Thoughts on a 56 Pontiac Star Chief project

This is a 1956 Pontiac Star Chief Catalina 2 door hardtop I was shown very close to home! Rock solid floors and truck, not rot in the usual places like fender corners, rockers, doors, etc. Just got back from taking a look at it. Its a California car even has CA plates still on it. It only needs fuel lines, brake system and some glass to be a sweet rat rod. I would do all the usual things before cruising like all fluids and hoses and some wide whites. Other than that, I think I might keep it as is, just rust proof the under carriage and paint the jams so they do not rust, etc. I do not plan on taking it in the rain ever but ya never so better safe than sorry. I have been going between this and a 56 Buick Special 2 door hardtop with a 3 on the tree. The Buick needs more work like floors and brake work and fuel tank. Let me know what you think about this car! I love it and might do it but I would have to sell my 84 GMC 4x4 first since I do not have the dough for the Pontiac up front. He wants 5,000 firm and it runs too. 316 with auto, ps, pb. Thanks for the thoughts.

I would only make this car a mild rat rod since it has so much patina! Tail drag a little and a little drop, wide whites, glass pacs, bellflower tips, large fuzzy dice! I will make some drawings if I decide on this car and post them sometime...thanks for lookin

 

Hey, I'm partial to the Chief as I had a perfect one when in High school in '63.
The motor leaked like a sieve though and I traded it rather then rebuild.
Funny thing thing my best friend lived next door and had the 56 buick. a convertable. .
He beat me every time with that nailhead despite being a heavier car.
I think I'd try the buick but try for a ragtop

 

i love those.....
looks like a "rat rod" already...as in the rats ate your seats,,haha..
very cool body style.....

if its as solid as you say, and it runs and drives,,i think its not a bad price...

 

Do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Its a neat car alright. Right next to it is a 57 Bel Air 2 door hard top in bad shape, but definately worth saving and its for sale as well. If anyone was interested, I can forward you his number and get some pics next time I go out to show my father the old Pontiac. I did not take a close look, but what was not covered by the cover over it, there was rot in some corners and the window was down on the driver's door.

 

One more neat thing..check out the factory markings on the firewall and there is even some under the hood in blue marker and I think it said 1946, but it may have been ID for some bone yard it may have been in a long time ago? Not sure. But thats pretty damn original markings on the firewall! I think I'm in love.

 

This car is an all around dependble unit. From it's now condition small items like pwr stering pump , hose etc. willall need to rebuilt but it is worth reconditioning and will be the talk at the socials (its also fast) I drove a 1954 star chief stright eight and it was a smoth ride (my dads new car in 1954)

 

Thanks for the thoughts. I passed on the car since then since I bought tri power for my Lincoln 462. Being an extremely rare piece, I could not afford to buy another car and never was able to sell my old truck so the odds are against me! The car is down to $4000 by my referral only so if anyone is interested in it...let me know and I an point you in the right direction before he starts to do body work and personally I think thats a bad idea since it hides the real deal solidity this car has. There is no major rot in the body at all and the floors, rockers, trunk are prefect! Hood needs some work and a spot above the drip rail and some straightening on the passenger side from an accident. It has great patina, just needs some things taken care of like mentioned in the quote plus heads and valves, seats, trans, etc. but all are great cores for rebuild. I saw the thing run and move so its a real runner and driver but not safely. Hope this thing ends up somewhere good and not sitting out another winter in PA! Think quick and I will get you in touch personally. He's ownes a restoration shop in east Pittsburgh and a real nice guy to deal with.

 

I'd go with the Pontiac. It needs less work to cruise.

 

A mild rat? WTF?????

 

My '67 runs and drives as well, stops too, shifts and all that. I could really just do the heads over and be done and work on the power steering and suspension and be cruising but I am going all out now with the tri power, 3.50 gears, got a roller cam, going to have it balanced and blue printed, coated pistons, etc. etc. so I need to save up for all that instead of buying another car.

