1959 PONTIAC

Model Designations:

Pontiac Catalina, Series 21, 8 Cylinder

Pontiac Custom Star Chief, Series 24, 8 Cylinder

Pontiac Bonneville Custom, Seires 27 & 28, 8 Cylinder

Pontiac Catalina, 8 Cylinder, Body Styles:

4 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger, Body Style # 2119

Base Price: $2,704; Shipping Weight: 3,955 Pounds

Total Production: 72,377

4 Door Vista Hardtop, 6 Passenger, Body Style # 2139

Base Price: $2,844; Shipping Weight: 4,005 Pounds

Total Production: 45,012

2 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger, Body Style # 2111

Base Price: $2,633; Shipping Weight: 3,870 Pounds

Total Production: 26,102

2 Door Hardtop, 6 Passenger, Body Style # 2137

Base Price: $2,768; Shipping Weight: 3,900 Pounds

Total Production: 38,309

2 Door Convertible, 5 Passenger, Body Style #2167

Base Price: $3,080; Shipping Weight: 3,970 Pounds

Total Production: 14,515

4 Door Safari Station Wagon, 6 Passenger, Body Style #2135

Base Price: $3,101; Shipping Weight: 4,345 Pounds

Total Production: 21,162

4 Door Safari Station Wagon, 9 Passenger, Body Style #2145

Base Price: $3,209; Shipping Weight: 4,405 Pounds

Total Production: 14,084

Pontiac Custom Star Chief, 8 Cylinder, Body Styles:

4 Door Custom Sedan, 6 Passenger, Body Style # 2419

Base Price: $3,005; Shipping Weight: 4,005 Pounds

Total Production: 27,872

4 Door Vista Hardtop, 6 Passenger, Body Style # 2439

Base Price: $3,138; Shipping Weight: 4,035 Pounds

Total Production: 30,689

2 Door Catalina Hardtop, 6 Passenger, Body Style # 2411

Base Price: $2,934; Shipping Weight: 3,930 Pounds

Total Production: 10,254

Pontiac Bonneville Custom, 8 Cylinder, Body Styles:

4 Door Safari Station Wagon, 6 Passenger, Body Style #2735

Base Price: $3,532; Shipping Weight: 4,370 Pounds

Total Production: 4,673

2 Door Bonneville Custom Sport Coupe, 5 Passenger, Body Style #2837

Base Price: $3,257; Shipping Weight: 3,985 Pounds

Total Production: 27,769

2 Door Bonneville Custom Convertible, 6 Passenger, Body Style #2867

Base Price: $3,478; Shipping Weight: 4,070 Pounds

Total Production: 11,426

4 Door Vista Hardtop, 6 Passenger, Body Style # 2839

Base Price: $3,333; Shipping Weight: 4,085 Pounds

Total Production: 38,696

Chassis:

Wheelbase:

Series 21 & 27: 122"

Series 24 & 28: 124"

Tire Size:

Passenger Cars: 8.00 X 14"

Station Wagons & Cars with Air Conditioning: 8.50 X 14"

Rear Axle Ratios:

Not Available

General Engine Specifications:

Pontiac 215 HP Economy Engine, 2 Barrel Carburetor:

Engine Type: V-Type 8 Cylinder, Overhead Valve

Bore & Stroke: 4-1/16" X 3-3/4"

Engine Displacement: 389 Cu. In.

Compresssion Ratio: 8.60 to 1

Taxable Horsepower: 52.81

Horsepower: 215 @ 3,600 RPM

Torque: 390 Ft Lbs @ 2,000 RPM

Normal Oil Pressure: 35-45 PSI

Pontiac, 245 HP, Manual Transmission, 2 Barrel Carburetor:

Engine Type: V-Type 8 Cylinder, Overhead Valve

Bore & Stroke: 4-1/16" X 3-3/4"

Engine Displacement: 389 Cu. In.

Compresssion Ratio: 8.60 to 1

Taxable Horsepower: 52.81

Horsepower: 245 @ 4,200 RPM

Torque: 392 Ft Lbs @ 2,000 RPM

Normal Oil Pressure: 35-45 PSI

Pontiac, 260 HP, Manual Transmission, 4 Barrel Carburetor:

Engine Type: V-Type 8 Cylinder, Overhead Valve

Bore & Stroke: 4-1/16" X 3-3/4"

Engine Displacement: 389 Cu. In.

Compresssion Ratio: 8.60 to 1

Taxable Horsepower: 52.81

Horsepower: 260 @ 4,200 RPM

Torque: 400 Ft Lbs @ 2,800 RPM

Normal Oil Pressure: 35-40 PSI

Pontiac, 280 HP, Manual Transmission, 4 Barrel Carburetor:

Engine Type: V-Type 8 Cylinder, Overhead Valve

Bore & Stroke: 4-1/16" X 3-3/4"

Engine Displacement: 389 Cu. In.

