BARN FIND Pontiac Star Chief, will it RUN after 42 years?

[@mlj_the_shield]

Travis, a close friend in HS lost his real parents when he was young, and was raised by his grandmother here in Ohio. In 1988/89 I'd go over to his house, and she had a pristine mint 1957 star chief (red & white) all 100% bone stock all original she'd bought new. It was an unmolested garage queen; like 14k miles and still had the original whitewall tires. Granted the car was only about 31/32 years old then, but it was just unbelievable to sit in that thing and look it over. My Dad that year was working on a 55 Chevy & we also had a 56 Ford I took to prom in 1991. The Ford ran on leaded gas - not sure if you've ever had to mix gas in the tank, but that's the (only) benefit to being 50. Love the car and the channel sir, and we watch all your new videos.

[@theetravisb]

Wow that’s insane. Wonder what’s happened to that car now. Bein in pristine condition at 31 years old is still cool. Wonder if it stayed that way. And thanks for watching our new videos means a lot

[@clevelandmaker386]

​@@theetravisb2768!!!!...... YEAH.....RIGHT!!!!..... HA.!!! THATS NOT EVEN A GOOD DOWN PAYMENT ON A SOLSTICE FROM A USED CAR DEALER!!! FOR A HALF DECENT ONE ON MARKETPLACE MULTIPLY THAT BY 10.....GO UP ONE TRIM ....WIN THE LOTTERY

[@mlj_the_shield]

@@theetravisb I watch all your videos man. I'm entertained and I learn something. I could not believe that thermostat being that old opening up in the boiling water and closing again. That RANGE IS SICK! They don't make things like that today, although being 50 now I do remember 80's fridges sucking with regards to manually defrosting. I used to joke in my 1994 Florida apartment that each week my freezer got smaller...:)

[@mlj_the_shield]

@@theetravisb I'll ask him the next time I talk to him. She had to have passed in the 90s; probably sold at auction. It was as cherry as it got and like a time machine sitting in a dark dry garage. You'd have not been able to stand it...:)

[@AlexDonnieRigby]

U do have. A way with. V. W. Lol

[@BrorAppelsin]

That starter needs a medal!

[@dj33036]

I was thinking the same through out the whole video.

[@davidj4662]

Definitely the MVP.

[@jakerazmataz852]

They don't make them like that anymore.

[@WilliBill-qs9gd]

@@jakerazmataz852 Ya, i thought they would have burned it up long before it started.

[@daveallen8824]

Cadillac and Pontiac had Hydramatics, Chevy's had POwerglides and Turboglides, Olds had the Jetaway (which was really a Hydramatic anyway). I have owned a 57 Chevy, Pontiac Star Chief 4 door hardtop, and an Olds, all 57's. The Hydramatics were 4 speeds, Powerglides 2 speeds. Of course, Buick always went their own way with the Dynaflow. In 1971 I droveLeather i my Star Chief from Wichita to Ventura, California with no issues. It had been my great aunt's car; she had just got a new LTD. Leather interior, blue and white 2 tone - really clean car at the time with only 48k miles. I think until I got it, the 4 barrel had never had the secondaries opened. When I stuck my foot in it, it coughed and lurched, then took off and you would not believe all the dust and trash that blew out the exhaust! And of course it soon got an 8 track as well. I was just back from Vietnam; a lot of fun times were had in that car...but it was never as good as my 57 Chevy...

[@braxtonnelson5375]

It is such a good feeling to help an old friend get his car running again. I'd say he is lucky to have a friend like you! And what a wonderful car!

[@mfc4591]

Your kitchen is amazing. Thats a real skill, bringing back old stuff to good condition. Nice work on old smokey !

[@theetravisb]

Thank you love my kitchen.

