About me and the project
My Name is Chris and in my heart I have always wanted to build a hot rod.
This 1950 Pontiac Chieftain Silver Streak is the right opportunity for me to do just that.
Growing up, my father would not allow me create a hot rod for numerous reasons, first of these was that I was a speed demon. He believed that I would die behind the wheel with a fast car. Now that I am much older (and wiser), I’m ready and willing to create such a hot rod. And God rest my Dad's soul, but he's not here to stop me. He'd probably help me if he was still alive.
I thought about doing a Rat Rod with this vehicle, but the more I thought about it, the more I wanted to keep the original body lines. I decided to make it more of a traditional street rod.
A lot of car enthusiasts do not like 4 doors, but when I purchased this vehicle the price was right for what I want to do. It’s a solid car with some rust, which is to be expected for a 60+ year old vehicle. Most of the rust is in the driver’s floor, the trunk area, and rocker panels. For the most part, all of the parts are there and the fenders and frame are solid. It’s a complete car including the fender skirts.
My father and I used to restore 1930's Buicks when I was a much younger and it is something that has never left my blood. Until now, I was unable to do such projects.
I do not have all the cool tools that the fancy shops have and you will see how I make due with what I have.
My plans are to:
install a newer front suspension and get rid of the 1950’s suspension
install a used LS motor with a 6 speed transmission
install disc brakes on all 4 corners
install a custom exhaust with cutouts and side pipes
tub out the back fender wells
install in a 4 link rear suspension and get rid of the leaf springs
install an air ride suspension (bag it),
customize the interior - complete with a sound system and (if possible) air conditioning
custom paint job
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My goal is to do all of this for under $10,000 and within a 5 year period. It’s going to be a tough budget to stay within because the paint job alone can cost more than $5,000. I plan to finagle my way through this by bartering, trading, calling on favors and yes, spending money, all while documenting it on this web page.
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A little bit more about myself and my experience before I conclude. I grew up in a garage working on cars, old and new. I was a mechanic in the 1980’s. I graduated from Dunwoody Industrial Institute (now Dunwoody College of Technology) with an Automotive Technician degree. I used to race dirt circle track and as stated earlier my father and I used to restore old Buicks. Basically, in short, I have a passion for cars.
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I hope you enjoy this process as much as I will of turning this ordinary car into something I consider to be a cool old hot rod. Hopefully, I can accomplish this with modern updates at reasonable prices while still doing a quality job.
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Thanks for hanging out in my garage with me.
Christopher