Pontiac : Other Base

Long story in short version:

Dad was a life long car guy. He passed away and mom does not want any of his toys. The Chieftain is a great car that needs some work to be finished.

We have never had license plates on it so I have only driven it in our over-sized driveway and neighborhood street. The Pontiac runs. drives. and stops ok. Seldom starting and driving requires me to use the battery charger to start it. You may need a new battery or try to charge this one long term. It is an Interstate brand battery. Mileage is EXEMPT.

All body and chrome work done locally by professionals. It's been 7 or 8 years now so the paint is good but needs a few scratches touched up. And a detail / buff job would really be helpful. NO dents. dings. rust holes. or damage. The car has spent the last 7-10 years either covered in storage or transported to get worked on. That's why there are some small minor scratches / chips on it. The only other issues with body/exterior are that an apprentice used pliers installing chrome dual antennas. The stems are fine. but the antenna bases (chrome) are scratched and show surface rust. New antennas will make a significant difference obviously. Or sand and paint the bases. The chrome looks better though.  And there is a fastener that came off of a chrome trim piece next to the headlight. I'm not sure how the clip or fastener goes on it. I'm not mechanically inclined. All chrome looks good. Should be polished. The car is just a little dirty from being stored / sitting. We try to keep them cleaned and covered.  

Next. the interior is good. just not complete. Needs a headliner and rear shelf cover. Also. the dome light needs restored. And it too could use a detail. And the driver door panel is loose. Dang little clips! 

The lights and gauges were working before the body work was done.  Now some of it does not. Again. I'm no mechanic so I don't know what needs to be hooked up or fixed.  Dad wasn't concerned with it at the time because he was planning to customize the lighting. stereo. and add A/C.  Anyway.

It has the 347 Tri-Power motor and automatic transmission. The original tri-power carbs needed over-hauled or replaced. You car guys know that's not exactly cheap. The previous owner kept the tri-power manifold and carbs and instead of over-hauling them. he opted for the less expensive fix of swapping it to a standard 2 barrel. which is what the car is running now.  WE HAVE the original tri-power manifold. but the carbs were junk. Dad's heart condition prevented him from finishing this beautiful car. The motor runs ok. but just a little rough. I have no idea when it was last tuned up or if it needs something more.  

The brakes and steering seem fine. When dad bought this car the mechanic checked it all out. I don't know what if any brake or steering work was done. It may need some cleaning. grease. or adjustment. The tranny shifts fine. But keep in mind. I've only driven the car in our driveway and down the neighborhood street to take care of the car.  The previous owner drove the car at least once a week around town and down the highway in South Dakota. He stated it was during the lunch hour with his crew. Anyway.

You will need to get a new set of both tires and rims. Just some cheap-eez on it now for storage and transport purposes.

Let me remind you that '57 is one of the most sought after body styles. This Pontiac is almost identical to the Bel-Air. Only the Pontiac is better in my opinion largely in part to Harley Earls "Waterfall" grille. And I was told that '57 was the last year for the Chieftain's Waterfall grille. Also note that in 1957 NASCAR approved the 347 motor. This could be a very fast runner!

Lastly. I have done my best to describe the car. It's a great car that just needs someone to finish it and ENJOY it. The original colors of white and coral on the exterior definitely draws attention. And the black and coral interior gives it one cool vibe. I will also include any books. manuals. artwork. papers. parts. etc. we have with the car.

It will be sold "AS-IS". No warranty of any kind offered by us (seller).  Please contact me with any questions about the car and I'll do my best to answer them. If you are interested and would like your mechanic / appraiser to check out the car we can easily set that up. I have an open schedule.

PLEASE. NO TIRE KICKERS. This Chieftain is no "Trailer Queen" but a solid wonderful classic. Mom certainly wants to sell dads vehicles. If you have a serious offer for the car. but it does not meet reserve. please contact me! We may be willing to adjust. Thank you and good luck bidding!    

Also published at eBay.ca

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