2024 Canadian Poncho Calendars are Now Available! CLICK HERE

 

 

Members Login
Username 
 
Password 
    Remember Me  
Post Info TOPIC: June 2015 Feature Car


A Poncho Legend!

Status: Offline
Posts: 26766
Date:
June 2015 Feature Car


Maybe it was a good thing that we didn't get a feature car for June until the last minute. Like they say, "Good things come to those who wait" and we certainly have a "good thing" for  June! Call me crazy but my favorite body style is the two door sedan. Dale and L.J Hamill own this impeccable 1963 Strato Chief sedan. Starting with an 8000 mile original, they created a cool tribute to the Super Stock cars from back in the day. Dale tells the tale:

"I found this car in an Auto Trader while I was riding shotgun in a semi. I was just killing time – dreaming about another project. I was way too far into a ‘62 Strato Chief Wagon with the thought that it had to be finished to ever be worth anywhere near the construction cost.

So here is this two door post car in Saskatchewan, it looked nice and had a reasonable price. Of course it was much higher than what anyone would pay, except a bona-fide gear head, who has suddenly found a new direction! I immediately called my friend Rod of Rod’s Restoration Project’s in Saskatoon who knows everyone and announced that the car was in the Trader. I wanted it. He replied quickly that it was not for sale. It belonged to a couple who had bought it at a farm auction. He wanted to market it and she wanted it to stay. It stayed...

Almost a year later Rod had been watching the car and calls with the great news “I have your car”! Short story long- he made me a trade for the wagon, which now running still had a long road to recovery. It was a gift that ‘63. I just made the deal.

We hooked up and away we went, never a thought of asking Rod “how nice is that car?”. After all I knew he was looking after me. In the meantime I might add that L.J. (my wife) has watched me buy, build, and sell a number of cars. It has probably never been easy, and the street rods were never really her cup of wine! Was she skeptical? Well the wagon had been a mouse infested stink tank from day one. But it was okay now, although not finished, and I was trading it for another unknown commodity! We are much better now!

 

In May 2007 we went and completed the trade. We brought it home to Headingley, Manitoba. This Pontiac Strato Chief Tudor Post was delivered to Mid West Motors in Regina SK. on Sept.25, 1962 after being completed on Sept.14. From there it went to Longeway Motors in Storthoaks Sk. and sold to Ted Mann on Nov.3 1962. The odometer read “8050” miles, when I picked it up. The standard equipment included a: 230 cu. In. six cylinder engine and a three speed column shift transmission, standard steering and standard brakes. The interior was basic with the rubber floor matting and radio delete. The build sheet found during the restoration brought to light only two options.

The paint was pretty good and I had a number of die hard purists that did not want it to be painted. The interior was pretty nice and there was no serious odour inside. AND it also rain! This was one of those special BARN FINDS. Really it was.The only thing on the car that had ever been changed was the headlights. Although, it did have a set of cheap radials on the original rims. They had been on the rims a long time along with the original dog dish caps. Once I had the car home the real inspection started. I blew a 20 litre pail of gravel out of the frame and underside! The 230 still had it's original decals on the valve cover. It ran with the original points, cap and rotor. I never did change them, and drove it for a summer and a half. The belts and hoses were all original – my buddies were no longer second guessing the 8000 miles on the odometer. Even the windshield is to this day still the original, as is all of the suspension except for the shocks and sway bars. Funny thing is all four brake linings were worn to the steel. I was able to machine the drums. In the first round of restoration I added a dual master cylinder and power booster. And almost overnight I was running 15” rally wheels and Goodyear 255x65’s on the back and 205x75’s on the front. 

 

It got more interesting the following summer when I showed up running the Muncie M22 behind the six. It worked out really well with the 3.73 posi unit that Russ Erskine had contributed to the build. Actually it was a good trade for the hours I spent on his 55 Pontiac Delivery! I drove the car that summer until Norm Dumontier sold me the 327 out of his Impala. We got the motor in. I had left town and when I returned David Anderson had added a 1963 intake, carb and an original set of '63 Pontiac valve covers. 

OW the car looked like so original. I had hit the mark. It was perfect. Well kinda? I could drive it anywhere. Every cruise night, Super Run in Brandon, Manitoba, Back to the 50’s (St.Paul, Minn.)X2. I’ve doubled the mileage to sixteen thousand, give or take a cruise! But the 327 did not like the M22 and became anemic. 

 

With the addition of the 327 it was time to dress the car with a new set of shoes. Those hub caps were just not right. So I got real lucky when I came across this brand new offering from Cragar. Wouldn’t the “Eliminator” be just the best?  I could not be happier!

A year or so goes by and I decide that the interior has to be cleaned up and Mickey and his friends have to go. Legendary answered the call and before I knew it I was a Legendary shareholder..

 

 

And along came John.(can you remember the words?)  I spoke to John….. and we had a plan. There’s more!

