I wondered about that! Considering how many folks seem to have these cars up here in WA or OR I wonder if that engine is floating out there somewhere!

Forging ahead I dropped the tank. It's got an area that looks wet - I'm crossing my fingers it isn't leaking but I'll try and track down a radiator shop that will clean it. The Gas in it must be about 14 years old (2006 was the last time this was driven).

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Don,
With your advice I looked at the stamped engine number and I'm a bit bummed - the engine is out of a 5542 (clipper super sedan) full number is 5542 - 5291. I had wondered why the generator was auto lite but the regulator was delco remy, and engine painted red instead of creme. Oh well, if she at least runs and drives I'll be happy. Would love to know at how many miles the engine was swapped though....

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Howard,

Thanks a ton for this. My Radio appears correct based on the info you provided.

Don,

Great idea, thanks for letting me know where to look.

Weird question. Does the wonderbar radio on all lines include the white dial gauge as the Patrician models had? Or was a black dial gauge available? Mine has a black gauge and I know the '55 Chevy had the wonderbar radio for this year as well, with the black gauge. My radios push buttons are also smooth not ridged like the other models I've seen.

64avanti,

Is that the ford fuel pump with the bent armature? That works ok?

On your note about OR cars, Something is definitely up with this car though, It must have endured countless rainstorms outside. maybe cause it was WA? ha who knows.

This car perplexes me. It is supposedly a Custom trim line, but somebody replaced the delco remy generator with an autolite generator, and its supposed to have the Rochester carb but it has the Carter carb.. Just seems odd to me.

- Anthony

Kevin,

I'll give Kanter a call, thanks.

Yea this car has rust in spots I never knew a car could get rust in. Was is submerged in a lake? I already have been underneath and see the rockers are gone on one side, the floors are toast near the rockers (although they're holding on by a thread). I'll post pictures soon.

I got the engine to fire today on ether. Felt good to hear it come to life, even if only for a moment. Next steps are gonna be pulling the tank (i'm avoiding the drain plug after the horror stories I've read). See if its in ok enough condition to get boiled. It was undercoated and there was an oil leak spraying back underneath that might have saved the metal back there.

Also looking into the brakes. I thought there was someone on here that rebuilds BTV units- my brakes are most likely shot so i'm gonna probably need everything, cylinders and shoes etc.

Lastly, under the dash there is a junction block. Not sure if this is stock?

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I know i'm late to the party, but I love the look of this '50 with the surface rust. I usually am not partial to the bathtub body style but there is definitely something about this one...

Don,

I'm guessing Kanter has those kits? Or Max? I have the Carter pump - which I would like to retain if I could.

On the polarity of the car - I haven't hooked a battery to the car yet. The previous owner did run the engine, and he thought they hooked it up negative ground to do so. So I feel like I'm in a pickle. What happens if I hook it up positive ground now that it may have been run the opposite. I don't want to damage the regulator or generator. I don't want to mess with converting the car now, but not sure how to verify the car is setup one way of the other. Perhaps looking at polarity conversion threads and checking for the differences. I just want to get the car running to confirm it does.

I spent some time cleaning the interior tonight. This car is pretty rough in spots - I think I need a tetanus shot just to sit inside the thing. Despite the massive rust I think she cleaned up fairly ok, I've included before an after shots for comparison. It is such a shame the original charcoal flame upholstery was ruined - I think its so awesome looking. Oh well.

Also, I don't have the key to the trunk. The previous owner was told a "surprise" was inside - maybe Jimmy Hoffa. I also found an entire box of bathroom tiles in the back - anyone redoing their bathroom?

Also, it appears someone installed a "Mico" level lock hydraulic locking system... I've never seen this. Anyone familiar with this system?

Anyways, I've almost got my temporary fuel delivery system hooked up and ready to go - I'll finish up tomorrow.

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Are new pumps not available? or rebuild kits? I only see ones for an AC pump on ebay. I'm wary pf sending my only pump in...


Also, I'm starting to wonder if this car was converted to negative ground. The wiring was redone in places and the battery cables on the car seem to fit the opposite poles of what they're originally supposed to (ground strap fits negative side, starter cable fits positive side, etc.)

How do I quickly tell if the car has been converted?

JW,

Thanks for sharing that story and images - I love hearing stories like this.