Howdy guys as far as we know the last time this engine was in this car was 1975. It is the one that came with the car. (340 horse 4 speed) From 1975 to 2010 it was in a 55 GMC big back window shortwheelbase pickup
As of today it's back where it belongs!
Here are some pics including one of the bell housing that had to get welded after we threw the driveshaft into the ditch during a particularly nasty 1st to 2nd shift in summer 75.
It may be running late tonight as my bro has the bottom end buttuned up and just needs to stick the rest of the top end stuff on like the waterpump, radiator, rebuilt carb, chrome goodies etc. If that happens I will post the video on youtube and give you guys a link.
The one small indulgence he has allowed himself is to put the chrome 409 escutcheon on the fender where the V8 symbol was previously. Pontiac should have done that in 65 but I guess they were just typical modest Canadians eh?
Actually now that he's an old guy (as you can see from the picture) he's just plannng to run the rest of the bag off it instead of actually restoring it.
He figures he won't live long enough to get to it with his other projects coming first (see his 55 Chevy below as an example) He was planning to leave what's left to his motorhead boys
As far as we know from the forum postings over the years this is the 2nd last 409 built car survivor that is out there. Yeah I know I'm bragging but, to give credit where credit is due, it if wasn't for this forum we would no idea about this stuff.
Thanks for blowing up the pics carl. I kind of like the last one. It looks kind of sinister.
As for mounts in the 55 GMC I'll ask him how tough it was. I'll take some of the now empty cavity in the truck As I recall, it smoked the tires off real good but I wouldn't call it a handler.
Actually now that he's an old guy (as you can see from the picture) he's just plannng to run the rest of the bag off it instead of actually restoring it.
He figures he won't live long enough to get to it with his other projects coming first (see his 55 Chevy below as an example) He was planning to leave what's left to his motorhead boys
As far as we know from the forum postings over the years this is the 2nd last 409 built car survivor that is out there. Yeah I know I'm bragging but, to give credit where credit is due, it if wasn't for this forum we would no idea about this stuff.
Wonder how many in total are still around now?? Friend of mine has a 65 custom sport Rag 9er 4spd!!!! Documented at only 1 of 4 built!!! he's on here occassionally but never posts anything, just "lurks" in the background!!!
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Some times I wake up GRUMPY, but today I let her sleep in !!!!!!!!BLACKSTOCK Ont.
Its nice to think that this site has helped bring back some nice cars....
X2!
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Prince Edward Island
'64 Parisienne CS "barn find" - last on the road in '86 ... Owner Protection Plan booklet, original paint, original near-mint aqua interior, original aqua GM floor mats, original 283, factory posi, and original rust.
Actually now that he's an old guy (as you can see from the picture) he's just plannng to run the rest of the bag off it instead of actually restoring it.
He figures he won't live long enough to get to it with his other projects coming first (see his 55 Chevy below as an example) He was planning to leave what's left to his motorhead boys
As far as we know from the forum postings over the years this is the 2nd last 409 built car survivor that is out there. Yeah I know I'm bragging but, to give credit where credit is due, it if wasn't for this forum we would no idea about this stuff.
Wonder how many in total are still around now?? Friend of mine has a 65 custom sport Rag 9er 4spd!!!! Documented at only 1 of 4 built!!! he's on here occassionally but never posts anything, just "lurks" in the background!!!
According to the good old Canadian Poncho registry we know of 4 survivors, three hardtops and a wagon and I guess one convertible for a total of 5. There are probably more but we haven't heard about them yet...
Alright, its a big night! It runs and drives although when we first fired it up gas was leaking from a few spots and the flywheel was scraping on the bottom pan of the bell housing, However a couple hours later after supper we went for a fine ride, even my wife!
What a time machine! May have to actually retore it methinks!
Also my first upload to Youtube so here is the link with my mellow tones doing the narration:
Love it, love it and love it. A wonderful piece of Canadian automotive history. Wow i am so dumbfounded. A real 65 Poncho that came originally with a 409 and a four gear, i just want to scream. Your car sir, deserves a proper resto. Good luck with your fabulous automobile. I LOVE IT. Cheers. George.
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1957 Pontiac Pathfinder Deluxe sedan restored 261 six
1974 Chevrolet Caprice Estate wagon low mileage original 400 V-8
Yeah I kind of wish it was mine (its my older brothers car) Vince ya know what would really be cool is to have a little acceleration match between the one in Saskatchewan and this one one of these fine days. Now that would be worth a you tube video! For those who don't know there is a pratically identical car in Sask that was built later that this one. (This one March 65 that one in April.)Those two together would be the last two 409 cars built that we have found so far.
Lets set it up! I'll start talking trash to my brother about the other guy. You can work on making you buddy in Saskatchwan mad. We'll have em match off in Lloydminster.
Could be mucho fun!
I'll post some videos in the daylight as soon as I can.
-- Edited by 66 Grande guy on Monday 1st of November 2010 11:11:35 PM
Yeah I kind of wish it was mine (its my older brothers car) Vince ya know what would really be cool is to have a little acceleration match between the one in Saskatchewan and this one one of these fine days. Now that would be worth a you tube video! For those who don't know there is a pratically identical car in Sask that was built later that this one. (This one March 65 that one in April.)Those two together would be the last two 409 cars built that we have found so far.
Lets set it up! I'll start talking trash to my brother about the other guy. You can work on making you buddy in Saskatchwan mad. We'll have em match off in Lloydminster.
Could be mucho fun!
I'll post some videos in the daylight as soon as I can.
-- Edited by 66 Grande guy on Monday 1st of November 2010 11:11:35 PM
(lol, lol) Maybe oldsledguy will see this post and no trash talk needed!!! I am sure no twisting of the arm would be needed! And actually, I think a gentle push through the gears would be quite, quite fun............ Woo-hoo........
For those of you that have not seen this particular thread.............
I think a (3) car challenge in heats like the finals on Pinks.
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Prince Edward Island
'64 Parisienne CS "barn find" - last on the road in '86 ... Owner Protection Plan booklet, original paint, original near-mint aqua interior, original aqua GM floor mats, original 283, factory posi, and original rust.
Clint, i also remember a non original green, 65 Pontiac that was an original 409 car. I just do not remember what tranny this car had. The car did the Toronto area outdoor car show circuit a number of years ago. The car had a bit of a rough body on it, with poor body work. The green looked like a Canadian tire spray bomb color. BUT, BUT, IT WAS AN ORIGINAL 409 PONTIAC and most of us know this was the last 409. Being a Canadian 409 and being the last year makes it so much more special. I have not seen this car around the shows here for awhile. This tells me that possibly some smart dude is restoring this car to its previous glory. Because it would deserve it. CANADIAN AUTOMOTIVE HISTORY is important people. Cheers. George.
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1957 Pontiac Pathfinder Deluxe sedan restored 261 six
1974 Chevrolet Caprice Estate wagon low mileage original 400 V-8
I have not seen a black or green 409 65 in the Toronto area either and you all know I would have taken a photo of it if I had. Now, We do know a black 64 Custom Sport.