Oh, John is married to Deb. John and Deb live in Stonewall, Manitoba. John worked his heart out on our car and Deb gave him the time and space to reach out to a friend beyond what anyone could ever expect from a friendship. I forever owe him a great deal of gratitude for bringing the Pontiac to life. 

And my L.J. always a supporter of  my (our) projects. She told me once that she had spent a lot of money on my gifts that just drove away, or something like that. Sound familiar? She seems more interested in the Pontiac than any car we have ever had because a discussion about selling it ended with "through me first!"  I think she is pretty proud of the response it has gotten.

In February of ’13 my wife came home from a holiday and announced that it was time for a change (a move). The biggest problem was the Pontiac was already in a big stage of disassembly. I already had Legendary supply me with a complete interior package. There it sat and John was ready to tackle that for me. 

So here’s the conversation: 

D: John I told him we are moving.

J: So what about the Pontiac?

D: Well… will you refinish it for me?

J: Well. I could, it’s a nice car. But it needs a lot of work!

D: YA I know {but}(like I’m a rich guy)You tell me how much money you need and I’ll pay you.

J:  Really?! 

 

Well it was something like that anyway. We discussed the build and weeks before L.J. and I were ready to leave John and I decided to add a new motor to the tab. ‘course I had the motor to start with. It just needed everything plus a stroke of luck to 383 inches. It gets along with the M22 much better. And so do I!

John completed our car in eighteen months and pretty much looked after everything. He installed the sound deadener and Dynamat material and finished the interior. John handmade the new wheel lips and rockers. Then he reassembled the car so straight it is better than new. You can’t tell it was ever a part. John also added my SD hood scoop. That was an absolute and it creates the most conversation.  Remember the Saskatchewan farm thing? He told me one time that the car is so straight but it is stone chipped to death! He picked out the final colour for the paint after we had run back and forth from dealership to dealership in an attempt to get our heads in the same hue. He sold off the old parts and built the fresh stroker engine.

So now it is here in B.C. It is without a doubt the most interesting car we have ever had. 

I could not have completed the car to this point had it not been for Linda-Jane’s support. Then of course there are the friends that made it happen.

I built a car from a distance and each of these guys made my dream and vision come true. Without Rod and Rods Project Cars we would not have the car. John and Brian carried the load all the way, and Don who spent hours above and beyond to help. Russ and David and Adam for help and advice. And my brother Vern for all of his help. 

 

A saying I like is ”You get what you least expect when you least expect to get it.” It does not work here, because I could always expect help from my friends."

 

 

 

 



__________________

Todd
Site Founder

Like us on Facebook. http://www.facebook.com/CanadianPoncho

Canadian Poncho World Headquarters - Prince Edward Island

 



Uber Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 3568
Date:

Very cool indeed! Great choice Todd, and thanks for sharing Dale and LJ!

__________________

"So when you spot violence, or bigotry, or intolerance or fear or just garden-variety hatred or ignorance, just look it in the eye and think... The good outnumber you, and we always will."  Patton Oswalt



Poncho Master!

Status: Offline
Posts: 2963
Date:

........wow - fabulous 63 and done right (IMHO)..........love the full size cars, super colour

....great story and well told...........congrats on being the June feature car...........love it

...and btw - love that mail box.......



-- Edited by bjburnout on Sunday 31st of May 2015 10:21:56 AM

__________________

......big block, 4 speed, bench seat, it doesn't get much better

 happy motoring :burnout



Poncho Master!

Status: Offline
Posts: 1301
Date:

Beautiful car and excellent choice of drive train.
Brian

__________________


Uber Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 3463
Date:

very nice! 327 4 gear 2dr post! sweet!



__________________

 








Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 819
Date:

Excellent! Beautiful! Congratulations and enjoy it.



__________________

"Dad, which car are we taking?"                      "The Pontiac!"

"Which one?"                                                    "The red one!"

'67 Parisienne 2+2 - red

'01 Montana            - red

'06 Buick Allure

'12    Japanese minivan



Canadian Poncho Superstar!

Status: Offline
Posts: 4686
Date:

Nice car and well written story!



__________________

ken from northern Alberta

38 Willys pickup electric

39 Buick (327 with 700 r4)

66 Beaumont 4 door hardtop

69 Chevy CST pickup

1976 GMC 23'  motorhome

1994 Impala SS (temporary, according to my wife)



Poncho Master!

Status: Offline
Posts: 2249
Date:

Beauty! Excellent all around!

(I especially like the Super Duty hood scoop biggrin )

Dave



__________________

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

  1964 Acadian Beaumont SD convert, 283 - factory 195 hp, Powerglide, 3.08 10-bolt - Cruiser

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



Poncho Master!

Status: Offline
Posts: 1460
Date:

GREAT car.....AND story.........

and the BEST part....NO furry dice OR fender skirts.....smile

Is that lead picture taken in Penticton?

