At the risk of sounding like the unknowing female...which I actually am I sometimes get confused(natural state actually) about looking for parts for my car(Fannie). Although she proudly carries a Pontiac emblem(with two maple leaves) on her grille. And boosts that she is a Canadian built Beaumont. I find that I usually have to consult Chev for parts. Maybe because most of the parts that I have been searching for, so far, have been for her body so I guess that would fall under Chev since she has a Chevelle type body. Perhaps when I start looking the machcanical parts I will be looking for Pontiac? Of course I'm hoping I won't need to many of those parts. But I know we'll be replacing the usual stuff like brakes, hoses, etc. I guess that's why most people turn to forums like this for a little guidance. Surely my Pontiac Beaumont Chevelle type wagon isn't the only confused brand out there?
It does get confusing, but... It only makes sense that Manufacturers would try and get as much use out of parts to keep costs down, so you'll find cross references for almost every vehicle, including "niche" cars. (I.E., Chrysler Crossfire-Mercedes, Chevrolet SSR-Blazer, Cadillac XLR-Corvette). Most reliable parts sources will provide a compatibility list to make it easier. I can't imagine you'd have any issues finding mechanical parts since your Pontiac shares with not only Chevrolet, but Oldsmobile too. When the time comes, there's a lot of people out there to help.
Your fellow Canadian GM fans will know more about this than I, but basically I believe your car is a Chevelle through and through with only grille and trim differences. I do know that in the 50's and 60's Canadian full size Pontiacs were all Chevy under the Pontiac sheet metal skin, including mechanical parts (such as the Chevy engine). That means that while the US built Pontiacs got the signature "wide track" stance starting in 59, the Canadian Pontiacs didn't as they had the Chevrolet frame, drive train and suspension. So by comparison ( to the US built full size Pontiacs), the full size Canadian Pontiac's wheels appeared to be deeply recessed into the wheel wells. When the Chevy II Nova's and Chevelles were introduced, the Canadian Pontiac line got those models rather than the Lemans. In the case of the Acadians (Novas) and Beaumonts (Chevelles), they were all Chevrolet (frame, mechanicals, sheet metal, etc). It is my understanding that only the exterior chrome trim, grille and tail lights, and interior trim differed from the Chevelle and Nova. I believe this remained true until Canada finally got the LeMans in, I believe, mid 69. So in answer to your question, I believe your car is really much closer the the US built Chevelle under the skin, than it is to any US built Pontiac.
From the posts I've read that fannie has written, she is way less confused than many of us guys are! And when it comes to Canadian-American vehicles it has always been confusing.
Thanks guys for your input. I guess what I don't understand is...why is my car considered a Pontiac at all, I don't understand where Pontiac factors into the scenario? When I explain to folks who ask "Beaumont, Beaumont what is that?" I refer to a Chevelle and they instantly know what I'm talking about. But then I read something like this... http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikesbig429/1393188522/ ...I don't know??? I'm going to figure out what an "A" and "H" platform is.
In General Motors terminology, the "A" body was the mid size cars like Chevelles, Beaumonts, and LeMans. Your reference basically says it all. Since Canadian production of General Motors cars was only a fraction of the production totals in the US, it was in management's best interest to offer a more limited range of cars and drive trains. Pontiac was a popular brand, but it may not have been possible financially to build Pontiacs in Canada without having them share most of their parts with the higher volume Chevrolet brand (I'm guessing that they probably came down the same assembly line in Canada). Keep in mind that in the US, in the 60's Fords and Mercurys were all basically the same under the skin, and Dodges and Plymouths were basicly the same under the skin as well. In Canada in the 60's, GM was merely doing the same thing that Ford and Chrysler were already doing in the US (though even the skin was the same in the case of the Beaumont). Thats why your car is really a re-badged Chevelle.
Fannie, This is an age old secret and can only be told to other guys. Sorry, I'd like to tell you, but I can't break the guy-secret thingy.
Yes the " brotherhood rules of engagement" are in play concerning a thread such as this but I would advise the thread author to do as I do when chasing parts for my Corvette ..... When the counterman asks me "What make of car is this water pump for??" I simply reply "Chevrolet" .... it keeps the cost down, availability is not an issue, and in most cases fits as well or better than the actual "Corvette" designated part would. Repeat after me .... "Chevrolet"
I find the same thing with Capri and Mustang, Fairmont and Zephyr. Car dealers for the same manufacturer want their own versions of good selling cars. Mercury got some nicer trim goodies, and the Cougar never made Mustang fame. Just marketing skin. The guts were almost identical.
I'm sorry I didn't mean to step into forbidden territory. I just thought if I ginger stepped lightly along the line no one would notice. but you guys are far smarter then I! Anywho, if your not sure either that's ok.
------Yea but most of our counterpersons are what appear to be 12 year old girls who always demand to know what color is that Corvette and how many doors has it got? We had an orange one! Far as I remember it was a two-door! And yes a Chevy alternating thingie is cheaper than a Cadillac or Corvette alternating thingie. When ordering things for most of our old stuff we just ask for a thingie for a 1972 Monte Carlo. Takes care of everything we drive except the late models. Got so the local place knew when we came in the door. Don't know what they thought when we went out and put it on a 1955 Chevy or 1941 Ford. Or the orange Vette.
Yeah, the norm is for a moron to be behind the parts counter, even when you walkin and say "I need a mufler bearing GMC part #1234 from years 1919-2035" they still are stunned stumped if they don't have the millage, colour, weather conditions, and have you ever used the ash tray. PS, I always say GMC and when the y say "Chevy", I say NO,,,GMC...Got Mecanic Coming!, totally grinds a gear on the bow tie guys
and thats bang on too late bro your feminine ways wont work on me lady..... ....well....maybe.......:banana:
I have posted this same question on the Canadian Poncho site as well and I seem to be recieving very much the same answer...so...I guess I'll take your word for it. It would seem that my Beaumont is not the only illegitimate breed by GM that was adopted by Pontiac, in Canada, then sealed with a kiss a few years later. Well actually my only lasted a few years then went the way of the dinosaurs. It would seem that Bonnievilles and Grand Prix's were in the same boat as Fannie. Here is a quote from a member on that site(is it OK that I put this here?). 73SC wrote: The reason that many people consider these cars Pontiac's is because they were sold exclusively at Pontiac dealers throughout Canada. It has been pointed out may times that you will not find the word Pontiac anywhere on the car however as you note the arrowhead emblem is prominent. Pontiac did not place their name on Bonnevilles and Grand Prix's either. GM Canada made a business decison based on prohibitive import tarriffs and did nto sell/ import the A body Tempest/Lemans line into Canada until 1970 choosing instead to build a car for Pontiac to sell based on te Chevelle. For buyers who wanted an American model many dealers would import the cars at added cost. The added benefit of making an exclusive car for Pontiac to sell was that it created jobs in Canada and utilized high quality parts made in Canada, such as the McKinnon engines from St. Catherines. (quote from Canadian Poncho Forum) So it would seem (the way I understand it) is the only thing Pontiac about Fannie would be her split grille and the maple emblem. And directions to a dealer in the owners manuel for service. I am in no way disappointed one way or the other. I knew Fannie was unique when I found her, guess she's just a touch of center like her mom Thanks for all the great info guys I believe I have a better grasp on the issue.
