this weekend I got some pointers on getting the doors to latch without slamming them. My friends Karl and Jon, said get the latch off and then "fill the hole" while "seeing with my hands" Then Bob noticed that when the pushbutton was in the latch moved freely, making it easier to check the progress. with the doors swinging freely the windows were adjusted to fit as best as possible and allowing the door to shut fairly well. Anyhow, they are both much better now and though not perfect, the front end can stay on the car.
Progress continues, had inside door trin from PO so I found a picture of factory panel and added them to the inside door panels. No need to keep moving them around the shop, like the looks. Also put the inside fuzz trim on the quarter window trim Then this morning i saw the 52 in a video from last July, as close as i can get today as we got 13'(inches) more snow last night.
Also cleaned up under the rear seat and replaced the disintegrating material with some slightly more modern stuff.
good catch, probably just feel that way, we are at #3 of recorded snowfall for a season with more coming Tuesday.
Think I have found just the thing needed to fill the 3 holes on each side of the car. After a lot of looking and thought about adding a visor, a friend called me up and offered to sell me one. Even have the right paint from the PO when they painted the car. Mocked it up to see what to do since it has a one-piece windshield. Think it will be fine with a small spacer made fron a section of the divider chrome and a piece of oak. will probably glue it to the windshield.
I got a quick question. Does the factory shifter work well with the th400? Ive got a '50 pontiac and Im changing to a pontiac v8 and gonna run a 700r4. I was gonna use a floor shift but after looking at yours I could get one from a junker and do mine like yours. The 52 indicator is slightly different than the 50.
It has a modified tab off the column and then an aftermarket linkage to the transmission, I think there are some pictures in the thread. let me know if you need more information. i also redid the indicator on the inside to match the TH400. See page 2 posts 52, 53 & 55 for details
Well, now that i am going with a visor... guess it was time to fix up the rear guard and put it back on It's better than it was, which is usually my goal.
More progress on the 12 volt conversion spotlight, tests out fine, will complete the permanent wiring next week Heading out to the WI Hot Rod 100 this morning
Nice! I need to figure out why my spotlight doesn't work. May just be a burned out bulb as far as I know.
Mine was 6 volt and burnt out, hopefully yours is still made. It is definitely a nice to have item and now a need.
Bit the bullet and painted the visor with the bit od paint that came with the car. made a "cardboard spray booth" to get the ventilation needed and keep the overspray from going everywhere. Pretty happy with the way it came out and the color. will have it buffed out and on the car for BTT50's in a few weeks.
More upgrades, new rear wings and spacers. Yep, just a nice to have item that will make my "1952 Pontiac Chieftan Super Deluxe Catalina" stand out from all the other "1952 Pontiac Chieftan Super Deluxe Catalinas" at Back to the 50's.
Finally got the wiring for the spotlight done, using a relay from Painless. Took my time to get it in and it is now set operate when the car is running. All systems seem to be good to go for Back to the 50's this weekend.
Well, I think my build has hit a reasonable plateau and it is probably time to sell and move on. As BB King often sang, "The thrill is gone." Overall, it was a fun project, got a cool old car back on the road and I learned a lot.
Nice car! I’ve been following your progress. I’m kind of the same way I get something looking and running good and then want to move on. I’m feeling the same way with my 52 PU.
My cousin has an original 53 Chieftan Super Deluxe - with the original straight 8 and hydro. That flathead runs super-smooth . . . a great cruising highway car!
Might have to wait a bit on selling... Turns out the title has some issues. guess I now know how it was listed as a 1951! Finally found the VIN # on the frame, the body VIN is missing but it is plain the car and frame have never been separated.
As of Monday AM, Minnesota DMV has what I hope is all they need to get a corrected title. Hopefully they can get an update of next steps to me fairly soon.
Well after 4 hours, 4 trips to the DVS and some long waits on the Phone, it seems the paperwork may be all set to get the new title. will know more in a week to 10 days,
The Jalopy Journal
