Recently saved a 57 Pontiac 2dr hardtop from the crusher, and although it's really really rough, I'm going to save it.
I'm pretty sure its a Canadian Pontiac based on the tags but if someone with more knowledge and references could assist I would really appreciate it and tell me exactly what I have here as it's missing the scripts etc.
The tags read;
Model # (blank)
Serial # 720376400655
Engine # W94546
Style # 2037
Body # 2022
Paint # 2402
BSO # 213
Trim # 901
Furthermore if anyone has any idea what sheetmetal interchanges with a 57 Chev I would appreciate the input as there will be a lot of metal replaced.
Interchange that I know of is floors, firewall, roof, doors (different trim holes). Chassis parts for the most part except for the wheel bearings I can't recall if it is the inner or outer are bigger than the chevy.
For the rocker panels, use 55 chevy. That is what i recall.
Hope someone decodes your trim info.
norontcan said
Aug 9, 2018
From the serial number and style number it appears to be a 57 Pontiac Pathfinder Deluxe 2 door hardtop with a 283 V-8 ( A Laurentian hdtp would have been style 2037D )
According to my book serial numbers started at 72037800001 and went up so some questions here, ( this book has been known to contain errors )
Also can't find a paint code 2402. The data book isn't clear about the codes and my 57 swatches don't show this number.
The BSO is the selling dealer and trim is the colour and pattern of the interior.
Nice save. A special car.
JohnW said
Aug 9, 2018
Thanks to all for the assistance so far. I did find a 'Starchief' emblem in what's left of the trunk (at least tiny little part of the trunk that isn't rotted where the frame broke and the leaf springs came up through it) so I will put that aside.
Very interesting about the 283 as well, thank you. Car has a 6cyl/3 on the tree that I would have sworn was factory but who knows.
Another question, and please forgive me as I wasn't a Pontiac guy till very recently, is there any way to confirm if this is a US or a Canadian car as I understand the wheelbases or the front sheet metal are slightly different?
The tag reads 'GM of Canada, Made in Canada', so I'm assuming that's the case but I don't know for sure. Thanks again.
67Poncho said
Aug 9, 2018
JohnW wrote:
Thanks to all for the assistance so far. I did find a 'Starchief' emblem in what's left of the trunk (at least tiny little part of the trunk that isn't rotted where the frame broke and the leaf springs came up through it) so I will put that aside.
Very interesting about the 283 as well, thank you. Car has a 6cyl/3 on the tree that I would have sworn was factory but who knows.
Another question, and please forgive me as I wasn't a Pontiac guy till very recently, is there any way to confirm if this is a US or a Canadian car as I understand the wheelbases or the front sheet metal are slightly different?
The tag reads 'GM of Canada, Made in Canada', so I'm assuming that's the case but I don't know for sure. Thanks again.
Here is the list we have in the registry....
There is only 1 there with the paint code of 2402 and I will let you find....
Also, the BSO is body options, correct? Not the selling dealer as quoted? (as I was led to believe) There is a list of those as well...
There are also 2037 and 2037D's with both 6cyl and V8... The BSO #340 would then signify the V8?
Your car with BSO #213 would be heavy duty shocks and springs...
And yes, Canadian car.
1957 (brochure) model engine colour location? owner pic
unknown 2037 261ci 2410 (901 int.) Alberta link #2 Pathfinder Deluxe 2dr hrdtp Dover White/Seminole Red Willy
#41 2211B 261ci 2002 (926 int.) Sask. link Pathfinder 2dr sdn Business coupe Haven Blue met. 213 Dan
#43 2011A 261ci 2004 (658 int.) Ontario link Pathfinder Deluxe Club Coupe Highland Green Met. spot.73SC
6A -Padded dash ? 106- tires 4 ply white wall 133- wheel trim discs 186 -shadelight tinted glass 202 -Automatic transmission 213 heavy duty shocks and springs 303 -power brakes 339 -overdrive trans 340 -V-8 348- power windows 349- power seats 357- two-tone paint 372 -power steering 413-windshield washer
others ive seen
384-? 391?
