Introducing myself

Nice set...I will use some 8 mm metric bolts too!
I will be glad to buy the extra one you have..even with no hook...if you want to sell it...

Ok, let me finish rebuilding it and I could sell it to you.
This weekend it goes to zinc plating. I will receive the domed screws next week.

I will take it even if it is not yet rebuilt...
As you like.

As previously noted a problem I have to solve is the lack of correct exhaust hangers/brackets.
When I got my car I only found 2 of them installed instead of the 3 I was supposed to.
I could have adapted some universal hangers that cost a few dollars but after searching a few days I was able to locate 3 NOS brackets (1 left and 2 right..) in the USA and have them shipped to me in Italy.
Most 1959 Pontiacs were single exhaust equipped from the factory (as my Catalina was...) and nowadays finding LH side brackets is quite difficult.
I find now myself with 4 (soon to be 5 thanks to 59 SPORT COUPE) RH side brackets and just 1 LH side.
I have considered the option to heat and bend in the opposite side shape a couple of the extra ones but getting the correct shape is challegning...then I sorted out a different solution...

This is one of the original RH bracket (rubber strips removed) found on my Catalina ....



I cut it in two ...



This way I only had to heat and bend in shape 2 very small areas: the triangle and the small "hook"on the top half



Then I tack welded them together to check shape and straightness....



After a few adjustment it was ready to be welded (not by me this time, a smarter welder was in the shop...)



And then grinded to look more original...

The final result: Original RH side against "new" LH side



Now it is time to do the same procedure for the second one!!

GM internal information for fasteners and modification of exhausts .

As someone who at some point hopes to install dual exhaust on my Catalina, I find the info posted on this topic to be extremely valuable.  Thank you all for sharing.  BTW, this is an excellent example of how valuable this forum can be.  I encourage others to share their experiences/knowledge regardless of how seemingly minor (not that I consider the above particular topic to be minor.}

After working on exhaust and engine (I could not find a way to post a video of that...) I was finally able to complete the mock up of the body...with satisfactory fit of doors, fenders, hood and trunk lid.
The red painted areas are the ones that are still in need of attention from the sheetmetal guy...