[@romandjma.recordplayers7806]

Great video as always, Travis! These old car radios use vibrators(I know what some people are going to ask. No) that are used to make high voltage from the 6 or 12 volts from the battery. They have a filter capacitor that filters out the noise it makes so it doesn't come through the speakers, but after sitting for 67 years, it deforms and doesn't do it's job. That's what the buzzing noise from the radio is from

[@KameraShy]

Exactly

[@danswartwood4580]

When I was in high school back in the sixties my friend and neighbor had a 57 Pontiac Star Chief. He would give me a ride to school, it was the best of times

[@hernanmartinez8313]

It was nice to help someone get their old childhood memories of a old car running again

[@marksweetser8024]

“It’s gotta decide it’s a motor again…” you guys produce a great show. Thank you please keep it up.

[@stew6338]

Yep that old thermostat works perfectly. I knew it would. I have two of the exact same style from the 60s. I am in Australia and they built stuff to last back in the day.

[@theetravisb]

Absolutely did

[@KameraShy]

Got you beat on the stove. Mine is a 1938 Universal Simmer Save, but 4 burner, singe oven and broiler. Original to the house. Unrestored. Still works.

[@billywird]

We had a 57 Pontiac Chieftan it was a 2dr hardtop. It was originally black with yellow trim. My dad painted it a dodge color green with white trim. My sister had a crash where the right rear quarter panel was damaged. My dad found another Pontiac for parts (gave ten dollars for the whole car). He painted the car this time in British racing green with white top and trim. That was a good car. We rebuilt the engine and dad rebuilt the transmission (automatic). His co-workers said he could not do it but he did. We bought the car before we moved from Atlanta Ga to Jacksonville Fl. We did look at a 57 Star Chief (black and white) and after looking at a few more cars (used) my parents decided to go back and buy the Star chief only to find that it had just been sold so we wound up with the 57 Chieftan. Fond memories.

[@JeffKopis]

Ya know, Trav, MOST guys 40 years ago wouldnt spend the money to repaint and reupholster a 4-dr 1957 ANYTHING. They were strictly parts cars. Now that owner looks like a genius.

[@matta5534]

Out of all the different car shows I like watching on KZbin, yours is in my top 3 favorites! Super thorough, man.. love it! Thanks✌️

[@theetravisb]

Thanks that feedback means a lot!

[@johndonlon1611]

Cool car with a cool backstory and a functioning 8-track deck to boot. Thanks for sharing.

[@terryeustice5399]

Congratulations are in order that 1957 started. May need a rebuild. Rings are not sealing up. But if it ran long enough. They may come around. Thanks for sharing! 💯❤️👊👍

[@Cimmerian415]

Very cool stove Travis, it has almost as much chrome and stainless as that '57 Pontiac.

[@steeliewheelies]

Been a minute since a video like this, what a treat. Love the family history with the car. I knew it would run with you working on it, and sure enough there it is. I would have asked for the thermostat too lol. You have the house appliances we all want these days!

[@jamesmoon8947]

Well done those good men, a splendid job. Watching from Spain. Love your channel,thank you both so much.

[@theetravisb]

Glad you enjoy from Spain

[@michaelconverse5127]

Great video! Love the car, stove , fridge and table too. A friend of mine, Pete Gamen, restores vintage fridges at his shop, Kandyvan, in Chicago. You should look him and his work up. What’s next the car? Hopefully a drivetrain and brake overhaul, a full detail inside and out and drive the daylights out of it.

[@yogithebear7493]

Love the exploration of what works what doesent

[@sfcbrick]

Kudos to your perseverance. I thought for sure it would need at least some cylinder/ ring work before cranking. I'd rather 2 doors, but I'd make an exception for that car. Very good looking automobile! Thanks Travis!

[@bigmountain7561]

OMG Travis, I will be 64 later this year and I can tell you all the stuff he did because we all did the same things including your Dad!! Either you had a Fifty’s or a Malibu Chevelle Impala or Nova or a Goat or 442 or GS. Please stop making me feel old!!! LMAO!! Great Videos Thank You Travis🙏

[@TheToolmanTim]

What a blast from the past! I was in high school in the late 70s too. Seeing those surface mount speakers on the rear package tray reminded me of my 66 Lemans with a Kraco under dash stereo and 5" rear wedge speakers.