-- Edited by 67Poncho on Thursday 9th of August 2018 05:29:08 PM
58 poncho fan said
Aug 9, 2018
I could be wrong but think that Pontiac engine serial numbers starting with a W indicate that it would have been a six! My 58 still has its original engine and there is a W before the stamped number on block. Perhaps longstroke (George) would be able to verify this as his 57 also has a 261 cid six. Bob.
JohnW said
Aug 9, 2018
Thanks for all the assistance so far, much appreciated.
I'm fairly sure this car still has a factory installed 6 cyl/3 spd, it appears pretty untouched & I'm positive it's still got the factory 3-on the tree column. Also quite sure it's wearing it's original red paint as I see no sign of any other colors or primer right down to the rust.
If I'm understanding correctly, because it is a Canadian car, it is 'mostly' then an American 57 Chev, other than the obvious upper quarters etc?
long stroke said
Aug 9, 2018
58 poncho fan wrote:
I could be wrong but think that Pontiac engine serial numbers starting with a W indicate that it would have been a six! My 58 still has its original engine and there is a W before the stamped number on block. Perhaps longstroke (George) would be able to verify this as his 57 also has a 261 cid six. Bob.
Yes the W signifies that it is a 261 in line six cylinder.
seventy2plus2 said
Aug 9, 2018
Can we see an underhood photo? If I recall, if Canadian, the engine compartment should basically look like a 57 Chevy, with the blower motor mounted to the passenger fender, going to the heater core in the firewall.
JohnW said
Aug 10, 2018
Here's an underhood photo, excuse the crappy cell phone quality
Somebody has painted the valve cover green, but the block etc appears to have factory orange paint on it
The green valve cover is the correct colour as Pontiac 261's where all green including the block and intake manifold. Since the oil filler cap is at the front of engine I would be willing to bet it's the original engine. The number cast on the block is near the starter motor and it should match number under the serial numb plate on door jamb. Bob.
seventy2plus2 said
Aug 10, 2018
Looks like a 57 Chevy under the hood, I'd say it's a Canadian Pontiac.
JohnW said
Aug 10, 2018
Awesome thank you.
The engine # matches the serial so it is the original engine. As far as I can tell it is all original other than the wheels. Must have been somebody's pride and joy a long time ago.
It's truly a shame somebody let it rot. And it is BADLY rotted. When I found it, it was literally packed to the top of the seats inside with old wet clothes. Looks like somebody filled it with clothing & it got parked. The clothes got wet and it just rotted away everywhere. Must have thrown 100 t-shirts & 100 pairs of pants away.
Would anyone know if there is a supplier for replacement panels for this specific car, or best to just get 57 Chev stuff and make it work?
Brendan said
Aug 11, 2018
Congratulations on saving such a beautiful 57. Hopefully you will keep us informed of your restoration. It's a big project but can be done. The 261s were great engines, hopefully you will save it. Good Luck with it and I'm sure there will be lots of good info and help from the guys here
long stroke said
Aug 11, 2018
JohnW wrote:
Awesome thank you.
The engine # matches the serial so it is the original engine. As far as I can tell it is all original other than the wheels. Must have been somebody's pride and joy a long time ago.
It's truly a shame somebody let it rot. And it is BADLY rotted. When I found it, it was literally packed to the top of the seats inside with old wet clothes. Looks like somebody filled it with clothing & it got parked. The clothes got wet and it just rotted away everywhere. Must have thrown 100 t-shirts & 100 pairs of pants away.
Would anyone know if there is a supplier for replacement panels for this specific car, or best to just get 57 Chev stuff and make it work?
ALL of the under body panels are 1957 Chevrolet but you have to seriously ask your self if you want to invest that much time and money into a car that has that much body rot. Unless you are an expert body man with plenty of time, the cost would greatly exceed just buying a more solid car to start. I am not trying to discourage you but do you really know what you are getting into at this point. To pay someone to properly repair that car would be totally out of control. I am not trying to buzz kill here, just being sober about the whole thing. I learned a very long time ago that it usually makes no sense to start with a car that is that rotted out. Good luck no matter what your choice is. Cheers.
