1957pontiac parts car

[bigal1957]

I just purchased a1957 star chief convertible. it needs floor,cowl trunk (really a doner parts car)is there any difference in a chieftain 4door for these parts or what will fit.I have more questions but lets do these now thanks

[Larry]

First congratulations on the '57 Star Chief. You are now the proud owner of perhaps one of the finest, most attractive Pontiacs ever made. It does sound like you have some work ahead, but it will be worth it.

As for interchangeablity, the Chieftain had a 122" wheelbase and the Star Chief a 124". While that sounds like a "close enough" situation, the real difference comes with the body length. The Chieftian was 206.8 and the Star Chief a whopping 213.8". That difference, I am betting, comes right at the rear fender overhang (as was with some '54s I had). It also looks to be the case in pictures.

That being said, it would "seem" that things like cowls, floor pans, and other non-rear items would interchange. It would be worth some real accurate measuring if you have access to a Chieftain. Even the trunk pan might be a match in certain areas.

Please let us know what you learn so we can pass on any tips to others who encounter the same needs.

[stevep]

The Chietain is the same from the cowl forward. The floor pan MAY be shorter. The trunk floor is shorter, but it it could be used as a patch panel.

[bigal1957]

thanks very much for the info I have found any info on my chevy easy this pontiac a lot tougher mm vin code is p857h14xxx can someone help I think p=pontiac8=v8h no clue maybe convertible.

[Larry]

P= Pontiac, Michigan
8= "Series".... "8" is short for "28" which is Star Chief (Chieftains have a "7")
57= 1957
H=Hydra-Matic
14xxx= production sequence. This is a pretty early one as they started with 1,001 and ended with 45,497 (for Michigan production run)

These numbers do not designate body style. Check the cowl tag for that. A 1957 Star Chief convertible would be a 2867DTX.

[bigal1957]

thanks for the great help. will have many more questions later. big al ps if anyone is interested the car at www. remarkablecars.com/ppads/data/142/1957-pontiac-00032.jpg is identical except white top.