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Post Info TOPIC: May 2009 Feature Car


A Poncho Legend!

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May 2009 Feature Car


Ah, the station wagon. Prior to Iacocca's Chrysler-saving mini-van the station wagon was the transportation of choice for large families. And why not? They were equally at home taking the kids and their gear to hockey practice, a trip to the lumber hard for a few sheets of 4x8 plywood , or hauling the whole family with their luggage and an Airstream trailer to a campsite a thousand miles away. As utilitarian as they were, they were not lacking in style. Take Vern Hill's 57 Pathfinder Safari Deluxe for example. Like all the Pontiac models for 1957, the Safari was more stylish than the Chevrolet, but not as garish as the Buick.   Pontiac said "Load up and light out for adventure..." in the 57 Safari. With some added modern conveniences, Vern's Safari is one Wagon I'd be happy to take a road trip in!

Here's more about the Pathfinder in Vern's own words:

I wasnt actually shopping for a car when I stumbled across this 1957 4dr Pontiac Safari Pathfinder Deluxe wagon on Ebay in November of 2006. There it was just sitting in the middle of a Saskatchewan field, looking like it had been neglected for some time. It was love at first sight and I knew I had to have it. After we closed the deal, I made arrangements to have it shipped to Manitoba. It seemed like an eternity until I finally had it in my own yard on December 20 and during that time I had many anxious moments, but once it finally arrived I knew I had made the right decision. Considering I had bought it sight unseen, other than a couple of picture, I was also relieved to see that it was in much better shape than I had been expecting.
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vernscar6.jpg



It was GREAT. I was going to get a safety and drive it just the way it was. That is...until I talked to a friend of mine about throwing a quick coat of paint on it. So the plan was set...for the first summer I would drive it just the way it was and then we would paint it the following winter.
Somehow, that quick coat of paint turned into a major restoration project. When I removed the bumpers and trim to prep for paint, I thought maybe I should get them re-chromed while they were off the car and, since I was doing that, I then thought I should also polish the stainless, etc, etc....
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To make a long story short, as one thing lead to another the following work has since been done:
New floor pans installed, powder coated inner fenders and rad cradle, re-zinced hood latch and hinges, rebuilt transmission, removed motor to replace gaskets, replaced timing chain, installed power disc brakes with 2 drop spindles, replaced front fenders, all chrome has now either been re-plated or replaced, new door sill plates installed, all lenses replaced, new headliner installed, converted from generator to alternator, new windshield installed, tinted all rear windows, installed stereo system, 15 LCD TV, and Playstation II, new rims and tires, and the list goes on.

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Oh ya...I did finally get around to painting it as well. After many gruelling hours spent on body work, It was repainted to original Coronado Yellow and 97 Cadillac White with Gold Pearl.
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Information on this car seems to be very limited, but I do know that it was originally built in Oshawa, ON on May 14, 1957. It was number 1147 of only 1639 produced and it was first sold in Manitoba. How it ended up in Saskachewan still remains a mystery, but I am happy it is back in Manitoba. Although its an on-going project, we have enjoyed driving it to many of the local show and shines since it has been back on the road and plan to enjoy it for many more years to come.

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Poncho Master!

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Very nicely done. I love wagons.

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Member

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Very nice 57 wagon. Pontiac just has that bit of flair to it, eh.
Great resto on a cool old wagon.

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Rick P.

69 Chevelle SS396 2Dr Post Sedan
WANTED, not just looking for: 69 Beaumont 2Dr Post Sedan


Poncho Master!

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Way to go ! Another tri 5 Canadian Pontiac SAVED !!!!

Al



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Addicted!

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BEAUTIFUL! Probably my favorite year Pontiac. Nice work.

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Poncho Master!

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love it, i would love that sittin in my driveway.

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1959 El Poncho!!


Guru

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Very nice indeed!

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Guru

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That is TOO COOL !!

Man, I love this car.

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Guru

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Nice to see the wagon as the feature Vern. She's a beauty! Still nice to see an old inline "tower of power" in that engine compartment.


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gus


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I LOVE ALL OLD STATION WAGONS, EXCELLENT SHAGGIN WAGON FEATURE

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Bobby J


A Poncho Legend!

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CONGRATULATIONS!  Vern!     nice car    you saved some History!!    Atta Boy!!!

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Addicted!

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Sweet lookin wagon Vern.

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Uber Guru

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 Vern, very nicely done!! Cudo's to you for saving another thought to be lost Pontiac!!!

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Vincent Jr.



Uber Guru

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Looks great Vern, love those long roofs.

Ian K

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A Poncho Legend!

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Way to go Vern! Another Manitoba feature car.

We're gonna take over the world, one internet car site at a time.....

I love 57 Pontiacs, so it will be fun looking at your car on here for the next month.

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Canadian Poncho Superstar!

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Great looking wagon Vern. I see when you are talking about replacing or re-chroming it wouldn't be a small task. Love that shine of the chrome and paint.

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Jerel


Poncho Master!

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Great job on a great car. Very very different & thats whats cool about Pontiacs !

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A Poncho Legend!

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Great story on the car, nice work and she looks real fine. thumbsup.gif

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Ray White, Toronto ON

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Built March 9, 1973 - Oshawa ON

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Canadian Poncho Superstar!

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Concur with Gus. Shagadelic Man. I would be driving and using that car all the time.

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sTevE

55 GMC, 70 Pontiac 2+2 rag



Poncho Master!

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Great looking wagon and an excellent choice for the May feature car!
ARCADIAN

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Poncho Master!

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Beauty!

And I am sure many of us can identify with "while I am at it, I might as well go ahead and do this other thing too ..." smile.gif

When my kids were little we had a series of Olds Vistacruiser wagons, longer wheelbase made for more room, the little roof windows allowed the kids some viewing variety, dress them in their pajamas and take pillows and blankets to the drive-in, etc.

However my kids did not have advantage of 15" LCD TV and Playstation!! smile.gif

Cool car!

Dave

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56Pontiac  1956 Pontiac Pathfinder 2dr sedan, 496 - dyno'd 545 hp, stick shift, 4.11 posi - Hot Rod

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  2012 US-built crew cab truck - Daily Driver and Boat Trailering



Poncho Master!

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A great looking car like that is the reason why wagons should still be made. Very nice work, you've got a nice one!

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Randy

1967 Beaumont Custom 4 dr survivor
1985 Firebird

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Poncho Master!

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What a sweet piece!!!winner.gif  
I think this longroof may even be luckier than the owner is!.

I've loved 57's since Ron Fawcett's daughter had one when I was younger...I think it was the car I loved most...confused.gif

Great story w/ the kids and the Vistas Dave...man they sure grow up too fast!.

smile.gif



-- Edited by Ghost Post on Friday 1st of May 2009 02:52:40 PM

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Veteran Member

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Beautiful wagon Vern, gotta love those "long roof" cars. Great job on the retoration, love the fact you kept the strait 6 with some of the new creature comforts. Enjoy your cruiser!

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Poncho Master!

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From one long roof owner to another, well done Vern, and I love the love the colour combo as well.  Yellow is one of my favourite colours for a collector car, always happy and sunny, just like you should be when you are driving it.wink

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