JohnW said
Aug 11, 2018
long stroke wrote:
JohnW wrote:
Awesome thank you.
The engine # matches the serial so it is the original engine. As far as I can tell it is all original other than the wheels. Must have been somebody's pride and joy a long time ago.
It's truly a shame somebody let it rot. And it is BADLY rotted. When I found it, it was literally packed to the top of the seats inside with old wet clothes. Looks like somebody filled it with clothing & it got parked. The clothes got wet and it just rotted away everywhere. Must have thrown 100 t-shirts & 100 pairs of pants away.
Would anyone know if there is a supplier for replacement panels for this specific car, or best to just get 57 Chev stuff and make it work?
ALL of the under body panels are 1957 Chevrolet but you have to seriously ask your self if you want to invest that much time and money into a car that has that much body rot. Unless you are an expert body man with plenty of time, the cost would greatly exceed just buying a more solid car to start. I am not trying to discourage you but do you really know what you are getting into at this point. To pay someone to properly repair that car would be totally out of control. I am not trying to buzz kill here, just being sober about the whole thing. I learned a very long time ago that it usually makes no sense to start with a car that is that rotted out. Good luck no matter what your choice is. Cheers.
You are absolutely correct sir on all points and I appreciate the insight. Thank you for taking the time to note that I sincerely appreciate it. Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on your point of view) I know exactly what I'm getting myself into.
This car is rotted well past the point of being 'worth it' in the typical sense in which we assess these cars. It needs quarters, fenders, floors, rockers, a roof, doors, hood, trunk lid, some cowl work, a new frame, who knows what the power train is like, and a new air freshener. Has really nice side glass though?? It's probably missing some parts as well, but I don't know these cars at all so I don't even know what I'm missing yet.
I have the time & the skills & the necessary equipment (the budget maybe not so much). To me it's an opportunity to save something that would be scrapped otherwise. I could have left it on the trailer, it was loaded and ready to go to the crusher. I'll have far more time & money into it than it'll ever be worth. I know this because I've been down this road many times before! But it's not about that. It's about preservation, restoration & late nights at the shop having a blast. (also loaded on the same trailer was a complete (rotted not as bad) 57 4dr, 6cyl/3pd not relevant to this thread but relevant as far as parts & patterns for the other goes so saved that too)
But here's the REALLY dumb part; (this is how I make the official 'call' on this stuff); I put power to it one night just for the hell of it. Hooked the cables up & nothing happened. Opened the door to try & find the headlight switch- look up - and the interior light is slowly coming on....Find the headlight switch- and the left headlight starts to glow. Then it fried, and the right side fog light came on.
So there's still some life in there. Can't scrap it now.
I love projects like this. Beauty is, find a 567 frame replace the floors and its a roller. If that 6 isnt seized, it will run.
Welcome from Regina, by the way.
long stroke said
Oct 7, 2019
John, any updates on the 57 that you saved from the crusher.
JohnW said
Oct 8, 2019
No sir regretfully not yet. But I will be starting soon. You'll note in the above pictures there is a 1939 Pontiac parked between the two 57's. The blue 4dr 57 gave up its engine, rear end, dashboard & many other parts to restore the 39 which is almost done, just need to find a salvageable 39 Pontiac grille (good luck!!!)
I learned long ago to do one car at a time, that red one is so bad already another few months of sitting can't do it much more harm
long stroke said
Oct 8, 2019
Thanks for the update.
long stroke said
Dec 27, 2019
Any updates on the 57............... possible build.
JohnW said
Dec 27, 2019
Teardown has started sir. I knew it was scrap but it's actually even worse than I thought. So in a perverse way I'm looking forward to it. I'll get some pictures up soon.
long stroke said
Aug 29, 2020
John, any updates on your 57 project. Looking forward to it.
