I am Mark too from Oregon and I have a 55 club sedan (my avatar car). Nice looking 56, welcome to the group.
Right now the car just had the rusted out crossmember removcd and replaced with one from a good condition 56. I took a wire wheel to it and cleaned it up then Ospho treated the metal, primed and painted it with epoxy paint. It has been installed and today the mechanic comes to put all new front end parts on. It will also be converted to front disc brakes with a power brake booster. It has a new aluminum radiator. The engine shows 140 compression on all cylindets and the valve train looks pretty new. It has a 600 cfm Edelbrock carb and electronic distributor. It is a stock 292. 3 on the tree.
I would say speed scallops for a clean mild custom just a few white whips with some pinstripes might be a subtle graphic. But if you are a flames guy- Flame it.
I like the scallops myself over flames. One guy locally has a '55 Ford, outward stock except for mag wheels... and a hideous scoop sticking out of the hood. It looks like a-double-s...
I am a scallop guy myself, haha, but then again I have the best of both worlds when I can't decide with or without!
Well my mobile mechanic bailed on me. Said he was not qualified to re***emble my front end. So I called a restoration shop. They will come pick it up as is with no front end on it, no wheels, tires, control arms, swaybar, etc.... I have all the parts. He has a tow truck that can haul it as is. He will use all the new parts I bought. He will align the crossmember and construct the front end, intake, brakes and everything to get it on the road. His shop has been in business in Tomball Texas for over 30 years so in 6 weeks he will come get it. He specializes in older model restorations. It will be done right.
Well the Cragars are going to get new BF Goodrich Radial TA's when the re***embly is finished. Sorry.
I'm years away from nice wheels, just sayin they will be my choice, whenever. Be glad you found an honest mobile mechanic instead of someone unqualified but willing. Let us know how it comes out. Nice ride!
the mobile mechanic dropped the ball. I had to hire a restoration shop to come pick up the pieces and take the car to his shop to finish the work It all works out for the best. At least I got all the parts I need and the new guy is willing to use my parts. It will be done right and I feel good about that.
A couple days ago Nick's Auto Restoration came by and picked up the 56. He is in Conroe Texas and has been in business about 30 years. He took the car and will do all the work it needs and add power steering. So when I get it back I know it will be done right. He has a big shop with 27 employees and all the equipment to get the job done. He looked at the crossmember and will remove it and put it back the right way and then go from there. I feel good about it. Will update as it goes.
Looking forward to seeing his work. It might be nice to see a photo or 2 if you get to see the repairs in progress. Since the lower arm is in the cross member it’s got to be correct. It sounds like he has had the “fix” others repairs before.
I won't be going to his shop to do any photos. He has the best facility around and can do restorations from the frame up. He and I crawled under the car to inspect the welds and he said right away that it had to come out and ber rewelded. He knows his work. I have seen his work and it is as good as it gets. I also gave him my C5 Corvette to repaint. I will do a video when I get them back to show his abilities.
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