1953 PONTIAC

Model Designations:

Pontiac Chieftain, Series 25, 6 Cylinder

Pontiac Chieftain, Series 27, 8 Cylinder

Pontiac Chieftain, Series 25, 6 Cylinder, Body Styles:

Special:

4 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger, Body Style # 2569W

Base Price: $2,015; Shipping Weight: 3,391 Pounds

2 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger, Body Style # 2511W

Base Price: $1,956; Shipping Weight: 3,341 Pounds

Station Wagon, 8/6 Passenger, Body Style #2562

Base Price: $2,450; Shipping Weight: 3,633 Pounds

Individual Body Style Production Not Available

DeLuxe:

4 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger, Body Style # 2569D

Base Price: $2,119; Shipping Weight: 3,396 Pounds

2 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger, Body Style # 2511D

Base Price: $2,060; Shipping Weight: 3,356 Pounds

2 Door Hardtop Catilina Coupe, 6 Passenger, Body Style # 2537D

Base Price: $2,304; Shipping Weight: 3,416

2 Door DeLuxe Convertible Coupe, 6 Passenger, Body Style #2567DTX

Base Price: $2,444; Shipping Weight: 3,546 Pounds

Station Wagon, 6 Passenger, Body Style #2563DF

Base Price: $2,590; Shipping Weight: 3,636 Pounds

Station Wagon, 8/6 Passenger, Body Style #2563F

Base Price: $2,505; Shipping Weight: 3,606 Pounds

"D" in Body Style Number indicates DeLuxe Trim

Individual Body Style Production Not Available

Pontiac Chieftain Custom Six, Series 25, 6 Cylinder, Body Styles:

2 Door Hardtop DeLuxe Catilina Coupe, 6 Passenger, Body Style # 2537SD

Base Price: $2,370; Shipping Weight: 3,418

"D" in Body Style Number indicates DeLuxe Trim

Individual Body Style Production Not Available

Pontiac Chieftain, Series 27, 8 Cylinder, Body Styles:

Special:

4 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger, Body Style # 2569W

Base Price: $2,090; Shipping Weight: 3,456 Pounds

2 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger, Body Style # 2511W

Base Price: $2,031; Shipping Weight: 3,421 Pounds

Station Wagon, 8/6 Passenger, Body Style #2562

Base Price: $2,525; Shipping Weight: 3,713 Pounds

Individual Body Style Production Not Available

DeLuxe:

4 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger, Body Style # 2569D

Base Price: $2,194; Shipping Weight: 3,471 Pounds

2 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger, Body Style # 2511D

Base Price: $2,136; Shipping Weight: 3,436 Pounds

2 Door Hardtop Catalina Coupe, 6 Passenger, Body Style # 2537D

Base Price: $2,380; Shipping Weight: 3,496

2 Door DeLuxe Convertible Coupe, 6 Passenger, Body Style #2567DTX

Base Price: $2,515; Shipping Weight: 3,626 Pounds

Station Wagon, 8/6 Passenger, Body Style #2562F

Base Price: $2,580; Shipping Weight: 3,686 Pounds

Station Wagon, 6 Passenger, Body Style #2562DF

Base Price: $2,664; Shipping Weight: 3,716 Pounds

"D" in Body Style Number indicates DeLuxe Trim

Individual Body Style Production Not Available

Pontiac Chieftain Custom Eight, Series 27, 8 Cylinder, Body Styles:

2 Door Hardtop Catalina Coupe, 6 Passenger, Body Style # 2537SD

Base Price: $2,446; Shipping Weight: 3,496

Chassis:

Wheelbase: 122"

Tire Size:

Standard: 7.10 X 15"

Special Equipment: 7.60 X 15"

Rear Axle Ratios, 6 Cylinder:

Standard: 4.10:1

Mountain: 4.30:1

Hydramatic: 3.08:1

Rear Axle Ratios, 8 Cylinder:

Standard: 3.90:1

Mountain: 4.10:1

Hydramatic: 3.08:1

General Engine Specifications:

Pontiac, 6 Cylinder Models, Manual Transmission:

Engine Type: In-Line 6 Cylinder, L-Head

Bore & Stroke: 3-9/16" X 4"

Engine Displacement: 239.2 Cu. In.