CdnGMfan said
Aug 29, 2020
This is what is referred to as a "save". If it can be pulled off. For someone wanting a challenge and to use many skills he will be rewarded with a car that was considered a goner but will exist because of his dedication. To me that is a "car guy".
JohnW said
Aug 29, 2020
Hello sir. Appreciate the interest. Am casually working on it between other projects.
The 'problem' is/was, and apologies to the Pontiac purists, I simply don't have the connections to find various parts I need to bring it back to anything close to original condition. You'd need multiple decent parts cars to save it and I don't have a yard of 57 Pontiac's or Chev's out the back.
The frame is a good example, I can't find another decent 57 frame, and it really doesn't matter as there is no floor/braces/mounts left anyways.
I have a leftover Camaro rear (the original rear is too rotted) a spare Camaro front clip & in order to keep what's left of the body even close to square it will need some creative reinforcements etc.
From the exterior and to a point the interior will be stock, but underneath will have to be all custom fab to save this. I machined dies to roll the lip on the quarters & the rest is pretty much flat panels so no issue there.
Have all the parts necessary collected now and am picking away between other projects.
Good day all.
Recently saved a 57 Pontiac 2dr hardtop from the crusher, and although it's really really rough, I'm going to save it.
I'm pretty sure its a Canadian Pontiac based on the tags but if someone with more knowledge and references could assist I would really appreciate it and tell me exactly what I have here as it's missing the scripts etc.
The tags read;
Model # (blank)
Serial # 720376400655
Engine # W94546
Style # 2037
Body # 2022
Paint # 2402
BSO # 213
Trim # 901
Furthermore if anyone has any idea what sheetmetal interchanges with a 57 Chev I would appreciate the input as there will be a lot of metal replaced.
Thanks for any & all assistance, John.
Interchange that I know of is floors, firewall, roof, doors (different trim holes). Chassis parts for the most part except for the wheel bearings I can't recall if it is the inner or outer are bigger than the chevy.
For the rocker panels, use 55 chevy. That is what i recall.
Hope someone decodes your trim info.
According to my book serial numbers started at 72037800001 and went up so some questions here, ( this book has been known to contain errors )
Also can't find a paint code 2402. The data book isn't clear about the codes and my 57 swatches don't show this number.
The BSO is the selling dealer and trim is the colour and pattern of the interior.
Nice save. A special car.
Very interesting about the 283 as well, thank you. Car has a 6cyl/3 on the tree that I would have sworn was factory but who knows.
Another question, and please forgive me as I wasn't a Pontiac guy till very recently, is there any way to confirm if this is a US or a Canadian car as I understand the wheelbases or the front sheet metal are slightly different?
The tag reads 'GM of Canada, Made in Canada', so I'm assuming that's the case but I don't know for sure. Thanks again.
Here is the list we have in the registry....
There is only 1 there with the paint code of 2402 and I will let you find....
Also, the BSO is body options, correct? Not the selling dealer as quoted? (as I was led to believe) There is a list of those as well...
There are also 2037 and 2037D's with both 6cyl and V8... The BSO #340 would then signify the V8?
Your car with BSO #213 would be heavy duty shocks and springs...
And yes, Canadian car.
