{"id":180,"date":"2026-04-19T14:21:52","date_gmt":"2026-04-19T14:21:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/?p=180"},"modified":"2026-04-19T23:30:06","modified_gmt":"2026-04-19T23:30:06","slug":"spring-update-53-station-wagon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/spring-update-53-station-wagon\/","title":{"rendered":"Spring Update &#8211; 53 Station Wagon"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The car is officially licensed and back on the road! Over the past couple of weeks, I\u2019ve put about 80 miles on it, mostly staying close to home. There\u2019s still plenty left to do, but at this point I can enjoy driving it while continuing to improve things along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The 1955 287 engine is running great. I did run into some trouble early on with the 1956 Strato-Flight transmission not shifting properly. Initially, I was using a 1955 throttle bracket mounted at the rear of the intake. What I didn\u2019t realize was that the 1956 bracket positions the throttle pressure rod lower, which makes a big difference in adjustment range.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Because of the 1955 bracket, I couldn\u2019t back the pressure rod off far enough, which kept too much pressure on it and caused improper shifting. Once I swapped to the correct 1956 bracket and readjusted the throttle pressure rod, the transmission began shifting exactly as it should. The power steering is also working great and makes the car very enjoyable to drive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Charging System Issues &amp; Alternator Conversion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Originally, I planned to keep the generator setup and purchased a rebuilt unit on eBay from what appeared to be a reputable seller. After installing and polarizing it.. and going through all new wiring and heavy braided grounds.. I was seeing 16\u201317 volts at the battery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I double-checked everything on the car:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Grounds were all new and solid<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wiring was correct<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Voltage regulator (NOS) was swapped with a known good unit<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The issue remained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The original generator had worked previously but needed bearings and brushes, which is why I opted for a rebuilt unit. After exhausting all external possibilities, I pulled the generator back off and disassembled it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Inside, I found:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A field connection wire grounded to one of the long bolts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>One field coil burnt between the pole shoe and field<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery alignwide has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69e64c6bd3962&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69e64c6bd3962\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"182\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260322_112226-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-182\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260322_112226-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260322_112226-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260322_112226-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260322_112226-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260322_112226-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Burnt Field<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69e64c6bd3db6&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69e64c6bd3db6\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"183\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260322_105213-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-183\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260322_105213-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260322_105213-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260322_105213-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260322_105213-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260322_105213-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Wire hanging out of insulator<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>My assumption is that the internal grounding issue was bypassing the regulator entirely, causing the overcharging condition. I reached back out to the seller with these findings but never received a response.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At that point.. after being out about $200, I decided to move on and convert to an alternator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Alternator Setup<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I picked up a black GM 1-wire alternator from Amazon for around $90. There isn\u2019t really an off-the-shelf conversion setup for this engine, so I built my own mounting solution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s what I ended up doing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fabricated an adjustable main bracket using the original generator mounting location<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Used washers as spacers to properly align the pulley<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Repurposed a 1959 Pontiac rear generator bracket (normally runs from the manifold over the valve cover)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Built an L-bracket to mount to the lower bolt of the passenger-side water neck<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tied everything together by also utilizing the original 1955 adjustment bracket for additional support<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The setup turned out solid and has been working great so far.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69e64c6bd4879&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69e64c6bd4879\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"188\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260401_161518-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-188\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260401_161518-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260401_161518-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260401_161518-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260401_161518-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260401_161518-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Alternator Installed<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69e64c6bd4c80&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69e64c6bd4c80\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"187\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/bracket.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-187\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/bracket.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/bracket-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/bracket-768x512.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">1959 Generator Bracket<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hood Spring Replacement \u2192 Gas Strut Conversion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The hood springs on the car were pretty tired, and one of them actually broke. Rather than replace them, I decided to remove the remaining spring and convert the hood over to gas struts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I\u2019ve seen a few different ways people mount these, but I went with a setup that uses existing mounting points wherever possible. The front bracket bolts into the factory forward hood bolt holes, and for the rear, I drilled the hood hinge to mount the strut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To make everything clear properly, I did have to cut a small notch in the hinge\u2014just above the second bolt from the rear. This allows the socket end of the strut to clear the hinge and lets the hood close fully without interference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For the struts themselves, I used the 120lb 15&#8243; Vepagoo kit. They\u2019re readily available on eBay and Amazon in a variety of lengths and pressure ratings, so there\u2019s some flexibility depending on your setup. My hood has no springs and is heavily undercoated so it&#8217;s quite heavy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The end result works great\u2014the hood opens smoothly and stays up solid without relying on worn-out springs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>*Note, my hood still needs some alignment adjustment*<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69e64c6bd52b4&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69e64c6bd52b4\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"194\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260415_174347-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-194\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260415_174347-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260415_174347-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260415_174347-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260415_174347-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260415_174347-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69e64c6bd56e1&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69e64c6bd56e1\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"195\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/671680109_10162591956172897_7743104119643757383_n-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-195\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/671680109_10162591956172897_7743104119643757383_n-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/671680109_10162591956172897_7743104119643757383_n-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/671680109_10162591956172897_7743104119643757383_n-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/671680109_10162591956172897_7743104119643757383_n-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/671680109_10162591956172897_7743104119643757383_n.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260415_193603-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-192\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260415_193603-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260415_193603-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260415_193603-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260415_193603-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260415_193603-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Preserving the Patina<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Last week, I gave the car a thorough wash and let it dry completely before treating the body with boiled linseed oil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I worked section by section:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Applied the oil<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Let it sit for about 30 minutes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wiped it back down to remove excess and even out the finish<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>The results really brought the car back to life and should help preserve the existing patina. It\u2019s not a permanent solution, but it\u2019s something I\u2019ll plan to redo every few months to maintain the look and protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69e64c6bd5d83&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69e64c6bd5d83\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260412_142521-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-186\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260412_142521-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260412_142521-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260412_142521-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260412_142521-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260412_142521-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-4 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69e64c6bd615f&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69e64c6bd615f\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"184\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260412_142456-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-184\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260412_142456-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260412_142456-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260412_142456-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260412_142456-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260412_142456-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69e64c6bd654e&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69e64c6bd654e\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"196\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260412_182317-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-196\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260412_182317-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260412_182317-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260412_182317-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260412_182317-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260412_182317-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>More updates to come as I keep dialing things in, but for now, it feels great to finally be driving it.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The car is officially licensed and back on the road! Over the past couple of weeks, I\u2019ve put about 80 miles on it, mostly staying close to home. There\u2019s still plenty left to do, but at this point I can enjoy driving it while continuing to improve things along the way. The 1955 287 engine [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":181,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[16],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-180","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-daves-1953-pontiac-wagon"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/180","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=180"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/180\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":202,"href":"https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/180\/revisions\/202"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/181"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=180"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=180"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pontiacchieftain.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=180"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}