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Projects My 1948 Pontiac Build (A little bit custom and a whole lot faster)

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by speters, Jul 20, 2011.

  1. JAWS
    Joined: Jul 22, 2005
    Posts: 1,846

    JAWS
    Member

    Man, the possibility of a subtle chop? What I would do to this car....I love the lines.
     
  2. gatz
    Joined: Jun 2, 2011
    Posts: 1,817

    gatz
    Member

    those old "fastbacks" look neat.

    What's the mechanism driving the windshield wiper(s)

    Looks like there might be a gear-train / bevel gear, or small chain inside the plated housing?

    [​IMG]
     
  3. There's a small chain drive inside the wiper towers, nice to see and well-workin' if the chain is adjusted and freshly oiled. just repaired mine. Speters, something new on the Poncho?
     
  4. FrankyV8
    Joined: Dec 8, 2011
    Posts: 49

    FrankyV8
    Member
    from Holland

    Been reading the complete story now, all I can say is what a cool car, really like the fastback model
    Going to follow this story from now on. Keep at it!
     
  5. speters
    Joined: May 19, 2010
    Posts: 514

    speters
    Member

    Lately I have been collecting parts and working on other cars. A customers car took the Pontiac's spot in my home garage. We picked up a driver to cruise around in and bring to the Hot Rod Fallout and progress continues on the truck. I scored big with a NOS grill as well NOS front and rear aprons, NOS radiator support and a few other goodies. The nailhead is rebuilt and is ready to get all dressed up with new shiny parts and paint. As soon as the customer car is gone I can get back on the Pontiac frame work. Just need to fix a few electrical issues and it will be gone.
     
  6. sololobo
    Joined: Aug 23, 2006
    Posts: 8,378

    sololobo
    Member

    Congrats, one of my fave rides ever. Sorry to hear the orig trim is going away, has good value even if pitted, so please resell it. The bumper overiders are awesome also. These cars just have so much stylin trim with excellent character. The big nailhead looks like a way cool choice. Dig it man. ~sololobo~
     
  7. speters
    Joined: May 19, 2010
    Posts: 514

    speters
    Member

    Not all the trim is going. Just scaling it back a little. The "waterfalls" are staying as well as the belt and rocker trim. The side window surround trim is leaving as well as the trunk license plate mount and the silver streak badges. The door to fender spears are still up for debate.
     
  8. Reijer
    Joined: Oct 11, 2010
    Posts: 175

    Reijer
    Member

    Lovely project! Is this the same frame and body (minus the dog house) as a Chevy Fleetline?
     
  9. speters
    Joined: May 19, 2010
    Posts: 514

    speters
    Member

    It is close to the fleetline but not the same. The pontiac had a longer wheelbase (122" vs 115" I believe) Pontiac made all the trim work such as bumpers and aprons a little different as well.

    Here is the NOS grill sitting in my office
    [​IMG]
     
  10. ;)Yep, the Streamliners are 122" wb, the Pontiac Torpedos used the same body (Fisher A-body) as the Chevys and also had the 119" wb.

    man, that grille is a nice score, very rare! also the aprons are not often to find, had some work to fix mine. good to hear about your decision about the waterfalls, just painted my rear one black between the ribs as it was org. and it looks grrrrr..

    Greets, good to hear you're nearly back at the Chief!

    Carsten
     
  11. Reijer
    Joined: Oct 11, 2010
    Posts: 175

    Reijer
    Member

    Thanks fellas.
     
  12. 48ponchocoupe
    Joined: Oct 22, 2012
    Posts: 2

    48ponchocoupe
    Member

    Nice score on the grill! I'm in the process of trying to figure out what I want to do with my coupe. I've got access to a 401 nailhead ("Wildcat 445") that I'm considering using. What are you plans for the front end when you install the nailhead?

