So, I am no longer the guy with the 1959 Nomad, it was sold last month. I am now the guy with the 1951 Pontiac hardtop, still trying to determine exactly what it is offically called. It is starting form a much better place that the Nomad did, but will need work to complete to a solid driver.
Spent the day going over the car and the bins of loose parts. Will need need rear shoes and drums, some more wiring and a lot of clean up. but it will be fun to get it done.
Well looking them up I found Chieftain Super Deluxe, and Chieftain Deluxe. Catalina was the sport coupe model like you have; as far as I can tell both engines were available in all models. Leather or vinyl was available also If it’s a Chieftain Super Deluxe Catalina Coupe with an 8 there were 1382 built in 1951. On the vin.. 2537D is a Catalina DLX and 2537SD is a Catalina Super DLX……….A 6 or an 8 designated the engine. I’m sure there is a sequence also. You can’t go wrong with “ Tin Indian”
Thanks Jimmy Six The tag is partially covered by the battery holder (12 volt conversion) but the glove box say's its a 8 Will see for sure in a few days, its lower on the list for now
Okay, had to know... it is a 2537SD Where did you find the 1382 production number? Interested in that and any other sites with info like this. Thanks again!
I was playing on the net looking under 1951 Pontiac vin number. It was accidental and I don’t remember which one. It was quoted on one that was for sale. The vin starts with a letter then a single number, either a 6 or an 8 the ending is what at you’ve shown from what I read. I guess there is something in between. Is the engine out?
The original Flathead straight 8 is long gone, the SBC is in and it can be driven. Rear brakes need to be replaced before it is driven much.
Trying to get the speedometer working and looks like some modifications will ne needed, as the TH400 is not set up for a cable. A Assuming the part on the shaft that was used to send the electrical signal need to be removed, right?
Lots of parts on order brake drums and shoes arrived yesterday Will post a few update pictures later Think I have the transmission figured out and the parts are on the way
It is looking like the engine and tranny are from 1974 (still need to verify on the TH400) and looks like it was a "350 T400 police" Version Still trying to spot the casting date on the 3970010 block, but a K1223CMJ 350 is 1974 The rear brakes are done, so its on to the carb and vacuum lines, seems to be running rich and slow to warm up. Got a gas pedal from a 1976 Monte Carlo at U-Pul-it that I can mount the kick down switch for the TH400
Turns out it is a TH400 as suspected, but a later version that was called a " 3L80" as part of a effort by GM to standardize the nomenclature. 3 (speed) L (Longitudinal, rear wheel drive) 80 (8000 LB), so likely was from a truck and perhaps was a replacement from the originally in the1974 350/TH400 "t400 Police" package.
Lots of progress today. Went to replace the plugs, cap and rotor, which all needed it... only to discover that the distributor clam was tight, but was not on the ring It was easy to turn and suspect it had been slowly moving. running much better and sounds like a 350 should. Still need to switch the plugs, but just had to give it a try, it needed almost a 1/4 turn, and from struggling to idle to a fairly hi RPM.
Nice score! I regret selling my '50 Catalina, good running straight 8 with hydramatic. Last I heard it was in Franklin, Tn.
1stGrumpy, very nice car, appreciate the pictures, especially of what was under the hood, so I can see what was once there
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