1973 Pontiac Grandville Superior Hearse

[Stiffy's Mom]

I am restoring my 1973 Pontiac Grandville Superior Hearse. I have affectionately dubbed him, "Stiffy." Stiffy is my pride and joy, although he is currently in need of A LOT of work. This is my first car restoration, and I am learning as I go. Any advice would be much appreciated.
I either need a new 455 engine or I need to rebuild my old 455 engine. Any suggestions?
I am not sure if it has a 455 SD (super duty) engine or just a regular 455 engine. How can I tell? I also assume it has a turbo-hydramatic 400 transmission? How can I tell?
Stiffy also needs a lot of body work. I am searching for a new passenger door, front windshield, part of the header, and possibly a driver's side door. Does anyone know what other makes and models of cars used these doors, etc?
Any suggestions on the windshield? Will I have to have it custom made?

 

[melsg5]

You can tell what engine you have by looking at the block code found on the engine pad, passenger side, front of block, below cylinder head. Then go to this chart
http://www.pontiacpower.net/engcode01.html
You can tell which trani you have by the pan shape amoung other things
http://transmissiontechnologies.com/gm-transmission-pan-shapes.aspx
For your other needs try www.frankspontiacparts.com

 

[Stiffy's Mom]

Thank you!
I am very familiar with Frank. He has good stuff!
I am considering buying an old Pontiac Sedan and parting it out myself, as well. I also have been searching junk yards and pick-n-pulls for my doors. This is why I ask: which other makes/models/years used the same or similar body parts?

 

[melsg5]

The junk yards have a book called the Hollander Interchange, they can tell you what works.

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[Stiffy's Mom]

Thank you, again! I have never heard of the Hollander Interchange. Sounds awesome!