1957 (brochure)
model engine colour location? owner pic
unknown 2037 261ci 2410 (901 int.) Alberta link
#2 Pathfinder Deluxe 2dr hrdtp Dover White/Seminole Red Willy
#41 2211B 261ci 2002 (926 int.) Sask. link
Pathfinder 2dr sdn Business coupe Haven Blue met. 213 Dan
#43 2011A 261ci 2004 (658 int.) Ontario link
Pathfinder Deluxe Club Coupe Highland Green Met. spot.73SC
#62 2039 261ci 2407 (901 int.) Quebec no pic
Pathfinder Deuxe 4dr hrdtp Silver Grey/Imperial Ivory Crofton
#63 2063F 261ci 2010 (904 int.) Sask. link
Pathfinder Deluxe 2dr wagon Tropical Turquoise spotted 67poncho
#115 2019D 261ci 2010 (910 int.) Belgium link
Laurentian 4dr sdn Tropical Turquoise 57Laurentian
#156 2011A 261ci 2002 (657 int.) B.C no pic
Pathfinder Deluxe Club coupe Haven Blue Met. Bigblockpanel
#165 2037D 283ci 2412 (911 int.) California link
Laurentian 2dr hrdtp Adobe Beige /Sierra Gold met. 303,340 Ebay
#178 2039D 283ci 2408 (907 int) Manitoba link
Laurentian 4dr hrdtp BSO,340,213 kijiji
#253 2062F 261ci 2411 (904.int) California U.S.A 57Tcsaf link
Pathfinder Deluxe 4dr wagon Laural Green Metallic /Colonial Cream
#271 2037D 261ci 2417 (918 int.) Washington USA link
Laurentian 2dr hrdtp , Halfbreed
#309 2011A 283ci 2014 (659 int.) Alberta link
Pathfinder Deluxe club coupe Sierra Gold met. BSO 213,340 spot.455GTO
unknown 2037D 283ci 2408 (907 int.) Sask. link
#339 Laurentian 2dr hrdtp spot. 67poncho
BSO 213,340
#545 2067D 283ci 2009 (683 int.) Alberta link
Laurentian conv. Seminole Red ,BSO 213,340 ,kijiji
#546 2019 283ci 2009 (901 int.) Sask. link
Pathfinder Deluxe 4dr sdn Seminole Red ,spot. 67poncho
BSO 340
unknown 2039 283ci 2411 (901 int.) B.C link
#634 Pathfinder Deluxe 4dr hrdtp Colonial Cream/Laurel Green met
BSO 340 213 spot. by Jmont64
#642 2271 261ci 2008 (927 int.) Saskatchewan link
Pathfinder Delivery Colonial Cream BSO 140,213 cheviac
#670? 2067D 261ci 2015? (601 int.? ) B.C link
Laurentian conv. Adobe Beige spotted by DaveJ
#705 2037D 261ci 2001 (913 int.) Ontario link
Laurentian 2dr hrdtp Onyx Black kijiji
#744 2271 261ci 2004 (927 int.) B.C link
Pathfinder Delivery Highland green Met. BSO 140,213 Bigblackpanel
#846 2037D 261ci 2408 (907int.) Alberta link Laurentian 2dr hrdtp BSO 213 ,ebay
#939 2037D 283ci 2410 (913 . int) Ontario link
Laurentian 2dr hrdtp Dover White/Seminole Red BSO 213,340 kijiji
#952 2037D 283ci 2013 (913.int) Alberta link
Laurentian 2dr hrdtp Silver Grey met. BSO 231,340 spot. 4555GTO
unknown 2037 261ci 2401 (901 int.) Alberta link
#1019 Pathfinder Deluxe 2dr hrdtp Colonial Cream /Onyx Black
BSO 213 Willy
May 21st 1957 2062F 261ci (432 int.) Manitoba 57 Poncho link
#1147 Pathfinder Deluxe 4dr wagon Cornada Yellow
#1149 2219 261ci 2204 (926 int.) Saskatchewan link
Pathfinder 4 dr Haven Blue/Larkspur Blue BSO 213 cheviac
#1451 2019D 283ci 2?? (9?? int.) Saskatchewan link
Laurentian 4dr BSO 213,340 Rabbit64CS
#1510 2062F 261ci 2004 (905 int.) Ontario link
Pathfinder Deluxe 4dr wagon Highland Green met. BSO 213 kijiji
Bowell Mclean Motors Ltd-Vancouver B.C
unknown 2037D 261ci 2413 (912 int.) Alberta link
#1755 Laurentian 2dr hrdtp Colonial Cream/Dover White
BSO 213 spotted by Captain Beaumont
#1791 2039D 283ci 2408 (907 int.) Alberta link
Laurentian 4dr hrdtp BS0 213,303,340 Precious Metal
#1937 2039 283ci 2408 (901 int.) Saskatchewan link
Pathfinder Deluxe 2dr hrdtp spotted by 67poncho
BSO 340 ,213
#1987 2219 261ci 2206 (926 int.) Sask. link
Pathfinder 4dr sdn Larkspur Blue/Dover White spot. 67poncho
BSO 213
#2130 2019 261ci 2008 (906 int.) Alberta link
Pathfinder Deluxe 4dr Colonial Cream BSO 213 spotted 455GTO
#2134 2039 261ci 2003 (901 int.) Saskatchewan link
Pathfinder Deluxe 4dr hrdtp Dusky Rose met. spot 67poncho
BSO 213
unknown 2019D 261ci 2014 (911 int.) B.C link
#2460 Laurentian 4dr sdn Sierra Gold met.
