My 1961 Pontiac parts manual says the p/n for the frame is 538101. It fits Catalina two door sedans, two door hardtops, four door sedans, and Ventura two door hardtops. Chances are a four door sedan would be the easiest to find as they built more of that model than any other in 1961. 1962 frames from the same models should be the same. 1963 and 1964 may be the same but I wouldn't guarantee that. My 1961 chassis shop manual indicates the frames on all '61 Catalinas and Venturas (except wagons) have the same dimensions, but the four door hardtops and convertibles each have different part numbers. So, apparently there are some differences but I'd think they'd have to be fairly minor. Where are you located in Minnesota? There are several of us guys in the Twin Cities area who have '61s - mine is a Bonneville.
I'm not sure if the Olds 88 had the same 119" wheelbase but Buick's smaller full size car has the 123" wheelbase which is the same as a Bonneville. I'm assuming the Olds 98 was also 123". Chevrolets won't work as they still had the X frame under them. I wouldn't be surprised if you can shorten the longer frame but the Bonneville also has a different transmission and trans tunnel, something to be aware of if you decide to swap a frame with an entire drivetrain in it. It's worth the work though as the Bonne trans is much better.
>>"1962 frames from the same models should be the same. 1963 and 1964 may be the same but I wouldn't guarantee that."<< I would agree with this. Don't look to Buick or Olds for a clean swap.
hollander says #994 gm#538101 61 pont 2 dr hard top ventura 61 pont catalina 2 & 4 dr sedan & 2 dr hard top also says #1028 gm #541383 a fits with changing rear cross member and keepine 62 a-frames 62 pont catalina 2 & 4 dr sedan
This was during the "Wide Track" years. The other GM B body frames won't work on the Pontiac. I think that changed in '65.
Hijack would one of you have the 61 hood brow trim for sale . Just average driver quality with clips.
The 61 Catalina/Ventura has always been on my short list of cars I would really like to have in my garage. I put my nose prints on the many a Seattle/Tacoma area Pontiac showroom window looking at those when they were new. If any of you are the guy who had to clean the windows in the Auburn Wa Pontiac dealership on Monday mornings in the early 60's you have my sincere apologies.
I think "Wide Track" was an advertising ploy for Pontiac. If you measure Pontiac, Oldsmobile, and Buick they would probably be the same track.
As mentioned, the other GM chassis of that era were totally different so they won't work. I don't know about Olds and Buick, but the track on a Pontiac was definitely wider than a Chevy. Find a picture of an early 60s Canadian Pontiac (which was built on a Chevy chassis) and compare it to the same year US Pontiac - the wheels are WAY inside the wheelwells on the Canadian car. 61bone - do you need the hood trim for both sides? I may have some extras but I'll have to do some digging. I know I don't have any spare clips.
GM of the '60s certainly was not GM of the '80s; if they claimed it back then, believe it. 1964 ~ Buick Wildcat : 62.0 / 61.0 Oldsmobile Jetstar 88 : 62.2 / 61.0 Chevy Impala : 60.3 / 59.3 Cadillac deVille : 61.0 / 61.0 Pontiac Catalina : 62.5 / 64.0
Pontiac "Wide Track" started in 62. Not sure how they got the wider track though but the advertising campaign was huge.
No, the 'Wide Track' campaign started with a small graphic in the print ads for '59, the first year Pontiac offered the Wide track chassis. Here's one: http://www.oldcarmanual.com/Pontiac/images/pontiac1959.jpg 1960: http://www.tocmp.com/pix/Pontiac/Pierre-ads/Pontiac%20Ads-259LA26A.jpg
61bone - do you need the hood trim for both sides? I may have some extras but I'll have to do some digging. I know I don't have any spare clips.[/quote] Syuart in MN -PM sent
The good news, found a solid 61 Catalina convertible frame for the swap a lot more heavy duty the price is right and it's not to far away Thanks for all the info here a photo of the 61 Catalina project
1961 Catalinas and Vemturas have a 119 inch wheel base while 1962-1964 have 120 inch wheel base! I am selling an excellent 61 Catalina 2 door ht frame with title and many related parts.I am located north of Detroit ...all offers considered call Rich @586-739-5096
i sold the bubble top in the thread that frame etc. would of worked for me just have the 61 Catalina ragtop left and that's up for grabs, i'm keeping my 50 Olds 88 coupe & 53 Studebaker coupe
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