[@martinharris5017]

1:09 That kitchen is retro heaven! That stove and fridge...awesome!

[@pontiac411]

I love your kitchen, full of things made to last. I gathered some things from the 80s for mine, still going strong.

[@Gazza152hull]

The car is cool but that stove is amazing

[@Super.Deluxe1]

Dude you have an awesome house. Also super cool to see that car running again after soo long . Always enjoy your videos .

[@theetravisb]

Appreciate that!

[@itsmephil2255]

Well Travis, I know you are the star on your channel, but there's something about seeing Rick and it's like....yup it's all gonna be good 👍🏼 I know he has forgotten more than we know 😂

[@RustBeatersDerelicts]

My mom's side of the family is from the Creston / Greenfield / Orient area of Iowa. As a teenager visiting up there (late 1970's) I remember as the sun was going down, the young guys would start cruising their cars on the mains street with the occasional impromptu drag race. Good times...

[@geralderdek282]

What a great video guys! I too enjoy seeing things resurrected from the past. My favorite being the transistor radios from my childhood. I always choose one matching the years of one of my 3 classic cars, '59,'60,and '65 and set it on the front seat or package shelf at car shows.😊

[@jpgr9404]

Love it! I owned a 1955 Star Chief for 40 years. I sold it to a friend in 2005. Love these Pontiacs!

[@damianjackson9084]

What a fight ive gotta offer that starter a beer for a job well done, awesome video

[@indalecioalcaraz7263]

Interesting story about this great Pontiac...pure GM power

[@ellenempson1381]

This is great. My Dad had one of these and so its really neat to see this. Always been fascinated by 50s,60s,70s cars. My Dad taught me how a car runs and to look after one. This is amazing. LOVE your kitchen!!!!

[@RustyInventions-wz6ir]

Wow. What a beautiful car. Really nice

[@davidlaws1438]

Pretty cool 65 year old thermostat still working, ahhhh, the days of American made products, built to last 😮

[@LANTHENS]

One heck of a starter .

[@theetravisb]

Seriously

[@stephenholland5930]

​@@theetravisbI'm guessing Delco-Remy.

[@BFVgnr]

Very cool. Especially the thermostat.

[@darrenhawken9766]

Great revival, like to see you get this running good, take it for a drive 👍💨💨

[@richardatkinson500]

Hi Travis, enjoy watching and listening to your enthusiasm on Dan's car. BTW, 56 Studebaker Golden Hawk had electric wipers 😊

[@rickykey1175]

Pontiac all the way baby son very blessed old Pontiacs never die son.

[@chrisflaws6763]

I cheered when she started! Great effort! Love your kitchen too.

[@maximkayarosh2316]

Hi Trevor, I've never left a comment before, but this is my first time. I became a fan from your legendary video where you bought the blue Impala and had to drive 2,500 miles. That video captivated me. Since then, I've watched all your episodes without missing a single one. But today, your gas stove truly amazed me. It's not just a Cadillac like you said; it's more like a royal jet from the 50s.

[@theetravisb]

Thank you glad you’ve stuck around since then

[@stephenholland5930]

*Travis 😉

[@1944chevytruck]

GOOD JOB!...WHAT AN AWESOME STOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@theetravisb]

Thank you

[@ezerod1858]

Wow! It's been many years since I watch a such smoke screen when start an old engine. Yeah, I know it came from the tranny oil that you add to the cylinders but it was a chill moment for me when that engine fire up and all the smoke came out. Man you bring me back a good old memories.

[@Awsom47Merc]

Hey Travis haven't check in for a while. Love the Pontiacs. Not much on "more"doors but hey thats a good car to start on. Those am radios you put on the station you want to save then pull out on the button and push it all the way in to save the station. That one may be rusty so get some kroil on it first. I've got a 55 Dodge Truck with 1st gen Hemi. I run 1oz Marvel to 10gal regular gas to compensate for the ethanol. Works great. Cheers Buddy 👊😎👍

[@reddog6429]

Cool car, glad it finally started.....But .... I've never seen a thermostat open in a pan of boiling water. Cool!!!!

