Recently saved a 57 Pontiac 2dr hardtop from the crusher, and although it's really really rough, I'm going to save it.
I'm pretty sure its a Canadian Pontiac based on the tags but if someone with more knowledge and references could assist I would really appreciate it and tell me exactly what I have here as it's missing the scripts etc.
The tags read;
Model # (blank)
Serial # 720376400655
Engine # W94546
Style # 2037
Body # 2022
Paint # 2402
BSO # 213
Trim # 901
Furthermore if anyone has any idea what sheetmetal interchanges with a 57 Chev I would appreciate the input as there will be a lot of metal replaced.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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1965 Thunderbird Special Landau 10th Anniversary Limited Edition only 4500 built 34,800 miles
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?
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.
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1957 Pontiac Pathfinder Deluxe sedan restored 261 six
1974 Chevrolet Caprice Estate wagon low mileage original 400 V-8
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.
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.
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1965 Thunderbird Special Landau 10th Anniversary Limited Edition only 4500 built 34,800 miles
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?
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
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.
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1957 Pontiac Pathfinder Deluxe sedan restored 261 six
1974 Chevrolet Caprice Estate wagon low mileage original 400 V-8
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.
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
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.
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".
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67 Chevelle Malibu Sport Coupe, Oshawa-built 250 PG never disturbed.
In garage, 296 cid inline six & TH350...
Cam, Toronto.
I don't judge a man by how far he's fallen, but by how far back he bounces - Patton
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.