Pontiac Forum Discussions on Classic Car Forum

1964 Star Chief 389 6.4L Connecting rod duplication

amcinnis1coxnet — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 00:04:27 +0000

My engine is dissambled by myself. Shop tells me cylinders need 30 over on the bore. I can order pistons for my existing connecting rods. However My rods and caps were not kept together or numbered. How critical is it to match the cap with the rod and the rod with the piston number? Beacause I have remached them with their corrosponding stamp. I have a 2,3,4,5,6,6,7,8. Yes, I have 2 sets of #6. Any ideas on how to choose which #6 goes back to cylinder #1 after attaching the new pistons?

64 Star Chief 389, 6.4L Engine / Transmission seperation help

amcinnis1coxnet — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 03:12:59 +0000

I have a 64 Star Chief with a 389, 6.4L engine. The flywheel/torque converter has a total of 12 nuts. I have removed every other nut from the flywheel/torque converter. I have 6 more nuts to remove. However they are behind a plate and hard to get to. All I have left befor pulling the engine is to remove 2 motor mount bolts, 2 transmission bolts and the remaining 6 nuts on the flywheel/torque converter. Will the plate move forward some once I separate the engine a little, allowing easier access to remove these 6 nuts. Thanks for your help.

history of pontiac

derbythesurfcom — Sun, 03 Mar 2013 23:34:05 +0000

Can anyone tell me what year they began production on the star cheif convertable and what year they stopped production on the same vehicale?

Thanks, Nick Hansen

1965 Grand Prix

wdaleandbevgmailcom — Sun, 25 Nov 2012 13:14:50 +0000

Looking for some advice on replacing window felt.

1966 Pontiac Lemans retoration

schwei22 — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 02:00:02 +0000

Doing a little research and wanted to know a few things. Any help would be great.
I have a '66 LeMans and wanted to convert it to power steering, power brakes, and fuel injection. Fuel injection is probably a must to pass emissions here in NY. Was wondering if anyone could give a ball park figure of what this project may cost. The body is in great shape was restored about ten years ago. I wanted to have these three things done before the interior. Thanks for taking the time.

1969 pontiac bonneville

djoe1164comcastnet — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 19:53:34 +0000

I have a 1969 bonneville with no engine, what size, make, years can I drop in there?

Getting ripped off by "GTOman" Dale Spencer

Norian — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 03:29:54 +0000

Sharing here so maybe I can save somebody else a bit of grief:

I am being ripped off by this wonderful guy, Dale Spencer. He insisted on advance money order payment for a deck lid, then stalled for 5 weeks, got abusive when questioned, and is still hanging onto my money. I'm not the first person to prepay Dale for parts and then get hung out to dry, as I saw on another forum. Whats worse than the money is the time I have lost with my car in the shop. When you consider how he handles himself- would ANYONE turn a car over to this imbecile for restoration? Can you imagine what a nightmare that would be? Want to see how it goes with this guy? here's our conversation:

I purchased a deck lid for my 70 LeMans, online from a guy who sells GTO parts (Dale Spencer). He seemed to be a legitimate business, with a website and everything. Here is the summary of a really enjoyable process: BTW these are not edited, just the exact emails in their entirety.

On Jan 12, 2012, at 2:42 PM, Dale Spencer wrote:
I have one out there , very clean , no rust but has the lock hole messed up , easy fix if you have body man skills $150

me: OK I will take it! how do I pay you?

On Jan 12, 2012, at 6:39 PM, Dale Spencer wrote:
no paypal on deliveries and dont haul parts on mans word , doesnt seem to mean much now a days . Thanks anyways

me: I can pay you cash if you like when you're here - I will be out of town Jan 17-22nd though. Or I can paypal you in advance.

On Jan 12, 2012, at 8:22 PM, Dale Spencer wrote:
Yea just seems everytime I bring parts that are not paid guys dont get off the couch at 9pm when i come through and its cold etc , you know what i mean , if i have your money you will be johnny on the spot when i call . Dale Spencer PO box 27 Taylor WI 54659 my cell is 608-864-0304 will send some pics tomarrow so we are on the same page

me: No problem. I can get a postal money order for you - just didn't know if you preferred to be paid in advance.   $150 postal money order for Dale Spencer, give me a heads-up a few days before you will be able to deliver so I can make sure I will be free. Anytime before Jan 17 or after Jan 22 and I will be here.   If you need to call, my cell is 515 208 2581.

