Will it Run?!? Barn Find High Performance 1962 Pontiac Catalina 4 Speed!

Summary

The video follows a car enthusiast restoring his uncle's 1962 Pontiac Catalina. He services the engine, replaces many parts including the carburetor, fuel pump, and starter motor, and installs new exterior parts like a front bumper. After resolving an issue caused by accidentally connecting a heater hose to a vacuum port, flooding the engine with coolant, he takes it for a test drive. The Catalina performs well, needing only minor improvements. The restoration brings new life to the classic car.

Takeaways

• 😊 Restoring and servicing a 1962 Pontiac Catalina barn find
• 👨‍🔧 Replacing many parts - fuel pump, transmission mount, radiator hoses etc.
• 🚗 Going for test drives throughout the restoration process
• 🔧 Made mistakes like accidentally flooding the engine with coolant
• 🛠 Putting back parts like the heater core box and brake lines
• ⚙️ Swapping carburetors, starters, correcting linkage issues
• ⛽ Installing new fuel pump, lines and getting engine running again
• 🚦 Fixing non-starting issue - bad starter solenoid
• 🎨 Still planning aesthetics - trim, paint color, seats etc.
• 🚀 Happy with how quick and fun the old Pontiac drives now

Q & A

What kind of car is the main focus of the video?

The main car focused on in the video is a 1962 Pontiac Catalina.

What engine and transmission modifications were made to the Catalina?

The Catalina has a 1968 GTO 400 CI V8 engine mated to a 1978 Pontiac Trans Am 4-speed manual transmission.

What repairs and upgrades were done to get the car roadworthy?

Upgrades and repairs included fixing fuel leaks, replacing the fuel pump, installing new radiator hoses, servicing the rear end and transmission, upgrading the shifter knob, and installing a front bumper and license plates.

What challenges were encountered in fixing up the car?

Challenges encountered included starter and engine issues, worn drivetrain components, vacuum leaks, and working around poorly designed headers.

Where did the previous owner source the various car parts from?

Many parts came from the previous owner's (Uncle Terry's) personal stash of new and used auto parts collected over years of repairing classic GM cars.

What are some of the remaining issues that still need to be addressed?

Remaining issues include replacing the exhaust headers, installing proper seats, wiring the lights, tightening interior trim pieces, upgrading steering and brake components, and giving the car a new paint job.

Is the plan to fully restore the car?

No, the plan is to keep it as an affordable, fun driver while addressing functionality and safety issues rather than doing a full cosmetic restoration.

Were there any especially dangerous mistakes or issues that came up?

One dangerous mistake was accidentally connecting a heater hose to a vacuum line, which caused coolant to get sucked into the engine cylinders.

How well did the car run after all the work that was done?

After the repairs, the Catalina ran and drove surprisingly well, with good acceleration and handling despite its age and the work still remaining.

What size and power output engine and transmission did the finished car end up with?

The Catalina ended up with a 290 HP 400ci Pontiac V8 engine and a wide ratio Muncie 4-speed manual transmission out of a 1978 Pontiac Trans Am.