59 Catalina

kb426 · October 26, 2017, 08:21:55 PM

I found this. Maybe it will answer enough questions that you won't have any surprises.
http://www.tciauto.com/tc/trans-dim/

idrivejunk · October 26, 2017, 08:56:38 PM

Thanks, KB. I was looking at that site this morning. Concluded that I'm on my own already as far as that goes

I am a fair hand at extrapolation but nothing beats the real thing for mock up. So I treated it with a just amount of sincerity.

To add to the illusion, be aware that the chassis was ordered for an LS, now it's getting a Ponch. The rack is my fore /aft decider but I don't know if it has the right arrangement.

Thirsty to see? Here :T) );b(

enjenjo · October 26, 2017, 10:13:04 PM

Raise the front of the engine enough that the crank pulley clears the rack by about 5/8" and move it forward a inch or two. Then level the carbs from that point. I think you will find that things fit better.

As KB said you will find the 4L80 is much larger, and larger further back. So you might wait until the engine and trans are in place to design the hump.

I am sure you are aware that any trans after 63 will not bolt to the 59 engine even though the bolt pattern looks right. The bolt holes are a different size, 7/16" VS 3/8", and the flange offset is different. So if you use that block to mock it up, the trans location will be a bit different.

idrivejunk · October 26, 2017, 10:37:32 PM

Quote from: "enjenjo"Raise the front of the engine enough that the crank pulley clears the rack by about 5/8" and move it forward a inch or two. Then level the carbs from that point. I think you will find that things fit better.

Tried that first thing. Thanks for whipping in. It has to be this low to aim a driveshaft at the pathway in the frame. But remember what I said about the rack / mounting and wrong trans. This pulley measures 7" and I think the Butler mill will probably have a larger kind. Honestly if I can get the old floors and braces all out, make my braces and enough pan to hold it all together, then position my roughed in floor assembly in a somewhat adjustable manner with screws... that should prompt action and get parts on the way. Theres a long wait still ahead for the engine, and I think I can leave the front part / tunnel unfinished enough so that I don't work backwards too much.

Crosley.In.AZ · October 26, 2017, 11:44:36 PM

One other item on a 4L80 trans in the tunnel area: Is the oil cooler fitting locations. On 1997 & newer 4L80, the return cooler line is in the middle of the case on passenger side.

Early 4L80 has both cooler fitting near bell housing area. 1997 & up have 1 fitting up front , 1 fitting near mid case.

Requires a special fitting at the center cooler line location for proper lubrication on 1997 & newer 4L80

idrivejunk · October 27, 2017, 12:10:19 AM

Thanks, gents.

I did not know about the early Pontiac differences, nor am I familiar with OD transmissions at all. My experience has been with 67-74 mostly, and thats the years most any Pontiac guy wants so there has been no need to research it. I am just going at it as heres a motor and trans. Might as well be a 289 and C6 as far as I am concerned. The shape of the new frame dictates where the floor has to be, and that whole area from the front seat forward can be last to finish. Trunk and the rest should keep me busy and buy time for components to arrive. I'll just leave all the room I can up front and concentrate on mating frame rails and rockers!

idrivejunk · October 27, 2017, 08:08:06 PM

So far, so good.

kb426 · October 27, 2017, 08:14:09 PM

Boy, Matt, in that flintstone car you have a lot of room for an engine and trans.

I'm sure you have a plan that will be good to watch unfold. It sure would be nice if you had the engine and trans there to measure from. I tend to make things to tight and suffer after that. Be better than me. LOL

idrivejunk · October 29, 2017, 10:26:46 AM

Do you guys think I could remove the rotisserie bracing while the floor is under construction, based on what you see?

Crosley.In.AZ · October 29, 2017, 10:38:35 AM

Quote from: "idrivejunk"Thanks, gents. I did not know about the early Pontiac differences, nor am I familiar with OD transmissions at all. My experience has been with 67-74 mostly, and thats the years most any Pontiac guy wants so there has been no need to research it. I am just going at it as heres a motor and trans. Might as well be a 289 and C6 as far as I am concerned. The shape of the new frame dictates where the floor has to be, and that whole area from the front seat forward can be last to finish. Trunk and the rest should keep me busy and buy time for components to arrive. I'll just leave all the room I can up front and concentrate on mating frame rails and rockers!

I would suggest a C4 with a 289 engine. The C6 uses a huge amount of power to operate & are very heavy.

C4 is a great automatic transmittin. Compact. Will take a punishment when built properly

Crosley.In.AZ · October 29, 2017, 10:39:45 AM

Quote from: "idrivejunk"Do you guys think I could remove the rotisserie bracing while the floor is under construction, based on what you see?

Seems like the car would fold up a bit with bracing remeoved.

Building the floor with bracing still in place. Will be a "pita "

idrivejunk · October 29, 2017, 11:38:02 AM

Thanks for the replies, Tony.

289/C6 IS kinda like saying 350/TH400 isn't it?

How about 440/727?

The point is anything would be as much use as what I have.

Kinda wishing now that I had not suggested such elaborate bracing. Once while climbing through it, I rested part of my weight on a rocker. I reluctantly concur with your assessment. It is about to be even more floppy.

idrivejunk · October 30, 2017, 09:29:22 PM

I did get one new brace zapped in, in the interest of anti-folding. Pretty much have a clear shot at the whole deal now, so there are thinking and fabbing days ahead. The Catalina section of my brain is encountering idea flurries and I hope to somehow fish order from an ocean of chaos. Rice boy at work said "I hope you know what you're doing with that floor!". I sez "I hope you know what you're doing with that sandpaper!". Durn paper sliders, can't live with em, can't live without em.

kb426 · October 31, 2017, 06:27:00 PM

I would guess that the only time there is too much bracing is when it's in the way of more work.

Where the front section meets the main rails, is the front 1.5 x 4 meeting 2 x 4 tubing?

idrivejunk · October 31, 2017, 08:42:14 PM

Quote from: "kb426"I would guess that the only time there is too much bracing is when it's in the way of more work. Where the front section meets the main rails, is the front 1.5 x 4 meeting 2 x 4 tubing?

This page should answer that and keep me from goofing. You may notice some of the alterations made for our Pontiac if you study the pics.

https://www.artmorrison.com/59-64chev.php

I trust you guys to nudge the helm if I am veering toward the ditch, but my first floor brace experiment appears fruitful. I just went where it led me and started slicing tubing on one face and bending it to roughly follow the frame over the axle by trapping the tube in a place in our frame rack and applying my weight. I did experiment with bending tubing in both fat and skinny directions but that wasn't gonna make the curves. I learned a lot about this technique from this piece but it took a whole day. The other side may turn out nicer. Reckon this is how I'll do the humps too. I intend to attach the side of this brace directly to the wheelhouse and lay pan on top. The entire brace will be outboard of the rail and 2 or 3 mounts will be along this piece. It's made of 14 gauge 1x2". Fun to weld thick stuff, I rarely get to do that.