I sent the money order the next day.
(no delivery and no word from him for weeks)

…..

me: To: "Dale Spencer"
Sent: Monday, February 06, 2012 12:59 PM
Subject: Re: 1970-72 LeMans/GTO Rust-Free Deck Lid

Hi Dale. Any idea when you will be passing through with the deck lid? My body guys are working quite rapidly on the car and we are going to need it soon. Thanks!

Dale Spencer: Feb 6: >> be early next week if all goes ok

(Again, no word or delivery from him for ten days, so I email him again on Feb 16th)

Feb 16th: me:   Hi Dale-

OK, the body shop called me today and wants to know where is this deck lid I promised them.   You've had my money for a month and I need to get my hands on that deck lid in the next week or find one elsewhere. I can appreciate your thoughts on people not coming out to pick up parts when they have no skin in the game, however when I pay a man in advance for something I ask the same consideration in return.

I think I have been reasonably patient on this- if you can deliver or get it shipped here by thursday of next week, I am OK with that. If you can't, I need a refund and I will source another deck lid elsewhere.    Can you deliver the part?   Please let me know.

Thank you-

Randy Norian
515 208 2581

On Feb 16, 2012, at 3:12 PM, Dale Spencer wrote:
I have a super clean 1 from new mexico 400 dollars I could deliver it

me: What happened to the $150 deck lid I already bought?

On Feb 16, 2012, at 3:26 PM, Dale Spencer wrote:
That 1 is in my shed go to you Why are you asking for another 1

me: Dale, I'm confused. I only need one deck lid.
This one:
>>you wrote:
I have one out there , very clean , no rust but has the lock hole messed up , easy fix if you have body man skills $150<<

I paid you for that deck lid back in January, $150, by postal money order as you specified.
All I need is for that $150 deck lid to be delivered by Thursday of next week.
So when you said this:
>>I have a super clean 1 from new mexico 400 dollars I could deliver it<<
I have no idea what you are talking about. I'm not asking for second deck lid- I just need the one I already bought, and I need it soon. The body shop is waiting on it.
Randy

On Feb 16, 2012, at 3:42 PM, Dale Spencer wrote:
I talk to 20 to 30 people a day So I can't keep track of those who is like what When I am checking email on my phone out west If you want the 1 with the punched out lock it yours

me: I understand that you must be busy with many clients- that's why I included our past conversation in my email. I know the one with the punched out lock is mine, because I already agreed to take it and already paid for it last month. We have discussed delivery several times. At first it was mid-January, but I guess you were not able to make it for some reason- although you did not communicate anything to me other than not delivering it. On Feb 6th you said "early next week" which would have been this past week. I have not heard from you, so I have just been waiting around for the phone to ring or something.

The only question is, when will I have this deck lid in my hands so I can deliver it to the body shop? Can you give me a delivery date so that I can plan for it. I need to have it by next Thursday.
Thank you
Randy Norian

On Feb 16, 2012, at 4:25 PM, Dale Spencer wrote:
About I just send you your money back

me: In each of these emails I have asked "when can you deliver the deck lid?" And so far you have done everything but give me an answer... Just tell me when you can deliver it, that is why I bought it from you. You made a big deal about other people's integrity, it would be great if you deliver the part that you promised and demanded advance payment for.
Thank you
Randy N

… (no response form Dale)

me: Subject: Re: 1970-72 LeMans/GTO Rust-Free Deck Lid
Another option is to deliver the hood. Are you saying you can't or won't deliver it? All I am asking for is a delivery date.

Dale: Feb 26: just got home from my trip , can ship it anytime you want to pay for the shipping , you didnt want to pay for it or would have sent it out a day or two after I got the payment (note: he never offered to ship it, just said he would deliver it. Shipping was never discussed)

me: How much to ship to des moines?   I was perfectly happy to wait a week or two or three until you were passing through to deliver. But I am to the point where the shop needs it ASAP.
We can fix my existing deck lid, but for 150 it made sense if yours was available. If its going to cost me much more than 150 in shipping, I'd be to the point where these guys can fix mine.
So if you would give me a shipping cost, I will know what to do next.
Thank you,
Randy N

On Feb 28, 2012, at 10:25 AM, Dale Spencer wrote:
shipping will be around $75-100 , will be down that way in 2 weeks or less , would have been there 3 weeks ago but had a couple dealers buy huge loads as im selling out and that changed everything , $150 versas $15000 , guess you know the rest of the story

me: Let's ship it- i need to get ship info from the shop. If you want to give me a total when you ship it, I will send you payment when I have confirmation of shipping. Will that work for you?

