My 1964 Parisienne Custom Sport Convertible.

Urban_suburban · Poncho Master!

My 1964 Parisienne Custom Sport Convertible.

Pontiacanada · A Poncho Legend!

Cool story so far ... can't wait for Part 2!

CdnGMfan · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

Is it possible I saw that Desert Beige Impala SS in Burlington, Ontario in 1982? I saw one just like it that was (if I remember correctly) going to be raffled. It just been imported (you could import cars 18 years old or older back then). It was from Arizona, was a 300 horse 327 with a/c. It was in great shape but one rear side molding had a small dent in it. I agree, the colour combination is a bit snoozey. Red interior or a white 2-tone on the roof would wake it up.

So far so good with the story. I know the sinking feeling well. A neighbor's daughter in law owned a really nice 1964 Parisienne Custom Sport convertible, probably a 283. It was Silver Blue with a black top & interior, but was repainted white in 1977. When the owner died in November 1982 I took a walk over to her house & detached garage. The car was gone. I saw it once more in the summer of 1983. It was for sale. Here's the 1983 Auto Trader ad:

poncho62 · Poncho Master!

I take it you live in Georgetown...I knew that 64 Custom Sport and the mailman. His name slips my mind at the moment. He lived next door to one of my best friends who had a 69 Camaro ...waiting for the rest of the story

Urban_suburban · Poncho Master!

CdnGMfan - I am sure it was our Impala you saw in Burlington. It was The Milton Optimists Club graffiti car of the year. I still have the ticket stubs and all the paper work for the car. We did not win the car. The story goes that the man who won it bought the tickets to please his kids. When won the car had no interest in it. My Grandfather was fabricating steel fences and railing at the time and was installing one at the neighbours house and saw the car parked at the top of the drive way. He made an offer and the rest is history. Very cool Ad clipping. I love looking back at old ones when I find them.

poncho62 - I do live in georgetown and know that camaro very well also. I hear Jim is now driving it. I have not seen it myself yet but perhaps its been painted. Jasper would have been the man that owned the pontiac. It slipps my my mind Jims dads name, he bought our go-kart when we sold it back in the day. I was working with his sister in-law when he passed. Very sad, That man had a big heart from what I heard.

Urban_suburban · Poncho Master!

...Continued

During the time after the RM auction I kept an eye out on ebay and Auto Trader etc. Looking at 64 Impalas for sale. To this day I am not sure if I wanted another or was realling looking for our car.

Growing up we also had a 1979 Mercury Marquis Brougham. It was nothing special but was a nice ride. While looking at ads for 64 impalas I came across this Mercury. In 2006 I purchased a 1981 Mercury Marquis wagon.

The car had 57,000 kms on it and is in nice shape. I figured it would be a nice car to cruise around in the summer with. One day a buddy asked me to come to the local cruise night and so I did. I had a good time and had forgotten how much I enjoyed the shows. As the year went buy I had seen a few 64 impalas roll through and really missed our car. I started looking for a 64 impala in my price range. That price range wasnt a whole lot. I decided I was going to find a flashy coloured one this time around. I went to look at a few, they were nice cars but couldnt afford them. I was forced to wait.

June 2007 I went to an old time wreckers with a friend of mine as he was looking for parts for his ugly Matador coupe (yes it still has it and loves that ugly duckling). It was such a hot day I had to take a break. I grabbed The old Tri-ad and sat under a big shady tree and looked through it. There I found an ad for a 1964 chevrolet Impala and it was priced alright. There was no picture in the ad but the car was only 30 mins for the yard we were at. I called to go see about having a look if the car was still there.

We arrived to look at the Impala. To my surprise it looked like my grandfathers car when the man opened the door. It had 15" GM Rally Wheels on it. and a bunch of chrome edlebrock stuff under the hood. There was also a small ding in the lower right quarter. I figured this was why it was sos cheap. Being only 24 years old at the time I think the owner didnt think I was serious as we never started it or moved it outside. I thanked him for his time and carried on.

That winter work was going real good for me and I had save a little money. I started looking online for another 64 impala and came across a nice satin silver one in London. In Feburary 2009 I went to have a look. I stood in the garage with the owner and had a photo of our car in my hand and explained the story and spoke of the one I had gone to see that past summer.( I had never really got that car out of my head) He pointed out that I was really after one just like my Grandfathers car and even though wanted to sell his made me call about that other one while I was at his house.

