Here are some pics of my new 53 chieftain project. Who's got Pontiac's? Some inspiration would be nice. Normally i would stray away from anything that needs body work, but this car is very complete and runs; thinking i could drive this and have fun while i do the body work.
Looks like a nice start to a cool progect....window says C/G going gasser? I have a '54 bone stock driver that will get the lowering/lakes pipes route and a '55 bucket of rust and bondo that is going the gasser route. The 54 is a turn key low mileage car with a straight 8 in it. Cool cars and parts are still out there for them.
I've got a 53 that will be on the road this weekend, finally, after almost 2 years. Mine's a survivor that I had the motor rebuilt on. Straight 8, original everything right now. Will be lowering it a tad with some new shoes. Here he is. Parts are plentiful though little speed stuff available for the original motors. I enjoy these Pontiacs. Got a 55 wagon sitting close by that's next for completion.
Thanks for the comments and inspiration. Hopefully I will have this on the road soon. Lets keep the Pontiac pictures coming! -Chris
Thats so bad ass,my first hot rod was a 53 indian.I cant find any pics of it right now,but I sure wish I had it back.That inline is one tough motor,if it still runs I sure would leave it in there. EVIL
Thanks HotRodSURFER. I have a whole box of 180 grit and sanding blocks. Still interested? Anyone know if chevy door skins work on these pontiacs?
They're very close if not exact. The doors were very similar for the post cars. I'm pretty sure the windows are the same even.
gasser and a straight 8???? Good luck with speed parts, The straight 8 does not like turning alot of rpms either. Now throw in a V8 and we're talking! As for the doors....same as Chevy. Look up cleveland craigslist....some guy has a set for sale for a while now....don't know the guy or have any connection
My 50 last fall before it got put away for winter... Now I'm anxiously waiting for the snow to melt...
I didn't think you were asking for my opinion, I on the other hand have one of the straight 8's in my '54 and speed parts are rare and expensive.....in the past year I've seen 3 edmunds 2 carb manifolds go for very big money and all three not in the best of shape. Aftermarket cams are as rare as hen's teeth and if you want to run split exhaust you're going to need to break out the fab skills. When I think gasser I think of turning some serious RPMs and also know that the straight eight with the design of the main bearing placements and length of the crank are not fond of serious rpm over an extended length of time. They do have a lot of torque though! If your going gasser that is great. Like I said earlier in this thread I'm doing the same thing with a 55 Pontiac. My opinions are my own and I can have them just as well as you can have yours....I still feel that a dinosaur low rpm inline 8 would not be a great choice for a gasser......not knocking inlines or you. Just a difference of opinions. I'd like to see pics as you do this and if you need parts let me know....I run across stuff for these cars from time to time. When it comes to my '54 I love the straight 8 in it. It is perfect for what I do with it....cruising, not racing. I didn't mean to sound like I was pissing on your dream and I see how you could think that also....one of the unwanted side affects of typing and not face to face discussion Happy to see that another Ponch will be saved!
The Jalopy Journal
