A barn find that the PO refurbished. It sat for about 45 years. The interior escaped rodents. He did a lot of clean-up work, rebuilt brakes, new gas tank, new fuel lines, the original 6 was seized, so he dropped a Chev truck 250 into it. It bolts up to a three speed transmission. I replaced the rear main seal last summer (had to pull the engine for that project!). I put a new windshield in it at considerable expense.
I drove it across Canada from the Saskatchewan/ Alberta border to my home in Montreal. It is registered in Saskatchewan. I had it inspected in November with the hope to transfer the plates to Quebec. It failed beautifully!
I put it into winter storage, but was not able to do any work on it. As spring rolls in, I want to start collecting parts. But as with the windshield, I had to be really diligent. Even when speaking with Canadian or US suppliers, there was confusing knowledge about US/Canadian Pontiacs, Canadian Chevs, etc. I need steering components (pitman arm) rear axel bearings, suspension, amongst other things.
What is the best way to hunt down parts? The mechanic who has offered to help me noted that sometimes the fit isn't guaranteed until they arrive. I had to spend quite a bit of time educating the windshield shop (a guy who specializes only in older cars).
Welcome to the world of Canadian Pontiac's. Our cars are basically Chevrolet's with Pontiac sheet metal, with a mix of other parts thrown in.
For my 1970 cars, the entire chassis & drivetrain is Chevrolet. Firewall, floorpan, console & pedals are Chevrolet.
My steering wheel is Oldsmobile Cutlass!!!
Just to confirm, anything mechanical on your Pontiac is Chevrolet and most electrical components are too, other than Volt regulator & dash harness for Amp gage. All d/line parts/ steering etc.[ Chevy] are readily available thru " NAPA Car Quest etc.
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Some times I wake up GRUMPY, but today I let her sleep in !!!!!!!!BLACKSTOCK Ont.
Welcome to Canadian Poncho, looks like a very nice 63 you have there.
For parts, most of the mechanical parts 61-64 are the same, Rockauto is a good source and their part numbers and brands can help a lot if you need something at Napa or even Canadian Tire. Just ask here for any part you need help finding.
You can get GM documents for your car showing how it was built, colour, interior, engine, transmission, selling dealer, build date. Its available from Vintage Services.
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63 Parisienne sport coupe (The Big GTO), black, maroon interior, 409 4 speed; former owner of a 59 El Camino, 63 Corvette SWC, 62 Chev Bel Air SC. 1963- Pontiac top selling car in Canada
Mahone Bay, NS Still not old enough to need an automatic
Yes, buy that 61 manual and keep an eye out for the 63 supplement. Come up fairly often on Kijiji.
-- Edited by DonSSDD on Saturday 12th of March 2022 08:36:34 PM
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63 Parisienne sport coupe (The Big GTO), black, maroon interior, 409 4 speed; former owner of a 59 El Camino, 63 Corvette SWC, 62 Chev Bel Air SC. 1963- Pontiac top selling car in Canada
Mahone Bay, NS Still not old enough to need an automatic
Heres one on eBay, maybe one of these sellers has both to save on shipping? www.ebay.ca/itm/384404457754:~2AAAOSw6n9hSMpI
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63 Parisienne sport coupe (The Big GTO), black, maroon interior, 409 4 speed; former owner of a 59 El Camino, 63 Corvette SWC, 62 Chev Bel Air SC. 1963- Pontiac top selling car in Canada
Mahone Bay, NS Still not old enough to need an automatic
I have both manuals I can sell to you. 63 manual is in nice shape. I have 2 61 manuals one very nice and the other complete but dirty with a loose front cover. Problem is I am in Florida until April 18. 63 and dirty 61 manual will be $40.00. 63 and clean 61 manual will be $60.00. Both plus shipping. Just let me know if you want to wait.
Thank you so much for the kind offer! I opted for the Buy-it-Now option on ebay. Purchased the '61 manual and I am working out a combined shipping rate on the supplement from the same seller.
to be honest. I'm a bit overwhelmed with my lack of time and knowledge. Plus, everything I need to repair on the car requires being under it. I don't have a space to work, nor the time. I found a few guys that wrench older cars, but they are super busy and not willing to commit. I'd really like to find someone in the Montreal area that I can hand most of the work to. I might post an ad here or on kijiji.
While you at it, you may want to consider a 1 inch front swaybar, really helps with the body roll. No need for a rear swaybar.
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63 Parisienne sport coupe (The Big GTO), black, maroon interior, 409 4 speed; former owner of a 59 El Camino, 63 Corvette SWC, 62 Chev Bel Air SC. 1963- Pontiac top selling car in Canada
Mahone Bay, NS Still not old enough to need an automatic
Im working with a young, knowledgeable mechanic. Educating him a little on the Chevrolet/Canadian Pontiac facts. I dont have the wherewithal when it comes to under the car repairs. I am relying on him and I feel like I am in good hands. We spent almost an hour with the car on a lift, checking and exploring the list of items that failed the Quebec mechanical inspection. He found a few things they missed!
My plan is to drive from Montreal back to Saskatchewan in July.
Thank you and all the others on the forum. So great to be here!
It arrived and had it installed. Mechanic had to machine some threads as they didn't match up. Other than that, it was all good. All parts were manufactured in China.
The kit with shipping was $375 Canadian. $200 to install and $100 for the wheel alignment. Feel fortunate as I am planning to drive it back to Saskatchewan at month's end.