I have been working on my 56 Catalina (2bbl Auto) and wanted to get in touch with other like minded individuals out there so we can swap advice, information and parts, and maybe have a good cry together every now and then. It's not much to look at but I'll try to post some pictures of it in this thread. I know how much trouble other people used to have doing that so I hope I don't screw it up.
Here's mine. It is the second-rarest 5-6-7 Pontiac made (one of 1583). It is a Canadian built 56 sedan delivery. So far I have put in a 57 Poncho posi rear end, and installed a 350/th350. This summer the brakes get done and the front sheetmetal reinstalled. Aftermarket stuff is easy to find as Canadian Pontiacs used a Chev chassis.
I've had 11, 55-57 Ponchos over the years. I usually like to go with the 59-60, 389 engines in 'em. They bolt in place, using the 55-58 front cover and mount and the stock 55-57 rear motor mounts bolt to the 58-60 stick bell housing. I've used the old 55-56, 4 speed [slant-pan] hydro in a few of 'em too. My last one was a 55 wagon with a transplanted 301 engine and 350 turbo. Everyone says the 301 was a slug but it was ok for "wagon usage". I'm doing a 41 coupe now with a '60, 389 and a 4 speed muncie. I don't think I have a photo of the 55 wagon anymore [hard drive crash] but here's one of my old 56 catalina. I kept the hydro and built a '60, 389 for this car. Loved it!
Oops, I guess I do have a wagon photo. Cut front coils [3 loops! The little 301 was mucho lighter than the old 287] and 3" blocks in the back got it down. I drove it from southern Oregon, home to Omaha [1750 miles] and then to Back-to-the-50's where it sold. Was an excellent road car.
I really dig '55 Ponchos, but I've never heard 'em called Tri-Five before. Only Chevy's. But I knew exactly what you were talking about when I read the title. Keep the pics coming!!!
The Jalopy Journal
