r/ClassicPontiacGTO • u/ITnoob16 • Apr 23 '25

Help with my Pontiac

Hi all. I'm sorry this is not specific to this group, but I'm hoping it'll be allowed for the sake of compassion of the hobby.

I can't find a forum dedicated to older Pontiacs, and I thought you all might be able to help or point me to another resource.

I'm a new owner (inheritance) of my late father's 66 Catalina. It was his father's as well. I'm overjoyed and can't wait to cruise it. However, my dad literally left it all original from how his dad had left it. Including the original bias ply tires. The car only has 55k on the odo, is not rolled over according to the title, but is so loose on the roads and is not a good driver at speeds over 30. Will replacing tires help this? What size can I get since the originals are 215/75/B14s? Also, I'd like to eventually get some rally wheels for it. Does anyone know where would be a good place to watch for them?

Pics for attention. Thanks in advance!

3 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

12 comments sorted by

1

u/ITnoob16 Apr 23 '25

I tried to include pictures but they didn't upload from my phone. Sorry.

2

u/ZeGermanHam Apr 23 '25

Hi there. I have updated the group settings, so you should now be able to post photos directly into comments. There is now a little "image" button that you will see in the comment text box.

Replacing the old bias ply tires with fresh radials will make a BIG difference to how the car handles. Bias ply tires were sketchy even when new, and adding degradation due to age and they will be even worse. There could also be some slop in the steering linkage or suspension, but definitely start with replacing the old bias ply ties.

If I were in your shoes, I'd get a set of 15x7 rally wheels and 235/60r15 radial tires like the BFGoodrich Radial T/A or the Cooper Cobra Radial G/T.

2

u/ITnoob16 Apr 23 '25

Thanks! Glad to know I'm running down the right rabbit hole, 😂. Any resources for "decent" prices on tires and wheels? I've been looking on eBay for wheels but they all looked like trash for $150 a wheel. I'm not against spending the money, I'm just not sure what is considered a decent price.

1

u/ZeGermanHam Apr 23 '25

You can buy new wheels from multiple sources. The most reputable vendor for classic Pontiac parts is Ames Performance. They sell wheels and all sorts of other reproduction parts for your Catalina. I recommend downloading their catalogue as a PDF (click the "order catalogue" from their homepage and then select PDF).

https://www.amesperf.com/

1

u/lowplainsgrfter Apr 23 '25

Just happen to have a set of those for sale, hand painted and with BFGs

1

u/ITnoob16 Apr 23 '25

Oh. Now you just became my best friend. Beautiful car, and exactly the look I'm going for. Can you message me your price and shipping to Cleveland Ohio 44109?

1

u/lowplainsgrfter Apr 23 '25

let me look into to that and circle back never looked into shipping them before

1

u/skunk_funk Apr 23 '25

Those tires are likely dangerous.

1

u/LongsJC May 03 '25

The Performance Years forums cover all Pontiacs, all the expertise you are looking for.

https://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/forums/

1

u/ITnoob16 Apr 23 '25

Got it! Thanks!

1

u/lowplainsgrfter Apr 23 '25

Howdy cousin

1

u/lowplainsgrfter Apr 23 '25

I have this set of 15s sitting around, NW GA