Compresssion Ratio: 7.00 to 1

Taxable Horsepower: 30.40

Horsepower: 115 @ 3,800 RPM

Torque: 193 Ft Lbs @ 2,000 RPM

Normal Oil Pressure: 35 PSI

Pontiac, 6 Cylinder Models, Automatic Transmission:

Engine Type: In-Line 6 Cylinder, L-Head

Bore & Stroke: 3-9/16" X 4"

Engine Displacement: 239.2 Cu. In.

Compresssion Ratio: 7.70 to 1

Taxable Horsepower: 30.40

Horsepower: 118 @ 3,800 RPM

Torque: 197 Ft Lbs @ 2,000 RPM

Normal Oil Pressure: 35 PSI

Pontiac, 8 Cylinder Models, Manual Transmission:

Engine Type: In-Line 8 Cylinder, L-Head

Bore & Stroke: 3-3/8" X 3-3/4"

Engine Displacement: 268 Cu. In.

Compresssion Ratio: 6.80 to 1

Taxable Horsepower: 36.45

Horsepower: 118 @ 3,600 RPM

Torque: 222 Ft Lbs @ 2,200 RPM

Normal Oil Pressure: 35 PSI

Pontiac, 8 Cylinder Models, Automatic Transmission:

Engine Type: In-Line 8 Cylinder, L-Head

Bore & Stroke: 3-3/8" X 3-3/4"

Engine Displacement: 268.2 Cu. In.

Compresssion Ratio: 7.70 to 1

Taxable Horsepower: 36.45

Horsepower: 122 @ 3,600 RPM

Torque: 222 Ft Lbs @ 2,200 RPM

Normal Oil Pressure: 35 PSI

Capacities:

6 Cylinder Models:

Cooling System:

Without Heater: 18-1/4 Quarts

With Heater: 20 Quarts

Radiator Cap Pressure: 6-1/4 to 7-1/2 PSI

Fuel Tank: 20 Gallons;

Engine Oil Refill: 5 Quarts*

Manual Transmission: 1-3/4 Pints

Hydra-Matic Transmission: 11 Quarts

Rear Axle: 3-1/4 Pints

* Add 1 Quart for Oil Filter

8 Cylinder Models:

Cooling System:

Without Heater: 18-3/4 Quarts

With Heater: 20-1/2 Quarts

Fuel Tank: 20 Gallons

Engine Oil Refill: 5 Quarts*

Manual Transmission: 1-3/4 Pints

Hydra-Matic Transmission: 11 Quarts

Rear Axle: 3-1/4 Pints

* Add 1 Quart for Oil Filter

Tune Up Specifications:

6 Cylinder Models

Ground Polarity: Negative

Voltage: 6 Volts

Spark Plug Type: AC 44-5

Spark Plug: Gap .025"

Point Gap: .022"

Distributor Cam Angle: 31-37 Degrees

Firing Order: 1-5-3-6-2-4

Ignition Timing: "IGN" Mark on Vibration Damper (Second Line Under Pointer)

Engine Idle Speed: 520-540 RPM

Cylinder Head Torque: 60 Ft Lbs

Compression Pressure @ Cranking Speed:

Hydramatic: 139 PSI (Minimum)

Manual Transmission: 123 PSI (Minimum)

8 Cylinder Models:

Ground Polarity: Negative

Voltage: 6 Volts

Spark Plug Type: AC 44-5

Spark Plug: Gap .025"

Point Gap: .016"

Distributor Cam Angle: 21-30 Degrees

Firing Order: 1-6-2-5-8-3-7-4

Ignition Timing: "IGN" Mark on Vibration Damper

Engine Idle Speed: 450-475 RPM

Cylinder Head Torque: 60 Ft Lbs

Compression Pressure @ Cranking Speed:

Hydramatic: 139 PSI (Minimum)

Manual Transmission: 123 PSI (Minimum)

Valve Specifications:

6 Cylinder Models:

Operating Clearance, Running Hot:

Intake .012"

Exhaust .012"

