Car: 1966 Beaumont
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The Marina Blue 4dr. Beaumont was purchased new at University Pontiac/Buick in Kingston ON on Nov. 4th 1965. It was used to pull a small travel trailer during the summer months and then put away for the winter. It saw very limited winter driving. The Beaumont had one long trip to Florida in the summer of '82 and was then parked for the winter of '82-'83. The original owner passed away during this time and the car remained in storage for the next 17 years.
When I purchased the vehicle in October '97, the odometer on the Beaumont showed 52,762 miles! I was given an envelope containing all maintenance receipts, the original bill of sale, owner's manual, warranty book, and the plastic "protect-o-plate". There was also a recall notice in English and French regarding the quadrajet carb, a pamphlet on how and why to use seat belts, a personal log about the trips and gas mileage and a booklet about something called "the Servicator" that could be installed for $29.95 (maybe someone has info about this).
When I went to get the car, I replaced plug wires, distributor cap, rotor, capicitor, battery and coil. I drained the oil, replaced it with fresh oil including putting oil down each cyclinder. I then let the engine sit for three days and when I returned I hand turned the pulley a full turn in each direction, connected the battery, installed the belt, disconnected the fuel line, removed the plugs and turned the motor over. Oil squirted from each cylinder so I knew the cylinder walls were lubricated. I then replaced the plugs, connected the fuel line, put in new fuel, pumped the gas pedal and after eight tries the 283 sprang to life after its seventeen year hiatus! I then changed all fluids again, replaced the old bias ply tires and had the Beaumont towed to the garage for the required safety inspection.
The Beaumont needed one backup light bulb, one lower ball joint and a u-joint. After 17 years the car was now ready for the road! I have experienced no problems except for a rather unforgettable but humourous (seems funny now) experience with a set of points. Recently I have replaced the valves, lifters and rings, rebuilt the carb and replaced those pesky points with a "Pertonix ignition". The 283 is now a smooth running engine.
The car is original except for a repaint on the lower part of the driver's door. There are a few scratches and a small dent on the passenger rear quarter.
At the Kingston Auto-Fest 2000, the original owner's wife and daughter stopped by and started to explain to all standing around who was responsible for the scratches and the dent! I have entered a few car shows and joined a few cruises with the Beaumont. One day, I hope to fix "her" little blemishes but for now Heather and I enjoy the ride of the original Beaumont.
THis car came from the factory equipped with the following
- · M35 Automatic Transmission
- · P58 735x14 White Wall Tires
- · P01 Wheel Disc Covers
- · U63 Pushbutton AM Radio
- · U80 Rear Seat Speaker