Customs Maiden voyage

Took my pontiac out on the road for the first time since I’ve had it torn down and built back up. It did pretty good, nothing fell off! When you’ve had a car completely disassembled and built back up with a new drivetrain, etc. there is definitely a pucker factor when taking it out for the first time. Or is that just me?

 

Needs a pair of Smithy’s.

 

Probably, straight pipes with side exit, loud as hell.

 

No I have the same pucker even after a few runs.

 

In that case just install a pair of Cherry bombs. Hehe.

 

I like Pontiacs.
After looking at your photo.......
I still do.

 

It seems "the pucker factor" increases as we age, and we get more methodical and careful with our builds, or so it feels with me. The last entire re-do I did I ran the rebuilt engine for a while, then put the car on stands and ran the driveline to test the rebuilt 3 speed, rear axle and brakes. All that before the first road run.

 

No, it's not just you. Nice ride, glad everything went well.

 

Been there, done that, used the T shirt to cleanup my hands. I don’t think the pucker factor ever really goes away

 

For sure… the last truck I built I would call a buddy with a trailer and ask him to be on standby… I get it.

 

Nah, generally I just get in them and drive

 

ME TOO !

Ben

 

I don’t even take a tool box, that way nothing can go wrong

 

Congrats - need more pics & details

 

I’d drive it

 

No it is definitely not just you … On my first time out with ground up builds usually I hear tools fall out onto the road.

 

Got the pucker factor but still just jump in and drive it, called AAA more than once. Got to drive it to find the bugs and fix them.

 

Titled as a 47 but has some 46 details, I put an olds rocket/Hydramatic in it. No bags. Chevy bumpers, exaggerated rear fenders up and out, jaguar skirts, rounded front fender openings, Cadillac fender extensions, shaved driprail, frenched headlights. Maybe a mild chop in the future but it’s so curvy and pretty I’m not sure. Paint next year.

Linkage has been tweaked since this photo

An example of some of the rot I had to take care of…..

 

Thanks - ya, a future mild chop should be considered

 

I don’t know if it’s pucker factor but new brake system gives me concerns for awhile. I have in the past hooked up the car trailer and left keys in the truck so I can call and have it brought to me if needed.

 

I am a Hot Rod guy but you nailed the look and exocution

 

It looks like the wolf in the zoot suit from the Warner Bro's cartoons will jump out of it.

 

AAA towing, and the credit card in my pocket, and away we go. I do test the brakes and steering before it leaves the driveway though. That first 1/2 mile or so I listen for unexpected noises, and strange handling. Past that is its gas and go.
There have been so many total rebuilds in my past, the pucker power went away a long time ago.

 

Exactly the look I was going for.

 

I’d drive it

 

Yeah but you’d drive anything.

 

Lookin' good... Sits great... Bet it drives good too! The Olds mill & Hudson tail lights are a nice touch! (My biased opinion)

 

Looks great! Tip of the cap for following the vision.
When the pucker turns to wood you'll know it's ready for anything.

 

I will see if I can find the Zoot suit wolf from an old Tex Avery cartoon, Tex Avery really knew how to create the very cool characters!