I am almost done with my latest (and last) Ford project. This car is a real "P-Code" police car although it was first sold in West Virginia not in California. I did a cosmetic restoration but most everything is original including the interior, wiring harness, and all of the rubber. Much of the chrome was good although I did have the bumpers and grille done. There was zero rust. The mileage showed 29K when I bought the car and I believe it to be accurate in light of the condition of the car. Although a "P-Code" the car was originally painted light grey (maybe a chief's car) and it still had original paint when I got it. A prior owner had upgraded to a 1960 292 which was rebuilt with a forged steel crank, aluminium pistons, ECZ-G heads with big valves ECZ-B Intake and 600 CFM Holley carb. I dressed the engine up to look like the stock 256 including the large oil bath air cleaner. I took the car back to a 6 volt system. The car has all of the period correct CHP police equipment. I did my first local show with the car and had a lot of fun showing it. The little kids seemed to like it the most!
I had forgot the CHP used 2 door cruisers. I was involved with a 1956 Police cruiser that was a Los Angeles Sheriff cruiser restoration, in 56 the Sherriff's called them grey ghosts. Hardest things to find were the police equipment such as correct lights and radio/antenna as well as other accessories. This was 35 years ago. Nice 54!
I had a picture on my old Computer of a lineup of 1954 Fords used by the Military Police to patrol the German Autobahn, wish I could have posted it.
I added the overdrive but it is a stock original. I just posted some more pics. The interior is the usual Mainline Grey cloth and vinyl. Special 120 MPH police speedometer. The toggle switch panel to the left of the column controls the horn/siren, interior/exterior speakers and the rear flashing package tray lights. The radio is the correct CHP G.E Pre-Progress 6 volt dated 1953. I am still working on a cosmetic restoration of the transmitter/receiver units which mount in the trunk just behind the rear seat. I have not yet detailed under the hood. The block is supposed to be painted off white with red/orange valve covers and air cleaner.
Looks in good shape. Yes, i see the 292 still has the later Ford red on the block and heads. Curious color on the valve cover though.
The light green valve covers and air cleaner colors were used on the 256 Y-Block engines when installed in '54 Mercury cars. When Ford used the 256 in their '54 police cars they painted the engines the usual white block red/orange valve covers and air cleaner just like the 239's and 6 cyl. engines.
I guess you should have these. https://cgfordparts.com/v-8-valve-cover-decal-54-56-ford-interceptor-df155.html?g
Metal Finishing Marketers 1401 Mirasol Street Los Angeles, CA 90023 (323)780-0270 Plating is pricey but they do great work and more reasonably priced than those "high dollar" shops. Ask for Sergio
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