Wanted:
for the crime of being unrestored
by the San Joaquin County Police Dept.
One 46-48 Pontiac 4 door Streamliner Model #2809
       I have been contacted by Mike Padilla about a project the officers would like to get started on. Here is his Email:

The San Joaquin County Sheriff's Department in California is looking for a 1947 4 DR. to restore as a patrol car. This was our first marked patrol car and would be restored in our own shop to original and maintained for all generations to come. We even have the original light and siren to install.
    It will be purchased by our historical society. Thank you very much for the help. The "47" we need is a four door. I will look for the picture of our original and e-mail it to you, maybe you could use the picture on your web site.

Contact: Deputy Mike Padilla                      bdunn@inreach.com
(209)468-4414
7000 Michael Canlis Blvd.
French Camp. Ca. 95231


    After I got the pictures and talked on the phone we learned that the first car the dept. purchased was a 46. They later bought the two 47's and two 48's shown in the photo below. The first choice would be a 46 but if one cannot be found a 47 or 48 will work fine. Some of the older officers are still around and the guys would like to get the car restored for a reunion. I think this is a great project. I will try my best to help find a suitable project car. Mike tells me that they have the ability to do a frame-off restoration if necessary. I would love to see the final project so we could put the updated pictures on this website. I already have the "lineup" photo below as my wallpaper!
A 46-2809 has been found in Virginia. It is being shipped soon. Updates below.
7-21-98  Mike Padilla wrote me:
Hey Don I found one!!!!!!
    I located a 46 streamliner 4 dr. in Virginia, it was barn stored since about 1950, pulled out and cleaned up (all new rubber seals, belts, carb overhaul,tires and brakes). price $6,500.  I found a local developer to fund the entire project and I'm making arrangements to have the car shipped to California from Virginia via Horseless Carrage Transport now. I should have it here in a couple of weeks. I found it in Old Car Trader.  The car we found is the 6 cyl. streamliner but that was not all that important.We will start the transformation to a vintage patrol car as soon as it arrives. I'll keep you updated.
Thanks,    Mike Padilla   San Joaquin County Sheriff's Department.

8-22-98  Mike Padilla wrote me:  The '46 arrived on schedule. It's everything we hoped for. It's going th the paint shop Sept.1st. The interior comes out at the same time. A local shop is doing the interior for free. Our budget is down to $2,500 and the bid I got for chrome plating and stainless polishing was $7,400 GASP!!!!!!  He already came down to $5,500 and I'm meeting with the shop owner next week to explain why he should do it for free.(Translation: beg for handouts!) I've been lucky so far. I'm on vacation this week but I will get all of the Registry info to you when I return to work. I'll send you a before picture at that time also. Do you have any info on repainting the imitation wood grain dash and window trim?

9-1-98  Mike Padilla wrote me:  The car entered the shop this morning and has begun its transformaton to a Sheriff Cruiser.
Update on the crome: I met with the manager of the chrome shop last Tuesday and he thinks this is a great project. In fact, he offered to do all the chrome and stainless work for free. Thats great, our budget was not going to allow for the chrome otherwise. As we speak the car is being disassembled for paint, chrome, interior and under hood detail.
9-11-98  Mike Padilla wrote me:   Hello from northern California,
    The streamliner is in the paint shop now. All of the chrome and stainless has been removed. all of the paint has been stripped off and I'm happy to announce that the body has never been damaged and is void of any rust. The chrome and stainless has been delivered to the shop. We had to remove the radio for repair (that was a job).
    I am now on the hunt again, but this time for a chrome strip. The molding under the driver side rear door had been replaced with a non-original part. I have called many places to no avail. Do you know anyone with a parts car that may have one?
    I'll try to go to the shop and get the registration info today. I'll be at school all next week in Morrow Bay (tuff place to have to spend the week) but will update you with pictures upon my return.
    Sounds like it will be done soon! Can anybody help with that chrome strip?-Don
11-15-98  Mike Padilla wrote me:  The car is coming along great!
    It rolled into the paint booth last friday. We converted it to 12 volt and it really made a differance. The car was stripped to a bare skeleton. Doors, fenders, hood, trunk all off. Interior out, dash out, and stripped off all wiring and glass. The radiator and both heater cores were gone through as well as the gas tank. We opted to paint the engine even though its not painted originally. We painted the engine blue with gun metal gray accessories and black straps and brackets (very sharp). The chrome work is taking much longer than we hoped. I had a local sign shop duplicate the instructions on the air cleaner and it was re-installed after the air cleaner was repainted, it looks like it is factory new. Under the hood it looks as though it is a new car. -Mike Padilla

3-15-99  Mike Padilla wrote me:
Hey Don,
    Sorry for the delay in talking to you. The car had a short delay due to chrome taking much longer than expected. It is back on track and as of today the chrome is being installed.
    Any ideas on where to get a new red head dress for the Indian on the hood? Ours is nearly bleached clear and has little cracks in it. 

10-26-99 Link to the registry webpage:   http://www.pcmagic.net/torpedo1/Padilla462609.htm 
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