Dale: no , payment before it ships or will never see the money , you all ready have an attitude

me: I have an attitude? No, more accurately I am getting the feeling I am being scammed.

Ship it freight collect. I will have to pay to receive the part. Then you are guaranteed payment and I am sure you will ship it. Based on my experience so far, paying you in advance is not working out well for me.

Is that acceptable?    I will pay $100 freight collect to have it shipped, and I will pick it up from the freight yard. I would need to know that is at the carriers within a few days.
RN

Dale: I dont need to scam you for 4 150 , will just send you a refund buddy , find you rust free lid some place else for the price i sold it to you for , send your mailing info , done with your bullshit

me: Agreed. And I have had enough of your stalling.   Refund to

Randy Norian
4316 Pleasant street
Des moines, Iowa 50312

Dale: oh yea , if you think that is stalling , will show you stalling .

me: Dale, I expected nothing less.
I will be sure to share this great buying experience with the gang at pontiacforums.com, pontiaczone.com and gtoforum.com
Thanks again!
RN

Dale: please do , Im tired of you cocksuckers , hense the reason for selling out . Anyone that has their shit together knows me so your BS wont matter to me whatso ever .

I just called him, and said "are you going to send me my money, or not?" and got a bunch of profanity and he hung up. So... and now he won't answer his phone.

Dead cylinder on 1964 Tempest Convertible

charliedavisintelligratedcom — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 15:40:40 +0000

1964 Tempest Convertible-326 with Rochester 2 barrel. Matching numbers everywhere. Engine was rebuilt and car was garaged after about 20,000 miles for 22 yrs. #1 has dead miss and compression test was "0". All other cylinders were 68 to 70 lbs.

Could this be a stuck ring, burnt valves, cracked piston??? Any test to determine direction.

1942 Pontiac Torpedo

usmcclarkHotmailcom — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 16:19:14 +0000

im trying to get some info on a pontiac torpedo eight, its currently my moms and im looking to do a resto on it, all OEM, curious on what it would be worth i know its somewhat of a rare car due to the war effort. please if anyone has one or knows a great deal about them please fill me in!

1957 starchief

robbie1965windstreamnet — Fri, 18 May 2012 12:44:33 +0000

hey guys i am thinking about buying this 1959 starchief,, it looks to be good shape it has the orig motor 347,, inside looks good and out side looks good ,, i am going to see the car in person and look underneath the car ,, is there anything you can tell me about the startchief ,,,, where is a good place to get parts and things also

thanks

Looking for information/pics of 65 Pontiac Tempest

Tracy753209 — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 04:15:42 +0000

Does anyone have any info or pics of 65 Pontiac Tempest? I own one, but think it may be rare since I can't find any pics or info on it. Would love any help, thanks.

1966 Catalina Project

One2many — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 01:06:24 +0000

Currently I am deployed and have been since December and prior to deploying I came across a really nice project car, a 1966 Catalina. The gentleman who owned it was an old farmer that parked it behind his house roughly 10 years ago when gas prices started to rise. Funny thing is I drove past the car almost every day and asked multiple people about it but they all told me not to waist me time because he probably wouldn't part with it. When I finaly stopped in me and the gentleman made a really good deal and he told me he wished I would have stopped in 10 years ago and hated seeing the car go to waist. So me and my dad loaded the car up and took it to his house and there it rests till I get home in a few months. As you can see from the picture the car was sunk to the frame so getting it out took roughly 6 hours, biggest issue was getting the tires to hold air, and although every tire was off the beed and dry rotted they are still holding air four months later haha. Suprisingly the car is completely solid and the only thing it needs is interior work and basicaly every wire under the hood replaced due to mice.

This is how the 66 looked the day I bought it and I know it looks bad in the pics but its mainly just dirt and tree puke. The frame is solid and other than surface rust every panel is straight. Car has a 389/2 barrel and I am unsure on the transmission. I believe it came with a factory HP rating of 280hp and roughly 400ft/lb trq but my dad refuses to check the engine code, I can't at the moment, and swears up and down that it had to come with the higher compression motor, good old dads haha. It will be painted the same color by next summer and will be sitting on 18" torque thrusts or maybe I'll keep the stock caps . I love the front ends of these cars and wish I had a photo of it as well. The interior has taken a beating but from what I read online vinegar and water will help remove a lot of the mold issues.

