Ok fellas, I just picked up a fully accessorized all Original & complete 1952 Pontiac Chieftain Deluxe Tin Woody Wagon. It still has the L-Head 8 cyl. and dual range "Hydra-Matic" transmission. It is in great condition but does need some "Resto" work. This is my first Pontiac and since i didn't know too much about the Tin Woody or Pontiacs for that matter..I did a little research on the wagon and it turns out that this model is a pretty rare and hard to find bird! Now that's not to say that there isn't any out there but it does throw a wrench in my plans as to which way i go with this project. Since it is so complete and solid and now i find out rare and hard to find...Do i do a Correct Restoration on it and keep her Original for the Value and Rarity?? Or do i build it as a Kustom Cruiser as i was planning to by Shaving, Clipping, Bagging it and changing out the motor and trans with a 350/700R? I'd like to hear your guys opinion on this and if anybody knows more about these Pontiac wagons....please chime in! Thanks.
Shortdog I was going to say go to Burbank and take a left. But I have seen your stuff and have too much respect for you for that. It has been said that would take the axe to anything but I think in your situation maybe I wouldn't. On the otherhand I probably wouldn't restore it either. I think I would go the mild custom route with it. Nose and deck mild drop and a nice set of wheels n tires on the outside. Clean interior not stock looking. As for engine and ****** I like the hydro-matics but I really don't dig the straight 8. An SBC can be bolted to that ****** with a minumum of hastle of you want an SBC. So can any number of other GM motors. Anyway thats my opinion friend.
sd, 49-52 Pontiacs are certainly more rare than the Chevs of that series. Pontiacs in that series were kind of "lost", more expensive than the Chevs but for a little more money you could have an Olds with the new V8. Do you have another Kustom to cruise? In my case I only have space/money/time for a couple projects. I've got a 52 Pontiac hardtop, some would say that this one (well optioned) is/was rare, however my priorities are to have a reliable mild kustom, so I'm going to cut and modify to suit my tastes. Not period correct but it will have a period look to it. I've never really considered "value" or resale on any of my projects (not that any of them were worth that much), I figure that if someone wants a return on their investment there are better hobbies than hotrods and kustoms for that. If you really like the wagon keep it and cut away, if you are on the fence selling it/trading it to a restorer for one that is less complete maybe a better way to go.
i've seen the pics and i say run it as is. the faded green and brown. just lower it and call it done.
I could but i am not really feeling that straight 8 Motor and in order to get it running, i would have to invest in wiring, rebuild, etc.. That's why i am asking for opinions...do i keep that motor and keep the car Original because of it's rarity? or do i go SBC?
I'm only 14, so feel free not to take my advice. But Everytime I see a car, I visualize in my head a few things. 1.What would it take to make it a daily driver? 2.What would it take to make it custom? and 3.(If I have any doubts about cutting it up or switching things out) Leave it as is. Or in your case, I would take hrm2k's advice. Just my .02
If you are going to love it, do it like you want. If it's just an experiment you're contemplating, and you want to get rid of that worthless motor and replace it with a SBC, I'll bite.
What is wrong with the straight-8, is it blown up / leaking? I'm guessing they are expensive to rebuild. If it runs ok, or if you can do a shade-tree rebuild (rings and bearings and gaskets, hand-grind the valves, no machine work) then that might be good for a year or two while you ponder things.
My info tells me that Pontiac made the following 8cyl. wagons in 1952. Unfortunately it does not give the production numbers. But in general, Pontiac wagons like you have are pretty rare. Suggest selling it to a Pontiac restorer. That will give you more $$ for your own build. I know there is the Pontiac Oakland Club and there is a Pontiac Magazine called Smoke Signals. Google them for more info. 4 dr. 6 p*** wagon 4 dr. 6 p*** wagon with woodgrain 4 dr. 8 p***. wagon 4 dr 8 p*** wagon with woodgrain DeLuxe wagon, 4 dr, 6 p*** DeLuxe wagon 4 dr, 6 p*** with woodgrain
I know my wagon is a deluxe model and it does have the woodgrain but i think it is an 8 p***enger because it has the front bench seat (3 seater), the 3/4 middle seat (2 seater) and the full bench 3rd seat with sliding rear qtr. windows (3 seater) I will look up the POC & that Smoke Signals Mag...Thanks
leave the body and update the drivetrain. i don't see anything wrong with that. you wouldn't lose value as long as you don't sell off any of the stock stuff that came with it. otherwise drop a V8 and enjoy the drive.
Dante, to me that's only going half way with it. If i go as far as to upgrade anything...I am going balls and building a sled out of it! and if i do that..then all that stock stuff will come off fast. There is no just doing this or that...It's all or nothing!
Its all in your budget. If you got the green, do what you want. It may make some people cringe, but the only person you have to make happy is YOU......
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