1955 Pontiac Safari Star Chief 2dr Wagon - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**LEEVON** · 01-17-2020, 02:31 PM

Well I had been longingly looking at one photo of this car on a lift in the back of a shop for 8 or 9 years until I had a chance to buy it this summer. Fortunately it doesn't need much but there are plenty of small projects to make it mine. In 1955 Chevrolet Nomad wagons outnumbered Pontiac Safari wagons by 2.2 to 1. There aren't many left and they sported the unique first year v8 for pontiac, the 287.

**LEEVON** · 01-17-2020, 02:38 PM

The previous owner replaced a 350/350 combo with a correct original 287 and hydramatic four speed and probably didn't put 100 miles on the drivetrain. I had to finish a couple of temp linkages and adjustments and address leaks etc. After it was road worthy I started a disc brake conversion, man what a fiasco that was thanks to a unique power booster and master cylinder design and some custom parts issues. Was able to get a little late season cruising in before putting her up for the winter.

**LEEVON** · 01-17-2020, 02:42 PM

During the disc brake conversion I updated from LH to RH thread wheel studs and took the opportunity to upgrade wheels and tires. The old Cragars didn't look bad but the tires were ancient and staggered sizes, not to mention universal lug pattern which I am not a fan of. I opted for some correctly sized chrome reverse with thin white walls, bullet lugs and bullet cones.

**LEEVON** · 01-17-2020, 02:44 PM

The hood ornaments on the '55s actually light up. Mine was cracked and crazed but I was able to find a new one which arrived several months after I ordered it....so worth the wait though!

**LEEVON** · 01-17-2020, 02:45 PM

I wanted to add the optional front bumper "overrider" kit and amazingly found an NOS one in the box on Ebay. That will be my next project.

**1968k20** · 01-17-2020, 02:59 PM

That's a nice car!

67C10Step · 01-17-2020, 03:14 PM

That is a very, very nice rare bird right there. The four smiles says it all.

**JMac11** · 01-17-2020, 05:43 PM

My mom's first car was a triple white 55 Star Chief Convertible. Never seen one in person.

**mongocanfly** · 01-17-2020, 06:18 PM

Wow...that's one sweet ride..!!

rsavage · 01-17-2020, 07:41 PM

Super rare poncho. Love it!

**lolife99** · 01-17-2020, 10:02 PM

Beautiful unique car!

**Ironhorse** · 01-18-2020, 07:58 AM

Great looking Poncho and a very rare ride for sure, the hood ornament is just too cool. Glad you were able to snag it finally. Looks like the ''crew'' are enjoying the cruising time. Good times there for sure.

Russell Ashley · 01-18-2020, 06:46 PM

Beautiful ride, your family seems to like it. Your wheel and tire upgrade is a good improvement.

**LEEVON** · 01-18-2020, 07:14 PM

Thanks ya'll, will keep you posted on it's journey!

Greg58 · 01-18-2020, 10:48 PM

Nice looking car, I'm an old Pontiac guy. I had a 58 Chieftain for a while.
The pic of your happy family cruising makes it all worth while!!

Greg

**Clyde65** · 01-23-2020, 08:39 PM

THAT is a beautiful Poncho! I love everything about it!

CG · 02-09-2020, 06:39 PM

I liked the old Cragar wheels but you really nailed it with the new tire/wheel combo, great look!

**Ironhorse** · 02-19-2020, 09:57 AM

In your 2nd post you mentioned a ''4 speed Hydra/matic" trans. Can you post a pic of the column gear selector? Is it actually 4 forward speeds? Never knew such existed back then.

**LEEVON** · 03-06-2020, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CG

I liked the old Cragar wheels but you really nailed it with the new tire/wheel combo, great look!

Thanks! I am going for the mild custom look with those. I think the car has a classy look, no so much "hot rod". Bullet lug nuts and cones are my go-to with the chrome reverse. Plus I can get quality thin whites for like $65/tire.

**LEEVON** · 03-06-2020, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ironhorse

In your 2nd post you mentioned a ''4 speed Hydra/matic" trans. Can you post a pic of the column gear selector? Is it actually 4 forward speeds? Never knew such existed back then.

Here is some data on the hydra-matic. I can tell you functionally that it drives very well and it's nice to have a fourth gear, 65mph no problem more than that is pushing a little. It's like a manual/auto shift so the feel takes a little getting used to. And you park the car and shut it off in reverse, then start it in neutral. The dual-range drive mode is for kickdown or kickdown lock-out.

This was a flagship trans for GM starting in 48? I'm not very familiar with this era or knowledgeable about internal transmission workings in general but fortunately I got a factory 1955 hydra-matic manual with the car. That saved my bacon on the adjustments. Sadly, the old guys that know these transmissions, sell parts and rebuild them are aging out. In 30 years, it'll either work or have to get swapped out for something generic. Remarkably, besides the adjustments and linkage issues, Mark (friend I bought the car from) was able to re-create the factory drivetrain back into the car very well. When he bought the car it has a 350/350 and he just didn't think that was right, I agree. He found another '55 Pontiac with a complete engine and trans and had the whole combo rebuilt and transplanted it. I am very glad he did!

notsolo · 03-06-2020, 12:09 PM

Wow....cool car....red and white interior is awesome. Chief Pontiac score...Perfect.

