#1  
Old 10-28-2013, 10:44 PM
Nathaniel1234's Avatar
Nathaniel1234 Nathaniel1234 is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Chicago
Posts: 218
Default 1968 trailer hitch fit 1965?

Hi all,

I took some parts off a 1968 Catalina at a local salvage yard and saw that I had a trailer hitch. Will the hitch fit on my 1965 Catalina Wagon? The cat wagon actually has a hitch that a previous owner cut the ball off at the flat stock. I have not looked to see if they both installed the same way... I suppose I could also have a square trailer hitch fitting welded on thesis ting stub on the 65... Advice? Especially regarding the 68 hitch as an easy install on the 65... Thanks!

  #2  
Old 10-29-2013, 06:53 AM
Deadhead's Avatar
Deadhead Deadhead is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: VA, USSA
Posts: 5,777
Default

If both are wagons then I would say you have an excellent shot at it. The gates and many of the wagon body parts are the same. Don't think the frames interchange, but the bolt on hitches may have some adjustment on them.

__________________
"If you do everything you'll win"
-LBJ

13 Smiles per Gallon:
66 Bonneville wagon
66 Bonneville 2d HT - In perpetual progress
  #3  
Old 10-29-2013, 09:52 AM
rustyrelic rustyrelic is offline
Senior Chief
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 449
Default

I dont know if it will help, but I tried to go the opposite direction in adapating a 66 sedan hitch to a 68 vert. I believe you will find that the main cross piece will fit just fine, the problem will be on the brace that runs from the hitch tongue and bolts to the bottom of the rear bumper. The bumper on the 66 is MASSIVE, while the 68 by comparison is only big. How similar is a 65 rear bumper to 66? The 68 valance may also get in the way. I had an old bent up one I cut up to fit the brace. I then bolted the brace to the last cross member on the frame. (That last crossmemember is way too light by the way for any serious weight.)

I removed one from another 68 coupe years ago and on that one, the brace was bolted through the trunk floor and was pretty bent up, so I scrapped the whole thing.

I'd be interested in photos of the 68 hitch, for comparison.

I believe you will be just a happy with welding to the existing hitch tongue. Previous to doing the 66 hitch, I diced and spliced one of the universal reciever type hitch kits to the 68 by modifying the bumper brackets and mounting it to the outside of the frame using the same holes in the frame used for the bumper brackets. Strong, but UGLY.

  #4  
Old 10-29-2013, 10:01 AM
Keith Seymore's Avatar
Keith Seymore Keith Seymore is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Motor City
Posts: 8,182
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Nathaniel1234 View Post
y... I suppose I could also have a square trailer hitch fitting welded on thesis ting stub on the 65...
That's what I ended up doing on my '63.

There is an inverted "U" shaped crossmember at the rear; I cut the end mounting brackets off the hitch and slid it up inside that crossemember, attached with several horizontal bolts.

Not "vintage" or "correct", but I do like the fact that the ball is not always visible, and it allows me to adjust the ball height as I see fit by using different stubs, and I didn't spend a lot of time trying to chase down the right bumper hitch (which I wasn't having much success with).

K


__________________
'63 LeMans Convertible
'63 Grand Prix
'65 GTO - original, unrestored, Dad was original owner, 5000 original mile Royal Pontiac factory racer
'74 Chevelle - original owner, 9.85 @ 136 mph besthttp://www.superchevy.com/features/s...hevy-chevelle/
My Pontiac Story: http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=560524
"Intro from an old Assembly Plant Guy":http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=342926

Last edited by Keith Seymore; 10-29-2013 at 10:09 AM.
  #5  
Old 10-29-2013, 12:19 PM
63gpman's Avatar
63gpman 63gpman is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Rochester, MN
Posts: 2,000
Default

Here are some pics that kind of show the tow hitch on the 66 wagon. Not great for showing exactly what you are lookign for as I was just trying to get some under car photos. I need to get some more. (auction closes soon) but may help?
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_0199.jpg
Views:	96
Size:	46.7 KB
ID:	341193   Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_0201.jpg
Views:	91
Size:	36.2 KB
ID:	341195   Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_0203.jpg
Views:	89
Size:	34.7 KB
ID:	341196  

__________________
Brad Hansen

65 Cat Ventura, 66 Cat Vert, 63 GP
  #6  
Old 10-29-2013, 03:07 PM
rustyrelic rustyrelic is offline
Senior Chief
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 449
Default

Looks like it would work to me. Gives me the idea to change my current setup to match this set up with the braces going forward under the car.

By the way, is that a plastic air line for air shocks?

  #7  
Old 10-29-2013, 03:36 PM
63gpman's Avatar
63gpman 63gpman is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Rochester, MN
Posts: 2,000
Default

Yea, air shocks. Prior owner, I have not touched any of the underside items on the car.