Trans help for a old indian

Bigdawg — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:33:46 +0000

Ok I think I know the answer but I wanted some feed back on. I have a 1950 Pontiac Chieftan I am working on, I have a donor Pontiac 400 out of a auto trans catalina.I want to install a manual trans, I can only find a bell housing from the mid to late 70's and the center hole is 4.75 in and the saginaw 4 spd I have has a 5 inch input shaft outer dia. Sooo the trans gm used in the mid 70's was mostly a T-10 borg warner.Dose any one know if the t-10's under 4.75 or am I missing some thing here?

Thank you for your help in advance

removing firewall defroster

carbuffsa — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 03:45:54 +0000

I need to repair/replace the heater control valve on my 1950 Pontiac Streamliner. In order to do this, I need to remove the firewall defroster unit. I can't find any bolts/nuts to remove it. Does anyone know how to remove it?

Wanted Gas Tank for a 1955 Pontiac Chieftain

Snoopy15 — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 02:11:10 +0000

Looking for a gas tank for a 1955 Pontiac Chieftain. Does any one know if a 1954 tank will work on a 1955.

Thanks Steven

35 Silver Streak

51c8Joe — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 07:43:23 +0000

I just bought a 35 Silver Streak six four door. The car is in great shape except for the hole in the dash where the radio head should be. Previous owner says he never had a radio or delete plate, he just lived with the hole. Someone somewhere has got to have a suitable radio head or delete plate - or a suggestion how I can cover up the @#$% hole!
Any help is appreciated, and duct tape is not acceptable.
Thanks
Joe

Turn signals randomly stoped working

71GOAT — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 03:58:08 +0000

Hello everyone this is my first thread.

So the other day I finally rebuilt my carb and took her out for a spin, got back and my alternator had fried, "smoke pouring out of it".

So then I rebuilt the alternator, put a new Echlin Voltage Regulator in for it, last night I checked all my electrical since I have been having issues getting the dash lights to come on. Turn signals worked great, headlights, high beams, brake lights, everything worked great.

Then this morning was test drive, started her up and immediately checked lights like I always do and noticed my turn signals no longer work, or click, and also that when I press the brake the front and back turn signal lights turn on "not flash" along with the turn signal indicator lights in the dash "not flash" just stay on when the brake is pressed.

I checked the grounds, took each one off and cleaned and put back on, I even ran jumpers form the ground on the bat to the car in several places ground is good. I even replaced the flasher to no avail.

Any help I don't want to drive it in case I have a problem where I could fry the alternator again.

Thanks!

1999 Pontiac Grand Am

BJ__TN — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 08:53:32 +0000

My Daughter in law has a '99 Pontiac Grand Am. She asked me to check the transmission fluid, but I can't find a dipstick for the trans. Any advice welcomed.....How do I add or check fluid levels? I cannot believe that there is no way to add fluids to this car.........

Bob Hickson

1953 Pontiac Hearse

chevellenut — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 09:10:41 +0000

i have a 1953 pontiac hearse, and i'm having a hard time figuring out which coach company built the car. my hopes are that it is an Acme car because of their low production numbers, however i havent been able to find a lot of info about acme or a way to cross reference the vin to a specific builder. any info will help. thanks

What kind of Pontiac hubcaps are these?

mosleadsled — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 09:32:59 +0000

Went to an auction for a car collector's estate over the weekend and picked up some great resto parts. That said, I got one set of hubcaps, thought I knew what they were, and then got home and realized I didn't. I've seen very similar hubcaps with stamped red letters but not with the rectangular background and the raised letters. The only marking on the inside is a circle that says "GUIDE" on top and "MADE IN U.S.A" on the bottom.
[attachment=12377]pontiaccaps.jpg[/attachment]
I've looked at hundreds of 1930s and 1940s Pontiacs trying to find a match with no luck! Anyone here got a clue?

Back Seat Help

Fast Freddie — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 01:00:57 +0000

Hello folks. I have a 1933 Pontiac 2 door sedan and I find it necessary to remove the back seat; both parts. Trouble is, I just can't figure out how to do so. Guess I'm getting old. Can anyone help? And yes, I intend to put the seat back in!

[attachment=11829]DSCN0074.jpg[/attachment]

Fan Shroud Success!

