"aquaslide"     1950 Pontiac Silver Streak

Introduction / Overview: I was looking for a 50 Chevy Fleetline when I ran across this Pontiac.  You hardly see any Pontiacs around nowadays, so I decided it might be fun to build it.

Chassis: I got an 81 Monte Carlo ($200) and used the subframe to clip this. This way I got power steering, disc brakes, sway bar, and parts that I don't have to chase all over the country for.  Once I got the clip on, I decided that the engine was too far forward in the engine compartment (remember, these cars had a straight 8 in them) so I fabricated new mounts for the Chevy and slid it back 6inches. Still plenty of room for HEI and such. Fabbed a tubular trans mount and mounts for an 8" dual diaphram brake cylinder under the floor, with an aftermarket floor pedal. Got some JamCo 4" lowering springs for the rear, and used their gas shocks, too. Fabbed mounts for a '77 Cad Seville tilt and telescope column and used one Borgeson U-joint and some DD shaft to hook up the steering. 

Wheels and Tires: I think I'm going to put 17" Cragar SS's on it, these cars seem to me to look better with a little bigger wheel. Tires will not be mega-wide, I don't need a Formula 1 car, just something that looks right.

Body & Paint: A big adventure! It took about a month getting the rust off the roof, using Naval Jelly, Scotchbrite, and elbow grease.  I tried a lot of different things, but this seemed to work best. Man, there's a lot of sheet metal up there. Have stripped / sanded all the paint off this thing, frenched the (now LED) tailights, and made new floor pans from 18ga cold rolled.  I shaved the door handles and installed bear-claw latches. I've also been restoring the trim, straightening it back out and repolishing the stainless stuff.

Interioir: I think I'm going to buy one of the Chevy Club of America's interior kits, unless I run across an old upholsterer who wants to do it . I'm going to use the stock seat frames, new foam, etc.  It'll be like driving my living room around.

Lifestyles: Builder, Restorer, Old-School, Hot Rodder, Street Rodder, Custom Rodder, Build-It, Drive-It, H.A.M.B.