PONTIAC FACT:
Untitled Document
National Parts Depot
My last ride

 
Post new topic   Reply to topic    PontiacRegistry.com Forum Index -> Visitor and Member Feedback
View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
Rick54Hearse



Joined: 25 Feb 2011
Posts: 3
Location:



PostPosted: Sat Jun 20, 2015 1:35 am    Post subject: My last ride Reply with quote

Hi all,
I picked up 1954 Pontiac hearse about 5 years ago here in western Canada. It took a solid year of work to accumulate parts, fabricate parts, fix the parts I couldn't find...its a coach made by Superior at the Kosciusko, Mississippi plant. It is number 206 out of 207 made that year.
Surprisingly, very little body work was needed to repair rust perforation. I had patch panels welded around both rear wheels so I didn't have to worry about losing my fenderskirts. And the drivers floor and passenger floor needed some new sections welded in but that was it. The rest of the car was solid. A lot of the original paint has worn off leaving mostly the primer showing. It is still powered by the original 268 straight 8 and three speed manual trans. I've changed out the original 4:11 rear end for a more hiway friendly 3:08 to save the engine as well as fuel.
So far, the rear end has been rebuilt hub to hub with new bearings, seals and gaskets. The transmission was next to be rebuilt, fortunately a doner tranny was found with the part I needed only 40 miles from my house. Its been converted to 12 volts and runs on Coker wide white radials. Its been a solid dependable ride and has won awards at several car shows. Future plans include rebuilding the engine (a bit weak on a few cylinders) adding a stereo, possibly re-doing the interior.

_________________
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website AIM Address Yahoo Messenger MSN Messenger
Larry
Site Admin


Joined: 01 Jun 2006
Posts: 4768




PostPosted: Sat Jun 20, 2015 10:30 pm    Post subject: 1954 Hearse Reply with quote

What a sharp piece of Pontiac AND Superior history! It does look quite solid and in good shape too. Are your plans to keep it as a sort of Rat Rod, or eventually do a full restoration or resto rod conversion? Whatever you choose, remember it is all yours to do with and have fun with however you like. Right now it sure looks like a fun, dependable, head-turner of a very unique old Pontiac. Thanks for sharing it with us.
_________________
PontiacRegistry.com... building the single largest source of Pontiac information, services, and entertainment in the world!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail AIM Address
Rick54Hearse



Joined: 25 Feb 2011
Posts: 3
Location:



PostPosted: Sun Jun 21, 2015 1:19 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I am of mixed emotions Larry..on the one hand, "They're only original once"...but on the other, what a sight it would be to see a mint, new looking 61 year old hearse rolling sedately down the road. Sadly I don't have the spare funds it would take to do a nut and bolt restoration. And, I would hate to do a "sand and paint" when theres rust issues under the car and inside the inner panels too.
Soooo many people have said not to paint it coz of the REAL patina where others have actually painted patina on their car to look like this.
What to do?, What to do? (pulling on hair with both hands) Laughing

_________________
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website AIM Address Yahoo Messenger MSN Messenger
Larry
Site Admin


Joined: 01 Jun 2006
Posts: 4768




PostPosted: Sun Jun 21, 2015 6:03 pm    Post subject: 1954 Hearse Reply with quote

The car looks cool as heck right now. I would highly recommend enjoying it as much as you can, address all mechanical issues and perhaps fix a rust or damage area one at a time as you can. Fortunately those issues are more labor than money intensive. Everything you do, even if only a little, will be an improvement and help you enjoy it more. Keep having fun!
_________________
PontiacRegistry.com... building the single largest source of Pontiac information, services, and entertainment in the world!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail AIM Address
Display posts from previous:   
Post new topic   Reply to topic    PontiacRegistry.com Forum Index -> Visitor and Member Feedback All times are GMT - 5 Hours
Page 1 of 1

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
You cannot attach files in this forum
You cannot download files in this forum
Untitled Document

PontiacRegistry.com, the ALL Pontiac Club for ALL Pontiac Lovers– dedicated to the preservation, restoration, and enjoyment of all years, models, and types of Pontiacs. Enjoy your Pontiac hobby at the only 24-7 Pontiac Club that brings you Pontiac News, Pontiac Information, and Pontiac Entertainment at the speed of light. Join today and help support and build the best of all Pontiac Clubs in the world. Clubs are for people too, not just cars. If you do not yet have a Pontiac, or just enjoy sharing information and learning about them....welcome!





 All Rights Reserved © 2012-2024 PontiacRegistry.com, LLC PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS & CONDITIONS | CONTACT US
Michael J. Gifford, Web Developer