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#1
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1957 Pontiac Super Chief
Good Morning Gentlemen,
I picked up a 1957 Pontiac Super Chief from a field out in Middleton, Idaho this spring. Its a rough running original 347 with a three speed on the column. 56k miles on the motor but it was not driven for 15+ years. I been working on this project for a couple months cleaning it up and replacing parts. I am in the process of welding in front floors now.... they were rotted from years of sitting in the mud. Interior was a complete gut job due to mice/spiders nesting in the seats and headliner. I'll try to add photos as I get it roadworthy. I enjoy the forum and it has helped me a lot in the last couple months! |
#2
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Welcome from New Zealand. I'm a newbie here myself, and it's great to see another '57 Poncho coming back to life. Good luck with your project.
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cheers Russell My 1957 Pontiac StarChief powered by a 5.3 LS with a 4L60E transmission, on 18" US Mags Big Slots. Webmaster for the American Classic Car Club Auckland. Visit us at www.americanclassiccars.org.nz |
#3
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Lots of car there, I have been sniffing around some '57s as well recently.
There was a guy at the POCI convention with a good number of '57 parts. From Iowa I think. |
#4
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Looks like it was in very nice shape before it was parked. Shame that someone decided to let it sit out in the elements and sink into the mud, however from the picture the rockers look to be solid.
The brightwork looks surprisingly nice too, that saves you a lot of cash not having to pay to have the chrome done. If all it needs is floor pans and and interior I'd say you're doing alright. Best of luck, she's a beauty!
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1964 Tempest Coupe LS3/4L70E/3.42 1964 Le Mans Convertible 421 HO/TH350/2.56 2002 WS6 Convertible LS1/4L60E/3.23 |
#5
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Looks like a good "find"! Thank goodness for no bullet holes...
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Anybody else on this planet campaign a M/T hemi Pontiac for eleven seasons? ... or has built a record breaking DOHC hemi four cylinder Pontiac? ... or has driven a couple laps of Nuerburgring with Tri-Power Pontiac power?(back in 1967) ... or has a Pontiac born the same year as Jim Wangers? (1926} |
#6
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Actually, it looks like there might be a couple in the windshield...
My '58 has some BB holes in the passenger side windows. But it's double glass with the plastic in between, so I'll probably just leave it. Still a nice looking '57 you have there. That front bumper looks like it's just been polished! Nice.
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Thad 1958 Chieftain Safari (370,4 spd, 9 passenger) Daily Driver 1966 Bonneville Wagon (Factory 421,3x2,4spd, 9 passenger) On the road!! |
#7
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Interesting car. I would normally consider the Super Chief to be an upgrade over a Chieftan, but has the 3 speed stick and looks like a radio delete? Are you planning to keep the existing drivetrain? Good like with your project.....keep the posts coming!
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#8
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Don't forget a lot of 1955-1957 Chevy parts fit that car and they sometimes turn out to be cheaper.
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#9
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Quote:
Price was very fair...had to put them in back seat of my 68 'bird convertible to get them home. lol I got a few more places to look for that business card. I'll post if I find it. Nice find btw... 57 Pontiacs are cool. Much cooler than 57 Chev IMO |
#10
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A lot of Pontiac/Chevy BODY PARTS interchange, not much else.
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#11
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Lots of Chevy body parts including (for a Chieftain) doors and trunk lid. Body molding clips, glass, weather strips, hardware, wipers, horns, etc. Mechanical parts you can buy from lots of places. It's body stuff that's hard to find.
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#12
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Thanks Russell!!
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#13
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From what I have researched I would agree with you. I was surprised to see this as a bare bones Super: no radio, clock, air, power steering, etc. I am planning to keep the 3 speed because it adds to the character of the car. For now anyways...
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#14
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Quote:
My '58 wagon had that originally, but the column was broken when I got it. Lost a gear in the trans a few years later so now it's 4 on the floor.
__________________
Thad 1958 Chieftain Safari (370,4 spd, 9 passenger) Daily Driver 1966 Bonneville Wagon (Factory 421,3x2,4spd, 9 passenger) On the road!! |
#15
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Wow...a Super Chief with a 3 speed...I had a silver and white super chief 2 door hardtop with a 4 barrel and single exhaust. I always thought all the Super Chiefs were 4 barrel cars so I'm surprised to see the manual trans in your car.
I broke 4, 6 bolt manual trans' in my old 57 tudor sedan after putting a 4 barrel and dual exhaust on the 347. Yeah, I drove like an idiot back then
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Roll around in the excitement |
#16
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Hey Rocky! Yes, a stock 4 barrel with a three speed. I thought these transmissions were supposed to hold up.... I guess I will start saving some cash for a replacement now. |
#17
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If the replacement trans is later than '57, try to get the bellhousing with it, since your bellhousing won't fit a '58/later trans.
__________________
Anybody else on this planet campaign a M/T hemi Pontiac for eleven seasons? ... or has built a record breaking DOHC hemi four cylinder Pontiac? ... or has driven a couple laps of Nuerburgring with Tri-Power Pontiac power?(back in 1967) ... or has a Pontiac born the same year as Jim Wangers? (1926} |
#18
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The '57 standard transmission is pretty strong and will hold up to sane shifting. Pontiac went from the light duty Buick trans in '55 to the heavy duty Buick trans in '56 & '57. It is stronger than some of the later transmissions. I would stick with it. Some think it is noisy (whine in low gear & second) but I think it makes beautiful music!
If you do decide to go with later trans, 4-speed, 5-speed, or whatever, then you'll need a 1958-60 bell housing (if you can find one). It will bolt up to your engine and the later transmissions will bolt up to it. |
#19
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Quote:
14083 P avenue Iowa Falls , Iowa 50126-8686 Phone 641-648-9086 Kurt is a great guy to deal with and he has spent the last 40 or so years scrounging NOS Pontiac parts from all over the midwest .
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Save your empty beer cans, The Japanese need 'em to make cars! |
#20
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You also might try Winter Lane from Kansas , he also has a huge collection of Pontiac parts.
He's also very good to deal with. http://www.nospartsfromthepast.com/
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Save your empty beer cans, The Japanese need 'em to make cars! |
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