1965 Pontiac Safari, 389, 4sp, 8 Lug Axles?

I've come across this car 2 years in a row at a local car show and curiosity is killing me.

It's a 1965 Pontiac Safari wagon, 389 engine, 4sp, and 8 lug axles. All factory as claimed by the owner. Basically it seems like a 3/4T truck with a wagon body.

I'm just curious if anyone knows anything about these things. Moreso, what's the deal with the axles? Did GM make any other cars with 8 lugs?

I'm tempted to buy the car but the rusty body tells me otherwise. I'd love to have something like this for a tow vehicle, or a summer vacation cruiser (with a 5sp transplant of course). If there were other cars like this, let me know. I'd like to start searching!

 

There were Chevrolet pick-up trucks from the same era with 8 lug wheels.
So maybe Pontiac used axles from that division for their ""Wide Track" cars ?

 

Totally different animal than trucks...8 lug wheels were used up through '68 and were basically a Pontiac only wheel...the inside of the wheel was actually the brake drum! So Pontiac guys will usually use thicker shoes when doing brake jobs or resleeve the drum, because they're kind of rare. These wheels were used as an option on any full size Pontiac from '61 or '62 up to '68. I regret not buying one car at this point in my life--it was a yellow '65 Catalina hardtop with 8 lugs. Beautiful car at a reasonable price--no $ at the time...I think about that thing almost every day. Maybe some day...

 

Here's a nice link that shows many of the wagons: http://www.stationwagon.com/gallery/gallery2.html

- Bill

 

VERY unusual car. Wagons with 4 speeds were rare, wagons with 4 speeds and the 8 lug option were super rare. If the car is as advertised and original grab it. You won't find another one. ou:

 

What is the availability of body parts for these things? You can't tell in the pics but every panel has bondo on it. I think he wants $4k for the car. (it keeps the people away who just want the drivetrain) If it were solid I would own it, but I can't justify that price for a rustbucket. Perhaps if I found a solid body to swap the frame I'd consider it.

Really the only attraction I have is the engine and transmission. It sounds like the 8-lug axles are a special thing and I'd be stuck with 4 wheel drum brakes. I have those on my Mustang and I can't wait to get rid of them!

Any chance that spindles and a rear axle from a GM 3/4T pickup would bolt in place of one of these? Heck, could you do that on a Buick wagon (a car I'd prefer anyway)

 

The axles are actually 5 lug 4 3/4 bolt pattern. The hub bolts to the axles and the wheels bolt to the hub. I think. Memory is a little fuzzy.

 

Pontiacs of that era had 5 on 5" bolt pattern on the non 8 lug wheels. The finned part of the 8-lug wheel assy is actually the brake drum. The 8-lug wheel assy can be removed and the standard drum/wheel set up will bolt right on with no changes to the rest of the brake and suspension systems.

Wagons were available with 4-speeds. Replacement body panels are only available from solid donor vehicles so a rusty body makes for a very challenging resto. If you are really serious about the car, a copy of the build sheet can be had thru Pontiac Historical Service.

 

This Safari just left our shop not too long ago, where it's been sitting for a couple years now...a buddy bought it, but had no place to go with it, so it ended up at our place!







Our buddy is 6'4-ish and weighs every bit of 350lbs...he & that car would probably KILL the scales at the track if they rolled across them!

 

Franks pontiac parts in Ramona Ca. or Ames pontiac they have the fenders franks might have good quaters off a donor car

 

hmm
the centercaps on that wagon looks like up to 65.......60-64 was one type and 65-68 another type
brake drums fits 60-68 in the rear but a 64 drum on a 65 wont cover the brake lining.....misses 1/4.
you can replace the rear drum with a std drum..5x5 bolt pattern but the front need to be a complete set as well....bearing and drum on one set
regards stig
3 cars with 8 lug so far...looking for more

 

Neat cars.....especially that 61....

 

In 2+ years, my buddy drove that car *1* time...we all loaded up and went to a bracket race at a small local track...I wanna say the car ran low 14s on some old, old recap cheater slicks...and he never turned a tap on it all day. Thing had 13s in it easy, but we had to help push it for some reason and man is it heavy...

 

I had read that the Pontiac 8-lug wheel was yet another item that made the Chevrolet and Oldsmobile designers (and engineers) a bit jealous. The success of the 1959 Wide Track campaign, the innovation of the transaxle 61/62 Lemans and Tempest, the success of Pontiac's NASCAR and NHRA Super Duty programs, the stunning 8-lug wheel design, the success of the 64 GTO, the innovation of a hood tachometer in 1967, then the 1968 Endura bumper....Pontiac was just ahead of everyone at that time.

The 8-lugs were actually scheduled to be an option on the 1966 GTO, but proved too costly. The original ad for the 1966 GTO shows the car wearing the 8-lugs.

 

One of my customers owns a Black '64 Bonneville wagon. 50K miles & just about every option you could think of. Gran Prix interior, 421/4bbl. A/C, electronic ignition, roof rack, console with vacuum gauge, tach on left of dash, pwr. windows, seats, antenna, AM/FM, 8 LUG WHEELS, posi, factory air shocks, tinted glass, & on & on. Original rugs, seats, interior. Mostly original exterior & paint. Original ignition wires, hoses, etc. Looking to sell for the right $$$$$ in the area of 20K+ PHS sent back the paperwork & was hand writtin "Nice Car"!!!!

 

Just the almost perfect, '64, one year only Wood Wheel goes for about 2K!!!!!

 

Once in a while I see a real cool wagan (like the one pictured) going down Rt 224 (south of Cleveland)

 

I'll take it! :Brow:

 

kelsey hayes made these for pmd, full size only, first introd 1960, last used 1968....I personally owned a factory orig Pont 1964 Safari 9 pass wagon, 421 HO tri-power, 4spd., posi, long branch cast-iron headers, FACTORY A/C, 1 of 4 built...phs documented...tremendous launch due to long wheelbase weight transfer!!!

 

Get your cash, plates & insurance. Fly up & drive it back. LOL