BigBird69 — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 18:55:06 +0000

I recently bought a 1969 Firebird (my dream car) and have been working to rebuild it. She had been sitting for a few years and is a little rough, but I love the challenge! She started up after a few adjustments and replacements, however it overheated in a matter of 5 minutes. After doing days of troubleshooting and replacing almost everything dealing with my cooling system (Hoses, water pump, thermostat, flush radiator), I couldn't find the solution. I even broke down and purchased a 16" electric fan kit off ebay.com ($75). Mounted the fan and boy does she pull a ton of air. Twice as much as my old mechanical clutch fan. Anyways, she still overheated within 10 minutes sitting in idle (102 degree Oklahoma summer). I did a bunch of head scratching and a pulled out an infrared thermometer to get down to business. Turns out that the only part of my radiator that was getting cooled was the 16" where my new fan covered. I did a little more research on the newer cars we had sitting in my driveway and noticed that they both had electric fans and shrouds that covered the entire core of the radiator. I did a ton of research online and more than not people with classic cars don't seem to think a fan shroud is that important. A ton of people say they have never had one...So I broke down and decided to make my own custom fan shroud..the second image is my custom shroud. Took me 2 1/2 hours and clamped it all together to give it a test before I painted it and made it look pretty. It was 95 degrees and I was in my garage sitting in idle and to my surprise...the car hardly got past 195 degrees!!! :woohoo:

All I can say is fan shroud success!

trans am parts? were to buy?

zoowers — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 16:08:51 +0000

I have to do some work on a 1983 trans am and i dont know if there are any sites made to provide inexpensive parts for this car. I have a ford 68 mustang and use a site called cjponyparts and this site is perfect for my mustang but cant find a site like this for my trans am. so if you know any sites that provide a complete list of parts for clasic trans am's at a relativity low price pls let me know.

1959 Pontiac Starchief

Sun, 03 Apr 2005 21:27:25 +0000

I just bought my dad a 59 Starchief to restore. It was like his first car. Anyone have detailed info or no where to find the hard parts. I have had some luck on EBAY and online.

Wanted if anyone knows where there is a 4-door 59 starchief hardtop that may be for sale I could be interested. I bought a sedan and his original was a hardtop. Looking for one with good rust free floors and trunk.

The color is sunset glow with white top.

1965 catalina 2 + 2 transmission type?

mdh157 — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 22:21:50 +0000

I recently found a '65 Catalina 2+2 convertible for sale. It has an auto trans, and the owner tells me it's the original TH400.......problem is, I have found online info that states that the TH400 was not avail until '66 and that the car would have had the older type hydramatic installed at the factory.

Can anyone provide any insight on this?

Transmission ID Help

mcplasma44 — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 03:29:27 +0000

I just pulled the tranny out of my Catalina and I'm hoping somebody can help me identify what it is. It's a 14 bolt pan with what looks like 8619102-2 stamped on the case.

ID Pontiac Cap?

ringwood — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 16:59:43 +0000

My dad who passed away years ago owned an old Pontiac. I don't know what year it was, but I found this in the garage the other day. I am not sure what it is or what year it was from.

Does anybody recognize it? It is about 3-1/2" across.

Thanks,

Sid

1941 Streamliner Torpedo

FasterFeet37 — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 23:14:28 +0000

Hello all,

I recently purchased 50 acres of land with some old cabins. The history states that it was a group of five familys that used the land as a retreat in the 1940s. While looking over the property I came across the shell of an old car. From the looks of it, its pretty far gone but I thought maybe someone can use something of it. I researchd the vin and figured out it is a 1941 Streamliner Torpedo 2dr Sedan.

If anyone would be intrested in any parts (what is left) of this car please let me know. I pulled the rad off since its solid copper and was going to use it for scrap. I am looking for any other help on what may be salvagable.

Thanks for any help.

Here are some photos....more if needed

1955 Starchief restoration, w/o motor, what fits?

Kellmyster — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 03:33:45 +0000

I've been able to get a 1955 Starchief without the original motor. Previous owner (my dad) has the heads and intake manifold but no short block or tranny. I know where to get same year items, but wouldn't a nice 350 chevy and 350 tranny with parts everywhere be better? Does it effect value?? Or is there a different motor that just bolts in with same mounts and all to make the switch easier?

engine swap

olroadhog — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 23:16:03 +0000

am swapping 400 engine into a 1968 firebird from a 1972 Catalina. Have a set of 7J2 heads on it. Is there a difference in power steering gear box's. having trouble fitting 72 motor around 68 gear box. olroadhog