If you are done with the poverty caps...and still have them....I need a nice set for my 64.....LMK



__________________


Former owner of........Who really CARES?

The Wall of DEATH

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQRFkgWuM40

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 




A Poncho Legend!

Status: Offline
Posts: 48634
Date:

Well, it's ABOUT TIME!!!

I know I was not alone waiting to see your car and get the whole story Dale!

As others have said, the way you have done it is perfect, it's a great combination of pretty stock with a touch of modern but looking SO original still.

And those wheels are perfect....

Thanks for taking the time to get this all together for Todd (and for the rest of us to enjoy!)

__________________

1966 Strato Chief 2 door, 427 4 speed, 45,000 original miles 

1966 Grande Parisienne, 396 1 of 23 factory air cars



Canadian Poncho Superstar!

Status: Offline
Posts: 8149
Date:

very nicely preportioned ride,how cool is those low miles!

__________________

http://canadianponcho.activeboard.com/t51640378/timbuks-first-invader/ http://canadianponcho.activeboard.com/t63146560/timbuks-second-invader/  vancouver island



Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 556
Date:

I like it good choice enjoy top of the month you earned it with this beaut



__________________


Uber Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 3986
Date:

It's still May and we get an early present for June. Nice!!!

__________________

Remember Fun,

 Remember Laughter ?



Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 541
Date:

Congratulations on your June feature car. I, too, love the color.

__________________

--Pritch--

'76 Cougar XR7 (original owner); '52 Mercury Monterey 2 dr HT (Future Project)

2013 Mustang

2010 Ford Ranger

'93 MX5

'64 Custom Sport Ragtop (Factory M20)



Canadian Poncho Superstar!

Status: Offline
Posts: 7418
Date:

Very nice car!!!



__________________
70 2+2 convertible
70 2+2 hardtop
70 Parisienne hardtop
72 GMC Sierra

 

 



Addicted!

Status: Offline
Posts: 160
Date:

Fantastic car, It just looks right!.  Congrats



__________________


A Poncho Legend!

Status: Offline
Posts: 20051
Date:

I'm thinking that with this Strato Chief the market on Canadian Poncho cool is covered.



__________________

Ray White, Toronto ON

1973 LeMans 454 "Astro-Jet"

Built March 9, 1973 - Oshawa ON

1993 Corvette Convertible LT 1

Built January 10, 1993 - Bowling Green Kentucky 

 




Addicted!

Status: Offline
Posts: 105
Date:

Hello everyone. Thank you much for the kind comments. We enjoy the association a whole bunch. The Canadian Pontiac family is just so neat. We are a UNIQUE bunch you all.

__________________


A Poncho Legend!

Status: Offline
Posts: 48634
Date:

I'm sorry that you moved away and I may never see your car completed Dale.

Maybe some day, you never know...

__________________

1966 Strato Chief 2 door, 427 4 speed, 45,000 original miles 

1966 Grande Parisienne, 396 1 of 23 factory air cars



Canadian Poncho Superstar!

Status: Offline
Posts: 6749
Date:

Thanks for the great story on your car. It is an awesome choice for the feature car of the month. Hopefully will be able to see it some time as you are just on the south end of the lake from me.

__________________
Jerel


Poncho Master!

Status: Offline
Posts: 2656
Date:

Great story, excellent June feature car! I like 2 door posts.

__________________


Canadian Poncho Superstar!

Status: Offline
Posts: 5990
Date:

B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L.



__________________

1957 Pontiac Pathfinder Deluxe sedan restored 261 six

1974 Chevrolet Caprice Estate wagon low mileage original 400 V-8



Addicted!

Status: Offline
Posts: 105
Date:

We will likely be at the Boyd's Fathers Day show in Kelowna. We are going to the Pacific Pontiac show in Langley on the 14th.

Should be fun weekends.

Dale



__________________
DEJ


Veteran Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 80
Date:

After reading the thread I agree with all the positive comments, I like your combination from mechanical to colours, I am sure it is a fun car to drive. Congrats on being the June feature car, enjoy those weekends.

Dale

__________________


Poncho Master!

Status: Offline
Posts: 1612
Date:

Congrats. Beautiful car!

__________________

aMmAGLQU_1XEL45IwManXTh0UsX7ci_CicoBJ8GLu-t9Fo_Q4FMFTjyKMkM-Q3XIRW5V496_7Z243qoLqIesHOSpBBALdorUW7WQqAKQ29u06GtHXVk6csPDbz8PAaHpRQ=w1280

https://canadianponcho.activeboard.com/t63333628/click-here-to-support-canadian-poncho/

1 2  >  Last»  | Page of 2  sorted by
Quick Reply

Please log in to post quick replies.

Tweet this page Post to Digg Post to Del.icio.us
.
Support Canadian Poncho!
Select Amount:
<
.
.
.