Here is an updated pic of our '62 wagon. I don't think I have posted one for a while. Ridetech air setup in the rear and massaged springs up front. This last spring I replaced the tired 261 Inline with a Cadillac stroker 261 that K&S Machine in Kelowna BC built for me. It is backed by a 700R4 with the help of an adapter plate purchased from Tom Langdons Stovebolt. Stock posi rear now has 3:73 gears. I installed a CPP 500 series steering box and added a booster for the brakes. Much nicer car to drive this last summer. I installed a new audio system this spring too with the head unit residing in a 60's GM accessory tissue dispenser mounted just below the glovebox. Amp rack takes up real estate left over that the air management system isn't using under the rear hatch. For that reason there was no room for a sub box hidden under the back and I didn't want to have a typical sub box mounted behind the rear seat in plain view so I researched and cladded the custom box to resemble a wooden vintage military rocket launcher ammo crate, complete with the correct lettering. Used recycled and weathered pallet wood. The rear door of the crate has hidden hinges and opens via a remote control and a center mounted linear actuator, allowing the 2-10" subwoofers to only be seen when open. After an exhaustive search I did find a period correct roof rack and installed it early this year as well. I am restoring a pair of 1953 Schwinn bikes, the mens is an original Black Phantom and the ladies is in its original Blue/White. I am fabricating a pair of mounts for them to add to the roof of the wagon. Plans this winter are to fabricate a fan shroud that will fit starting with a stock V8 shroud, upgrade the single reservoir master cylinder to a dual, complete the air system out front and upgrade the tank and management system with the Accuair e-Level fed by 2 compressors. Not easy to pick away at this kinda stuff while raising 3 teenage girls but am extremely happy with how its workin out...great hobby
Very nice indeed, great look. As far as a 261 Cadillac Stroker goes I'm willing to bet not a lot of guys are familar with that term. I do of course like Cadillacs but by no means am I an expert on the 261 straight six known as a Cadillac Stroker other than to know it starts out as a 261, the 261 crank is used with 292 connecting rods and Cadillac V8 pistons, producing around 285 to 290 CID. Can you fill in the blanks on the engine Str8six?
You are right on the money with your description. Pistons are from the 1980-84 Cadillac 368 cu.in. V8, rods are 292 truck engine and the stock crank is offset ground. I had a mild cam installed as well. Just running the single barrel Rochester on the stock intake, a set of Fenton headers feeding dual exhaust to the rear and a mini HEI distributor built by Langdons Stovebolt. I have an Offy triple intake and three Rochester BC carbs but have not yet had time to tinker with building a progressive linkage for them. That may have to wait until suspension completed.
Steve, i love that sweet 62 wagon of yours and thank you for keeping the 261 where it belongs. You can get triple carb linkage kits from PATRICK'S in Arizona. They specialize in everything that is inline. Any chance of seeing what your trusty 261 inliner looks like. Keep us posted on the wagon. Cheers. George
-- Edited by long stroke on Wednesday 21st of December 2016 10:30:06 AM
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1957 Pontiac Pathfinder Deluxe sedan restored 261 six
1974 Chevrolet Caprice Estate wagon low mileage original 400 V-8
Thank you for all previous comments
George, that linkage kit that is available thru Patrick's is unfortunately not a progressive setup. I did receive the all at once kit with the Offy intake when I purchased it but the hopes are to set it up progressive. I actually don't have any finished pics after the new 261 went in last spring so I will snap a few and attach them back here. Right from the beginning I had decided that even though everything about the suspension was going to be changed...the 261 was staying, even though it is no longer a 261 inside.
Steve
Have not posted any updates in quite a while. Full Accuair e-Level setup installed, Endo tank with dual Viair 480C's. Front disc swap, power steering & brake upgrade as well. Currently working on interior door panels which were rotten along the bottom. Ciadella interiors in the US sell the metal edging, nails and retainers for these cars...awesome stuff. Converted an oil bath air cleaner to paper filter and then made an air inlet out of fiberglass from a mold. Drilled hole in rad support on drivers side and connected a flex hose between for some fresh air.
-- Edited by Str8six on Monday 10th of January 2022 04:29:57 PM
-- Edited by Str8six on Monday 10th of January 2022 07:00:48 PM
Fantastic wagon. The garage where I was an apprentice had a 62 wagon as a service vehicle. My boss also raced a stock car and before he started his garage business the 62 Strato chief was a daily driver and tow vehicle. This was around 1969. The car was originally a 261 powerglide and was updated with a 1958 348 and three speed manual transmission. It was a really good driver with the 348 but finally succumbed to Ontario rust about 1972. Thanks for the good memories.
Very cool! looks like you've been busy! I walk my dogs past your house occasionally. What are your plans for the 63?
Hey John...you live close by? The '63 is going over to my Dad's place as soon as a spot opens up in his garage. We are going to build a tribute factory super stock drag car with it. No 421 sadly but have picked up a 383 stroker and aluminum power glide. Ordered Global West Upper & Lower rear control arms the other day so anxiously waiting to give that car some attention. Give me a holler next time you go by.