Compresssion Ratio: 10.00 to 1

Taxable Horsepower: 52.81

Horsepower: 280 @ 4,400 RPM

Torque: 408 Ft Lbs @ 2,800 RPM

Normal Oil Pressure: 35-45 PSI

Pontiac, 300 HP, Automatic Transmission, 4 Barrel Carburetor:

Engine Type: V-Type 8 Cylinder, Overhead Valve

Bore & Stroke: 4-1/16" X 3-3/4"

Engine Displacement: 389 Cu. In.

Compresssion Ratio: 10.00 to 1

Taxable Horsepower: 52.81

Horsepower: 300 @ 4,600 RPM

Torque: 420 Ft Lbs @ 2,800 RPM

Normal Oil Pressure: 35-45 PSI

Pontiac, 315 HP, Automatic Transmission, 3 - 2 Barrel Carburetors:

Engine Type: V-Type 8 Cylinder, Overhead Valve

Bore & Stroke: 4-1/16" X 3-3/4"

Engine Displacement: 389 Cu. In.

Compresssion Ratio: 10.50 to 1

Taxable Horsepower: 52.81

Horsepower: 315 @ 4,600 RPM

Torque: 425 Ft Lbs @ 3,200 RPM

Normal Oil Pressure: 35-45 PSI

Pontiac, 330 HP, 420-A Engine, 4 Barrel Carburetor:

Engine Type: V-Type 8 Cylinder, Overhead Valve

Bore & Stroke: 4-1/16" X 3-3/4"

Engine Displacement: 389 Cu. In.

Compresssion Ratio: 10.50 to 1

Taxable Horsepower: 52.81

Horsepower: 330 @ 4,800 RPM

Torque: 420 Ft Lbs @ 2,800 RPM

Normal Oil Pressure: 35-45 PSI

Pontiac, 345 HP, 420-A Engine, 3 - 2 Barrel Carburetors:

Engine Type: V-Type 8 Cylinder, Overhead Valve

Bore & Stroke: 4-1/16" X 3-3/4"

Engine Displacement: 389 Cu. In.

Compresssion Ratio: 10.50 to 1

Taxable Horsepower: 52.81

Horsepower: 345 @ 4,800 RPM

Torque: 425 Ft Lbs @ 3,200 RPM

Normal Oil Pressure: 35-45 PSI

Capacities:

Cooling System:

Without Heater: 21.4 Quarts

With Heater: 22.4 Quarts

Radiator Pressure Cap: 12 to 15 PSI

Fuel Tank: 20 Gallons

Engine Oil Refill: 5 Quarts*

Manual Transmission: 2 Pints

Hydra-Matic Transmission: 9.2 Quarts

Rear Axle: 5-1/2 Pints

* Add 1 Quart for Oil Filter

Tune Up Specifications:

All Models:

Ground Polarity: Negative

Voltage: 12 Volts

Spark Plug Type: AC 45

Spark Plug: Gap .035"

Point Gap: Turn adjusting screw in until engine begins to misfire, then turn screw out 1/2 turn.

Distributor Cam Angle: 30 Degrees

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

Ignition Timing:

All Except Below: 6 Degrees BTDC on Pulley

420-E Engine: 4 Degrees BTDC on Pulley

Engine Idle Speed: 480-500 RPM

Cylinder Head Torque: 95 Ft Lbs

Compression Pressure @ Cranking Speed: 145 PSI

Valve Specifications:

Manual Transmission:

Operating Clearance, Running Hot:

Intake: Zero

Exhaust: Zero

Valve Seat Angle: Intake 30 degrees; Exhaust 45 degrees

Valve Timing:

Intake Opens 22 Degrees Before Top Dead Center

Exhaust Closes 27 degrees After Top Dead Center

Valve Spring Pressure:

Inner Spring: 26 Lbs @ 1.48"

Outer Spring: 60 Lbs @ 1.52"

Valve Lift, Zero Lash:

Intake: .370"

Exhaust: .370"

Valve Stem Clearance:

Intake .0016"-.0033"

Exhaust .0021"-.0038"

Valve Stem Diameter:

Intake: .340"

Exhaust: .340"

Automatic Transmission:

Operating Clearance, Running Hot:

Intake: Zero

Exhaust: Zero

Valve Seat Angle: Intake 30 degrees; Exhaust 45 degrees

Valve Timing:

Intake Opens 30 Degrees Before Top Dead Center

Exhaust Closes 25 degrees After Top Dead Center

Valve Spring Pressure:

Inner Spring: 26 Lbs @ 1.48"