To my surprise it was still there and I told the man all that I Had to spend. He remembered me and my story about my grandfathers car. With barely at 5 digit price we struck a deal over the phone and I had to come the following day or no deal.

I shook the man in londons hand and headed home to go get the truck and trailer form my work to go first thing in the morning and get my Impala...

to be continued...

-- Edited by Urban_suburban on Tuesday 21st of August 2012 08:09:55 AM

Pontiacanada · A Poncho Legend!

Thanks again Mike! Love the story!

I only wish I had more of a story to tell about my car like you have.

I've written (3) letters to the older gentleman that used to own my car (he lives in Freeport, Maine) to no avail. I know he is still alive (actually a machine shop in Freeport that did some work for him wanted to give me his phone #, but I declined). I figure, (3) strikes and I'm out. cry

I'm very curious how the car went from being owned by a fire extinguisher company (company car) in Sherbrooke, Ouebec to being owned by "Big Bob" in Freeport, Maine.

Urban_suburban · Poncho Master!

It was a cold but sunny morning in Feburary. I was up early and tired as I did not sleep well the night before excited about going to get this 64 Impala.
My friend arrived and we hoped in the truck and headed on the hours drive to go get the car. When we arrived I gave the car a quick inspection to make sure it was the same as I remembered it. All was good. I almost blew the whole deal I think when looking at it while we were doint the paperwork and commented to my friend that the first thing I was going to do was take the big wheels off and put the little one on. I think the now previous owner was sure I meant the little Mexican wheels. All explained, we loaded it on the trailer and headed home with it.

The family owned company I was working for at the time allowed me to park it inside one of their industrial units used for storing surplus product and equipment. Once there I cleaned the car and within the week put the "little" wheels on.

I spent the next few months working on the car as i wanted it to come home when the weather cleared up. Of course it was a late spring this year. Finally I brought it home and enjoyed it that summer. Passing our old mail man and his 64 Pontiac quite often always getting a wave when he was sitting out front.

That following spring after the impala was back home from winter storage. My mailman stopped by on his motorcycle and asked about the car wondering if it was in-fact the same car. Before leaving he made an offer to me for his car. I would have been crazy to pass on it but money was still tight from buying the impala. I spoke to my Boss and we went and picked up the car. It needed some work but the price was fair. I spent a month working away on it and was quite pleased with the results.

I was again fascinated with all the similarities between it and the impala. It was an eye catcher for sure. With lots of little things to do on the impala it was great to drive this car around giving me time to work on the impala and not have to pass up on the local shows.

Unfortunatly a little over a year later my work felt the preassure of the recession and the car had to be sold. In doing this it allowed me to put all my focus and a little more money into the Impala. Over the next few years I was able to really get it back (Like our old car) the way I remembered.

Now with the Chevy looking as I wanted I was very particular with where I take it and was missing the Pontiac. I had been looking at a few online for sale but was torn as to buy or see if I could save some more for a convertible. I had repaired the top mechanism on my friends 66 impala convertible last summer and really started to like the convertible scene. I had made a few offers on a 64 Galaxie 500 convertible but turned down each time as I think the owner did not take me seriously (he was asking way to much and I was offering Realistic monies but on the lower end. Almost a year after my 3rd and final attempt at the galaxie, I headed away for the weekend in my Impala for a car show I had never been to before.

It was a wonderfull show, then I spotted this...

I am sure you all know the result but more to come...

57poncho · Uber Guru

Great story guess I missed it when you started it.

Pontiacanada · A Poncho Legend!

Mike, do you know where the Mailman's CS is now? More to come ...

Urban_suburban · Poncho Master!

So it has been a busy time for me but here is the continuation...

I took the phone number for the pontiac and pondered it for the whole rest of the day. I figured out over the next week how I could afford it and worked out the particulars and then called Bert (The man selling the car) He said there were a few calls and people wer coming the following day to come and look. I was welcome to come that evening to see if I wanted as it would go to the first person with cash.

When I got there Bert took the time to show me everything good and the bad. He showed me how to help the top up and down as the motor was very tired. I looked under the car and to my surprise it had original un patched floors!?!? He told me that the car was from out west and he was the first Ontario owner. Floors and rockers explained. While I was under the car I heard His cell phone ring and he answer it. I could tell it was someone about the car. He told them to call back in a hour to see if i was going to buy it or not. It then sounded like they were offering him the money to hold it for them. He declined as he said there was alrready someone here. I asked if we could take it for a ride. The answer was yes. It didnt take long to see the car drove great. I turned to him and said Ill take it for the asking price as I felt It was more than fair. I asked him why he was selling such a good running car? He told me work was busy and he did not have enough time for the car. I asked if he would deliver it to me. He said no problem as it would allow him one last drive in the car.