Valve Seat Angle: Intake 30 degrees; Exhaust 45 degrees

Valve Timing:

Intake Opens 12-1/2 Degrees Before Top Dead Center

Exhaust Closes 12-1/2 degrees After Top Dead Center

Valve Spring Pressure: 101 Lbs @ 1-19/32"

Valve Lift, Zero Lash:

Intake: .2968"

Exhaust: .2968"

Valve Stem Clearance:

Intake .001"

Exhaust .001"

Valve Stem Diameter:

Intake: .3105"

Exhaust: .3105"

8 Cylinder Models:

Operating Clearance, Running Hot:

Intake .012"

Exhaust .012"

Valve Seat Angle: Intake 30 degrees; Exhaust 45 degrees

Valve Timing:

Intake Opens 5 Degrees Before Top Dead Center

Exhaust Closes 5 degrees After Top Dead Center

Valve Spring Pressure: 105 Lbs @ 1-19/32"

Valve Lift, Zero Lash:

Intake: .2968"

Exhaust: .2968"

Valve Stem Clearance:

Intake .001"

Exhaust .001"

Valve Stem Diameter:

Intake: .3105"

Exhaust: .3105"

Pistons, Rings, Wrist Pin, Crankshaft, & Bearing Data:

6 Cylinder Models:

Piston Removal: From Above

Fitting Pistons:

Shim Thickness: .0015"

Pounds Pull on Scale: 10 to 20

Ring End Gap:

Compression Ring: .006"

Oil Ring:

Early Models: .012"

Late Models: .005"

Wristpin Diameter: .9372"

Rod Bearings:

Shaft Diameter: 2.1237"-2.1247"

Rod Bearing Clearance: .0001"-.002"

Rod End Play: .007"-.012"

Rod Bolt Torque: 45-50 Ft. Lbs.

Main Bearings:

Shaft Diameter:

#1: 2.4962"-2.4992"; #2: 2.5294"-2.5304";

#3: 2.5919"-2.5929"; #4: 2.6232"-2.6242"

Main Bearing Clearance: .0003"-.0023"

Crankshaft End Play: .003"-.008"

Thrust on #3 Bearing

Main Bolt Torque: 95 Ft. Lbs; (120 Ft. Lbs on Rear Cap)

8 Cylinder Models:

Piston Removal: From Above

Fitting Pistons:

Shim Thickness: .0015"

Pounds Pull on Scale: 10 to 20

Ring End Gap:

Compression Ring: .008"

Oil Ring: .008"

Wristpin Diameter: .9372"

Rod Bearings:

Shaft Diameter: 1.9987"-1.9997"

Rod Bearing Clearance: .0001"-.002"

Rod End Play: .007"-.012"

Rod Bolt Torque: 45-50 Ft. Lbs.

Main Bearings:

Shaft Diameter:

#1: 2.3732"-2.3742"; #2: 2.4044"-2.4054"; #3: 2.4357"-2.4367"

#4: 2.4669"-2.4679"; #5: 2.4982"-2.4992"

Main Bearing Clearance: .0003"-.0023"

Crankshaft End Play: .003"-.008"

Thrust on #4 Bearing

Main Bolt Torque: 95 Ft. Lbs; (120 Ft. Lbs on Rear Cap)

Delco-Remy Distributor Specifications:

6 Cylinder Models:

Distributor #1110232

Rotation: Counter-Clockwise

Cam Angle: 31-37 Degrees

Breaker Point Opening: .022"

Condenser Capacity: .18-.23 Mfds.

Breaker Arm Spring Tension: 17-21 Ounces

Centrifugal Advance Data:

Advance Starts: 1 Degree @ 450 RPM

Full Advance: 11 Degrees @ 1,950 RPM

Vacuum Advance Data:

Inches of Vacuum to Start Plunger Movement: 4" to 6"

Inches of Vacuum for Full Plunger Travel: 20-1/2"

Maximum Vacuum Advance: 11 Degrees

Distributor #1110233

Rotation: Counter-Clockwise

Cam Angle: 31-37 Degrees

Breaker Point Opening: .022"

Condenser Capacity: .18-.23 Mfds.

