1963 Pontiac Tempest/lemans Convertible - 326ho / 3spd - No Reserve on 2040-cars

1963 Pontiac Tempest

Convertible

3spd manual

326HO V8

CA Blackplate

Power Brakes

I've owned the car for approximately 10 years.  I purchased the car from a family in Culver City, CA and it was their son's car that he used in college at UC Berkeley.   They gave me a stack of service records that will be included with the car and as far as I can tell, this vehicle was bought new in southern California and never really left the state.  I believe the previous owner had the car since the 70's or 80's and from what I gather, it hadn't been running since the early to mid 90's.  When I bought the car it was mostly original (for better or worse).  It had the original 4cyl and 3 spd transmission as well as the tri-color blue interior and original hubcaps.  The motor didn't run and the interior was completely gone.  Aside from that, most of the cosmetic items were in ok condition and remain intact.   This is definitely not a show car but I think it has aged gracefully.

 My plan was to get the car into a driver and slowly work on the cosmetic items.  The first part of my plan worked and I kind of ran out of steam on the rest.   I found a donor '62 Lemans with a '63 326HO motor and trans.  I don't know the block code for the HO motor so I can't verify that this is actually the high performance motor but relative to 389's of this era that I've experienced, this little motor has good power for its smaller size.   With some help, I got the motor installed to the original trans.  The old trans lasted a few years before letting go under the power of the V8.  The original trans needs a rebuild and will be included with the car along with the original rope shaft and housing.  The current trans leaks but shifts fine.  The issue with the current drivetrain (and is a common problem with these cars) is the rope shaft.  In case you didn't know, this is a transaxle car with independent rear suspension and it was definitely the achilles heel of these small Pontiacs.  A year or so ago the small bearing that is located on the shaft went out.   What this means is that when the transmission is in gear and you let off the gas  and coast, there is a vibration that you can hear and feel.  The part itself is cheap and still available but finding someone to do the work is not.  I just kind of got used to kicking it out of gear when coming to a stop. 

The motor runs very good.  It has a 4bbl carb that is missing a choke but doesn't really seem to be an issue.  The battery in the car is less than a year old and the car starts with minimal effort.  10 - 15 pumps and it starts every time.  I try to drive it around the block at least once a week and the farthest I have ever driven the car is Malibu.  (30 miles one way).  The speedo cable broke a few years back so I dont know about the mileage but my guess is that I've put about 5,000 or so miles on this car since I've owned it.  I really hope this car finds a good home.  Its a very solid vehicle and if I had the space I would be willing to keep it around.  Thanks for looking and feel free to contact me if you have any questions.  -dan

Buyer to arrange all shipping.  I reserve the right to end the auction early.  Personal checks and money order ok.  Money must be cleared into my account before the vehicle will ship. 

Work I've done to the car:

Installed 326 Motor - Runs great. Pulls good and sounds even better.  No ticks or smoke. 

Rebuilt front end - All new bushings, tie rods, shocks and alignment.  ~$1500

Tires - Tons of tread left but the age of the tires is started to show.  I think there is a slow leak in the driver's side rear. 

New Battery

K&N filter

New Antenna

Rebuilt heater core - Works very well.  Controls are a little sticky but everything works here. 

Exhaust - Dual Flowmaster exhaust.  Sound is amazing.  The car is pretty loud but also sounds really good.  ~$600

New top motor.  I installed a new top motor and it lasted for a few months before the hydraulic rams or lines let go.  The motor seems to be fine but the other convertible top components will need to be replaced.  The tops goes up and down but you have to help it. 

Radiator rebuilt  and spacer added to the fan to get it closer to the radiator.  There is nothing wrong with the radiator except that this is the original 4cyl unit and it doesn't really seem up to the task of cooling a V8.  Its fine if you are moving but this car doesn't like stop and go traffic and the heat.  If you are going to drive it alot I would recommend adding an electric fan or upsizing the radiator.  With that said, I've never over heated the car, I could just tell when the needle gets around 200 degrees that its starts to loose a little power and act up. 

Rebuilt Brakes - All 4 corners were rebuilt.  Drums all around.  In hindsight I should have spent the money to convert the front to discs because even when these brakes are working their best they are very weak by modern standards.  Modulation is ok and there is a slight pull under braking. 

 Known Issues:

Cosmetic - Hopefully obvious from the photos.  The paint is original and has a nice patina.  Someone tried to buff the driver's side unsuccessfully.  Up close and in the right sunlight its noticeable.  You can see it in a few photos.  There is a softball size or larger dent in the rear passenger side near the bumper.  The rear valence on this side is also dented.  There is a silver dollar size rust spot on the passenger door.  The trunk also has some surface rust which is mostly minor.  Overall the trunk is pretty solid and is the worst place (rustwise) on the car.  The chrome on the bumpers needs to be re-done but it doesn't look terrible.  The chrome on the mirrors and convertible latches are bad.  Most of the interior chrome and emblems are in pretty good shape.  Windows cranks could use some love but most of that stuff is pretty easy to find I believe.  The top is very clean with one very small (less than a dime) tear on the passenger side.  The top window needs to be replaced. 

The seats are ok.  They are a cloth and vinyl combo.  Structurally they are sound for a 50 year old car.  They came with the donor '62 car and were meant to be temporary but I never got around to replacing the fabric.   

I had the carpet replaced when the seats were installed.  Its just ok.  It's in good shape currently but wasn't installed very well. 

The voltage and oil pressure on the center aftermarket gauges don't work.  The thermostat gauge works great and is VERY useful on this car. 

The gas guage works but when it hits 'E' you are done.  (I know this from experience.  Hear my words! Spare gas can not included)  Otherwise the rest of the gauges are bad but I will include a new gauge cluster with beautiful gauges and bezels.  Just needs a repaint on the exterior.  Original style AM radio will also be included.  The chrome is not great but it looks better than the current tape deck.  The current radio works but don't try to change the channel.  I found an oldies station and basically never turn the dial. 

The top leaks a small amount at the windshield in the middle.

The rear passenger side window needs some persuasion to raise from its lowered position. 

Body fit is really good.  Doors, trunk and hood open and close very well. 

Rubber seals need replacing all around.    

Spare tire included. (not shown)

Clean CA title in hand.