RailRunnerNM's 1956 Executive Sedan
Posted by RailRunnerNM On 2012/12/28 2:43:29
I just got the car back from Pennsylvania and haven't been able to gather enough information about it yet. I will be posting as I get started on it. Unfortunately, I work for a major railroad in NM and don't have a lot of my own time to tear into it immediately.
I already know that the fender skirts, clock, and a couple of outside emblems are missing and there is a LOT of body work to be done. I may be asking for some pictures from Executive owners for body panel detail. The condition of the torsion bars is unknown, but since the car is sagging towards the front-right, I believe that the right short torsion bar is broken and will need replacement.
I will be installing a modern power train (thinking carburetor GM 305 or Chrysler 318 and auto transmission with custom mounts and drive shaft) to get it rolling as soon as possible. The 352 V8 will be painstakingly rebuilt and returned to the car, but I may forgo the Ultramatic for a modern overdrive transmission and modifying or eliminating the push-button feature altogether. Treadle-vac is going away for a modern power booster and master cylinder setup. Other modifications I am considering are TBI on the 352, electronic ignition, alternator, front or 4-wheel disc brakes (saving all original parts, of course) and the list may continue. I also am considering the fact that my wife would like to drive it on occasion and so hand controls are another option to consider as she is wheelchair-bound and cannot operate foot controls.
Nothing has been set in stone and I may change my mind later. Time and money are some factors I have to consider. My goal is to keep the outward appearance and function as original as possible and only modify some of the behind-the-scenes workings of the car to improve safety, reliability, and fuel mileage.
Here's some pictures that show the non-restored condition. I welcome constructive feedback and look forward to posting more when I have time and progress to report. Thanks in advance!
Attach file:
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I already know that the fender skirts, clock, and a couple of outside emblems are missing and there is a LOT of body work to be done. I may be asking for some pictures from Executive owners for body panel detail. The condition of the torsion bars is unknown, but since the car is sagging towards the front-right, I believe that the right short torsion bar is broken and will need replacement.
I will be installing a modern power train (thinking carburetor GM 305 or Chrysler 318 and auto transmission with custom mounts and drive shaft) to get it rolling as soon as possible. The 352 V8 will be painstakingly rebuilt and returned to the car, but I may forgo the Ultramatic for a modern overdrive transmission and modifying or eliminating the push-button feature altogether. Treadle-vac is going away for a modern power booster and master cylinder setup. Other modifications I am considering are TBI on the 352, electronic ignition, alternator, front or 4-wheel disc brakes (saving all original parts, of course) and the list may continue. I also am considering the fact that my wife would like to drive it on occasion and so hand controls are another option to consider as she is wheelchair-bound and cannot operate foot controls.
Nothing has been set in stone and I may change my mind later. Time and money are some factors I have to consider. My goal is to keep the outward appearance and function as original as possible and only modify some of the behind-the-scenes workings of the car to improve safety, reliability, and fuel mileage.
Here's some pictures that show the non-restored condition. I welcome constructive feedback and look forward to posting more when I have time and progress to report. Thanks in advance!
Attach file:
(120.88 KB)
(96.89 KB)
(112.53 KB)
(117.22 KB)
(119.65 KB)
(125.94 KB)
(74.65 KB)
(121.81 KB)
(143.56 KB)
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