anybody ever seen a 57 pontiac with fuel injection? i just saw a complete setup today for sale,i have never seen one before. Randy
very rare, i think about 400 or less 57 pontiacs were made with fuel injection. In fact, there was only one car per dealer shipped. if it is cheap, buy it, probabaly worth big bucks, as I know the 57 pontiac with fi is gold.
fact: every 57 Bonneville was a fuel injected convertible. all white with blue or red insert, I've heard that there was one black one special ordered. injected 58's were alot more common (in California at least) 57 you could get injection on Chrysler, Chevrolet, Pontiac, Rambler, and I'm sure I'm missing at least one more
I believe I read somewhere once the correct number for 1957 was 630 in Bonneville convertibles and reputedly another 100 or so as spares. I don't know that I've ever seen a number put on the 58 production. Although the doghouses (shrouds), aircleaner housings, and inlet elbows are very similar between 57 and 58 (I personly feel the 57 pieces appear smoother and more fluid), they are not the same. The fastest way for a novice to tell what year they're looking at (provided the unit is stock, all there, and unmodified) is to pull the top of the shroud off and look at the the unit itself. If it's cast aluminum and looks somewhat similar to an unfinned Corvette, you're looking at a 58. If it's construction is formed sheet steel, tubing, and plate, and it looks positively sensuous, you're looking at a 57. (I'd repost the photos of mine, but I can't remember how take the photos out of my Iphoto and post them. I did post pics of it on here once already though.) As for as value, naturally the more complete the better, for instance- does the unit include a complete manifold with any or all of the following? Fuel meter, Air meter, Nozzle blocks, Fuel nozzles and distribution spiders (57s used two 4 leg spiders and were brazed to the nozzles like the earliest Corvette units, I believe 58s used two 4 leg spiders and used screw on ferrules to connect the nozzles like later Corvettes (to allow easier changing out of the nozzles), Upper and lower shrouds, Air filter housing, Air filter, Air inlet elbow with exhaust manifold hot air intake, Air inlet tube (mounts to radiator saddle) and connecting tubing, Special hardware (blocks, plates, and screws) to attach the manifold to the engine, Special distributor with fuel pump drive, Fuel pump drive shaft, Water crossover and outlet, Power steering pump bracket, Generator bracket, Exhaust manifolds, Exhaust manifold crossover, Special micro switches and wiring, Fuel injection specific rocker covers, Fuel injection specific valley cover (with depressions to clear the fuel meter), and these are just what I remember off the top of my head. Remember too, it's probably going to be a good idea to have a rebuild kit or at least gaskets located. The factory manual should be considered a must, just don't expect to rebuild a unit with it, but it will definately help you get it on a motor and get it running. Look up my original Hamb intro for a fun story about mine. As far as value, if it's anywhere near complete, it should bring STUPID money! I'd consider anything less a real buy. Although I might be the exception that proves the rule, if you offered me twice what the nicest Corvette units bring, you're not even going to my attention, much less a rise out of me.
57 Bonnevilles were offered in red and ivory, blue and ivory, and in silver and charcoal grey (the least common, I believe). Chrysler Corporation and American Motors (was it called that then?) were reputed to have offered Bendix Electrojet fuel injection in 1958. I think Chrysler installed 17 of them on preproduction models and recalled all of them. There was a restored car (Desoto, I think) featured in the magazines recently that had a unit refurbished and installed on it (reputed to be the last one in existance). I not sure any AMC cars made it out the door.
I can tell you for a fact that there was a triple black 57 Bonneville in 1957. Black body, black top and black interior. It was sold at Becker-Mills Pontiac in Phila. Pa. My uncle was the Mills in Becker-Mills. It was his demo. I don't know if he special ordered it or not. Being a part owner, I'm sure they put in an order for their demo. He never drove a Chieftan. My aunt drove a 56 Safari. He was going to sell it to my dad when the 58s came out but my mom didn't like the convertible idea. I can still see that thing parked in front of our house when he brought it down for my dad to check out. It made an impression on this kid when he was 14 years old. I always said that I'd get one some day but I think that ship has sailed when you see the prices.
I have a friend that has one he bought for about $375 the complete car in about 64 , still owns it ....
Ha HA HA! Thats a good one! Are you kidding? Who the frig would want a head case like that anyway? If they havn't had the urge to get laid in the first 40 years what makes you think they'll want it anytime soon in the next 40 years? ....get your chics about the same as an older car. You don't REALLY want that stale, stinky old barn find thats full of dead rats and bird shit - you want that low mileage creme puff in the garage thats been taken out once in a while, driven on nice days and maintained somewhat regularly. More bang for the buck, per say... -Bigchief.
ok,so after reading this thread i will say they (yes,they,as in two)are 1958 models,since they are cast aluim. and not the welded tube type. i'm trying to buy everything the guy has. i will be back!
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