaced everything from a couple feet behind the y-pipe back. To get the dual exhaust look I used a crossflow muffler from a third-gen Camaro with one inlet and two outlets mounted in the stock 62 location. Now, the connector where the y-pipe connects to the rest of the exhaust is broke and the y-pipe itself is pretty weak.

[CameoInvicta]

My radiator is in good shape...it is the original radiator so, trust me, I just knocked on wood.

I had to do some exhaust work on mine when I got it out of storage the first time. I replaced everything from a couple feet behind the y-pipe back. To get the dual exhaust look I used a crossflow muffler from a third-gen Camaro with one inlet and two outlets mounted in the stock 62 location. Now, the connector where the y-pipe connects to the rest of the exhaust is broke and the y-pipe itself is pretty weak.

I hope your radiator lasts. I don't know what happened to mine. I had it recored about 10 years ago and now it's all green/corroded again. Plus the top tank has developed a bunch of pin hole leaks.

Ideally I'd use some of Steve's "Nailheaders" and a full 2.5in system with a Dynomax Ultra-Flo X muffler mounted in the stock location. That would set me back a pretty penny though.

Right now I'm planning on just using the factory manifolds (which I've ported and made flow better) which dump into about 6in of 2in pipe right after the collector. Then after the 2in pipe sections I'm using 2.25in flex-pipe which run back to Flowmaster 40 series mufflers. It should flow ALOT better than the stock setup and should sound pretty badass too :3gears: !