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Projects Mild custom '51 Pontiac Chieftain

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by PhilA, Nov 4, 2019.

  1. PhilA
    Joined: Sep 6, 2018
    Posts: 2,106

    PhilA
    Member

    Couple weeks back I added some solvent then filled the tank.
    20241222_105411.jpg
    That sat and stewed for 2 weeks.
    20250108_055718.jpg
    Seems to have helped, the gauge is now reading better.

    Cold again today. Took a few minutes for all the cylinders to get the memo and join the party.

    Phil
     
    brEad, bchctybob, Stogy and 5 others like this.
  2. pvfjr
    Joined: Apr 28, 2020
    Posts: 237

    pvfjr
    Member

    So you're thinking it was varnish or something on the potentiometer, rather than oxidation? I've never tried fixing a glitchy sender with solvents before, but it sounds like it's worth a try sometimes.
     
    bchctybob and Stogy like this.
  3. PhilA
    Joined: Sep 6, 2018
    Posts: 2,106

    PhilA
    Member

    Something. Not sure what. It was reading accurately and reliably until it was left parked a while with about 1/4 tank full. Whatever vapors and trash in modern gasoline seems to have killed it. It's gone back to being completely random again.
     
    bchctybob, Stogy and loudbang like this.
  4. PhilA
    Joined: Sep 6, 2018
    Posts: 2,106

    PhilA
    Member

    This is one for the books.
    20250121_102404.jpg
     
  5. PhilA
    Joined: Sep 6, 2018
    Posts: 2,106

    PhilA
    Member

    Golly. It still hasn't stopped.
    20250121_160028.jpg
     
    Ford52PU, brEad, loudbang and 5 others like this.
  6. PhilA
    Joined: Sep 6, 2018
    Posts: 2,106

    PhilA
    Member

    Started up first push of the ****on.
    20250121_174539.jpg
    Idled like it was a nice warm July afternoon.

    Carburetors are terrible, everything needs fuel injection. Wait, nope!
     
    Last edited: Jan 21, 2025
    Paul B, mastrobirraio, brEad and 7 others like this.
  7. Slopok
    Joined: Jan 30, 2012
    Posts: 2,987

    Slopok
    Member

    Instead of a malted Phil, I think you should get some hot chocolate! o_O
     
    Woogeroo, bchctybob, Chief 64 and 2 others like this.
  8. PhilA
    Joined: Sep 6, 2018
    Posts: 2,106

    PhilA
    Member

    Today's been hot coffee and soup day.

    Too many people ended up driving off the street and into the bayou- nobody's got any of the setup or experience needed for driving in compacted dry snow- so the local government enacted a curfew to try and give the emergency services a chance.

    A few days stuck at home, oh well. Weatherman says it'll be in the mid sixties by the weekend.
     
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  9. RAK
    Joined: Jul 15, 2011
    Posts: 186

    RAK
    Member

    We have similar conditions here in SE Alabama, only 15 minutes from the Florida state line and it looks like up north! All of my old stuff is safely stored indoors and will stay there until the unplowed roads are clear and dry, the majority of the other drivers don't have much experience driving in these conditions.
     
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  10. PhilA
    Joined: Sep 6, 2018
    Posts: 2,106

    PhilA
    Member

    I fixed my DA polisher.
    20250204_171729.jpg
    Starting to try bring back a bit of shine to the paint.

    Only got that far tonight, but it's a start.
     
  11. PhilA
    Joined: Sep 6, 2018
    Posts: 2,106

    PhilA
    Member

    Hot day today.
    20250208_115344.jpg
    Got the light blue on the front of the car with a gloss back to it (where it still will).
    Too warm to continue, the cutting compound would flash off faster than I could wet it down.

    Phil
     
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  12. y'sguy
    Joined: Feb 25, 2008
    Posts: 800

    y'sguy
    Member
    from Tulsa, OK

    You've really brought her back to nice shape. She looks great. Brings back memories of my Dad's 51 Chieftan.
    The snow video is great with the lights glowing.
     
    PhilA likes this.
  13. I always look forward to your updates. Great car, fantastic that you use it so much, and enjoy it so much.
     
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  14. PhilA
    Joined: Sep 6, 2018
    Posts: 2,106

    PhilA
    Member

    The weather's been so variable it's hard to do anything with the car of late.

    Phil
     
    bchctybob likes this.
  15. PhilA
    Joined: Sep 6, 2018
    Posts: 2,106

    PhilA
    Member

    Cold but dry.
    20250220_173511.jpg
    Polished the roof.

    Phil
     
  16. PhilA
    Joined: Sep 6, 2018
    Posts: 2,106

    PhilA
    Member

    Finished polishing it up today.
    20250222_101353.jpg
    20250222_101416.jpg
    Good enough for government work.

    Phil
     
  17. PhilA
    Joined: Sep 6, 2018
    Posts: 2,106

    PhilA
    Member

    Mardi gras parade.
    20250222_125532.jpg
    Was a fun afternoon.
    20250222_124758.jpg
    Mick came along for the ride and enjoyed the attention.

    Phil
     
  18. I’d drive it
     
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  19. bchctybob, PhilA and Horror Business like this.
  20. 302GMC
    Joined: Dec 15, 2005
    Posts: 8,474

    302GMC
    Member
    from Idaho

    "Dollar for dollar, you can't beat a Pontiac"
     
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  21. PhilA
    Joined: Sep 6, 2018
    Posts: 2,106

    PhilA
    Member

    I've certainly wrung as many miles out of it for the dollars.

    I really need to put some work back in.
     
    bchctybob, Woogeroo and loudbang like this.
  22. PhilA
    Joined: Sep 6, 2018
    Posts: 2,106

    PhilA
    Member

    Where were we?

    Not sure. Been spending a lot of time in hospitals lately. Wife was diagnosed with cancer and now all the chemo begins.

    20251122_194332.jpg
    The car is still going. Just stepped out to get a chocolate malt.

    Phil
     
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  23. Glad to see the car, best wishes to you and your wife.
     
    bchctybob, PhilA and TrailerTrashToo like this.
  24. Chief 64
    Joined: Dec 10, 2010
    Posts: 303

    Chief 64
    Member

    Phil,
    Oh man, I am sorry to hear that about your wife. I was just thinking of you the other day and wondered where you were. Your family will be in our prayers. Greg
     
  25. vtwhead
    Joined: Oct 20, 2008
    Posts: 5,304

    vtwhead
    Member

    Phil, so sorry to hear of the diagnosis. My wife had her turn with it and all is well. You can beat it. Best wishes for a complete recovery.
     
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  26. PhilA
    Joined: Sep 6, 2018
    Posts: 2,106

    PhilA
    Member

    Thank you. It means a lot.

    Early days yet but we'll see how it all goes.
     
  27. Crusty Chevy
    Joined: Aug 28, 2007
    Posts: 1,325

    Crusty Chevy
    Member

    Hard to "like" a post like that, but I'm pulling for your family.
     
  28. twenty8
    Joined: Apr 8, 2021
    Posts: 3,681

    twenty8
    Member

    Been there man. You will both feel like you are spending all your time jumping through hoops.
    Stay as positive as possible and just be everything she needs you to be at the moment, her rock and her anchor.
    All my best wishes for a good outcome.
     
    Last edited: Nov 28, 2025 at 4:47 PM

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