Projects Mild custom '51 Pontiac Chieftain

There's your problem, but I'm sure you'll get the bugs worked out soon...
Thanks folks, I'll be here all week and don't forget to tip your waitress.

 

So, I adjusted the brakes and they were fine the other afternoon.
This morning, they are dragging badly.

I hate brakes.

 

Amen to that, especially drum brakes. It can be challenging to get them working to our personal satisfaction. My old hot rod with F100 front brakes and stock Maverick rear brakes took some creative tweaking/adjusting to get it to stop straight consistently.

 

I just need to get the drums turned. That should solve all the trouble.

 

Late to the party! But really enjoying the project as well as the writing. I've only made it to page 18 this morning but reliving the memories of growing up with a pontiac very much like this. A 51, white with a black to top. My heart skipped a beat when I saw you came up with the dome light cover. I drove my parents nuts flipping the switch back and forth. I've got more stories and some photos I could share later, gotta go keep up the great work. I shall return.

 

So, how much trouble would it be to have that valve machined out of steel? Too complex? Just wondering if that might help on the expansion rate difference. Notice how easily I spend YOUR money. Anyway just a thought. Love your project and glad I finally caught up to this point.

 

The valves themselves are steel, within an aluminum body. Pretty normal, however that doesn't appear to have really been the problem. The issue was the oil I had was too light a weight, getting too thin with too little heat in the transmission.

Phil

 

This is what I have been using in our 56 Pontiac Hydro, much better than the synthetic ATF we had in before that caused all sorts of terrible shifting issues. It literally shifts like a new old car now. $92 a case on Amazon.

 

My only concern is that says "top up only, not for fill".

Phil

 

and the Mercron said "backwards compatible". I had issues with it too so was willing to try anything.

 

Yeah, DEXRON also.

This new oil I have makes it better, but it still needs to go up a grade because it's going to be too thin in summer.

 

Put a new set of brake shoes on order.

Hopefully they aren't oversized (didn't say they were but hey who knows). We shall find out next week.

Phil

 

Phil,

It's been a while since I posted on your thread, but I have to tell you I'm still fascinated by your tenacity and dedication.

Keep up the good work.

 

Thanks!

Well, the reason I do it is I enjoy driving the car. Figured that's a good enough reason.

Been focusing on the OT car rebuild recently though.

 

I may try your 30w tractor fluid solution as well on the next change out to see if that will make a improvement over this improvement. I'll keep watching and see how you do with it.

 

Rear brakes arrived, new shoes put on.

Car looks goofy without the wheel covers and arch spats.

Glad I changed them, somehow I had managed to put two leading shoes on one side... Don't ask, don't know. It just happened.
One shoe had started to come unbonded, which is never good. Prefer rivets for that but hey ho, they say glue is better.

Phil

 

New brakes in and adjusted. That's better.

 

There was not a need to turn the drums?

 

There still is, but these fit better. They aren't oversized.

(Edit: Mostly wanted to replace the shoe that was falling apart)

 

There's grades in Louisiana? (Ex 70710 resident here...)

 

Up and down bridges.

 

Hi Phil; times 2 on what tubman said

 

The paint was looking a little tired from being outside in all weather so it got a bit of TLC today.

Still shines up ok.

Phil

 

That sure looks good all cleaned up in the sun!!

 

It was very dull, I wasn't taking care of it like it needs.

 

I had jetwashed the car a while back and accidentally took the paint off this wheel trim.

So, it got a clean.

Masked up.

Painted all pretty and shiny in the sun.

Oh. Well, I'll know it's there.

 

Finished the roof.

 

This car always looks better in indirect light.


Bright sunshine bleaches the paint out and you don't see the lines of the body.

Phil

 

WOW, Phil!! I love it. I was looking on the Hamb about a week ago and went to click on a thread and got the wrong one. It was yours so I looked at the 1st page of your thread. Got hooked!! So after a week I finally got thru it all. What a great job on this car you have done! And then the toronado!! Man what a journey! Thanks so much for posting it!!!

 

I'm glad you enjoyed reading the rollercoaster ride! It's far from over yet.
I've some decisions looming on the horizon as to where my money and time will be going.

Phil