Russell Ashley · 03-06-2020, 06:58 PM

I see one improvement in your pics above that was made between 1951 and 1955. I had a 1951 Pontiac with hydra-matic and to check and/or add fluid you had to pull up the floor mat on the passenger side and remove a round plug, but I see an under-hood dipstick in the pic. Pontiac made a lot of improvements in those years, especially in styling. That's a beautiful wagon you have.

01-17-2020, 02:31 PM	#1
LEEVON Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,887	1955 Pontiac Safari Star Chief 2dr Wagon Well I had been longingly looking at one photo of this car on a lift in the back of a shop for 8 or 9 years until I had a chance to buy it this summer. Fortunately it doesn't need much but there are plenty of small projects to make it mine. In 1955 Chevrolet Nomad wagons outnumbered Pontiac Safari wagons by 2.2 to 1. There aren't many left and they sported the unique first year v8 for pontiac, the 287. Attached Images __________________ '20 Silverado Trail Boss ~ '17 Tahoe ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~ '55 Pontiac Safari ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids

01-17-2020, 02:38 PM	#2
LEEVON Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,887	Re: 1955 Pontiac Safari Star Chief 2dr Wagon The previous owner replaced a 350/350 combo with a correct original 287 and hydramatic four speed and probably didn't put 100 miles on the drivetrain. I had to finish a couple of temp linkages and adjustments and address leaks etc. After it was road worthy I started a disc brake conversion, man what a fiasco that was thanks to a unique power booster and master cylinder design and some custom parts issues. Was able to get a little late season cruising in before putting her up for the winter. Attached Images __________________ '20 Silverado Trail Boss ~ '17 Tahoe ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~ '55 Pontiac Safari ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids

01-17-2020, 02:42 PM	#3
LEEVON Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,887	Re: 1955 Pontiac Safari Star Chief 2dr Wagon During the disc brake conversion I updated from LH to RH thread wheel studs and took the opportunity to upgrade wheels and tires. The old Cragars didn't look bad but the tires were ancient and staggered sizes, not to mention universal lug pattern which I am not a fan of. I opted for some correctly sized chrome reverse with thin white walls, bullet lugs and bullet cones. Attached Images __________________ '20 Silverado Trail Boss ~ '17 Tahoe ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~ '55 Pontiac Safari ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids

01-17-2020, 02:44 PM	#4
LEEVON Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,887	Re: 1955 Pontiac Safari Star Chief 2dr Wagon The hood ornaments on the '55s actually light up. Mine was cracked and crazed but I was able to find a new one which arrived several months after I ordered it....so worth the wait though! Attached Images __________________ '20 Silverado Trail Boss ~ '17 Tahoe ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~ '55 Pontiac Safari ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids

01-17-2020, 02:45 PM	#5
LEEVON Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,887	Re: 1955 Pontiac Safari Star Chief 2dr Wagon I wanted to add the optional front bumper "overrider" kit and amazingly found an NOS one in the box on Ebay. That will be my next project. Attached Images __________________ '20 Silverado Trail Boss ~ '17 Tahoe ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~ '55 Pontiac Safari ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids

01-17-2020, 02:59 PM	#6
1968k20 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Chester,California Posts: 5,618	Re: 1955 Pontiac Safari Star Chief 2dr Wagon That's a nice car! __________________ 1977 Chevrolet K10 SWB Project 350/4spd/np205 1977 Chevrolet K20 LWB 350/350/203 1991 4Runner 22RE 5 SPD Yanmar Tractor 3 Cyl Diesel

01-17-2020, 03:14 PM	#7
67C10Step Registered User Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: Beebe, AR Posts: 2,402	Re: 1955 Pontiac Safari Star Chief 2dr Wagon That is a very, very nice rare bird right there. The four smiles says it all. __________________ 1967 C10 1980 Jeep CJ5 2020 Toyota 4Runner 2020 Toyota CH-R 2020 Acura MDX

01-17-2020, 05:43 PM	#8
JMac11 Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Tallahassee Fl Posts: 773	Re: 1955 Pontiac Safari Star Chief 2dr Wagon My mom's first car was a triple white 55 Star Chief Convertible. Never seen one in person.

