Hot Rods 1956 Canadian Dodge Regent 2 Door Hardtop - "Mechanical Hotrod Project" and Questions

Hey Guys -

So for those that were following my introduction thread and were helping me to purchase a 38 Plymouth only to discover it would not pass certification where I live...

Based on your advice on the learning curve - I decided to listen to you, buy a stock car, and do "mechanical hotrod project" instead. I know it is not as sexy as most of the builds here but I am new to the hobby and have to start somewhere.

For me, I think it is a smarter and much less costly venture into hotrodding...I hope it inspires others who have no fabrication skills but still want to build a car the best to their abilities, participate on HAMB, and learn from the great members here. Hopefully my next project will be a full on build.

So baby steps it is... I wanted something a little different where I wouldn't find another one at any local shows. So....introducing my 1956 Dodge Regent 2 Door Hardtop. I could only find 3 other pictures of a 2 door HT Regent still existing on the web. The car is currently in transit and I get it on June 3 2017. I will update the thread with detailed pictures when it arrives.

I am totally new to the 1955-56 Mopar forward look cars and looking to learn everything I can about them. I have ordered a Dodge 1956 shop manual but it won't get here for another week or so. I had to order a reprint of the US based models which I assume should suit most of my needs. (?) I couldn't find a Canadian 56 service manual that covers the Regent.

I am aware of the forward look forum but the software used by the forum is quite dated and the search feature is difficult to use. Lots of experienced people here and most of my questions will be mechanical in nature.

I won't get the service manual for another week but I do have some quick maintenance questions if you would be so kind to include your suggestions. I would appreciate it.
I posted some of the same questions in the 55-56 Mopar thread but would like to keep all the reference info and suggestions to my car in one place...in this thread.

Firstly the car - I guess it is a little bit of an unusual bird for the US folks. It is a 1956 Dodge Regent 2 Door Hardtop. Outside and underneath in excellent condition. The nice condition of the underside was a pleasant surprise for this area. Engine bay needs cleaning up. Only engine choice for 56 Canadian Hardtops was the flat 6. I assume this is a 251. Single brake cylinders do make me nervous. I am curious to know what others are doing to improve the braking system. (?) I do not want to cut this car up so please take that into consideration when making suggestions.

I am approaching the project in three stages.

Stage 1 - Simple - First job is I just want to clean up engine bay and refresh all fluids so I have a starting point. Then do a mechanical inspection and fixes to the car. I have to get it ready to pass government inspection so I can plate the car. I am going to keep the car stock this summer and simply enjoy it and learn the car.

I did some research on gas and oil for flat 6's and got conflicting info.

Feel kind of silly asking these questions but better safe than sorry......

Gas - what octane are you using? It's a stock low compression engine so I thought 87 would be fine but others were saying put in premium. I am in Canada so premium goes as high as 94 here.

Oil - I like Brad Penn oil as it provides a higher zinc content so no additives are needed. Is 10/30 Brad Penn fine for these engines.

Oil Filter - I was told the canister housing the oil filter on my car is an old By Pass or sealed disposable filter. I don't have the service manual yet but I believe these were supposed to be changed every 5000 miles. The canister on my car looks pretty old. Does that mean the oil filter hasn't been changed in decades? Are there modern replacements available? Can I change the canister to a model where I just need to change the filter and not dispose the entire unit? Can anyone post links to options and replacements please?

Transmission Fluid - What are you guys using or suggest?

Anything specific or special quirks I need to look at in the engine bay?

So here is the car.





Underneath the car is very clean.




As you can see the engine bay really needs cleaning up. It not to the same level of condition as the rest of the car.



Future Plans

Stage II - Upgrade Braking System, Stance, and Wheels ( Will discuss later )

Stage III - Drivetrain
I have a nicely rebuilt 392 Hemi. It has adjustable rockers and some other goodies but not overly powerful. Just a good street motor. My engine building friend is coming over this summer to verify the engine. I would like to get the Hemi in the Regent eventually but I do not want to cut up the car as it is stock and in excellent condition. Can the 392 fit without cutting anything in the engine bay? I will have to build engine mounts. What transmission could I pair it with that wouldn't involve cutting the floors?

Here is the engine. I'll need to change the valve covers to the dimpled version due to the adjustable rockers.






Anyway....great to finally have a car on here that is on topic. I have thick skin and a good sense of humour so no worries guys. I'm here to learn and have some fun. Feel free to post pictures of your cars with your responses!! I would love to see what other members are driving.

Cheers,
John

 

Wow....nice car...like most Canadian cars it's a little of a cross bread.....Plymouth back half with 56 Plymouth trim with a Dodge front end. The hemi should fit with some pan modifications....they cut and lowered the tie rods main link on my 56 with 354 - no pan mods.....didn't steer real safely for me...pulled it out...running a poly 318 now...good luck !.

 

Congratulations, that is a beautiful car, would a Dodge Hemi fit?
Possibly as a pre production test car.

 

Nice looking Dodge.Like HemiDeuce said Dodge Hemi.