BSO 372 Lance
unknown 20-19 283ci 2401 (901 int.) B.C link
#4196 Pathfinder Deluxe 4dr sdn Colonial Cream/Onyx Black kijiji
213,340
unknown 2219 261ci 2010 (926 int.) Sask. link
6646 Pathfinder 4dr sdn Tropical Turquoise spot. 67poncho
BSO 213
#7050 2219 261ci 2006 (926 int.) Saskatchewan link
Pathfinder Larkspur Blue BSO 213 cheviac
#7293 2019 261ci 2402 (901 int.) Nova Scotia link
Pathfinder Deluxe 4dr sdn Dover White/Onyx Black kijiji
#8169 2219 261ci 2010 (926 int.) Manitoba link
Pathfinder 4dr Tropical Turquoise BSO 213 spotted by rustbucket
#9722 2019 261ci 2413 (901 int.) Alberta link
Pathfinder Deluxe 4dr sdn Colonial Cream/Dover White
spot sixtywagon
#10666 2019 261ci 2503 (902 int.) Alberta link
Pathfinder Deluxe 4dr sdn ,kijiji
#11321 2019 261ci 2403 (902 int.) ? link
Pathfinder Deluxe 4dr Mist Green/Highland Green BSO 213 George
#13489 2019 261ci 2017 (901 int) Manitoba link
Pathfinder Deluxe 4dr sdn Chateau Grey met. spot. Carl Stevenson
March 8th 1957 2271 261ci orig. Alberta link
Pathfinder Sedan Delivery
775 , 1957 laurentian convertibles built.
B.S.O list
6A -Padded dash ?
106- tires 4 ply white wall
133- wheel trim discs
186 -shadelight tinted glass
202 -Automatic transmission
213 heavy duty shocks and springs
303 -power brakes
339 -overdrive trans
340 -V-8
348- power windows
349- power seats
357- two-tone paint
372 -power steering
413-windshield washer
others ive seen
384-?
391?
-- Edited by 67Poncho on Thursday 9th of August 2018 05:29:08 PM
I could be wrong but think that Pontiac engine serial numbers starting with a W indicate that it would have been a six! My 58 still has its original engine and there is a W before the stamped number on block. Perhaps longstroke (George) would be able to verify this as his 57 also has a 261 cid six. Bob.
I'm fairly sure this car still has a factory installed 6 cyl/3 spd, it appears pretty untouched & I'm positive it's still got the factory 3-on the tree column. Also quite sure it's wearing it's original red paint as I see no sign of any other colors or primer right down to the rust.
If I'm understanding correctly, because it is a Canadian car, it is 'mostly' then an American 57 Chev, other than the obvious upper quarters etc?
Yes the W signifies that it is a 261 in line six cylinder.
Here's an underhood photo, excuse the crappy cell phone quality
Somebody has painted the valve cover green, but the block etc appears to have factory orange paint on it
The green valve cover is the correct colour as Pontiac 261's where all green including the block and intake manifold. Since the oil filler cap is at the front of engine I would be willing to bet it's the original engine. The number cast on the block is near the starter motor and it should match number under the serial numb plate on door jamb. Bob.