Breaker Arm Spring Tension: 17-21 Ounces

Centrifugal Advance Data:

Advance Starts: 1 Degree @ 500 RPM

Full Advance: 11-1/2 Degrees @ 1,800 RPM

Vacuum Advance Data:

Inches of Vacuum to Start Plunger Movement: 4" to 6"

Inches of Vacuum for Full Plunger Travel: 20-1/2"

Maximum Vacuum Advance: 11 Degrees

8 Cylinder Models:

Distributor #1110831

Rotation: Counter-Clockwise

Cam Angle: 21-30 Degrees

Breaker Point Opening: .016"

Condenser Capacity: .18 -.23 Mfds.

Breaker Arm Spring Tension: 19-23 Ounces

Centrifugal Advance Data:

Advance Starts: 1 Degrees @ 400 RPM

Full Advance: 11 Degrees @ 1,9500 RPM

Vacuum Advance Data:

Inches of Vacuum to Start Plunger Movement: 7" to 9"

Inches of Vacuum for Full Plunger Travel: 20-1/2"

Maximum Vacuum Advance: 10 Degrees

Delco-Remy Generator & Regulator Specifications:

Generator #1102794

Generator Output: 45 Amperes @ 2,350 RPM

Brush Spring Tension: 28 Ounces

Direction of Rotation: Clockwise

Field Current @ 6 Volts: 1.87-2.0 Amperes

Regulator #1118827

Cutout Relay:

Voltage to Close Points: 6.3

Armature Air Gap: .020"

Voltage Regulator Setting: 7.1 Volts

Current Regulator Setting: 44 Amperes

Current & Voltage Armature Air Gap: .075"

Ground Polarity: Negative

Delco-Remy Starting Motor Specifications:

6 Cylinder Models:

Part #1107994

Rotation: Clockwise

Brush Spring Tension: 24 Ounces (Minimum)

No Load Test: 70 Amperes, 5.65 Volts, @ 5,500 RPM

Torque Test: 570 Amperes, 3.15 Volts, 13-1/2 Ft. Lbs. of Torque.

6 Cylinder Models with Powerglide:

Part #1107144

Rotation: Clockwise

Brush Spring Tension: 24 Ounces (Minimum)

No Load Test: 70 Amperes, 5.65 Volts, @ 5,500 RPM

Torque Test: 550 Amperes, 3.25 Volts, 11 Ft. Lbs. of Torque.

8 Cylinder Models:

Part #1107107

Rotation: Clockwise

Brush Spring Tension: 24 Ounces (Minimum)

No Load Test: 70 Amperes, 5.65 Volts, @ 5,500 RPM

Lock Test: 550 Amperes, 3.25 Volts, 11 Ft. Lbs. of Torque.

8 Cylinder Models with Powerglide:

Part #1108031

Rotation: Clockwise

Brush Spring Tension: 24 Ounces (Minimum)

No Load Test: 80 Amperes, 5.67 Volts, @ 5,500 RPM

Torque Test: 600 Amperes, 3.0 Volts, 14 Ft. Lbs. of Torque.

Rear Axle & Brake Specifications:

6 & 8 Cylinder Models:

Ring Gear & Pinion Backlash: .003"-.012"

Drive Pinion Adjustment: Shim

Drive Pinion Bearing Adjustment: Spacer

Axle Shaft End Play: None

Wheel Cylinder Bore:

Front: 1-1/16"

Rear: 7/8"

Master Cylinder Bore: 1"

Wheel Alignment Specifications:

6 & 8 Cylinder DeLuxe Models:

Caster: 0 Degrees

Camber: + 1/2 Degrees

Toe In; 0 to 1/16"

Toe-Out on Turns:

Outer Wheel: 18-1/2 Degrees

Inner Wheel: 20 Degrees

Kingpin Angle: 4-1/2 Degrees @ 1/2 Degree Camber

Carter Carburetor Specifications:

6 Cylinder:

Carburetor Model: WA1

Part #717S

Float Level: 7/16"

Idle Screw Setting: 1 to 1-3/4 Turns

Pump Adjustment Using Gauge T109-117S: 17 (Medium Stroke)