[@Rick356A]

She will come back around, jut needs to run a few times more, also that kitchen is excellent, i love the cooker with the light.

[@jeremykeech7549]

Beautiful car! Keep up the great content Travis! Always looking forward to the next video.

[@daviddamico4288]

Travis ,you are amazing with all that you do.. I love watching your videos

[@JohnSklander-lf7oo]

That's kinda like A Cheech and Chong movie up in Smoke 😂 just kidding I love y'all channel 👍 keep up the good work 💪🤗

[@allenmoore4400]

Good job my 1969 ford f100 has an 8 track player that still works

[@edsyphan3425]

I owned 62 and 63 Catalinas back in early seventies, still think they are the best, but boy this thing looks so great cleaned up.

[@thomasputnam4491]

I wouldn't Let you work on my car how crazy is putting washers under the rocker.and if you turned the timeing alittle it would start better all you had to do was tap that rocker with a mallet to free up valve now you pulled the stud out of the head good job..

[@emiliosanchez5621]

Kudos for your perseverance on getting that old yet beautiful chieftain to run

[@uvprofile67]

My mom had that exact Okeefe & Merritt stove only with the griddle in the middle instead or burners. I said WOW about 20 times. Thanks...peace.

[@lar4305]

The car is cool, but the old stove and your kitchen is fantastic. I love the 1950's , it was a great time to be a kid.

[@hatrickmusicnz]

Great work guys. I laughed so hard when your dad walked out through the smoke toward the end. Keep up the good work. Steve from New Zealand.

[@jdnrotterdam2150]

I like your house sir. Very nice furniture. It looks like they put more effort in them and the materials are from better quality

[@theetravisb]

Yes they did

[@theetravisb]

And thanks

[@OmarDenarzi]

Appreciate that you have gone for something a little bit different this time and not bringing another advanced design GM product.

[@jamespn]

That transmission with reverse on the bottom is the same one I had in my 64 Catalina.

[@stephenholland5930]

The Turbo-Hydramatic came out in 1965 with the PRNDSL sector. S for Super.

[@rudybriskar5267]

Beautiful stove!

[@williamkarenschrecengost8408]

Travis, it’s great to see the patients you have. Great job

[@theetravisb]

Thank you

[@ChannelNotFound]

So jealous he got to enjoy the car. I grew up lusting over my grandpas old car. First car my family ever owned new. It sat in the garage since 85 all disassambled after getting restored. Its a 1970 Fiat 125p 1300. Used to play in it as a kid, and hoped to fix it, and have it be my first car. We ended up moving to the US in 2005, and it never happened. I'm now 28, and have given up all hope on it. Saw it for the first time 2 years ago, and theres rot under the paint. Even the frame is jelly under the rubber coating.

[@johnmullins2798]

Cool car! It sure fought ya every step of the way.

[@darkenfly32]

That one made you work for it…. Good job 👍

[@bradbeall392]

That old gas stove is awesome!!! And BTW, it would’ve been easy to siphon the fluid back out of the power steering unit so you could remove that valve cover.

[@tombob671]

Very fine job 👏👏👏👏👍👍

[@milokerrigan7256]

Cool car and cool house there sir! Nice! 👍🏼 😊

[@AllenPaulTrego]

Way over here in. Sc always great show. My sister had an old 58 Chevy black and white best I can remember. Early 60s. Glad to see your channel has grown. Great one as always. Thanks

[@PapaFixit]

What a 🍒 cherry pick. No matter what it needs knowing the car for life makes it soooo special.

