1959 Pontiac Star Chief

[SugarRay8]

I've always known the ole Pontiac's were wide but this really shows you how wide

http://www.ratrodsrule.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=94107&d=1361275855

Yep, 1959 was the start of the “wide track”, which I believe was exclusive to the Pontiacs.
Funny thing is, the 99’ Firebird has the same track width.

 

[SugarRay8]

Original plan was to buy an air ride suspension package for an Impala or Biscayne and use that.

But with this whole “wide track” thing, the suspensions are very different.

So we’re going to do more of a custom build than we had originally planned. (Chassis wise anyway.)

 

[SugarRay8]

I made some jigs to hold the 99’ Firebird chassis. Not sure how much I can/cannot use, but it’s a start.

 

[Rusty01]

I'm a 59 model myself so I am all in.[cl

 

[bell]

Diggin it!

 

[SugarRay8]

Work has been insane lately, so progress on the car has been very slow.
Did get rid of the rusted out body mounts. Had three mounts on the rear of the frame that were shot.
New ones are made and tacked in.

 

[SugarRay8]

I finally got a few days back before having to head on the road again, so I’ve been trying to make a little progress.

We worked on getting the Firebird frame to fit into the 59’ frame.
Just have it clamped and bolted in place for now, plan to get it on wheels so we can check travel etc. before welding it in.

We also took a bunch of measurements to figure out our wheel size and backspacing.

We got the wheels bought Wednesday and they look to fit perfect, just need to get some tires on them.

Rears are 20 x 10 and the fronts are 18 x 8.

 

[Old Iron]

Good choice, those are the perfect wheels for the ole Poncho

 

[Flipper_1938]

We worked on getting the Firebird frame to fit into the 59’ frame.
Just have it clamped and bolted in place for now, plan to get it on wheels so we can check travel etc. before welding it in.

How do you plan on dealing with the goofy-assed upper control arm that the firebird had? Didn't it bolt to the inner fender?

 

[SugarRay8]

How do you plan on dealing with the goofy-assed upper control arm that the firebird had? Didn't it bolt to the inner fender?

We bought tubular upper control arms from Speedway. Plan is to make our own upper assembly, mounting brackets and all. That was really the reason for getting the wheels this soon. Now we can play with the suspension travel and see where everything looks to work the best. We’ll have to change the steering knuckles as well; the upper ball joint location is way too tall.
It will likely be a long and sometimes painful process, but we’ll get it there.

 

[Dirtyrat]

I like those rims a lot, they will go well with the 59!

 

[SugarRay8]

Good choice, those are the perfect wheels for the ole Poncho

I like those rims a lot, they will go well with the 59!

Thanks

 

[Neverdone]

Love the wheel choice!!!! Nice job, very fitting!

 

[sgtpontiac]

Looks good......

moving right along on it.....I like it when a plan comes together....[cl

 

[SugarRay8]

Well, finally got to stay home for the week!
Despite being half dead, I had to go and get something done on the old poncho.
No one makes panels for the Star Chief, but there are some partial panels available for the 59’ Cat’s.
They aren’t the same length, but have many of the same lines. So I’ve started piecing in some patches.
So far it’s turning out pretty decent, just a few spots and then letting things cool down before hitting it again. First picture is just to show what I’m trying to replace.
Still a ways to go, but at least it's some progress.

 

[sgtpontiac]

Looks pretty darn good....

nice job on the patches got the flow and arch nice....great job....

 

[Old Iron]

Sorry if you've already posted this but, are you gonna keep the original colors ?
I'm being a little lazy today Sugar

 

[SugarRay8]

nice job on the patches got the flow and arch nice....great job....

Thanks

 

[SugarRay8]

Sorry if you've already posted this but, are you gonna keep the original colors ?
I'm being a little lazy today Sugar

Yep, plan is to keep it original inside and out.

 

[Old Iron]

Awesome