Scrapyard Save- 57 Pontiac 2dr hardtop- vin decoding assistance please

JohnW · Member

Scrapyard Save- 57 Pontiac 2dr hardtop- vin decoding assistance please

dcneric · Poncho Master!

Great save!!

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 · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

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 · Member

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 · Uber Guru

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

#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

58 poncho fan · Addicted!

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 · Member

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 · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

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 · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

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 · Member

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

58 poncho fan · Addicted!

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 · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

Looks like a 57 Chevy under the hood, I'd say it's a Canadian Pontiac.

JohnW · Member

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 · Addicted!

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 · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

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 · Member

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.

dcneric · Poncho Master!

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 · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

John, any updates on the 57 that you saved from the crusher.

JohnW · Member

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 · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

Thanks for the update.

long stroke · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

Any updates on the 57............... possible build.

JohnW · Member

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 · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

John, any updates on your 57 project. Looking forward to it.

CdnGMfan · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

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 · Member

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.

Thanks for asking. Regards.