VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1949-1954 Need help w/ '53 Pontiac Sedan Delivery project.

I'm new to the forum and just bought a '53 Pontiac Sedan Delivery (Chieftan). I was going to use the original drivetrain since the engine was rebuilt a few years ago, unfortunately the owner never installed the transmission, started the engine or put oil in it. So last night I decide to see if the engine will crank over and realize I purchased a car with a rusted engine. Is there any way to get the engine to crank over or am I looking at another rebuild? I have a 305/t-5 and a camaro posi rear end dying to go into this car but a flat 6 with 3 on the tree would really make this car a blast to drive. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Rob

Hi Rob,

You are in the correct church but wrong pew. We are kinda partial to the Chevrolet trademark, altho it is not difficult to appreciate other marks.

OH! See you are new so welcome to the Forum.

Even with a Pontiac I'll bet you get some response from this Forum and recommendations where to find the experts on your mark.

The most common thing that is done to free a stuck engine is to remove the spark plugs and pour some type of oil on top of the pistons.
My choice would be Marvel Mystery oil.Reason-what finds its way into the oil pan will not mess-up the oil thats in the pan.Actually it will be beneficial for the new engine.I would say pour in about 2 ounces per cylinder,let it soak for a day,give it a try.If no results repeat several times.If it has a Standard transmission try turning over engine by using a pry bar on the flywheel teeth.
I would also recommend removing the distributor and spinning the oil pump with a drill.This will fill the oil passages with oil.lubricate the main and camshaft bearings and the rods will get oil much faster when it does start.
The engine is far from a small block Chevy-you will find that out when and if you drive it.
The engine and entire drive train ,suspension and brakes are different from a chevrolet.The main body shee metal is the only thing that would be the same as a 1953-54 Chevrolet sedan delivery.
Have fun and let us know of the results.

I understand and agree (I'd rather have a Chevy but don't tell my car that, it seems to hate me already. ) I had thought the engine was a chevy style flat head 6 and the trans/ drivetrain would be similar or the same. Judging from the other reply I have I think I was wrong. I'd gladly be pointed in the direction of a Pontiac specific club if somebody has a link.

Thanks for the advise. The engine in this car seems very close to a Chevy flat head. Do you know what the specific differences are between the two? How about the brakes and suspension? It all seems very similar and I can see a reason why GM would change anything besides the emblem and the interior as they've always done.

All Chevrolets had over head valves...no flat heads.Nothing in the engines were close to being alike.
The Pontiac straight 8 and 6 were simular to an Olds 8 and 6 but no parts interchanged.
Brakes are of the Bendix type as Chevrolet had from 1951 and up but no parts interchange.Same with the suspension.A chevrolet of that year still had an enclosed drive shaft.

IF YOU HAVE A cANADIAN PONTIAC IT WILL BE VERY CLOSE TO A cHEVY, BUT THE aMERICAN ONES HAVE LEVER ARM SHOCKS IN FRONT, A 4 SPD hYDRAMATIC FRANS AND MORE DIFFERENCES. IF YOUR CAR HAD ORIGINALLY THE SIDEVALVE EIGHT IT WILL BE A VERY BEAUTIFUL CAR WITHITS LONGER NOSE AND DIFFERENT PROPORTIONS.

Mine had a flat 6, 3 speed manual with column shift and slip shaft exposed driveshaft. The rear end has a center chuck similar to the ford 9" only smaller. I haven't taken the wheels off yet so I can't say what kind of brakes are on there. The suspension has normal shocks up front. I'm really having a hard time finding parts for this thing and it would be a shame to get rid of all the original pieces because there are no brake parts or springs available. I can live without the original engine although it is soaking in marvel mystery oil right now.

Hey Rad Rob,

For brakes, springs, and a multitude of other mechanical parts, try KANTER AUTO PRODUCTS, in Boonton, NJ
800 526-1096
www.KANTER.COM

Some of thier stuff is a bit pricey (what else is new), but they do have the stuff and are pretty good to work with.

Do a Google seargh for the Pontiac oakland club of America (P.O.C.A.)You will find your answers.

They weren't much help. Seems that nobody can help with this pontiac. Wish I had bought a chevy. :eek:

You weren't kidding about the prices. I'm thinking a swap to newer components might be in the works. Unfortunately I'm missing some parts that I can't find anywhere.