1936 Pontiac Project - Post 1

This project came in recently....  Here's the story on it from the owner:

1936 Pontiac Deluxe 2-Door Touring Sedan
Model 6BA-2611
Owner – Jim Elder
Purchased July, 2003

This car was discovered in a small town in central Missouri in the summer of 2003.  It was buried in mud up to its axles, completely covered with years of tree leaves and debris, and home to countless critters.  After scraping some of the tree junk off, I realized that the car was very solid.  It had, some years previously, been coated with the blue paint that you see on it in the pictures.

 

I located the owner of the car, purchased it, used a Bobcat to drag it out of the mud, and hauled it home to Minnesota.  The car was completely cleaned in and out, and completely disassembled down the bare frame.  After assessing the condition of the original drive train and suspension components, it was decided that it would not be practical or possible to restore the car as an original.  I decided to keep as many of the original parts as possible, so the car is now an odd mixture of original and modern parts.  There are no exterior body modifications.

The chassis and rear suspension (springs and shocks) are original 1936.  The front suspension is Mustang II style IFS, provided by the experts at Fatman Fabrications.  The engine, automatic transmission, and rear axle were all graciously donated by a Chevy S10 Blazer.  The engine is a GM 4.3 Liter V6, converted from TBI to carb, thanks to Misters Edelbrock and Holley.  ECI disc brakes are installed up front, and std. GM drums in the rear.  The original steering column and wheel have been retained and connected to a Mustang style power steering rack.  The electrical system has been converted to 12 volts, and a modern complete wiring harness and fuse box installed.  The wheels are provided by American Racing.

The good folks at Chanhassen Maaco agreed to take on the body and paint work.  Their work is excellent, and they have been very eager and willing to work with me on this project, which is why they were chosen.  After the body and paint are complete, the upholstery remains as the last large piece of the rebuild.  I intend to have the interior done to match the original as much as possible.  It was camel-colored mohair.  Then drive it 

 

 

 

More to come...  Check back soon...