    Jim
     
  13. speters
    Joined: May 19, 2010
    Posts: 514

    speters
    Member

    Front end will be bagged, dropped uprights, stock steering and scarebird disc brake kit
     
  14. speters
    Joined: May 19, 2010
    Posts: 514

    speters
    Member

    It has been a while since I updated so here are some new pics

    I decided to add some welds to the front end for strength
    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Mid repair
    [​IMG]

    Waiting to go on
    [​IMG]

    Ready to paint
    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    I could not wait so I mocked it up
    [​IMG]

    This should add some strength
    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Last patch needed
    [​IMG]

    That is better
    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Nov 7, 2012
  15. speters
    Joined: May 19, 2010
    Posts: 514

    speters
    Member

    Time to box the frame
    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Done
    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Before and after on the new Eelco valve covers
    [​IMG]
     
  16. speters
    Joined: May 19, 2010
    Posts: 514

    speters
    Member

    Next it is time for the notch and 4 link
     
  17. Lookin good! It's a lotta work, eh? I wouldn't toss that old grille just yet. I've had really good luck cleaning up the backside [low-pressure sand blast with front taped off] and start with an SOS pad on the front side, following up with rubbing compound and a nice coat of wax...I know you found and bought that NOS grille but if it ever gets damaged, you might want to have a back-up grille. I think you can save your old one. I saved mine after my car sat about 15 years outside before I found it.
    And earlier you asked me how my car rode after I lowered it. I cut 2 full coils from the front coils and it was alright unless I hit a big pothole...center of crossmember sat a little low and would occasionally scrape on a really crowned road. Guy I sold it to put a nova sub under it and raised it a bit..he lived on a gravel road.
     

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  18. speters
    Joined: May 19, 2010
    Posts: 514

    speters
    Member

    I need to post more pictures of the old grill if you think it is worth saving. More than 25% of the metal is GONE!

    [​IMG]
     
  19. Strange Agent
    Joined: Sep 29, 2008
    Posts: 2,879

    Strange Agent
    Member
    from Ponder, TX

    That motor is a thing of beauty. You're doing an awesome job. I love the thoroughness.
     
  20. chaddilac
    Joined: Mar 21, 2006
    Posts: 14,021

    chaddilac
    Member

    Not trying to be disrespectful... but these welds don't have good penetration, that's why they look like caterpillars. :(

    [​IMG]
     
  21. speters
    Joined: May 19, 2010
    Posts: 514

    speters
    Member

    I know they could have better penetration. There were a lot of contaminates to contend with because of the crap stuck in the seams. I also purposely built the weld up higher because of that seam. Thanks for looking out for me
     
  22. castleman1111
    Joined: Nov 2, 2010
    Posts: 105

    castleman1111
    Member

    hey!! how are you going to get to the body mount bolts now that you are boxed in??? someone boxed mine in ...that's what made me ask...a.
     
  23. speters
    Joined: May 19, 2010
    Posts: 514

    speters
    Member

    Plan is to drill through the bottom of the rail and run long bolts
     
  24. castleman1111
    Joined: Nov 2, 2010
    Posts: 105

    castleman1111
    Member

    soundz good to me!!
     
  25. 1951Streamliner
    Joined: May 15, 2011
    Posts: 1,875

    1951Streamliner
    Member
    from Reno, NV

    Nice to see some progress.

    Thats a good looking nailhead
     
  26. speters
    Joined: May 19, 2010
    Posts: 514

    speters
    Member

    Thanks I have been painting more parts to the motor and I ordered bolts yesterday. I am on the prowl for some air cleaners... Any suggestions?
     
  27. speters
    Joined: May 19, 2010
    Posts: 514

    speters
    Member

    one option...I am running these on my dad's truck but I can't find another set
    [​IMG]
     
  28. speters
    Joined: May 19, 2010
    Posts: 514

    speters
    Member

    painted the water pump and fuel pump to try and match the powder coated stuff, also finished the Eelco valve covers
    [​IMG]

    the powder just has a little more metallic flake to it
     
  29. speters
    Joined: May 19, 2010
    Posts: 514

    speters
    Member

    cal custom 40 40s???

    [​IMG]
     
  30. chaddilac
    Joined: Mar 21, 2006
    Posts: 14,021

    chaddilac
    Member

    Someone on here offers those... search the for sale threads!
     

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