01-17-2020, 06:18 PM	#9
mongocanfly Post Whore Join Date: May 2015 Location: Alabama Posts: 14,579	Re: 1955 Pontiac Safari Star Chief 2dr Wagon Wow...that's one sweet ride..!! __________________ Mongo...aka Greg RIP Dad RIP Jesse 1981 C30 LQ9 NV4500..http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=753598 Mongos AD- LS3 TR6060...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...34#post8522334 Columbus..the 1957 IH 4x4...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...63#post8082563 2023 Chevy Z71..daily driver

01-17-2020, 07:41 PM	#10
rsavage Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Alden NY Posts: 2,705	Re: 1955 Pontiac Safari Star Chief 2dr Wagon Super rare poncho. Love it! __________________ 1961 C1 Corvette 1959 El Camino 350 TPI, 9" 4 w disc 69 Blazer K5 - sold July '20 2021 Durango RT 5.7

01-17-2020, 10:02 PM	#11
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,682	Re: 1955 Pontiac Safari Star Chief 2dr Wagon Beautiful unique car! __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823

01-18-2020, 07:58 AM	#12
Ironhorse Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Wellington, Ks Posts: 10,008	Re: 1955 Pontiac Safari Star Chief 2dr Wagon Great looking Poncho and a very rare ride for sure, the hood ornament is just too cool. Glad you were able to snag it finally. Looks like the ''crew'' are enjoying the cruising time. Good times there for sure. __________________ 1971 Chevy 1/2T 4x4 LWB 350 V-8 Was sm465-now 350TH/np205 Tilt, Tach, Towhooks Original Truck AM/FM Wellington, Ks

01-18-2020, 06:46 PM	#13
Russell Ashley Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lawrenceville, Ga Posts: 2,640	Re: 1955 Pontiac Safari Star Chief 2dr Wagon Beautiful ride, your family seems to like it. Your wheel and tire upgrade is a good improvement.

01-18-2020, 07:14 PM	#14
LEEVON Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,887	Re: 1955 Pontiac Safari Star Chief 2dr Wagon Thanks ya'll, will keep you posted on it's journey! __________________ '20 Silverado Trail Boss ~ '17 Tahoe ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~ '55 Pontiac Safari ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids

01-18-2020, 10:48 PM	#15
Greg58 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Valley, NE. Posts: 995	Re: 1955 Pontiac Safari Star Chief 2dr Wagon Nice looking car, I'm an old Pontiac guy. I had a 58 Chieftain for a while. The pic of your happy family cruising makes it all worth while!! Greg __________________ ________________ 1970 GMC Sierra Grande, 2500 133" wb, 402, 4spd. 2007 GMC 3500 SRW 4x4, Crew cab, Duramax/Allison. (Sold} 1987 Chevy Suburban 2500, Silverado, 2wd, 454, t-400 2023 Chevy Silverado LT 3500, crew cab, longbox, 4x4 Z-71 Duramax.



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

01-23-2020, 08:39 PM	#16
Clyde65 1965 Chevy C10, 2005 4.8L/4l60 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 8,539	Re: 1955 Pontiac Safari Star Chief 2dr Wagon THAT is a beautiful Poncho! I love everything about it! __________________ Clyde65 Rebuild of Clyde http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post8338184 69 Aristocrat Lo Liner build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post7561684 *support our troops!*

02-09-2020, 06:39 PM	#17
CG BlahBlahBlah Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Monroe, Wa. Posts: 19,769	Re: 1955 Pontiac Safari Star Chief 2dr Wagon I liked the old Cragar wheels but you really nailed it with the new tire/wheel combo, great look! __________________ … … … … … … … … ... … … … … … … … … … … … Monroe Swap meet May 18-19. Mike has the same spots for the NW guys he's had forever. Lunch time BBQ at the spaces. If you have stuff to sell bring it along. If you have a question PM stllookn (Mike) here via the board. https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=851291

02-19-2020, 09:57 AM	#18
Ironhorse Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Wellington, Ks Posts: 10,008	Re: 1955 Pontiac Safari Star Chief 2dr Wagon In your 2nd post you mentioned a ''4 speed Hydra/matic" trans. Can you post a pic of the column gear selector? Is it actually 4 forward speeds? Never knew such existed back then. __________________ 1971 Chevy 1/2T 4x4 LWB 350 V-8 Was sm465-now 350TH/np205 Tilt, Tach, Towhooks Original Truck AM/FM Wellington, Ks

03-06-2020, 12:09 PM	#21
notsolo Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Md Posts: 2,451	Re: 1955 Pontiac Safari Star Chief 2dr Wagon Wow....cool car....red and white interior is awesome. Chief Pontiac score...Perfect. __________________ http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=635605

03-06-2020, 06:58 PM	#22
Russell Ashley Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lawrenceville, Ga Posts: 2,640	Re: 1955 Pontiac Safari Star Chief 2dr Wagon I see one improvement in your pics above that was made between 1951 and 1955. I had a 1951 Pontiac with hydra-matic and to check and/or add fluid you had to pull up the floor mat on the passenger side and remove a round plug, but I see an under-hood dipstick in the pic. Pontiac made a lot of improvements in those years, especially in styling. That's a beautiful wagon you have.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.