Cutting into your un-modified jewel thinking or believing what you've heard or been told or read, that heavy mods are necessary to achieve "reliability", "adequate performance", Blah, Blah, Blah is a tragedy and completely un-necessary. Using 99% common, standard, stock '55-'60 Pontiac drive train parts (except where noted) and less than $1000 additional cash over the cost of a "Bone Stock" restoration, all poor stopping, steering, performance, reliability, gear control, comfort, & drivability issues can be addressed and remarkably, using totally reversible tactics, fixed.
So for now, guys, stop, get a handle on your egos, hold off getting started, throwing money or committing to anything. The truth is on it's way. In the meantime just in case you want more than strictly stock...
1. BLUEPRINT THE HOOD LATCH (Hoods fly open at approx. 54 M.P.H.) or wire it down (better yet don't drive an unfinished car).
2. Not a tip but a list of mostly used stuff to watch out for:
a. '57 rearend housing + '57 drive shaft. ('56 is 1/2" long)
b. '59-'64 Pont-Olds 31 spline 3rd member (nothing lower than 3.65/1 ratio
c. '59-'62 Olds rear axles (cut off 1/2" to fit above)
d. Front Sway Bar - 3rd Gen. - G.M.F. Body '82-'88 Trans Am or Camaro. Fits beautifully, minor welding.
e. Buildable '59-'60 389, already 060 over is OK
f. Forged 400 Pistons - Flattops (Std. size or .030'2 - 060's will work) Ton's of cylinder wall
thickness on these earlies.
g. Olds 11" x 2" Rear Drums (Fusick (860) 623-1589, if used .020 Max wear. Same thing
55-57 stock front.
h. Edlebrock 4BBL with spacer (to fit narrow bolt pattern)
i. 1957 up distributor (with pertronix Electronic Kit)
j. Tri-Five Chevy electric wiper motor
k. Large 5-6 Blade steel fan with '55-'57 shroud (or pusher fan)
k-2 '56 Hydro - '58-'60 Jetway Cores with fine spline drive shaft yoke.
l. (A Tip) For Rear Wheel clearance when changing a tire. Buy d" longer shocks or flip over
and switch sides with the spring pads. (minor trimming necessary) ('57's no good)
m. From the company that supplied brake shoes for the space shuttle program, Kevlar Brake
Shoes (Muscle Car Brakes (972) 623-1589)
n. Another tip, beware counterfeit "pin wheel" impeller water pumps.
o. '57-'58 4BBL intake (has generator mount) '59-'60 4 BBL intake (no mount, must make
easy alternator bracket)
p. Same thing, tri-power '57-'60
q. New ( no more piss-poor sleeves!) Manual Master Cynlinders, Kanteur (800) 526-1096
r. Double groove Pulleys - Lower '55-'62, Upper '55-'58. (run 2 belts on charge system)
s. Ultimate H.D. Rear Spring - '55 i pass Wagon - 8 leafs. (short wheel base only).
P.E.
11-8-16
Sunday, January 8, 2017
Statement of Intent
"Original Pontiac Heaven" is a one horse, shade tree operation dedicated to the understanding & preservation of all '55 & '56 Pontiac vehicles, in stock form, eventually to be restored by myself or others and enjoyed for the fantastic & historic cars they were, are and will be far into a "small block" free future, if there's any justice. Many fine restorable Craig's listed '55-'56 Pontiacs for sale. Bank your treasure now for the coming chaos free future. Thank you.
P.E.
P.E.
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