There was however one stipulation Bert added to the sale of the car. Bert was a life long Acton Ontario resident and had used the car in the parade for several years and he would really appreciate it if I could keep this years commitment and drive Miss Acton like he had promised. I agreed as I only lived 15 mins away from there.

Several days later Bert met me at the local DMV office so I could transfer the car. He wanted to do it that way so he could be there to make sure there was absoulty no issues with any of the paper work. Also he wanted to show me some new parts that were in the trunk he had in the garage and why he had bought them. On the way back to Berts house he confessed to the real reason he sold the car ???????

Saldy he had to part ways with his beloved Pontiac as he was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder and really did not have time for the car as well as he needed the money as he was going to be needing to take some time off work and needed to see some specialists. I was disapoined to hear this and promised that he sold the car to the right person. as I would take very good care of it and had full intentions of keeping it original. We arrived at our destination and he simled and said goodbye. I think perhaps he may have been saying it to the car more than me. I told him to keep in touch regarding the parade and we would be sure to have the car there as promised.

Several weeks passed and I worked away doing some odds and ends I wanted to do. First on the agenda was the wheels. I wanted to put the stock wheels on and locate some correct wheel covers and fender skirts. I had some spare rims and white wall tires from the Impala in the shop so i went right to the shop and had it in the air and had them swapped in no time. I had some older pontiac hubcaps and put the on for now. I replaced the top motor and pump and serviced the system and got the roof working properly. next was to go over the car as I decided I was going to take it to Frankenmuth Autofest 2012. (5 hr drive for me) Between july when I purchased the car and a week before leaving for the trip Bert had called me a couple times to give me particulars on the parade as they came to him. He asked if I had any question with the car he may be able to help. He also informed me the second time he called that he had seen a new doctor and was on new medication and was feeling like a million dollars. I was very happy. He then asked if I would consider selling him the car back??? I said I coulnt at this point as I really liked the car. I did offer to allow him to drive the car in the parade if he wanted to. I could hear the excitement in his voice as he accepted. I told him to call me the second weekend in september and we can meet in Acton.

I was having trouble locating the correct wheel covers and skirts so I decided to lookup the fellow the purcased the old Pontiac. I called him and left a message. The following sunday he called me and said he was away in the USA and had got my message and said I could buy the skirts off the old car as he never used them anyway. Also he had a spare set of wheel covers he actually purcased while in the stated as he did not have time to return my call but purchased hoping I would want them. Of course I did and the following weekend I made the 3.5 hour drive to Belle River to go get them. I was also excited as I would get to see the car again as I know he did some work to hit. It was great to see the old car detailed engine bay and some new odds and ends here and ther. mostly looked the same though. We chatted for a while then I loaded up the skirts and wheel covers and headed back home to put the wheel covers on.

Next I loaded up for the USA and was on my way. It was a great drive. Top down the whole time. What a blast.

Myself and my friend Debbie in Frankenmuth cruising the strip Saturday. I promised she could go topless in Michigan with me. It had been years since she was in a convertible. I really reccoment this show its a great time.

Upon my return I had a message that Bert had called. I called him back to find out he took a turn in his health and had been in the hospital and was home now. He was unsure he could make the parade. He says he has never missed it ever. I told him to rest and he could ride with me if he was not up to it. Parade day came and I got the car into place in the line and miss acton loaded up. No sign of Bert. I guess he was not feeling the greatest still. We took some pictures and decided in a few weeks we would take the picture to him and see how was feeling then as he likly needed some time to rest.

Sadly Monday September Bert passed away suddenly due to complications with his condition. He was 60 years young. In the very short time we knew him we developed a very strong relationship with him and he will be sadly missed, but not forgotten

That pretty much takes me to where I am now. This weekend I plan to Pull the motor. I will post some pictures or links as I Progress along the way.

:) Mike

Canadian Poncho · A Poncho Legend!

Great story Mike. Sad to hear about Bert's passing. My dad also passed at age 60 (as did my mom). Way too young.

Pontiacanada · A Poncho Legend!

Thanks for the story on your car.

What are your plans for your engine?

Urban_suburban · Poncho Master!

