I am currently working a 54 Chieftain, pulled from a barn in Bonham TX, where it had sat since 1973 parked there when the owner bought a new Bonneville. It's complete except for the battery retainer, decent original paint,nice dash and door panels. I managed to get the old straight 8 running but it's very tired. I cleaned out the oil pan and got about a pound of grit out of it. Compression was low and varied between 115 and zero. I managed to free some sticking valves and got some improvement but it does not look good for the old flatty. So, I got another I8 1952 model supposedly rebuilt, minus distributor. During my research on the car I found out the 53-54 cars were designed to accommodate the new 55 V-8. Then I ran across an add on Craigs for a 1955 Star Chief fully restored with a sbc and 700r4 with the original 287 and three-speed manual trans available if the customer wanted it. The car sold [to forum member] but the drive train did not go. One phone call later I was on my way to purchase it for a song. The 287 and trans appear to be fully restored including the generator, distributor and starter. While I was waiting for the Star Chief to sell and not knowing if I was going to get the 287, I ran across a 1960 389 complete from carb to oil pan at a local pick a part. Snagged it just in case. Now, my plans include the 389, the 3-speed manual, 12-volt conversion and a mild static lowering. The 389 is a one-year only conventionally cooled, early V8 that's compatible with my original trans and 287 bell housing. The 287 is going to be back up in case the 389 is not re-buildable. Since the 389 is compatible with late heads and intake, my plans are 670 heads, 1966 tri-power, 068 cam. Any suggestions on drive train or suspension would be welcomed. Also, I have an extensive Pontiac library of factory shop manuals and factory master parts manuals dating back to 1942. Anything I can help a member with information-wise, feel free to contact me via this board or via private message. I am new to the board. Hope I didn't go on too long and I'm just learning how to use the forum. Forgive me for any forum "don'ts" I may have committed. Look forward to hearing from any of you.
Looks like a great project! I just picked up a 54' Chief and am gathering information about the car. The guy I bought it from really disassembled the entire car and worked it from the ground up. However, all the trim, interior, and dash are there but are all over the place. I would love to see more detailed pictures of your project!
Any updates on this car? I'm currently in the middle of swapping a '55 287 into my '54 Chieftain as well.
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