Just thought Id share this...a friend of mine just came across a 1956 Ford Wagon. Four door, there are some rust holes on the bottom of one of the doors, back tail gate and on the side of the roof...The engine fires up right a way and it looks like it might be the thunderbird engine. It has the emblems on the side fender for it but you know how that goes. The windshield is busted due to the hood flying off...needs some work but the drive train alone is worth it...I want the engine but I would hate stripping it down for that reason. He is asking $1300 obo offer...Tell him Efrem sent you. Im also uploading more pictures and a video on my photobucket.
I would say it's a 292 . Wagon has many rust issues and finding the windshield will be fun enough . Looks like way too much work to fix and wagon parts are getting harder to find . Personally I would p*** it up ! If you buy it , I wouldn't mind buying the body side trim for my 55 fordor if it would fit . Jim
Yeah boy, that's a rough one. But those wagons look nice when restored. As said, I'd also say it's a 292 but those yblocks are all interchangeable so it's hard to say till it either comes out, or someone checks the cast #. 272s had those arm-burner front Xover pipes but that could've been changed out too. BTW, windshields aren't that difficult to find, most local gl*** shops can order them (mine did for my Vicky). I'd guess that any panels like maybe a better tailgate, and interior wagon-only soft trim/parts might be more of a challenge to find. Oh and, take the foreign hubcap off it, eh? It does nothing for 'curb appeal'
The engine could be a 292 but not a T-Bird with a two barrel on it (yea I know intake could have been changed) To my knowledge all wagons had duel exhaust, whether it is a 272 or 292. No crossover pipe. The rust is in the "normal" places and patch panel for sedans work as well as the windshield. The stainless trim seems to be mostly there and in good shape. I think the old girl could be saved and I would hate to see another Country Limo disappear.
The only rust that bothered me was on the roof . I agree that the wagons are kool . I really love wagons myself ! Have had many over the years and even raced a few . I guess it looks bad due to all the interior being so bad , but I wouldn't mind having one . Would make a great hotrod , family cruiser for sure . Still to far away from me to even think about buying it . If I did I have no idea if I could ever finish it to enjoy it . I am trying to finish up my 55 fordor now and have a 49 & 50 Ford waiting in line to be done next ! Soooooo many cars and not enough time ! Jim
raceron1120 , where can I get windshields for a 55/56 ? I am in a tiny town and the gl*** places that are close to me ONLY do newer cars as the owners tell me ! They wouldn't even get me flat gl*** ! Mine is OK but would like to know if something happens when the rubber gets replaced ! Jim
The now owner of the car is in pomona,ca and he owns a gl*** shop...he says the gl*** is around $300. My brother bought one for $250 out in Lavern in a CHEVY shop...and we installed it ourselves...
as for the rust I have seen much worse but when you have a mig welder that type of rust is minor details. First time project tho...yes it can be difficult
Jim, hotroddn56 already responded with a good lead on the gl***. Additionally, the windshield should be readily available from a larger gl*** shop. Apparently your local folks don't want to deal with it. I got mine from my hometown gl*** shop. With shipping I think it was around $500 or so. I could've got it for much less if I wanted to pick it up in St Louis (about 550 miles one way from home). They cut the flat gl*** for my door window using my old cracked one as a template and offered to etch the FoMoCo logo into it (I declined - mine's not a points car), I think it cost $60 or so. If you're on the FB there's a recent thread with some windshield related info too: http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9862 Hint - as John (who installed my windshield) knows quite well - be VERY CAREFUL when removing the w/s moldings! Easy to bend 'em and they don't come easy or cheap. I have a parts car and even it was bad, ended up getting one off another HAMBer and it needed some m***aging to get to fit correctly.
hotroddn56 , thanks for the information . Would you happen to have some email addresses or phone numbers ? We have a Cindy Rowe , need I say any more ! I did find a new windshield that was around $450 on a Goggle search . I am just glad to find out that they are making them if something ever does go wrong . raceron1120 , I had a guy in Washington State that did mine and even rushed it for me and had it in four days . $90 for the front 2 door gl*** . That was 4 years ago but I kept his number . I would like to find someone closer that I can depend on for flat gl*** . I saw the same post on FB too . Good to keep things like that in mind , just in case something happens ! Thanks again ! Jim
I got my windshield from Safelite auto gl*** for my '55 Crown. Got the phone number off the net. They sent the closest dealer out to my place, and installed it. I live 40 miles from their closest dealer. No extra charge. The quality, the price, the service was A-1.
Thanks 4d , I will keep them in mind ! I think there is one in the bigger city about 1/2 hour from me . Jim
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