Metering Rod Gauge: T-109-102

Anti-Percolator Adjustment: .030"

Fast Idle Setting: 5/8"

Unloader Setting: 5/16"

Choke Lockout Adjustment: 1/32"

Automatic Choke Setting: 3 Rich

Carburetor Model: WA1

Part #718S

Float Level: 7/16"

Idle Screw Setting: 1 to 1-3/4 Turns

Pump Adjustment Using Gauge T109-117S: 17 (Medium Stroke)

Metering Rod Gauge: T-109-102

Anti-Percolator Adjustment: .030"

Fast Idle Setting: 5/8"

Unloader Setting: 5/16"

Choke Lockout Adjustment: 1/32"

Automatic Choke Setting: 3 Rich

8 Cylinder:

Carburetor Model: WCD

Part #719S-SA

Float Level: 3/16"

Idle Screw Setting: 3/4 to 1-1/4 Turns

Pump Adjustment Using Gauge T109-117S: 32 (Shortest Stroke)

Metering Rod Gauge: T-109-163

Fast Idle Setting: .026"

Unloader Setting: 1/8"

Automatic Choke Setting: Index

Carburetor Model: WCD

Part #720S-SA

Float Level: 3/16"

Idle Screw Setting: 3/4 to 1-3/4 Turns

Pump Adjustment Using Gauge T109-117S: 32 (Shortest Stroke)

Metering Rod Gauge: T-109-163

Fast Idle Setting: .026"

Unloader Setting: 1/8"

Automatic Choke Setting: Index

Carburetor Model: WCD

Part #2010S

Float Level: 5/32"

Idle Screw Setting: 1/2 to 1-1/2 Turns

Fast Idle Setting: .040"

Unloader Setting: 1/8"

Automatic Choke Setting: Index

Carburetor Model: WCD

Part #2122S

Float Level: 3/16"

Idle Screw Setting: 3/4 to 1-3/4 Turns

Pump Adjustment Using Gauge T109-117S: 32 (Short Stroke)

Metering Rod Gauge: T-109-163

Fast Idle Setting: .026"

Unloader Setting: 1/8"

Automatic Choke Setting: Index

Rochester Carburetor Specifications:

6 Cylinder:

Carburetor Model: BC

Idle Mixture: Turn idle screw out 2-1/2 turns then turn as needed to provide a smooth idle.

Choke Adjustment: Mark on choke housing should be in line with lont cast mark on air horn casting.

Popular Options:

Power Steering, Underseat Heter & Defroster, 7 Tube Radio, Rear Seat Speaker, Turn Signals, Autronic Eye Headlight Dimmer, Back-Up Lights, Non-Glare Mirror, Fender Skirts, Exhaust Deflector, Fuel Door Guard, Di-Noc Wood Grain Trim for Station Wagons, DeLuxe Steering Wheel for Special, Illuminated Hood Ornament, Outside Suln Visor, Traffic Light Viewer, Windshield Washers, Outside Rear View Mirror, Vanity Visor Mirror, Glove Compartment Light, Trunk Light, Underhood Light, Ash Tray Light; Parking Brake Signal, Grille Guard, Wing Tip Bumper Guards, Tinted Glass, Fog Lights, Power Antenna, Spot Light, Chrome Wheel Trim Rings, Saftey Jack, Oil Bath Air Cleaner, Hydra-Matic Transmission, Hydra-Matic Cylinder Head for Manual Transmission.

1953 Pontiac Historical Data:

Due to a fir in the Hydra-Matic factory, 702 6 cylinder Pontiacs and 17,797 8 Cylinder Pontiacs were equipped with Powerglide transmission.

Introduction of the 1953 Pontiac line was on December 6, 1952.

Total 1953 Pontiac Production was 418,619.

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1953 Pontiac Colors & Codes:

Code Color

5300 Black

5301 Caravan Blue

5303 Continental Maroon

5304 Marathon Gray

5305 Milano Ivory

5306 Santa Fe Red

5307 Linden Green

5308 Stardust Blue

5309 Cirro Gray

5310 Spruce Green

5311 Winona Green

5312 Laurel Green

Promotional Model Cars Available:

Metal: 2 Door Sedan

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