Ted "Wildcat65" Nagel Posted November 14, 2008 Share Posted November 14, 2008 I've had the Burgundy Mist Wildcat Custom Coupe in a local shop for a total frame off restoration. They have made excellent progress in the last year! This car was "found" be Pete Phillips and listed as a lead in the Buick Bugle circa 2001. I had it shipped sight unseen from Katy Tx and drove it a little- bad oil pressure and a then a bad fuel pump, I removed the dual quads, took it to BG once for the GS nats, broke the 3.42 rear end and basically parked it.Before: Detrimmed and with a KW replacement engine...some Camaro 4-speed...I have had the original trans rebuilt with NOS gears(the high nickel content ones) Rebuilt the 3.42:1 differential- they appear to be HD compared to the 65 Riv ones I've seen...The frame all resto'dThe real deal ##s carbs for a 65 4-speed- Thanks Jim Wall!!!A little burgundy paint! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted November 15, 2008 Share Posted November 15, 2008 Sweet Biscuits! That is gonna be awesome when finished. Hope to see it someday. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldsDoug Posted November 15, 2008 Share Posted November 15, 2008 WOW! I'm a fan of the big GM cars when they have unusual drivetrains or options - how few of these were built? When was the last year for 3-speeds / 4-speeds in the full-size Buick? Were the manual transmissions available in all body styles?Cool!This will be a great car when completed... I envy you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest imported_Thriller Posted November 15, 2008 Share Posted November 15, 2008 Attaboy Ted...now I'm going to have to go put on a WOT shirt.That reminds me that I have a bit to do on my 'Cat yet before the long winter sleep...never enough hours. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ted "Wildcat65" Nagel Posted November 15, 2008 Author Share Posted November 15, 2008 Yep, I have my WOT shirt on today!Doug- 65 was the last year for the 4-speed in the big car...second to last for the nailhead/dual quad feature, so that is one of the attractions of this WIldcat. <span style="font-weight: bold">194</span> Wildcat custom coupes were built w/4-speeds-<span style="font-weight: bold">65 </span> Custom coupes with dual quad 4-speed <span style="font-weight: bold">18</span> Custom coupes with dual quad 4-speed <span style="font-weight: bold">and</span> A/C Mine was originally an LW (single 4bbl 425) -that is one of <span style="font-weight: bold">65</span> LW + 4-speed; <span style="font-weight: bold">11</span> of those were with A/C From the Daily Car Report/ Buick Motor Division/8-24-65, pp 212, 214, 216Ted Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ted "Wildcat65" Nagel Posted November 15, 2008 Author Share Posted November 15, 2008 Ok Doug, as I understand the Buick Wildcat cars...62 no manual trans option (subject to further research!)63 column shift 3-speed std, 4-speed optional, auto=last year for the Dynaflo.64 column shift 3-speed std, 4-speed optional, auto=ST 400 first year- not super clear on SP feature65 column shift 3-speed std, 4-speed optional, auto=ST 400 first year for switch pitch66 column shift 3-speed std, ST400 OptionalIn 65 and 66 the Electra and Wildcat shared the same wheelbase but the Electra only offered the ST400. LeSabre were 3" shorter, offered the column shift, ST300 or ST400.All other year configs would be a guess to me. I've concentrated my research on the 64, 65, 66 Wildcats, 65 LeSabre, and 65 Electra. And I liked it!Cheers!Ted Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
59 98 Posted November 20, 2008 Share Posted November 20, 2008 Sweet, Ted, so damn sweet! Since you broke the poor thing so many times when you first got it, I'll go ahead and take that one off your hands. Cool? Was this a console/bucket seat car, or a bench? I can't remember. Either way, it is flipping cool!They made Wildcats in 3-speeds? Who in their right mind would want a 3-on-the-tree Wildcat Custom coupe anyway???Matt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bhclark Posted February 14, 2009 Share Posted February 14, 2009 Hey Ted,Just wondering, what local shop you had do the work?Can't wait until spring so I can come check out the garage again! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ted "Wildcat65" Nagel Posted February 15, 2009 Author Share Posted February 15, 2009 Hey Brian! I've got the 4-speed over at Antique Auto Shop in Hebron.I have to pick up a new toy Monday... Stay tuned same Wildcat time same Wildcat channel! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ted "Wildcat65" Nagel Posted February 15, 2009 Author Share Posted February 15, 2009 <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 4-Speed</div><div class="ubbcode-body">They made Wildcats in 3-speeds? Who in their right mind would want a 3-on-the-tree Wildcat Custom coupe anyway???Matt </div></div>Ummmmmmm,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Maybe not a custom..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
59 98 Posted February 16, 2009 Share Posted February 16, 2009 Ted, you owe me one... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ted "Wildcat65" Nagel Posted February 18, 2009 Author Share Posted February 18, 2009 Wildcat 3-speed - no power brakes or steering! Wow...I picked this up in Knoxville yesterday, got it running a lot better tonight and went for a wild ride up and down the street- that steering is ruff!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest imported_Thriller Posted February 18, 2009 Share Posted February 18, 2009 That's pretty cool. It's interesting how relatively close the '65 and '66 are in body, but the dashes are vastly different...never really noticed that before. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Centurion Posted February 19, 2009 Share Posted February 19, 2009 Ted, that's a great find. Thanks for sharing the photos here. The standard Wildcat coupes (not Deluxe or Custom) seem to be very scarce. I've only seen a couple.Burgundy Mist was certainly a popular color for these beautiful cars. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Phillips Posted February 20, 2009 Share Posted February 20, 2009 Looks like a very solid car. Wish I had found it! I had a '63 LeSabre 3-speed stick once, with no power steering. You definitely get a work-out if you have to parallel park one of those! They don't have the big, wide steering wheel that you get in earlier (1950s) cars without power steering.Pete Phillips Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bhclark Posted February 21, 2009 Share Posted February 21, 2009 Nice Car Ted!Wish I would have found this one...you seem to be blessed with finding all the great cars! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ted "Wildcat65" Nagel Posted March 11, 2009 Author Share Posted March 11, 2009 Oh man is this 3-speed fun to drive. I've got to do the exhaust (waldron's) and then its my summer car this year. It runs great...may need a clutch adjustment...I really want paint and interior, but thats not happening this year. The 4-speed is happening! It is painted, now needs assembly. Dang that engine builder! (me) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ted "Wildcat65" Nagel Posted April 7, 2009 Author Share Posted April 7, 2009 I installed a Waldron's exhaust last weekend- very satisfied, they do a nice job! Recommended vendor. The 3-speed runs really well, I got new tires and its a cruising vessel. I parked while on my cell phone Sunday. No power steering. I'm gonna look like popeye if I drive this thong all the time! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest imported_Thriller Posted April 7, 2009 Share Posted April 7, 2009 <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Wildcat65</div><div class="ubbcode-body">No power steering. I'm gonna look like popeye if I drive this thong all the time! </div></div>Well then, you'll just be muscular like the Wildcat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest mopar440 Posted August 15, 2009 Share Posted August 15, 2009 after seeing your pictures of your 65 wildcat and reading about you buying it out of texas, you described it so much like a 1965 wildcat 425 4 speed car that i owned 20 years ago. i put dual carbs with a hand made oval air cleaner, removed all chrome down the sides and around the fender wells. it was the same color with black interior, bucket seats. i also put on buick alum finned valve covers, 15'' buick chrome wheels and most importantly i sold it to a man in texas. what is the chance it's the same car? i still have pictures and am looking for some papers to see if i can find the vin#. if this is the same wildcat its a great car and was bought new in texas and the owner moved to w. va. where years later i bought it. i am very interested to see if this old wildcat still lives. thank you for any information you have. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ted "Wildcat65" Nagel Posted August 19, 2009 Author Share Posted August 19, 2009 Email sent- sounds like it may be your old car-Here it is now, getting a full frame off resto. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ted "Wildcat65" Nagel Posted August 19, 2009 Author Share Posted August 19, 2009 POP for a 4-speed WildcatW = Wildcat 465 single 4bblKT =4-speedNN Burgundy Mist Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest mopar440 Posted August 28, 2009 Share Posted August 28, 2009 sent email.. thanks for the reply and pictures Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ted "Wildcat65" Nagel Posted November 2, 2009 Author Share Posted November 2, 2009 I'm working on the engine now. Just got a Gessler modded dual quad manifold, exhaust manifolds, Carmen Faso is doing the cylinder heads, carbs, distributor. Got the clutch pack back from Fort Wayne Clutch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bhclark Posted November 13, 2009 Share Posted November 13, 2009 Wildcat Nationals 2010?You hosting that Ted? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ted "Wildcat65" Nagel Posted November 17, 2009 Author Share Posted November 17, 2009 I got the heads in today from Carmen, must assemble and dyno. Won't be long after that! Ted Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ted "Wildcat65" Nagel Posted April 27, 2010 Author Share Posted April 27, 2010 A little special mods to the intake:Plus some Telesco Rollers:Covered by these beauties:Then exhausted by these:Should be fun with these:Onward through the fog! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buick5563 Posted April 28, 2010 Share Posted April 28, 2010 BAD A$$That looks really fun! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ted "Wildcat65" Nagel Posted November 12, 2010 Author Share Posted November 12, 2010 OK, engine has been on the dyno and is ready to unite with the body!Took way longer than I thought possible to get my act together.Visual evidence soon! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thriller Posted November 14, 2010 Share Posted November 14, 2010 Dyno results? Please? My keyboard needs a good drooling again.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Louie Posted November 21, 2010 Share Posted November 21, 2010 Ted, we still waiting here, me and my Wildcats Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ted "Wildcat65" Nagel Posted December 2, 2010 Author Share Posted December 2, 2010 Wildcat: Wheatie Wildcat: Super Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thriller Posted December 3, 2010 Share Posted December 3, 2010 Gives new meaning to the phrase "Eat your Wheaties".... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ted "Wildcat65" Nagel Posted February 10, 2011 Author Share Posted February 10, 2011 The shop has been busy since I finally brought the engine over!Interior: 4-speeds had a hump bump out for the shifter. Tilt wheel! A/C! PW!LX code engine. Burgundy mist N-N Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ted "Wildcat65" Nagel Posted February 26, 2012 Author Share Posted February 26, 2012 Just a year later, many distractions but the PLAN is to get this beastly Wildcat reaady for the June 10 Concours here in Cincinnati! Then on to Norwalk and then see you in Charlotte! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnD1956 Posted February 27, 2012 Share Posted February 27, 2012 Dad's 65 electra was this color. My absolute favorite! Great work Ted! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ted "Wildcat65" Nagel Posted May 3, 2012 Author Share Posted May 3, 2012 Ok, rejected from concours....first show will be up at Norwalk Buick Race day.Second will be in Charlotte! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bhclark Posted May 3, 2012 Share Posted May 3, 2012 Rejected from Concours? Bastards! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest straight shooter Posted May 4, 2012 Share Posted May 4, 2012 Why were you rejected from concourse? :confused: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ted "Wildcat65" Nagel Posted May 4, 2012 Author Share Posted May 4, 2012 Why were you rejected from concourse? :confused:Not sure. The restoration shop owner "nominated" the car after being asked to by a nominating committee member to do so. Just got a letter that said thanks for nominating, but no thanks we don't want the car. "Mongo only pawn... in game of life. " (Blazing Saddles) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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