__________________
Brad Hansen

65 Cat Ventura, 66 Cat Vert, 63 GP
  #8  
Old 01-06-2014, 07:06 PM
68 Firebird Brian's Avatar
68 Firebird Brian 68 Firebird Brian is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Alberta, Canada
Posts: 147
Default 65 Catalina wagon

I have the original HD rear hitch assembly for a 65 Cat Wagon purchased as an option from Pontiac. It was a $1000 option in '65!

Let me know if you want pics. Will take current tech toe hitches (square receiver).

This is a big bad boy. 1st owner had a big heavy trailer I will bet.

I am installing on the wagon again when it's ready.

__________________
68 Firebird 400 HO vert under construction
65 Catalina Wagon TriPower 389 under construction
  #9  
Old 01-06-2014, 08:35 PM
Deadhead's Avatar
Deadhead Deadhead is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: VA, USSA
Posts: 5,777
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by 68 Firebird Brian View Post
I have the original HD rear hitch assembly for a 65 Cat Wagon purchased as an option from Pontiac. It was a $1000 option in '65!
Are you sure? The whole car was under 4 grand.

__________________
"If you do everything you'll win"
-LBJ

13 Smiles per Gallon:
66 Bonneville wagon
66 Bonneville 2d HT - In perpetual progress
The Following User Says Thank You to Deadhead For This Useful Post:
  #10  
Old 01-06-2014, 09:59 PM
63gpman's Avatar
63gpman 63gpman is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Rochester, MN
Posts: 2,000
Default

Would be great to see the invoice on that.

__________________
Brad Hansen

65 Cat Ventura, 66 Cat Vert, 63 GP
  #11  
Old 01-06-2014, 11:52 PM
68 Firebird Brian's Avatar
68 Firebird Brian 68 Firebird Brian is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Alberta, Canada
Posts: 147
Default 1965 Pontiace Catalina Safari wagon window sticker $5737.93

Quote:
Originally Posted by 63gpman View Post
Would be great to see the invoice on that.
Your wish is my command...
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	65 Catalina WindowSticker NoVIN.jpg
Views:	88
Size:	76.2 KB
ID:	348610  

__________________
68 Firebird 400 HO vert under construction
65 Catalina Wagon TriPower 389 under construction
  #12  
Old 01-07-2014, 03:29 AM
elefantrider's Avatar
elefantrider elefantrider is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: So. California
Posts: 2,293
Default

Invoice is impressive. Hitch must be a beast. Would be great to see pics of it. To compare with current pricing, a so cal custom hitch shop charges around $350 today.

  #13  
Old 01-07-2014, 04:59 AM
Bill Hanlon's Avatar
Bill Hanlon Bill Hanlon is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Fredericksburg, TX
Posts: 2,349
Default

Funny that all the other items had cents (ie. 43.00 for tinted glass) shown on the invoice even when it was an even dollar amount while the "trailer provisions" was listed as 990 (not 990.00) with no cents shown. Maybe this was a screw up on PHS's watch??

__________________
My Pontiac is a '57 GMC with its original 347" Pontiac V8 and dual-range Hydra-Matic.
The Following User Says Thank You to Bill Hanlon For This Useful Post:
  #14  
Old 01-07-2014, 12:43 PM
Nathaniel1234's Avatar
Nathaniel1234 Nathaniel1234 is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Chicago
Posts: 218
Default Pics please

Yes pics!

  #15  
Old 01-07-2014, 02:10 PM
68 Firebird Brian's Avatar
68 Firebird Brian 68 Firebird Brian is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Alberta, Canada
Posts: 147
Default Bell X-1 and my Catalina wagon connection

Quote:
Originally Posted by Nathaniel1234 View Post
Yes pics!
I'm going to start my own thread as I have some interesting info on the 1st owner of this car!


__________________
68 Firebird 400 HO vert under construction
65 Catalina Wagon TriPower 389 under construction
The Following User Says Thank You to 68 Firebird Brian For This Useful Post:
  #16  
Old 01-08-2014, 12:31 AM
68 Firebird Brian's Avatar
68 Firebird Brian 68 Firebird Brian is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Alberta, Canada
Posts: 147
Default HD Hitch asy

It's made up of 2 major pieces, from 1/4" - 3/4" steel.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_3237.jpg
Views:	74
Size:	51.0 KB
ID:	348675   Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_3239.jpg
Views:	68
Size:	60.5 KB
ID:	348676   Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_3248.jpg
Views:	60
Size:	43.6 KB
ID:	348681   Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_3243.jpg
Views:	65
Size:	54.8 KB
ID:	348682  

__________________
68 Firebird 400 HO vert under construction
65 Catalina Wagon TriPower 389 under construction

Last edited by 68 Firebird Brian; 01-08-2014 at 12:38 AM.
  #17  
Old 01-08-2014, 09:21 AM
Deadhead's Avatar
Deadhead Deadhead is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: VA, USSA
Posts: 5,777
Default

Cool piece. No way they charged $990 for that.

