Differences between 1954 Canadian Pontiacs, American Pontiacs and
Chevys
53-54 Canadian Pontiac models are the Pathfinder, Laurention and the very rare Tempest. They have the same body as the 53-54 Chev 210 Sedans. They use similar frontend, hood and trunk chrome as the USA Chieftan model. The USA Pontiac Chieftan has a longer trunk, the start of tailfins and single round brake lights.
1953 Pontiac on left, 1954 Pontiac on right
Rear of USA Pontiac on left - Canadian Pontiac on right (modified a bit)
The main differences between 54 Chevs and Cdn Pontiacs are the front chrome and fenders, hood and dash. On the Cdn Pontiac there is an 8 inch strip of chrome that is channeled into the hood and on top of the trunk. The rear taillights are similar in shape but have different lenses. 54 Chevs have clean hood and trunk lines. The dash on the Cdn Pontiac has a 8" round speaker opening on the passenger side and a different gauge package, while the Chev does not. The Canadian dash is the same as the American dash and even has Chieftan printed on the radio for all Canadian models to add to the confusion.
Canadian dash is the same as the American dash
49-54 Chevs and Pontiacs have many interchangeable parts. In fact, I find it easier to look for 54 chev 210 2 door sedan parts than the Cdn Pontiacs. Most catalogs and parts suppliers only list the US Pontiac.
There are 2 styles of rear windows: wrap around and the smaller businessman's coup window. The above picture of the Canadian rearend shows the smaller businessman's coup window which is identical to a Chev 150 model. This is the window of choice for chopping the roof with as it can be laid down nicely.