Barn-find '59

alfromelkhorn · Post by **alfromelkhorn** » Mon Jan 24, 2011 7:16 pm

I joined because of thr recent death of an elderly family friend. She has this '59 two-door Bonneville that has been in the garage since 1974. It is in very rough condition, but since I am into cars, she wants me to have it. I will need the help of members of this group to decide what to do with it. I have photos of it if anyone is interested.

~ Al

00Beast · Post by **00Beast** » Mon Jan 24, 2011 7:24 pm

I would DEFINITELY like to see some pics. Here's the best way to post them on here: viewtopic.php?f=9&t=146

Just be aware, most of the members on here are oriented towards the newer Bonnevilles, and aren't too familiar with the older ones. However, lots of things are basic mechanics, and we will definitely help where we can.

1oldman · Post by **1oldman** » Mon Jan 24, 2011 10:03 pm

alfromelkhorn wrote:I joined because of thr recent death of an elderly family friend. She has this '59 two-door Bonneville that has been in the garage since 1974. It is in very rough condition, but since I am into cars, she wants me to have it. I will need the help of members of this group to decide what to do with it. I have photos of it if anyone is interested.

~ Al

I think most of us would love to see pics of it. A '65 Bonneville in rough shape (no paint - all oxidized off) was going down the street and i like to have had an accident trying to "check it out" - lol - BC

alfromelkhorn · Post by **alfromelkhorn** » Tue Jan 25, 2011 1:18 am

Ok... I posted photos at http://s1119.photobucket.com/albums/k62 ... 3Dthemeadd. Let me know your thoughts. Remember... I said it was in rough shape.

00Beast · Post by **00Beast** » Tue Jan 25, 2011 1:21 am

Hm, somehow your link brings me back to this page. Copy the [IMG] tags (links) and paste them into a new post.

bonnevillain · Post by **bonnevillain** » Tue Jan 25, 2011 1:41 am

That URL had some extra crap, this should work:
http://s1119.photobucket.com/albums/k62 ... rn%20Find/

alfromelkhorn · Post by **alfromelkhorn** » Tue Jan 25, 2011 2:41 am

Thanks, both of you! I don't know why that link did't work, except that I was logged in when I copied it. Ryan's link works for me, but maybe my computer just recognizes the links where it has been before. Let me know (again).

~ Al

2002SLE · Post by **2002SLE** » Tue Jan 25, 2011 5:03 am

Very nice car doesn't look too bad though..good luck with it.. If I'm not mistaken that car had the widest track that's when pontiac started with the wide track ads then picked them up again in 97 for the Grand prix... Good luck with car like I said and I am sorry about the loss of your friend..

1oldman · Post by **1oldman** » Tue Jan 25, 2011 7:27 am

Wow! Great gift from a great friend. Thanks for the pics. Hope you, your family and the family of your friend are ok after the ladys passing.

Post by **WhiteArrow3800** » Tue Jan 25, 2011 2:20 pm

That's awesome, it looks like it's going to be a fun project! Welcome.

lash · Post by **lash** » Tue Jan 25, 2011 7:15 pm

That is an awesome car! There are definitely some people here that will be interested in helping you get this back on the road. The rest of us who may not have the expertise you'll need will enjoy following the build. Certainly start some threads with pictures as you do the work. I know that I, for one, will follow along.

Oh, and welcome to Pontiac Bonneville Club!

alfromelkhorn · Post by **alfromelkhorn** » Tue Jan 25, 2011 8:06 pm

What is everyone's opinion as far whether this car can be restored (if at all) at an affordable cost? Should I just sell the parts, or restore it?

~ Al

skregal · Post by **skregal** » Tue Jan 25, 2011 11:32 pm

Most of us in this club don't know much about restorations.
We focus more on "keep-'em-running" type projects.

A frame-off restoration is VERY expensive even if you have the
tools and know-how to do it yourself.

I would start at $40,000 to get this vehicle in decent operational shape
(just guessing mind you), and double that if you want it mint.

You should probably talk to some classic and vintage car clubs
where the members have all restored their cars and see if they
think it is worth the effort and money. Restorations are almost
always a net loss for the value they put into a car. It would
be a labor of love only.

Jeff_R · Post by **Jeff_R** » Wed Jan 26, 2011 8:09 pm

Very nice car!!!

One nice thing about the older Pontiacs, the engines are very similar from 1955 - 1979; which makes that part easier. The tranny is probably a Hydromatic, which can be difficult to find parts for (a TH400 can be installed, but will require a 1966 or later engine and some sledgehammer bodywork to get it to fit).

There are some reproduction parts available, but it looks like all of the hard to find stuff is still there (and in good shape).

Good luck!!!

alfromelkhorn · Post by **alfromelkhorn** » Thu Jan 27, 2011 3:02 pm

Thanks! Right now I am considering selling the car as is or parting it out. I will have it evaluated in the spring when I have it hauled here.

Al

Bonneville92V688 · Post by **Bonneville92V688** » Thu Jan 27, 2011 3:09 pm

In my opinion... unless you have quite a bit of money, it may be better to either part it out or sell it as a whole. Just the small shot you have of the frame by the gas tank and rockers being rotted spell trouble on the underside. It's literally going to need a top to bottom resto that will most likely cost no less than $10-15000 to complete. I can only imagine how bad the floors are!

94SilverSSEi · Post by **94SilverSSEi** » Thu Jan 27, 2011 6:22 pm

Overall it does not look to be in that bad of shape.
That being said a '59 is 52 years old. And that is old!

So it may take a very long time parting it out BUT the cars could be worth a lot of money because of the age and rarity.

If it was mine, I would either keep it as a project and just work little buy little or otherwise sell it as a whole. Unless you have the place to part it, that may be worth while.

human · Post by **human** » Fri Jan 28, 2011 12:10 am

Wow, that car brings back memories of the '59 Olds Fiesta 88 station wagon we had when I was a kid. GM had some cool styling in 1959 and '60. I've always liked those Chevys from that era that had the "eyebrow" tail lights. I really love that upholstery on this car. It's very period. It looks like it could be salvaged with some Murphy's Oil Soap and stitching up a couple of split seams.

As far as a full restoration goes, that's going to be quite a bit more involved--and pretty spendy. Definitely in the five figures. Your best resources for getting restoration estimates or to sell it whole or piece by piece would be your local chapter of the Antique Automobile Club of America. If you decide to sell it, consider advertising it in Hemmings Motor News. It will get the car noticed by people who will be able to put it to the best possible use.

alfromelkhorn · Post by **alfromelkhorn** » Mon Jan 31, 2011 10:46 pm

I appreciate all your wisdom and insight, guys. Everything you said makes sense. I love these old cars too, but am not prepared to sell one of my cars to restore this one. Maybe I can find the person who will show this old girl some love.

Al

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