Ed Soriano MD

Hi again, I recently got the parts (all original-1956 Pontiac Star Chief) I sent for chroming to a known chroming company here in Manila. All steel parts like the heavy bumpers where chromed smooth and shiny. But parts made of zinc like emblems, tail light housing, door handles have lots of pimple like deformities. The company said that's the best they can do for my zinc parts. According to them the metal had lots of oxidation because of age. I wonder if this is really true or it was just not properly chromed. Is there a better way to chrome zinc metals in such condition? thanks.

What is the best source of info regarding parts/ part number for my 1956 Pontiac Star Chief 2 door catalina. I want a manual that also shows expanded view of the vehicle....I mean where a specific part goes into the car. Saw two books in the web. "Pontiac parts locating guide" and "Pontiac/Vauxhall Master Parts Catalog". Anyone out there familiar with these manuals or there is a better one besides the above mentioned books. Thanks

Got a 1956 Pontiac Star Chief 2 door catalina hardtop Style# 56-2837SD Body No# BW1280 Been looking for a front windshield....so confused if its windshield DW396 or DW394 that I need. If someone out there can help me. Thanks, Edward Soriano Philippines

thanks Tom, been looking for that info for months now. Boy I could just imagine the hard labor changing all those tires. That's a pain in the back! Bought a dealer brochure for 56 pontiacs. You are right 7.1 x 15 were the sizes they used before on the star chiefs. 7.6 x 15 were used mainly on the wagons. So it was optional on the sedans. thanks again. you are right Ron, sent lot of inquiries to a number of stores and it was only Universal who entertained me that well and the only one who admitted that they don;t have the molds and the tires are actually done by Specialty Tires not to mention their cheaper S&H to this part of the world.

Hi I am from the Philippines and new to the group. Been restoring my Dad's 1956 Pontiac Star Chief 2 door Catalina for sometime now. Been surfing the net for 7.1-15 bias ply white side tires. Found several stores offering these tires. Each one claiming they have their own molds and manufacture the tire themselves......Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classics, Universal. Anyone who has 1st hand experience with these tire brands? Thought of getting the original brand they used on the Pontiac Star Chief's during the 50s. Any idea what brand they use during those times? Hope you guys can help me decide which one to buy. It is really hard to buy by just looking at the pictures. Thanks

Hi I am from the Philippines and new to the group. Been restoring my Dad's 1956 Pontiac Star Chief 2 door Catalina for sometime now. Been surfing the net for 7.1-15 bias ply white side tires. Found several stores offering these tires. Each one claiming they have their own molds and manufacture the tire themselves......Firestone, US Royal, Coker Classics, Universal. Anyone who has 1st hand experience with these tire brands? Thought of getting the original brand they used on the Pontiac Star Chief's during the 50s. Any idea what brand they use during those times? Hope you guys can help me decide which one to buy. It is really hard to buy by just looking at the pictures. Thanks.