Project Chieftain

If you own a Tin Indian and are needing assistance with your restoration, resto-mod, or looking for a community of owners who share your interest, please join. Initially this site was created  to share pictures and updates of my restoration project. However, I decided  to expand it's capabilities, and pass on what I have learned with other enthusiast's.

 

If you are restoring, or preparing to restore your old Pontiac, and you can't find the information on one of my pages, please drop me a line. I have spent hundreds of hours surfing the net looking for anything related to the Pontiac Chieftain, and would be glad to help! I also have a Hollander Interchange for 1954-1966 and will be happy to look something up.

 

My restoration has taken a "back seat" for quite some time now, but things have started to come together and I will have time to work on her. I will be creating, and uploading, my alternator conversion tutorial and that will be followed by my re-wiring tutorial! I will use a harness by Painless, and after looking it over, I can not think of they could make it easier. The decision to convert to 12 volt was based more on practicality than anything. I will be using an aftermarket fuel gauge anyway as this car was always off. My grandfather used to check the fuel level by mileage and putting a stick down to see how much was left.

 

Once I complete the electrical, I will focus on getting her running. I did get her to start prior to tear down, but the carb needs overhauled and I will be using an electrical fuel pump with an adjustable pressure gauge (4-7 psi should suffice). Can you say, "no more vapor lock?"

 

Now we are getting close to my most difficult decision..... brakes. I, personally, have always hated front drum brakes, and yes there is an alternative out there. Well actually two that I know of... "disc brake mike" and "scarebird". They offer kits that will adapt you existing front suspension to utilize front disc brakes. I have yet to talk with anyone who has performed this mod on their car, so please drop me a line! If you look down below, you will see a photo from discbrakemike's, it shows the completed setup and I really like the added safety of disc brakes, not to mention how much easier they are to work on... and availability of parts! Like I said, this is the most difficult decision I will have to make.

 

When you are doing anything to you car, please wear protective equipment! Goggles, respirator, leather gloves, rubber gloves, hearing protection, appropriate type and length of clothing etc.. a little common sense here will save you a trip to the emergency room!

 

Grab a cup of coffee, sit back,  and look around!