Looks like a 57 Chevy under the hood, I'd say it's a Canadian Pontiac.
The engine # matches the serial so it is the original engine. As far as I can tell it is all original other than the wheels. Must have been somebody's pride and joy a long time ago.
It's truly a shame somebody let it rot. And it is BADLY rotted. When I found it, it was literally packed to the top of the seats inside with old wet clothes. Looks like somebody filled it with clothing & it got parked. The clothes got wet and it just rotted away everywhere. Must have thrown 100 t-shirts & 100 pairs of pants away.
Would anyone know if there is a supplier for replacement panels for this specific car, or best to just get 57 Chev stuff and make it work?
ALL of the under body panels are 1957 Chevrolet but you have to seriously ask your self if you want to invest that much time and money into a car that has that much body rot. Unless you are an expert body man with plenty of time, the cost would greatly exceed just buying a more solid car to start. I am not trying to discourage you but do you really know what you are getting into at this point. To pay someone to properly repair that car would be totally out of control. I am not trying to buzz kill here, just being sober about the whole thing. I learned a very long time ago that it usually makes no sense to start with a car that is that rotted out. Good luck no matter what your choice is. Cheers.
You are absolutely correct sir on all points and I appreciate the insight. Thank you for taking the time to note that I sincerely appreciate it. Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on your point of view) I know exactly what I'm getting myself into.
This car is rotted well past the point of being 'worth it' in the typical sense in which we assess these cars. It needs quarters, fenders, floors, rockers, a roof, doors, hood, trunk lid, some cowl work, a new frame, who knows what the power train is like, and a new air freshener. Has really nice side glass though?? It's probably missing some parts as well, but I don't know these cars at all so I don't even know what I'm missing yet.
I have the time & the skills & the necessary equipment (the budget maybe not so much). To me it's an opportunity to save something that would be scrapped otherwise. I could have left it on the trailer, it was loaded and ready to go to the crusher. I'll have far more time & money into it than it'll ever be worth. I know this because I've been down this road many times before! But it's not about that. It's about preservation, restoration & late nights at the shop having a blast. (also loaded on the same trailer was a complete (rotted not as bad) 57 4dr, 6cyl/3pd not relevant to this thread but relevant as far as parts & patterns for the other goes so saved that too)
But here's the REALLY dumb part; (this is how I make the official 'call' on this stuff); I put power to it one night just for the hell of it. Hooked the cables up & nothing happened. Opened the door to try & find the headlight switch- look up - and the interior light is slowly coming on....Find the headlight switch- and the left headlight starts to glow. Then it fried, and the right side fog light came on.
So there's still some life in there. Can't scrap it now.
Welcome from Regina, by the way.
John, any updates on the 57 that you saved from the crusher.
I learned long ago to do one car at a time, that red one is so bad already another few months of sitting can't do it much more harm
Thanks for the update.
Any updates on the 57............... possible build.
John, any updates on your 57 project. Looking forward to it.
This is what is referred to as a "save". If it can be pulled off. For someone wanting a challenge and to use many skills he will be rewarded with a car that was considered a goner but will exist because of his dedication. To me that is a "car guy".
The 'problem' is/was, and apologies to the Pontiac purists, I simply don't have the connections to find various parts I need to bring it back to anything close to original condition. You'd need multiple decent parts cars to save it and I don't have a yard of 57 Pontiac's or Chev's out the back.
The frame is a good example, I can't find another decent 57 frame, and it really doesn't matter as there is no floor/braces/mounts left anyways.
I have a leftover Camaro rear (the original rear is too rotted) a spare Camaro front clip & in order to keep what's left of the body even close to square it will need some creative reinforcements etc.
From the exterior and to a point the interior will be stock, but underneath will have to be all custom fab to save this. I machined dies to roll the lip on the quarters & the rest is pretty much flat panels so no issue there.
Have all the parts necessary collected now and am picking away between other projects.
Thanks for asking. Regards.