421gto Posted May 2, 2020 Share Posted May 2, 2020 (edited) Thought I'd have a bash of converting the AMT 37 Chevy into a Pontiac. My old man bought this 37 Pontiac 8 conv at the tail end of 2018, but its been off the road since '83 when this pic was taken, paint is peeling, and non running. Condition isn't quite the same as it was back then............... . Starting off with 2 kits as I need to lengthen & modify pretty much everywhere. Lengthened the doors (4 an a little bit inches) and interior space, along with the chassis. Until this virus is over I probably won't be able to get to the garage to get any more measurements on the body or chassis. Made a start with the engine. Cut the block halves up, but didn't notice the blocks are cast slightly different in the kits. Doesn't matter as the file made 'em close enough for me. Added the ribs on the head, , still have more bits to do (starter, thermostat housing etc). Scratched up the oil filler, downdraught tube, and changed the dizzy out for an 8 cyl one. Gearbox I dont think is close to right but will do. Intake, exhaust & chrome side cover from a 32 Chrysler, SBC water pump (attacked with a file), timing cover from the original kit but cut down a bit. Sump is just there to hold the engine up for now as not sure what to use yet. Intake and exhaust are too high on the block in the pics but its just mocked up. Hopefully it'll end up looking summat like these : 0 It won't be 100% accurate (I know my skill limitations.....), may not even be pretty or get finished before the 1:1 ! but I'll have fun and you get to laugh as I turn 2 kits into a pile of styrene dust and get in way over my head Edited May 2, 2020 by 421gto Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
espo Posted May 2, 2020 Share Posted May 2, 2020 Very impressive engine work. You mentioned that you extended the bodywork. You have the car to make exact measurements from, so the Pontiac is 4 inches longer ? Is the additional length in the body or forward of the Firewall or Cowl ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldrevellfan Posted May 3, 2020 Share Posted May 3, 2020 Nice job! And same question... ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
421gto Posted May 3, 2020 Author Share Posted May 3, 2020 Thanks guys, its longer in the doors, rear quarters (at least behind the doors, not sure on trunk area), front fenders, cowl & A posts are different shape too. Possibly the only thing that might be close but no cigar in length is the rear fenders but havnt measured them yet to find out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peekay Posted May 3, 2020 Share Posted May 3, 2020 A difficult but deserving project and you've made a great start. So few 1930 to 1950 models aren't Fords which is why I treasure the AMT 1941 Plymouth. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
my66s55 Posted May 3, 2020 Share Posted May 3, 2020 21 hours ago, 421gto said: Thought I'd have a bash of converting the AMT 37 Chevy into a Pontiac. My old man bought this 37 Pontiac 8 conv at the tail end of 2018, but its been off the road since '83 when this pic was taken, paint is peeling, and non running. Condition isn't quite the same as it was back then............... . Starting off with 2 kits as I need to lengthen & modify pretty much everywhere. Lengthened the doors (4 an a little bit inches) and interior space, along with the chassis. Until this virus is over I probably won't be able to get to the garage to get any more measurements on the body or chassis. Made a start with the engine. Cut the block halves up, but didn't notice the blocks are cast slightly different in the kits. Doesn't matter as the file made 'em close enough for me. Added the ribs on the head, , still have more bits to do (starter, thermostat housing etc). Scratched up the oil filler, downdraught tube, and changed the dizzy out for an 8 cyl one. Gearbox I dont think is close to right but will do. Intake, exhaust & chrome side cover from a 32 Chrysler, SBC water pump (attacked with a file), timing cover from the original kit but cut down a bit. Sump is just there to hold the engine up for now as not sure what to use yet. Intake and exhaust are too high on the block in the pics but its just mocked up. Hopefully it'll end up looking summat like these : 0 It won't be 100% accurate (I know my skill limitations.....), may not even be pretty or get finished before the 1:1 ! but I'll have fun and you get to laugh as I turn 2 kits into a pile of styrene dust and get in way over my head Your engine pic's are all 8 cylinder. unless someone replaced the engine in in you dad's car, the 37 Pontiac was a 6. The AMT 37 Chevy had tubular front axle and no real frame. The 37 Pontiac had knee action front suspension and the typical GM x frame. Here's a link to the 37 Pontiac brochure. http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Pontiac/1937_Pontiac/1937_Pontiac_Brochure/1937 Pontiac-17.html. A reference to the 37 6 engine The water pump should look like this. If you are happy with what you have, then go for it. If you want some help, let me know. Check out my 35 LaSalle convertible coupe 3d printed in this section. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dimaxion Posted May 3, 2020 Share Posted May 3, 2020 I'll be watching . Thanx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nazz Posted May 3, 2020 Share Posted May 3, 2020 Looks like you're off to a great start. This will be interesting to watch. Great idea for a build! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
421gto Posted May 4, 2020 Author Share Posted May 4, 2020 Thanks all, Peter I did look at the 41 Plymouth as a possible donor for the hood, but havn't decided yet, may use the Monogram 39 Chevy. Agree there's nowhere enough pre 50 non Fords in styrene, which I'd love to see. Doug, thanks for the info, The chassis & suspension is on my list of things to change but I need to get to the car to get the info I need. You may want to recheck the link, the first pic shows Pontiac 8 Deluxe, as far as Im aware the only model in the 37s that didn't come with an 8cyl was the woodie. You'd be hard pressed to stuff the 8 in a car that came with the 6 originally. The 8 was available (in varying displacement) from 1933 - 1954, then came the V8. Though there are some differences externally otherwise its pretty much the same block. Your LaSalle, love it ! I'm keeping an eye on it. You've persevered where most would of given up. Heres a quick pic of my dads 37 Touring 6 sedan next to the conv back in '83. Which If I can get this conv looking acceptable will be another car I'd like to have a bash at building. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David G. Posted May 4, 2020 Share Posted May 4, 2020 This should be an interesting project and it looks like you're off to a good start. David G. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam I Am Posted May 4, 2020 Share Posted May 4, 2020 The 37 Pontiac is a beautiful car. I dont know why I thought of this, but maybe you could use the Black Force slammer kit for a hood. Most people, like myself, only buy them for the wheels. While the body is molded in one piece, it does have a long hood. You could cut it away from the body and it might work. Here is a pic and if you dont already have one, pm me. I have always liked the 37-8 GM cars. Here is an old pic of a 38 Buick Special that I might be acquiring. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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