New to the forum with a 1952 Pontiac Chieftain

Hello everyone. I am excited to be a part of the forum and share my project with you as it goes along as well as read about all of your own. My name is Joel and I manage an auto repair shop in Florida. My wife and I just recently bought our first classic car project to build together as I am turning 50 early next year. We currently live in Florida and have attended a lot of car shows and have been dying to bring one of our own. After months of searching we finally decided on this:

1952 Pontiac Chieftain 2 door sedan
Black w/ Flame job

Previous owner said it is on its 3rd engine, the stock 4.4 liter straight 8.

I am considering doing a turbo'd GM 4.8 V8 swap along with a 700R4 trans. Or maybe going with its larger 6.0 liter cousin.

The paintjob is nice but not what we initially had in mind so later on it might get changed, maybe reverting back to just plain black but I don't know, it could grow on me. What are your guys opinion? The wheels are okay but will be changed for something more vintage style with chrome hubcaps and some nice white walls.

But for now the first job I have in mind is to do a disc brake conversion and some sort of power brake upgrade immediately. During the same time period I am also going to rebuild the king pins, and replace all the control arm and leaf spring bushings and inspect the rest and do the alignment. Then sometime next year I will do a power steering conversion.

Welcome to the forum, both are gorgeous.

And welcome from Downunder!
That car looks to be pretty straight, and I for one like the paint job.
As you look at it, over time you will develop an idea in the back of your mind as to how you will want to configure, it both mechanically and aesthetically.

Just do it your way.

Welcome to the club. It's nice to see you here.
The car looks great, Looks very straight. Changing the wheels is always a personal choice to make the car "yours".
I could be just as happy without the flames, but again that's always a personal choice, those are the things that make the car yours. Looks like all the chrome is there too.

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Originally Posted by NTFDAY

Welcome to the forum, both are gorgeous.

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Thanks, she's my step-daughter

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Originally Posted by johnboy

And welcome from Downunder!
That car looks to be pretty straight, and I for one like the paint job.
As you look at it, over time you will develop an idea in the back of your mind as to how you will want to configure, it both mechanically and aesthetically.

Just do it your way.

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Thanks, the flames are beginning to grow on me, think im gonna keep it

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Originally Posted by 34_40

Welcome to the club. It's nice to see you here.
The car looks great, Looks very straight. Changing the wheels is always a personal choice to make the car "yours".
I could be just as happy without the flames, but again that's always a personal choice, those are the things that make the car yours. Looks like all the chrome is there too.

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That's true, i think i'm definitely changing the wheels though.

I like it, you can never have too much flames or metal flake!
Enjoy!

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Originally Posted by G.I.Joel

That's true, i think i'm definitely changing the wheels though.

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Try a set of American Torque Thrusts, more period correct and they just look better.

Wow, great looking car, unusual to even see a 50's vintage Poncho anymore! Flames fit the car well for me, anyway, they look great on certain cars but come out looking like an afterthought on many cars. I'll go with Ken on switching to some Torque Thrusts, or maybe even some vintage look Cragar's? Welcome to CHR, good having you with us!

Welcome! I'm with Dave, love those Cragar SS with period correct sidewall showing!

Hey guys, i've been reading your comments. Cragers or Torque thrusts would look very nice indeed! Especially with white walls!

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Originally Posted by G.I.Joel

Hey guys, i've been reading your comments. Cragers or Torque thrusts would look very nice indeed! Especially with white walls!

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I'll go with either the Cragers or Torque Thrusts, but I wasn't a fan of wide whites in the 50's and they haven't grown on me over the years. Just my 2cents worth.

Hey man, welcome to CHR! You don't see a 52 Pontiac everyday! Dave Kindig of Bitchin' Rides built a beautiful 52 Pontiac convertible a couple of years ago. Maybe you'll get some ideas from it... https://www.kindigit.com/gallery/52-pontiac/

Welcome to CHR and very nice Poncho! My friend has some front end drop parts with nearly everything to rebuild the front end for a 51 Chevy. If they're the same I'm sure he would sell the stuff cheap to get them out of his life. He ended up going with a mustang 2 front suspension. I also agree wide whites and baby moons is over played. But that is just me. :LOL:

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