Got Stupid and Bought an Old police Car, 71 Catalina Freeway Enforcer

Well Like I did not already have enough cars, I just can't seem to resist Odd Performance Pontiac's. And the chances of finding another 37,000 mile 455 4bbl enforcer I think are pretty slim. Bought it off E-bay 3 months ago for $5300.00 running car that has been in storage sense 1982! It was the Police Chiefs car in Chambersburg PA. So it has seen some winters, but has minimal rust for a northern car. Been working on it slowly to bring it back to road worthiness. List of thing I have done.

1 - New Belts, Hoses, Coolant, Oil & Filter.
2 - New Exhaust system, The car originally had 1970 style Ram Air III Exhaust Manifolds, a prior owner had replaced them with 1972 Standard Log Manifolds. So I ordered a set of Repo's from Ram Air Restorations, along with a new 2.5" system with an X-pipe.
3 - Rebuilt the carb due to the accelerator pump squirting gas up into the Air Cleaner Assembly. And found scary brown metallic Build up in the float bowl. Caused me to drop the Fuel Tank.
4 - Dropped the fuel tank, and found that part of the Police package is a Baffled Fuel Tank, and found the tank must have had 3 inches of water sitting in it for many years. and the baffled fuel tank makes it impossible to clean out in my shop. So it is at a local shop getting boiled out and Coated.
5 - Did get the Fuel Sender Rebuilt

Things to do

1 - Replace all the Old flexible Fuel Hoses, and Blow out the Main Fuel Line.
2 - Remount the Fuel Tank when it gets back.
3 - Replace the master cylinder, and brake booster, and replace all brake Fluid, and Bleed The brakes
4 - Repair the small things, Clock, rear window defogger, Electric Trunk Release
5 - Add a sound system (have to have tunes to cruise)
6 - Remount the rear seat divider.

Lots of things to do, so little time.

The PHS Shows the Car to be an All Cameo White, Freeway Enforcer, with the 455 4bbl High performance engine (that means the regular D-port Heads, Ram Air III exhaust manifolds, Duel Exhaust, Dual Snorkel Air Cleaner, and has the 455 HO Carb. Some debate on what cam shaft it has, and if or it is a 4 Bolt main Block, I won't know for sure unless I tear it down, and I have no plans to do so at the Moment. It also has a HD Frame (Boxed Convertible Frame) HD front, and XHD rear Suspension, 3.23 open 8 7/8" axle, Certified Speedo, Roof Wiring Harness, in dash Clock, remote trunk release, rear window defogger, and HD front and rear seats. Oddly enough it also had Delux wheel covers, Carpeting, and Custom Cushion Steering Wheel.
The Vinyl Top was added by a previous owner, and the large 1 1/8" front, and 7/8" rear sway bars were also removed.
The Local PA newspaper was able to find a distant picture of the car Parked in the Police Chiefs Parking Spot.

The more I work on it the more I like it! Never saw myself in a 71-76 4-door B-Body.

Cool car...

Now THAT is a beast!

DAve

I love oddballs! Very cool! Can't wait to see it restored!

Talk about a cheap police department,all that pursuit parts and no AC.Guess they didnt need it back then,cool car by the way.

Very very cool. No idea that this even existed. Here's my 71 back in the day. Still have it, it looks different now.

Theres something about all 4 door GM cars without the post that makes them much better looking than any of those with one!

Love it

Thanks for the Kind Words, and I do agree that the 4-door HT's are better looking, but the Mechanic in me avoids them due to Chassis Flex, and Rust Belt Sagging issues. I have worked on Several 4-door HT's with over 100,000 miles and rust pervasion that not all the doors would open or close due to the Body sagging on the frame.

Here are a couple more pic's Showing the Ticket writing Desk, and the rear seat divider that came with it. The interior is in remarkable shape, just 1 tear in the lower back seat cushion that looks like it was caused by someone sitting down with something in there back pocket, and the drivers side front, and the passenger side rear carpeting worn, the Catalina Dash emblem is Cracked, and the rear package tray is discolored, and pulled down were the axillary brake lights were mounted.

Oooo rear defrost!

How interesting,...

Nice car
Pete

BTW, I have the stock hubcaps if you ever need spares, and I have the original AM radio if you want to go stock.

Any updates on this car? I love it, very unique.