it has a 352 and a 3 speed, says there is a little rust on floorboard, frame and body but is minor. What should i look out for?
Look out for anyone who tells you to yank the FE and put in a SBC Kidding aside, the 352 is a transplant; take a look for any signs of a hack job, cut fenders, firewall, etc. There shouldn't be, as those cars have a big engine compartment and I've heard the FE transplants are fairly common in these cars. How is the front frame crossmember? They're very vulnerable to rust and failure, especially in the northern states. Generally speaking, they're pretty solid cars, not a lot of stuff you wouldn't or shouldn't expect on a 54 year old vehicle. Normal wear & tear, worn steering/suspension, brakes, etc. Parts are still quite easy to find, both locally and online. You might want to check out the '52-'56 Ford social group too; a great bunch of folks with lots of help on these cars. Link: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/group.php?groupid=332 Good choice! Have fun with it.
thanks man, i havent seen it in person, its about 200 miles from me and i might go and look at it this weekend and maybe drive it home. ha says the brakes pull to the left so you think they just need to be adjusted?
Working on one of these right now, came in for a paint job, so far we have replaced both rockers all 6 pieces that make up the floor [was fibergl***ed over the holes and rust and spray tar to hide] the lower rear quarters, look inside the trunk and reach into the quarters, in front of the rear tires where it was roten and the tire was throwing water and dirt into the rockers, A SIMPLE PAINT JOB TURNED INTO A NIGHTMARE, Look close under floors, trunk, rockers, everywhere..........
Exactly.. and watch that front crossmember I am getting nervous about mine holding out much longer. But It drives very nice and is a great car. Just has some rust issues
Yeah, just make sure it isn't too big of a project. Check the body mounts, hatch channels, trunk floor, quarters, wheel lips, fender bottoms. If you're serious about the car, then give it a serious once over.
All the above is good information to check. Also check to see if the fenders have been capped, and if so, how much filler was used. Headlight areas on the fenders collect dirt, and will rust out, even in temperate environments. ---John
Yup, all good advice. Always ***ume the worst, that way you shouldn't be disappointed when something isn't as it should be.
I wouldn't bother b/c the '55 and '56 Ford 2-dr H/T cars came with the 2" lower roof line that the Vic's had and I'm here to say that they are GREAT looking cars! I do know that the old 272" to 312" "Y"-blocks aren't that hard to hop up to some decent numbers, so start with at least a 292"er and preferably the 312"er.. Period correct 3x2's, heddman headers, and Isky Z-30 solid lifter cam and at least 10 to 1 and better yet 11 to 1 CR Jahns cast pistons and it will run great for no more then what it is! Oh, almost forgot the dual "smittie" gl***packs with tailpipes out past the rear bumper that I swear, when you hear her cackle, you will never forget the sound! Been there, my Buddy had one back in the mid '60's! pdq67
i wouldn't sweat minor body rust even some holes but watch out for frame rust. i've had many pretty cars that had ****ty frames and long before i had welding equipment, so guess how they ended up.... i wouldn't sweat the FE either.... damn good engines.
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