Well the engine is out already and inspected. It Was not running quite as well as it should. Upon inspection it has the in correct carb and intake. 67 spread bore intake. 62 mopar carter carb... what were they thinking. There was a funny noice in the engine which was the timing chain starting to tap the cover. A valve guide is warn. the bearings are starting to show some signs of wear.

I have located a correct intake and carb for a 327 250HP with a Rochester 4 jet. The engine will get a stock rebuild and the engine bay a complete make over. I plan to fit the car with an over drive. have not yet decided if a 700R or a 200R yet.

Other winter plans will be to clean and detail the trunk. I will post some pictures when I get a chance to get them off the camera

TomWR · Member

Fantastic story. I too had a 64 conv. however not a CS. I loved that car however had to sell due to marriage and first child on the way. I've tried to find it by going to our MVB and did a search and was told that the owner was in the military and he took it to Germany. Now with the access to info so tight I can't get any info in it. Sure wish I had it back. I have a 65 CS Ht now and in the process of redoing it.

Pontiacanada · A Poncho Legend!

TomWR wrote:
I too had a 64 conv. however not a CS. I loved that car however had to sell due to marriage and first child on the way. I've tried to find it by going to our MVB and did a search and was told that the owner was in the military and he took it to Germany.

There is a member in Germany (Checker) with a '65 CS 'vert:

http://canadianponcho.activeboard.com/t24274712/1965-pontiac-parisienne-custom-sport-convertible-mist-blue-r/

Maybe he might know your old car Tom.

Urban_suburban · Poncho Master!

Well the engine is apart and needs some attention. One of the valve guides are badly worn. Timing chain is worn and the thrust bearing have just a little too much play. Its going to be a complete rebuild though as I want to be able to drive this car anywhere. Also I have decided to put the 327 back in with a 700R4 and retro fit kit in. I will have some pictures soon.

TomWR... cant hurt to check the link above. You just never know.

Cheers

Urban_suburban · Poncho Master!

Its been a busy holiday season for me. Moving shop amongst other things. Finally had a chance to clean out the camera car.

I found these pictures of the 64 after fiting the fender skirts. I am not sure if I like them on the car while the top is down, but I do like how they look on it while the roof is up... The other/better half likes them so for now they are on there.

On an interesting note these skirts are actually off the custom sport earlier on in my post. I was looking and he has no interest in them... small world!

-- Edited by Urban_suburban on Wednesday 23rd of January 2013 09:50:53 PM

Urban_suburban · Poncho Master!

Here are a few pictures of the engine removal. More pics to come soon as I get caught up and back into it. I did make the decision on a 700R4 conversion. I will be looking around for the best kit to put it in. I have the tranny on the bench now.

Urban_suburban · Poncho Master!

So hopefully This weekend the engine should start going back together. Ill get some pictures up soon (I hope) for now I stumbled across this unit

My radio is not working (or perhaps because the reverb unit is not there) My car was factory equiped with the reverb option but is not there. When I serviced the roofs hydraulic system i discovered the harness and never thought much of it. When looking under the dash I noticed the surplus of wires and connectors for the reverb unit. I have never heard a car with this option before and cant hardly wait.

-- Edited by Urban_suburban on Monday 4th of February 2013 09:49:28 PM

Pontiacanada · A Poncho Legend!

There is a guy (Don) with a '65 reverb for sale on here: http://canadianponcho.activeboard.com/t52496176/65-pontiac-amfm-radio-delco-7289772/

Urban_suburban · Poncho Master!

Thanks for the info... I managed to get the one in the above picture.

Urban_suburban · Poncho Master!

As promised here is what I have been up to so far...

All the parts washed and ready to be installed ( waiting on valve seals)

Nice new hardened seats.

Looking so nice. Have to clean and re paint outside still (yea lots on the go so doing it a bit Bass-ackwards)

Cylinders in amazing condition-never bored and still see cross hatch and no score marks

Bits to be washed!

Crank needs key-way slot repaired. Waiting on a price but its a steel forged crank so need to get it fixed.

Pontiacanada · A Poncho Legend!

Good stuff Mike!

Urban_suburban · Poncho Master!

What a mess of wires... Well the low budget radio from meteor61 works. Needs some TLC but sound is great for an AM unit. My friend used it to test the Reverb unit which also sounds great ( so I am told) I still have not yet to hear it for my self but I guess now I will wait just a bit longer and hear it for the first time in my Pontiac.