1953-54 Pontiac

I'm probably picking up a 1954 Pontiac chieftain tomorrow. I need to be educated and inspired. What do you got?

-a few questions i have.

anyone know production numbers on these, i don't see too many around?

I was surprised to see an open drive- drive shaft in this car, Whats the drive line story, is it Pontiac only, interchangeable with anything? It has the flat six and an Auto, i think a 4 speed.

What else do you got?

Thanks!

Chris

 

Back then Pontiac, Chevy, Olds, and Buick all had their own motors and drivetrains. Pontiac are open, not like Chevy at all. Some body panels and all the glass in interchangeable between Pontiac and Chevy, but nothing mechanical is the same, and they have completely different frames and suspensions. As far as I know even the brakes are different, but I could be wrong about that.
I dropped an Olds 350 into a '54 Pontiac years ago, and was able to use the original '54 driveshaft and rear end with no problems. Beat the car pretty good (I was a teenager at the time) and never had any problems with the rear end at all.
The motors are smooth and quiet, but have no power. Mine was a straight 8 and would not go more than 70 mph no matter what. The 4-speed hydromatic trans is a good one if it's in good condition. I did get an easy 20 mpg around town with the original drivetrain. Dropped to 14 or so with the newer V-8.

 

Thanks Dave that is useful information. Do you happen to know if chevy door skins will fit the pontiac?

 

Doors fit, I think (don't quote me) as the Pontiacs are longer from A pilller forward. (Not absolutely sure about that on 53-54 though I am on 55-57's)

 

I believe JDHolmes is right: the doors should be interchangeable with same year Chevy. Rockers, roof, etc. are all identical. All glass is the same. Everything from the firewall forward is different (longer wheelbase on the Pontiac = longer front fenders, hood, etc.). The trunk lids might even interchange. Bumper pans are different, and the rear quarters are different but you can use Chevy patch panels on a Pontiac with a little imagination. A lot of the interior stuff looks different, but will fit either. (Arm rests, window cranks, seats, etc.)
All the exterior trim is different, including the bumpers.

 

Olds transmission will bolt up to the straight eight. I had a 54 2 door Cheiftan. Sold it for $85 in 75. Could kick myself now.

It would run though. Three on the tree. 80 90 easy.

Great cars and look good too.

VonDad

 

Here's a '53 you might be able to pick up cheap!
Found this picture on another site.

 

Thanks for all the info, everyone has been very helpful.

Do only the 53's have that center "eye" in the front bumper? is it functional or just a reflector?

IS the trim on the 53 in the post above only on the deluxe model?

What are the good pontiac resources out there?

 

Standard Catalog of American cars says Chieftain 22,670 sixes and 149,986 Chieftain eights, Star Chiefs 115,088 units.....stan

 

California Pontiac Restoration is probably the best source for parts and service.

http://www.pontiacparts.net/

 

Chieftain came in 2 trim levels, the 4 door shown above is the upper level. Early 331" Cad front mount bolts into the Pontiac 6 mount holes for a clean, easy swap. 6 cylinder hydro isn't as strong as an Olds or Cad, rear axle & suspension will work very well when rebuilt.

 

Thanks for all the info. Does anyone have pics of a 53 vs. 54 grill?

 

My 54 chieftain sidevalve 6
slow but smooth-but Im never in a hurry while driving her-the car that is.

 

Thanks for the picture.....So the picture of the pontiac running into a tree is a 53 as it has that round "eye" in the center of it?

Thanks Again!

Chris

 

Are the 53 and 54 pontiac shells the same.