I would buy the one that spoke to me. I know it sounds crazy, for me my p***ion for cars tells me which one to buy when it's time for a new project. I don't ask people who wont be driving it their opinion about what I should own, listen to your gut. as for this ***hole's opinion, even tho I wont be driving it, that Pontiac speaks to me
Pontiac Chieftain ----- Chevrolet BelAir, Dude, If we were on a safari and you asked a great hunter which one he would rather have, it would be Pontiac Chieftain. If we were at the mall with the gals in they valley, they would say Chevrolet BelAir. I just feel better saying Pontiac Chieftain, it's tough.
I get what you mean. It's interesting and informative to read what everyone writes. But ultimately I will go with my gut. I want to be proud of it sitting in the garage. I read a post where a guy was so excited the day he got home with his 50 ford (I think) that he got drunk and slept in it that night... I want to be that excited. I thought that was awesome.
TOO mf'n HILARIOUS! I couldn't help but think of this: <div style="background-color:#000000;width:368px;"><div style="padding:4px;"><embed src="http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:cms:item:southparkstudios.com:151048" width="360" height="293" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" base="." flashVars=""></embed><p style="background-color:#FFFFFF;padding:4px;margin-top:4px;margin-bottom:0px;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><b>Prehistoric Ice Man</b><br/>Tags: <a style="display: block; position: relative; top: -1.33em; float: right; font-weight: bold; color: #ffcc00; text-decoration: none" href="http://www.southparkstudios.com/">SOUTH<br/>PARK</a>more...</p></div></div>
I have a '54 Bel Air so i'm kinda biased. However they are becoming like elbows. Most everyone has one. Pontiacs are cool.
nothing wrong with a lil quality time with a ride.... just be sure not to get to intimate with her.... you'll have to clean it up good luck!!
I would buy the Chevy. I had a 53 Chevy 210 4 door that ran forever. Wish I still had it. But independent of my prior experience $1.000.00 worth of time looking for trim or engine parts and bringing the Pontiac up to the Chevrolets level might be something to consider. Also If I had it I would put a 250 or a 292 chevy 6 with a T5 overdrive in it. A mustang type front suspension and a later open drive rear end with a stabelizer bar would make it handle well. Wider Wheels and radials make for improved ride and handling. All of the above can be added one at a time as the $$ become available. First get it running and safe and drive it then slowly improve it. The paint can come anytime. If rust is a problem treat it first as it won't get better with time. Realize that if you do it right the money you put into it will be like money in the bank. These cars are just starting to be appreciated and to appreciate in value. **** .
Interesting choice. The Chevy is more common, runs/drives, appears more complete, and decent overall condition. Has verifiable history and paperwork. More expensive buy-in. The Pontiac is different, has a few issues, not immediately drivable Missing trim (some of that car's trim is very hard to find that is nice!). Nice visor. Cheaper buy-in, but probably more to get it driving/stopping. Judging soley from what you have described, I'd be more interested in the Pontiac.
I like Chevy's, but I think I like that Pontiac more. Yes, maybe it needs more initial work...but isn't the work half the fun!
Chevys are like opinions, everyone has one. Go with the pontiac it will be more unique and get more looks. Theres nothing wrong with chevy but there are so many out there, that when I see one I just keep on going. Looking for something that is more unusual or interesting. But its just my opinion and it may stink.
My vote goes for the Pontiac. I bet there will be issues with both cars anyway, at least with the Pontiac you aren't being surprised with them. Then again, what do I know, I'm working on a Dodge for crying out loud!
NEITHER I believe you should save your money and buy a better car. For your first old car it is nice to buy the BEST candidate available. Then you can drive it and ENJOY it. Wash, wax and ENJOY. Then as repairs are needed, your skills will improve and then you will feel more confidant about making upgrades and improvements. You will have " bonded " with the vehicle and not be as prone to throw in the towel when the going gets rough. Just my nickel. Randy
Myself. I would take the Pontiac. Just has some fine lines. BUT DONT decide by just the swing of a little work or cash. Which one has captured your heart it will be the one you stick with to the end and enjoy the most
I'd go with the Pontiac.... I've owned about 13 of those 53-54 Chevy's the past 8 years or so... they're very nice cars and easy to find parts for... there's a lot of them running around though. I own and drive a 1952 Pontiac daily as it's my only car right now... I've been driving it for over 5 years. Some things are hard to find for it, but parts are out there. Still running a Flathead 8 and hydramatic, it's been the most reliable car I've ever owned. Mine was in far worse shape when I got it than that 51 you posted a pic of... I've got a 1950 also with a 58 Pontiac V8 in it... not nearly as fun as the Flathead car though.
I can get behind what you're saying to a point. However, depending on how industrious he is, he might like to go head first into the gaping maw. I did, and while at times I wish I had gotten a better specimen, in one year i had replaced the entire drive train and brake system. Prior to this, the most I had done on a car was checking the fluids. It's a TOUGH road, but it gives you such a feeling of empowerment.
I looked at the CL ad on the Pontiac - hell, that is TWO cars for one money! If you have the room for both, the Pontiac(s) is the MUCH better deal, you have a parts car, and TWO visors! You can make a few bucks back just off selling one of the visors. If your heart is set on one of these choices, the Pontiac is by far the better buy.
I could flip a coin and be happy with either car, they would both make great cruisers. I have a '52 Chevy fleetline and love it. My buddy has a '51 Pontiac like the one your looking at and he loves it. Yes, the Chevy is easier to find parts, but the Pontiac parts are out there just takes more looking. Good luck with your choice. Oh, hell flip the coin. CRUISER Here's A32flathead here on the HAMB '51 Pontiac PM him he'll fill you in the the Chiefs. I think he would vote for the Pontiac.
I'd go Poncho....I lusted after a 54 chevy FOREVER....literally...When the time came and I had a choice between the 54 and my 53 Buick, I went Buick.... IT's nice to have something that stands out a bit.
Pontiac ....... But I may be biased as I own the 51 Chieftain 4 door as posted by my friend Cruiser above.
chevy is cool, pontiac cooler... no wait chevy is cooler... no the pontiac... chevy... pontiac...chevy... ponty...cheviac...???
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