[misterp266]

Has anyone seen this one before? Having had 2 '66 GP's I think it's pretty cool! Wish there were other pics of it.

[Deadhead]

The horror! The horror!
-Marlon Brando

[MOJO Catalina]

I've seen a GM prototype photo of a '59 model but I think it was for Canadian production on the Chebby frame w/Chebby drivetrain. I have a '63 Bonneville that (according to the previous owner) was made into an El Bonnevillino by an old NASCAR pit crew guy. Said it had been a tire carrier. Cool on the long frame but there's not much bed floor left from sitting outside full of crap.

[MOJO Catalina]

Here's a blog on Hemmings that's interesting too:
http://blog.hemmings.com/index.php/2...rand-am-amino/

[marks73ta]

Using the '59 roof on the '59 Cat really looks natural. Too bad they never produced it. I think it would have gotten a lot of sales. The bed would have been a little larger than the chevy's. Mark L

[misterp266]

That '59 looks right. Not pieced together. '59 Chevy El Camino's are my favorite so this Catalina is even better! Prefer the B body style, not the A body style.

[Deadhead]

Originally Posted by misterp266

Has anyone seen this one before? Having had 2 '66 GP's I think it's pretty cool! Wish there were other pics of it.

Ask and ye shall receive:

http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...ghlight=camino

[71GP76TA]

Originally Posted by misterp266

Has anyone seen this one before? Having had 2 '66 GP's I think it's pretty cool! Wish there were other pics of it.

About 15 years ago there was an article in smoke signals about this car/truck.

[stevep]

Originally Posted by MOJO Catalina

Here's a blog on Hemmings that's interesting too:
http://blog.hemmings.com/index.php/2...rand-am-amino/

This car is being restored in Southern Mass right now.

[misterp266]

Really? Who's got it? I'd love to see it.

[MOJO Catalina]

Catamino!
Check these out... I didn't know this was possible with the '59s and I don't think the body lines of the '60 mate up but very cool indeed. Pontiac front end and Chevy back end.

[misterp266]

I like the red one. They look to be El Camino's with Pontiac noses as the wheels are tucked in and the doors look to be Chevy doors to line up with the rear quarter lines. Probably Chevy powered I'd guess. Still look neat!

[Engine-Ear]

Originally Posted by MOJO Catalina

I have a '63 Bonneville that (according to the previous owner) was made into an El Bonnevillino by an old NASCAR pit crew guy. Said it had been a tire carrier. Cool on the long frame but there's not much bed floor left from sitting outside full of crap.

Mojo, I would like to see a new thread on your '63, rust or not.

[MOJO Catalina]

It's pretty cool but definitely not a GM job. Hell, not even a real bodyworker job. Just a couple of redneck hacks with a sawzall, some rivets and a case or two of beer. You can still see where the 2 door HT floor stops and trunk shelf starts, etc. Looks like there was a seat track in it facing rearward at one time, maybe for parades or a victory lap once in a while? Anyway, I'll drag it out in the spring for some more photos. It's in the barn full of junk and parts now.

[MOJO Catalina]

Originally Posted by misterp266

I like the red one. They look to be El Camino's with Pontiac noses as the wheels are tucked in and the doors look to be Chevy doors to line up with the rear quarter lines. Probably Chevy powered I'd guess. Still look neat!

Yeah, I wonder if you can just put a front clip from a 1959 USA Pontiac onto a 1959 USA Chevy or does it have to be Canadian Poncho and US Chevy? Maybe the guy had to change where the door meets the fender but maybe they are contoured the same?

[Ken K]

Once you know the secret it can be copied. You still need the donor cars. The dash is what will give it away. If it has a Chevy dash in it, it started out as a Chevy.

[MOJO Catalina]

I have no doubt that the two above with the '59 Catalina front ends were a '59 Chevy El Camino from the windshield back. I'm just wondering if the front end sheet metal is from a USA or a Canadian Pontiac and if the Pontiac fenders met the Chevy doors without modification.
My wife Jane has already approved a project like this. Not that I couldn't do it anyway but it's better this way for sure.
Now I have to find a couple of cars to cobble together. Mine will have a 389 with 4 speed Hydramatic and 3:08 Safe-t-trac from the '60 Ventura if I ever get around to it. Some kooks say the world is ending soon. I better get started.

[Stu Norman]

Way too cool. I especially love the light blue 59 custom El Camino/Catalina hybrid.

[Ragtop Man]

Hee hee hee I know how to do it and make yourself look like a genius: Go find a Canadian Pontiac in the boneyard and throw the front clip on an Elco -- it will literally bolt on.

The quarters will be more problematic, probably have to source a convertible to get the long unbroken line, and then find a stawag wreck for the tailgate, etc.

To save time in the rush to do the '59s, GM commonized the windshields, roofs, and sedan front doors of ALL models, choosing the '59 Buick as the door and cowl donor for everything.

[Engine-Ear]

Originally Posted by Ragtop Man

To save time in the rush to do the '59s, GM commonized the windshields, roofs, and sedan front doors of ALL models, choosing the '59 Buick as the door and cowl donor for everything.

Interesting...Didn't know that! Thanks!