It does not look a whole lot heavier than the factory one I removed from my '66. It was not on the invoice, so mine must have come from the dealer. Same as the one 63GPman posted. The cars did not have much of a weight or tongue capacity according to the chassis manual. IIIRC it is 800 LBs including passengers. When you have the bodiess off the frame, you see how little there really is behind the rear wheels.

__________________
"If you do everything you'll win"
-LBJ

13 Smiles per Gallon:
66 Bonneville wagon
66 Bonneville 2d HT - In perpetual progress
  #18  
Old 01-08-2014, 11:29 AM
elefantrider's Avatar
elefantrider elefantrider is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: So. California
Posts: 2,293
Default

$900 1965 in todays dollars would be like paying $6-7K for a hitch today.

  #19  
Old 01-08-2014, 01:36 PM
68 Firebird Brian's Avatar
68 Firebird Brian 68 Firebird Brian is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Alberta, Canada
Posts: 147
Default

I have "63GPman hitch" from my other 65 wagon. That does not come even close to this setup.

I guess my first set of pics do not do it justice.

The "tongue weight capacity" is a function of the frame installed on the car.
With the HD frame on this car it must have increased the towing capacity considerably.
The HD hitch was designed to carry a load leveller hitch. You can set the height of the rear of the car connected to trailer without extra springs. Uses 2 torsion bars connected to the hitch (car side). That's why they have the 3/4" plate steel. To offset the torsion force by the load leveller.

Hitch system Features:
- 5" x 47" - 3/4" STEEL PLATE (hitch receiver arm)
- 2.75" x 2" x 42" - 1/2" angle iron (connection to frame)
- 3.5" x 2.5" x 51" - 1/2" angle iron (connection to rear bumper supports
- 3" x 3.5" (OD) square hitch receiver (never seen one on a 60's car before)
- trailer wiring for lights and trailer brake control
- coil over shocks (cannot confirm if they were stock)
- load leveller hitch (I do not have it)
- 15" HP aluminum front brake drums (stock)
- HD frame
- HD cross member
- HD suspension
- HD brakes (15" front aluminum drums)


The Director of Flight operations, NASA Flight Research Center (for the X-1 projects), special ordered this car from Pontiac in 65'.

See attached pics...
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	HitchWithStdHitchBall bdf__DSC0231_20120119_0705_.JPG
Views:	72
Size:	65.0 KB
ID:	348755   Click image for larger version

Name:	HitchInstalled bdf__DSC0233_20120119_0707_.JPG
Views:	57
Size:	67.3 KB
ID:	348756   Click image for larger version

Name:	HitchInstalled bdf__DSC0234_20120119_0708_.JPG
Views:	56
Size:	67.3 KB
ID:	348757   Click image for larger version

Name:	AlumBrakeDrums bdf__DSC0158_20120906_2692_.JPG
Views:	62
Size:	72.9 KB
ID:	348759   Click image for larger version

Name:	AlumBrakeDrum bdf__DSC0105_20111116_0436_.JPG
Views:	63
Size:	65.6 KB
ID:	348760  


__________________
68 Firebird 400 HO vert under construction
65 Catalina Wagon TriPower 389 under construction
  #20  
Old 01-08-2014, 01:38 PM
68 Firebird Brian's Avatar
68 Firebird Brian 68 Firebird Brian is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Alberta, Canada
Posts: 147
Default

Pic #1 - brake control. Allows you to control braking of the trailer your pulling.

Pic #2 - Rear shot of HD frame

Pic #3 - HD crossover member

Pic #4 - Load leveller hitch assy /w torsion bars

Pic #5 - Load leveller hitch assy /wo torsion bars
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	BrakeControl bdf__DSC0041_20120224_0958_.JPG
Views:	59
Size:	47.4 KB
ID:	348761   Click image for larger version

Name:	Rear Frame bdf__DSC0191_20120720_2275_.JPG
Views:	64
Size:	78.0 KB
ID:	348762   Click image for larger version

Name:	CoilOverShocks bdf__DSC0192_20120720_2276_.JPG
Views:	61
Size:	82.8 KB
ID:	348763   Click image for larger version

Name:	LoadLeveller IMG_3255.JPG
Views:	64
Size:	67.6 KB
ID:	348764   Click image for larger version

Name:	LoadLeveller IMG_3254.JPG
Views:	64
Size:	58.2 KB
ID:	348765  


__________________
68 Firebird 400 HO vert under construction
65 Catalina Wagon TriPower 389 under construction

Last edited by 68 Firebird Brian; 01-08-2014 at 01:47 PM.
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:16 PM.

 

About Us

The PY Online Forums is the largest online gathering of Pontiac enthusiasts anywhere in the world. Founded in 1991, it was also the first online forum for people to gather and talk about their Pontiacs. Since then, it has become the mecca of Pontiac technical data and knowledge that no other place can surpass.

 




Copyright © 2017