[@ClassicNova]

Hi Travis, another video of yours that I really enjoyed - thank you for making them, they help me to de stress and give me something to look forward to. I was worried that you wouldn’t get this car started as the video was running down but thankfully you did!! The old thermostat is a nice piece of engineering too, cool that it still works. Keep up the great work that you and your dad do. 🙏🏼 Peter

[@vonscharf]

Dude …you have great taste ! The 50s stuff is very cool

[@alcolvin1]

You were thinking in the correct direction. Pontiac used the Hydra-Matic transmission in the "57 Pontiac and in numerous Pontiac's even back in the early 1950's.

[@jasonpetrich4141]

Travis bud ofcourse the glove box door was a cup holder, no console and they would of been spending ALOT of time at the drive in theaters, lots of popcorn in your lap and fountain pop on the door!!!!! Girl next to you to cuddle,!!!! 🤠 what a time it would of been

[@rich-mp6dm]

You got one the best channels on KZbin. When are you going to do another road video like the Impala?

[@AbcDef-iq4no]

I like your Fire King jadeite mugs on the shelf next to your stove, as well as the queen's wreath vine growing next to the garage where you were working on this Pontiac.

[@SeanStevens24]

Great as always. That starter deserves Starter of the Year

[@kenzahner2682]

Absolutely love your mid-century modern kitchen!

[@theetravisb]

Thank you

[@WilliBill-qs9gd]

To set a button to a station, you tune it with the knob get the station you want, then pull out on one of the buttons and push it back in.

[@friguy4444]

This car is worth the time effort and cash to get it on the road again!! SWEET machine! Plus the condition isn't nearly as bad as many seen being invested in by people. Hilarious how they are running the engine and slowly they are going out of sight. Going... going....going....gone....... Where did they go?? LOL

[@christopherharris6005]

Awesome video as always Travis.

[@Rob-Müller]

Those radio presets can be set to any station you want. Simply tune in to a station, then pull one of the preset buttons all the way out and then push it all the way in. At least that is how most radios worked back in the day.

[@brucemelton4983]

Mate, I would have torn my hair out on this one so I admire your staying power! Also love the appliances , I myself have a 1950s fridge and Formica table 😃

[@THROTTLEPOWER]

Very cool!!!!

[@hotrodZack1948]

Dude dont tighten the rocker! If the valve is stick down youll snap something you need to always check the valve is coming up first!

[@hotrodZack1948]

Yep i called it, that’s probably why the stud pulled out.

[@AM-zx1ol]

I was pulling my hair out as I saw.... Not removing the valve cover saving a half quart of oil.. Painful mistakes. Forcing carb shaft by pliers .. Lol must be banned from this type of work until read more about the subject. Ruining old things by neglecting to learn the basics...

[@gman9035]

👍👍👍 Really enjoy your videos

[@theetravisb]

Appreciate that

[@stude1953]

$2700 back in 1957 was ALOT of money! Probably like $27,000 today! Too bad it's a four door.

[@johnlydon533]

Great video Travis. Enjoyed watching. 👍🏼👍🏼

[@scotttait2197]

Great video , that motor deserves a rebuild , greetings fron Glasgow Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@JohnBurdette-or7if]

Fantastic stove really nice .

[@robbblue4516]

That poor old starter. Must be built to last unlike anything today.

[@lil_rios]

always get so excited when i see a new vid🔥

[@theetravisb]

That’s awesome thanks man

[@MrSkoda105s]

Super cool. Love your interior. You are like me. Greetings from the Netherlands.

[@Zoompipes]

I had a 1955 the car was in great shape I bought it In the fal of 1979 going into high school the motor was bad so me an my dad witch was a mechanic help me put an 1967 389 motor an granny out of a wrecked 1967 pontiac Catalina

[@WilliamDuncan-ch3nj]

Wow, love that compression gauge! Lol

[@DaveFoster-q1g]

What a sweetheart Poncho

[@johncoffman2703]

Awesome video

[@BMWMike]

You have almost the same General Electric refrigerator as we do. Different handles and badging but the same style. We are in the UK and I won it on eBay for £1. It needs restoring though. It powers on but doesn't get cold.