Outer Spring: 60 Lbs @ 1.52"

Valve Lift, Zero Lash:

Intake: .400"

Exhaust: .400"

Valve Stem Clearance:

Intake .0016"-.0033

Exhaust .0021"-.0038

Valve Stem Diameter:

Intake: .340"

Exhaust: .340"

High Performance 420-A Engine:

Operating Clearance, Running Hot:

Intake: Zero

Exhaust: Zero

Valve Seat Angle: Intake 30 degrees; Exhaust 45 degrees

Valve Timing:

Intake Opens 29 Degrees Before Top Dead Center

Exhaust Closes 31 degrees After Top Dead Center

Valve Spring Pressure:

Inner Spring: 32 Lbs @ 1.48"

Outer Spring: 62 Lbs @ 1.52"

Valve Lift, Zero Lash:

Intake: .400"

Exhaust: .400"

Valve Stem Clearance:

Intake .0016"-.0033"

Exhaust .0021"-.0038"

Valve Stem Diameter:

Intake: .340"

Exhaust: .340"

Pontiac, 420-E Engine:

Operating Clearance, Running Hot:

Intake: Zero

Exhaust: Zero

Valve Seat Angle: Intake 30 degrees; Exhaust 45 degrees

Valve Timing:

Intake Opens 14 Degrees Before Top Dead Center

Exhaust Closes 21 degrees After Top Dead Center

Valve Spring Pressure:

Inner Spring: 26 Lbs @ 1.48"

Outer Spring: 60 Lbs @ 1.52"

Valve Lift, Zero Lash:

Intake: .330"

Exhaust: .330"

Valve Stem Clearance:

Intake .0016"-.0033

Exhaust .0021"-.0038

Valve Stem Diameter:

Intake: .340"

Exhaust: .340"

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

Piston Removal: From Above

Fitting Pistons:

Shim Thickness: .0015"

Pounds Pull on Scale: 8 to 15

Ring End Gap:

Compression Ring:

Top Ring: .021"

Second Ring: .019"

Oil Ring: .015"

Wristpin Diameter: .9805"

Rod Bearings:

Shaft Diameter: 2.2488"-2.2498"

Rod Bearing Clearance: .0005"-.0025"

Rod End Play: .006"-.011"

Rod Bolt Torque: 45 Ft. Lbs.

Main Bearings:

Shaft Diameter: 2.998"-2.999"

Main Bearing Clearance:

Front: .0025" (Maximum)

Others: .0005"-.003"

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:

All Models:

Distributor #1110941

Rotation: Counter-Clockwise

Cam Angle: 30 Degrees

Breaker Point Gap: Turn adjusting screw in until engine begins to misfire, then turn screw out 1/2 turn.

Condenser Capacity: .18-.23 Mfds.

Breaker Arm Spring Tension: 19-23 Ounces

Centrifugal Advance Data:

Advance Starts: 1-1/2 Degrees @ 450 RPM

Full Advance: 9 Degrees @ 2,200 RPM

Vacuum Advance Data:

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

Inches of Vacuum for Full Plunger Travel: 13" to 15"

Maximum Vacuum Advance: 10 Degrees

Delco-Remy Generator & Regulator Specifications:

Generator #1102141

Generator Output: 30 Amperes @ 2,240 RPM

Brush Spring Tension: 28 Ounces

Direction of Rotation: Clockwise

Field Current @ 12 Volts: 1.69-1.79 Amperes

Regulator #1119001

Cutout Relay:

Voltage to Close Points: 12.6

Armature Air Gap: .020"

Voltage Regulator Setting: 14.3 Volts

Current Regulator Setting: 30 Amperes

Current & Voltage Armature Air Gap: .075"

Ground Polarity: Negative

Generator #1102143

Generator Output: 45 Amperes @ 2,600 RPM

Brush Spring Tension: 28 Ounces

Direction of Rotation: Clockwise

Field Current @ 12 Volts: 2.66-2.86 Amperes

Regulator #1119601

Cutout Relay:

Voltage to Close Points: 12.4

Armature Air Gap: .020"

Voltage Regulator Setting: 14.2 Volts; Lower setting .1 to .3 Volts Lower.

Current Regulator Setting: 45 Amperes

Current & Voltage Armature Air Gap:

Upper: .016"

Lower: .067"

Ground Polarity: Negative

Delco-Remy Starting Motor Specifications:

Manual Transmission:

Part #1107661

Rotation: Clockwise

Brush Spring Tension: 35 Ounces (Minimum)

No Load Test: 65-100 Amperes, 10.6 Volts, @ 3,600-5,100 RPM

Lock Test: 300-360 Amperes, 3.5 Volts,.

