Hey im new to the hamb. im looking at getting a 1955 Pontiac Starchief Catalina its straight, 99% Rust Free, 2 Dr HT ,287 CIDHydramatic, Powersteering, Power Brakes. Runs and Drives . are these any good? how much is it worth? what should I look for. will it be hard to find parts. anybody have one.
Ponchos are good if you like them, I have a '52. Its worth whatever your willing to pay. Look for rust... keep looking. Parts are around. s.
Looks like you found a nice one. That's the big Pontiac for 55. Long wheelbase. There are quite a few 55ers here. Wait to hear from Brandy. I have one, but I'm a butcher.
I have been obsessed with 1955/56 Pontiacs for 14 years. I first owned a 1956 Chieftain in 95 and most recently a 55 Starchief from 2003-2005. Brakes **** on these cars, trying to get the turtleback booster rebuilt is even worse. Places to find parts are California Pontiac Restoration (CPR) in Santa Ana, CA or even Kanter's Auto Parts. Some gl*** and inside stainless is interchangable with a 55 Chevy. The last 3 pix are of my old 55. I say go for it, even though I sold my 55 I had to. I plan on getting a 55 or 56 hardtop very soon.
im in the bay area (hayward)where are the typical problem spots? how well did the Hydramatic work?so is the car worth 4k ?
I never had a problem with my hydromatic. Its really hard to say what the car is worth without seeing it. How are the floors? Hows the frame? What need to be done to get it on the road? If you are just asking from a price standpoint, I think that is a fair price. However if you are paying 4k for swiss cheese you might want to reconsider. I would guess it all depends on you and how far you want to go with this car. Problem areas? As in rust or mechanical? If you end up not liking it let me know, I will buy it from you.
he says its rust free and a runner. he said he would trade me for the vw i just built if i cant get cash. my car is worth about 4k. this was my last project
There are a few weird things about 55s to look for. Of course the trans is a decent model, but if you have trouble, there are only a couple people in the country to trust it with. The car has a kingpin front end, rather than the balljoints the chevys got that year, and ball bearings in the hubs, rather than rollers, expensive to maintain. The frame is not a full boxed frame, it is pieces of channel, you have to check carefully for rust and cracks. The 287 is a good engine, but won't win any races, or do that great on the highway in that big car. That is why I'm yanking mine to put in a 400. Make sure the brakes are good. The master cylinder is a PITA to rebuild properly. I'm cutting mine oput and using aftermarket Wilwood pedals and Hurst master cylinders. I don't think you get much rain, but make sure the wipers work, it's a vacuum system that ****s (literally). Try to get a good look at the wiring. It is still all cloth covered old school stuff. Even if it looks good, it's prone to trouble, watch for fraying and such. Again, what it's worth is impossible to say from one pic. If you like it more than your car, and you're happy, I guess everyone should be happy.
Chieftain is bottom of the line and has a smaller wheel base by 2 inches. The Star Chief is the top of the line and comes with a thicker side trim, 3 stars on each front fender and few other lil goodies. Mostly it's just that it's 2 inches bigger. I mean they made Star Chief's in 4 doors as well, so number of doors and hardtop vs sedan car holds no bearing on it............to me it's just a matter of how many doors you want, rather then which trim option. I have one of each.......they're still just an eyesore to the neighbors. =] Yorgatron is in San Jose.......and Ragdoll just moved from San Ho to Vallejo.
Go for it They make a kit for up dating the master clynder there is an article on how to take 58 poncho arms and retro fit to 55-56 Can,t go wrong with a poncho
yup, I got a 55 pontiac as a parts car for my 55 chevy, it cost 1/5th as much and was much more complete than the chevy. After swiping the parts I needed I gave the poncho away to a friend. Don't worry, he put it back together and sold it as a driving car. But he never would have sold me all the parts I got off the pontiac for what I paid for the car! btw this all happened about 10 years ago
If you need convincing, or have to ask WHICH is the better car.......then in MY personal opinion, you deserve the Dodge. There is NO such thing as a BETTER car to an unknowing person. Either car would be BETTER for YOU. For someone who's involved with and has brand pride, they KNOW which is the better car. Starting to sound like you are shopping for the one with a higher resale value instead of which one catches your eye the most........and at that rate, not being a Dodge person, I'd rather see a clean Injun go to a Pontiac person, someone who'll love it and knows what it is already.
ouch. just looking for a early 50's american car. still trying to figure out axactly what i want. these are both in my area and in my price range.
check out the pics on this site and by the way 55 poncho's especialy hardtops rule. Kustom 55's was one of my favorite mild customs. www.autohobbypage.com
You have all Pontiac lovers on this thread. Before making your decision, may I suggest starting a thread about the Dodge? Have you driven both cars? Some of us are friendly, Don't be afraid to ask a hamber to come check the cars out with you.
i did a search to try to get info on the dodge and did not find much. seems like the poncho has more of fan base. ive been involved with custom cars for many years but, this will be my first early american car. as soon as i get one i will have brand pride. just want to get info on what cars to stay away from, what car will be easier to work, find parts etc.
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