 

Are you confused as to what a 'mild rat' is??? If so, its a hot rod that looks like the Pontiac in the photos and you simply lower it, make it loud, do a little to the engine if you want, throw a blanket of the seats and cruise! Thats a rat rod. Low budget...lots of fun!

 

Poncho fo sho

 

Thanks, Buddy. We used to call that a Beater. I thought rat rods needed skulls and spider webs and, oh I dunno, maybe a bowling trophy or two. I'm glad you set me straight on this hot rod stuff.

 

Douche Bag: Cheap ass chump with no taste and even less class. See above.

 

Please don't hold back, let us know how you really feel!

 

I heart Brandy!!!

 

Here is a neat looking Pontiac that I saw.

 

I have that affect on MEN.

 

I was waiting for the other moccasin to drop after the "duh, don't you know what a mild rat is?" comment. Brandy hits it outta the park! lol

 

Mild rat, sounds like something you'd get at Taco Bell if you can't handle the Hot and Spicy Rat.

 

you actually called me a douche bag on my own post? Don't like it don't read it!!!

Butch: Brandy (see below for meaning of butch)
<dl class="list_no_decoration profilefield_list"><dt class="shade">Biography</dt><dd>My pops started spinnin wrenches in '69 for the US NAVY........I'm a by product of being Daddy's lil Girl. Now I spin wrenches on industrial Ag and Construction equipment.
Like Father, like Daughter.</dd></dl>

 

Some of you people are here suck. Thought this was one of those places to talk about hot rod not get your ass reemed out because you used the term...'mild rat rod' All out rat rods to me get a little goofy with the custom fab work like quad slanted Lincoln headlights, Caddy tail lights...get where I'm going with this? I would not have done that to this car so I said mild. Please forgive me wise know it all gods of hot rodding.

 

Buddy, just because Brandy is tougher and a better wrench than you doesn't make it right to insult her. If she were closer to PA, I bet she'd WHUP your ass. Not for arguing with her, but for disrespecting that cool Poncho hard top.

Mild rat, indeed...

 

What does butch and my father have in common? I'm not butch there slick, in fact I am VERY girly........right down to the Chanel perfume I wear to work.

Phil has it right, I understand you're intimidated by a split tail with big tits and better tools then you. But WHY would you EVER disgrace a Poncho like that?

You're still a tool in my book...........and believe me when I say, my opinion matters far more around here then yours.

 

I double heart Brandy!!!

 

Look, I'm a decent person talkin about a car I wanted...Don't even want it anymore since I cannot afford it. If you want it and have such strong feelings for it...buy it! By the way, I do all my own fabrication and have all the tools I need to accomplish any ideas I may have. I agree the car is extremely nice and I would not even shave the handles on a car like that. I would have only done things that can be reversed like lowering, exhaust....am I missing something here about butchering the Pontiac??? I think not. You really sound like you need attention...glad you getting it. Snap a shot of them titties and post them for us. We will give you all the attention you want, believe me. Respecet me (or yourself first) then I might respect you back. Professional Asshole is an understatement.

 

I'm confused about what kind of forum this is...Hot rod correct? If I wanted to sled out or rat rod a Pontiac...isn't this the place to talk about it. Disrespect in what way exactly? You and brandy are messed up people. keep your thoughts to yourself if and move on if you don't like my ideas. Not here to argue over the internet since you would never say anything to me in person and you now it...she knows it, thats it. Your all talk on here and frankly your annoying the hell out of me just with your fake attitudes so dont post anymore.

 

Yes sir! No more posts from me. I have much to learn from you, sir. I am as fucked up as a football bat. Please show us the true Holy Grail.

 

Hahaha fuckin wanker.

Trust me, I'd tell ya to your face just as fast as I'd type it out..........the terms RAT and PONCHO do not correlate. I have PLENTY of respect for myself...........PLENTY.

If I wanted it, I'd of already had it. But I have two 55's that need my attention.........along with several others.

Pontiac's have a special place in my heart, while you're still a douche bag.