There's a fine line between being dedicated to life outside the mainstream and just being a glutton for punishment. Those who gravitate toward non-Chevy and non-Ford custom car projects know what we're talking about. Dale Kintzley can certainly relate.
"I'm a Pontiac enthusiast," Dale says, "and have built and shown a '62 and '67 Bonneville convertible, collecting a goodly number of awards while showing them for nine years. Looking for another challenging project, I found and bought this '62 Bonneville hardtop and hauled it home, telling my wife it was a parts car."
The line sounded legitimate to Dale's better half, George-Anne. After all, parts cars are a way of life when reproduction parts for your vehicle are scarce or unavailable. Dale had ulterior motives for the Bonneville, though; he saw potential in the old gal, even after closer inspection revealed she was not as nice as he originally thought. The Kennewick, Washington, resident found more inspiration in the pages of this magazine.
"I spotted a `What If' concept drawing by Jimmy Smith in my November 2001 Custom Rodder," Dale says. "Having been interested in customs, this concept helped stir a few ideas, but I added many variations to fit my tastes."Both Dale and Jimmy recognized the Bonneville as a sharp-looking ride requiring minimal body modifications. Besides the requisite emblem and door handle removal, Dale shortened the side trim spears and modified the doors accordingly. Parts from two front bumpers were combined to eliminate the front license plate reveal, and the signal lights were relocated inside the high-beam headlights. Rich Thayer at R&J Customs covered the subtle bodywork with bold paint--a custom-blend PPG orange with pearl white highlights, contrasted by House of Kolor Snow White Pearl with orange highlights on the roof.
The biggest body modification, however, is not so easily spotted. Taking a cue from '30s-era Hudson Terraplanes with slide-out cargo beds in the trunks, Dale enlisted Rhody Hayes to help cut and hinge the tail panel and rear bumper and develop a sliding bed. At car shows, this bed is rolled out and displayed with table settings, wine, and cheese. "We call it the world's most elegant tailgate party vehicle," Dale says.
Beyond bodywork, the 18x8- and 20x8-inch Colorado Custom wheels and Bridgestone 235/40 and 255/35 rubber help define the Bonneville's appearance. The low stance was achieved with modified lower control arms and Air Ride Technologies air springs at each corner. Four-wheel Wilwood disc brakes and a Strange Engineering master cylinder rounded out the detailed chassis.
Dale stayed true to the Pontiac badge and put a 455 mill in front of the smooth firewall. Len Williams Motors assembled the engine using forged pistons, a COMP camshaft, and Edelbrock intake with a 750-cfm Edelbrock carb. Additional outfitting included a Pertronix distributor, Mooneyes valve covers, a March serpentine belt system, and a Walter Prosper air cleaner. Rodney Red built the aluminum radiator, Sharp Muffler piped the dual exhaust through Flowmaster mufflers, and Bowtie Overdrives supplied the 700-R4 overdrive automatic. Like the exterior, the car's cabin tastefully blends old and new elements. Jamie's Upholstery covered stock seats in lambskin-colored synthetic leather, and crafted tasteful door panels, a dash pad, and package tray to match. A B&M shifter, Kenwood stereo, and Vintage Air controls were all housed in a custom console, while the ididit tilt column was topped with a Budnik wheel. The Dakota Digital gauge panel fits so well in the dash that you hardly notice it when it's unlit.
Building cars outside the mainstream may require more effort, but it can also be more rewarding. If nothing else, Dale is unlikely to encounter any look-alike Bonnevilles out on the road or at shows. Being unusual is only part of the appeal, though. With clean lines, bold colors, and a long 'n' lean profile, this Pontiac has all the style a mild custom fan could want.