Automatic Transmission:

Part #1107735

Rotation: Clockwise

Brush Spring Tension: 35 Ounces (Minimum)

No Load Test: 80-120 Amperes, 10.6 Volts, @ 4,700-5,400 RPM

Lock Test: 290-370 Amperes, 2.0 Volts,.

Rear Axle & Brake Specifications:

Ring Gear & Pinion Backlash: .005"-.009"

Drive Pinion Adjustment: Shim

Drive Pinion Bearing Adjustment: Spacer

Axle Shaft End Play: None

Wheel Cylinder Bore:

Front: 1.188"

Rear: 1"

Master Cylinder Bore: 1"

Wheel Alignment Specifications:

Caster: - 1-1/2 Degrees

Camber: + 1/4 Degrees

Toe In; 0 to 1/16"

Toe-Out on Turns:

Outer Wheel: 20 Degrees

Inner Wheel: 19 Degrees

Kingpin Angle: 4-1/2 Degrees @ 0 Degree Camber

Carter Carburetor Specifications:

Carburetor Model: AFB

Part #2820S

Idle Screw Setting: 1/2 to 2 Turns

Fast Idle Speed: 2,200 RPM

Float Level:

Primary Float: 9/32"

Secondary Float: 9/32"

Float Drop:

Primary Float: 23/32"

Secondary Float: 23/32"

Pump Stroke: 33/64"

Choke Unloader Setting: 5/32"

Choke Setting: 1 Rich

Carburetor Model: AFB

Part #2819S

Idle Screw Setting: 1/2 to 2 Turns

Fast Idle Speed: 2,200 RPM

Dashpot Setting: 3/32"

Float Level:

Primary Float: 21/64"

Secondary Float: 21/64"

Float Drop:

Primary Float: 23/32"

Secondary Float: 23/32"

Pump Stroke: 33/64"

Choke Unloader Setting: 5/32"

Choke Setting: 1 Rich

Rochester Carburetor Specifications:

Model: 2G

Part #7013063, 7013065

Float Level: 23/32"

Float Drop: 1-29/32"

Choke Setting: None

Pump Rod: 55/64"

Model: 2GC

Part #7013060

Float Level: 11/16"

Float Drop: 1-29/32"

Idle Screw Setting: 1-3/4 Turns Open

Choke Setting: Index

Pump Rod: 1-5/16"

Fast Idle: .037"

Choke Rod: .070"

Choke Unloader: .163"

Idle Air Vent: 1-9/32"

Model: 2GC

Part #7013061

Float Level: 11/16"

Float Drop: 1-29/32"

Idle Screw Setting: 2-3/4 Turns Open

Choke Setting: Index

Pump Rod: 1-5/16"

Fast Idle: .037"

Choke Rod: .070"

Choke Unloader: .163"

Idle Air Vent: 1-9/32"

Model: 2GC

Part #7013069, 7013064, 7013067

Float Level: 11/16"

Float Drop: 1-29/32"

Idle Screw Setting: 2-1/2 Turns Open

Choke Setting: Index

Pump Rod: 1-5/16"

Choke Rod: .056"

Choke Unloader: .163"

Idle Air Vent: 1-9/64"

Popular Options:

Pushbutton Radio, DeLuxe Wonderbar Radio, Sportable Radio, Power Antenna, Rear Seat Speaker, Heater & Defroster, Air Conditioning, Power Steering, Power Brakes, Power Windows, Power Seat, Power Tailgate Window for Station Wagons, Dual Exhausts, White Wall Tires, Two-Tone Paint, Tinted Glass, Electric Clock, Back Up Lights, Windshield Washer, Electric Wipers, Padded Dash, Outside Rear View Mirror, DeLuxe Steering Wheel, Tissue Dispenser, Seat Belts, Tilt Mirror,Parking Brake Warning Light, Wheel Discs, Air Suspension, Oil Filter, Automatic Transmission, Various Engine Options.

1959 Pontiac Historical Data:

Introduction date for the 1959 Pontiac line was September 11, 1958.

Total 1959 Pontiac Production was 383,320.

.

1959 Pontiac Colors & Codes:

Code Color

AA Regent Black

BB Silvermist Gray

CC Cameo Ivory

DD Dundee Green

EE Jademist Green

FF Seaspray Green

HH Vanguard Blue

JJ Castle Blue

KK Gulfstream Blue

LL Mandalay Red

MM Sunset Glow

NN Royal Amethyst

PP Shoreline Gold

RR Canyon Copper

SS Concord Blue

58-C Palomar Yellow

58-I Frontier Beige

58-O Sunrise Coral

58-X Orchid

Promotional Model Cars Available:

Plastic: Bonneville 2 Door Hardtop & Bonneville Convertible

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