Thinkin about a '56 Ford
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Chicago Area, Illinois
Thinkin about a '56 Ford
Over the last couple years ive been out lookin for an antique ford car to tinker around with. Im not looking to have somthin off of the barrett jackson auction just somthing old that wouldn't be to pricey to get roadworthy. Ive always had my heart set on either a 60-67 Falcon or 55-64 galaxy or other full sized ford. The other night my dad was talking to a friend and mentioned that i was lookin for an old ford. He said that he had a '56 ford that i could buy for $800 that ran and was pretty straight. He couldn't remember what model it was but from the last time i saw it i kinda think its either a custom or mainline. According to his friend the only real mechanical work it needs is to replace the master cylinder, radiator hoses and the radiator. Its a 6 cyl with an automatic. Im planning on checking it out next month but i have been looking online for these parts to get an idea on what they would cost but have been unable to locate someone that sells a radiator for it. If anyone out here knows somewhere online or in the chicago area that would carry such an item that would be great or at least how much i should expect to pay for a new one.
Thanks in advance!!
Thanks in advance!!
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Joined: Sep 2008
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From: North Carolina
I know a little about older fords. For only 8 hundred you best be a very good mechanic,have a shop to work in,and have plenty of money and time to get the parts you will need. A car thats 53 years old isnt what you call a 'fix upper' Everything that has to do with the brakes for one thing will have to be replaced if you plan on driving (and stoping it) If you need a hobby its great but if you want something to drive on a regular basis keep looking for something alot newer.Dont forget 4 door cars cost just as much to restore but only bring a fraction of what the 2 door ones do when its sold as a general rule.
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Chicago Area, Illinois
I hear ya, hes sellin it to me for 800 only cause we're close family friends. according to him, he put new brake assemblies on all 4 corners. its just taking up room in his shop and he wants to move it lol! im not lookin to make it a show car, just somthing fun to tinker and if it needs more than a radiator and the break work (if the frame is rotted or somthing severe like that) ill have to pass on it. but he said that the body is straight and that its a runner, and i dont think hes pullin a fast one cause him and my dad go waaay back! i just wanna know if i can easily find a radiator out there. if i did get it i would do as much as i could afford (change out gas tank, lines and filter and any necessary fluids) i do wrench for a living and i dont think my boss will mind another "project" hangin out at the shop lol!!
thanks for the advice!
thanks for the advice!
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,476
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From: Frequently frozen MN
You might want to check out hotrodders.com. Somebody there can pobably point you to a 'close enough' radiator, etc.
Ship Boy is right about going for any kind of real resto, but you might be able to have a little fun with it.
Ship Boy is right about going for any kind of real resto, but you might be able to have a little fun with it.
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Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Slimeattle, Weakynton
If you plan on restoring it you should buy the right radiator, but if you just want to fix it to a drivable condition, than just measure your existing radiator, and the space around it, or the maximum size radiator you can squeeze in there, then head over to your local pull-a-part, and let the mods begin. 
Post Fiend
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A 56 crown vic is one of the sweetest cars ford ever built. I think it will make you a great project. You'll have something to really be proud of when it's done. A 6 cylinder auto isn't the greatest combo, I would start hunting around for a 312 thunder bird special Y block for it. We had the 312 TS in our 57 ford whan I was a kid, that thing would run. It had a holley 4 barrel and dual exhaust. The 292 is the most common V-8, but the 312 was an option and sure worth getting. Just get the 6 running good for now, then you can fix it up as money allows. I saw a couple 312's on ebay a while back. You could do a 351 windsor or something, but it wouldn't be near as cool as the old 312 and you could get them originally in the car. You have the rest of your life to fix it up, so just be pateint, take your time and shop around for your parts. The internet will be a big help a long with hemmings motor news magazine and car clubs.
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Post Fiend
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There's even a Y block forum here on FTE. That covers the 292 and 312. You could ask there if anyone knows where you can pickup a 312.
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Temporarily Deactivated
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From: North Carolina
If the car is a 2 door crown vic it is a great car to restor and an excellant investment. The car if original and restorable is worth as much as you want to put into it and you can get every cent back and more later. Ive seen them for 20 to 30 k when done right.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Central, MA
Even if the car is from 1956, it could be a decent driver if it was maintained well.
What is it's history?
Real decent looking antique cars are still being pulled out of barns.
Check it out and keep us posted!
What is it's history?
Real decent looking antique cars are still being pulled out of barns.
Check it out and keep us posted!
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
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2dr?
Serving Suggestion:
1956 Ford Customline 2-Door Sedan
Or, if you put $25-30,000 into it:
http://www.antiquecar.com/index/listings/page16512.htm
Serving Suggestion:
1956 Ford Customline 2-Door Sedan
Or, if you put $25-30,000 into it:
http://www.antiquecar.com/index/listings/page16512.htm
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Kiefer, Northeastern Okla
I turned the corner, and there she was.....my next project. I know it's not a '56, but I loves me some o' dem old Fords. Snapfish: Share Photo:Registration
BTW- the wife said I couldn't have it until I finished the '69 and the '79.........and sold them...
Pete
BTW- the wife said I couldn't have it until I finished the '69 and the '79.........and sold them...
Pete
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2005
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The 49-51 fords were also great looking cars and are highly sought after. My cousin in W,Va had a beautifull 51 black 2-door. It had the fender skirts, windsheild visor and lots of chrome with white walls. He paid 150.00$ for it in 1970. Not a rust spot on it, it had the flat head V-8 with the ford cruiseomatic tranny. It was the first year for the automatic. I loved that car and spent alot of time in it when I went down home. He sold it in 91 for 8,500.00$. He didn't tell me he was selling it or I would of bought it. I guess he didn't tell me because he knew he would have to cut me a much better deal ha ha.
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Chicago Area, Illinois
Thanks for all the advice guys! im pretty sure that its a 2 door customline. My dads friend has owned it for many years he bought it from his neighbor and it just got pushed off to his lake house's garage where its been up on jackstands for the last 3-4 years. He has new tires mounted on the rims and he didn't want them to get flat spots thats why its up on jacks. Im fine with the 6 for now but like wendel said i may look for a 312 in the future. He said the 6 runs fine so thats a start, Im not a hot rodder i just want somthing that runs good and that i can take to our local cruise nights. I'll find out exactly what kind of shape its in when i go up north to look at it. Im hoping for the best!
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From: North Carolina
I didnt know from the OP what model it was. I also favor the 49/51 fords. Next the 55/57 . I have a 64 fairlane 500 coupe Ive been putting time and money into for years. They stoped making the best fords for restoration shortly after 1970 in my opinion.