It's very exciting getting a complete running fine piece of machinery, such as this model. It reminds me of the solid black 56 with the black wheels and chrome or titanium lug nuts, that was on the show circuit not long ago. Some will remember it. Maybe post a photo. Maybe pop the wheelcovers and throw some higher profile fat tires, just for Friday nights!
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'56 President two door
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Originally posted by Milaca View PostLooks like a good dating car to me. Do the front seat-backs recline back flat?
Originally posted by Studeous View PostIt's very exciting getting a complete running fine piece of machinery, such as this model. It reminds me of the solid black 56 with the black wheels and chrome or titanium lug nuts, that was on the show circuit not long ago. Some will remember it. Maybe post a photo. Maybe pop the wheelcovers and throw some higher profile fat tires, just for Friday nights!
You're thinking of Allan Songer's '56 Champion with an R1 and 4 speed. Last I knew of that car it was somewhere on the east coast. It was one sweet '56.
Originally posted by Flashback View PostGreat looking car Matt. Glad to see you back here a little. Want to see more of your car, and your progress report.Last edited by mbstude; 11-20-2016, 06:15 AM.
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After 6 days and 3000 miles, through snow, ice, and road salt... The Prez arrived today just before noon. I took the day off of work so I could take delivery of the car and get a feel for what it needs..
After several days of being exposed to sub-freezing temps, the truck driver got in it, hit the pedal once, twisted the key, and it started up as though it had been running 5 minutes prior. (Chuck Tubens has my compliments.. It's a fantastic running and driving car.) It had a blown exhaust manifold flange gasket, and since everything was redone about 15K miles ago, it was a 5 minute job to drop the exhaust pipe, clean the heat riser, and put it all back together with new gaskets. It's nice when things are as they should be under the hood..
After a good scrub, I grabbed the title and insurance paperwork and drove it the 1 mile to the DMV. In and out in 15 minutes with registration and a tag, then headed home, picked up the dog, and then took the scenic route back to the shop. Then spent the rest of the evening cleaning up the interior. I'll clean the road grime off the underside and give the exterior a polish and wax soon enough.
The seats had those generic clear plastic covers on them, and they were falling apart. I pulled the seats, removed the covers, and found nearly pristine original upholstery underneath.. I'll keep a blanket over it when driving to keep it all in good shape, and given how crappy the clear covers looked, I was pleasantly surprised to see how well they'd preserved the factory stuff.
Lots of cleaning, detailing, and TLC ahead... The previous owner drove it as a regular car for a while and it shows. But overall it seems to be pretty nice and I couldn't be happier with it.
Last edited by mbstude; 11-21-2016, 07:37 PM.
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What a sweet looking car! I can't think of a better owner for it.Don Wilson, Centralia, WA
40 Champion 4 door*
50 Champion 2 door*
53 Commander K Auto*
53 Commander K overdrive*
55 President Speedster
62 GT 4Speed*
63 Avanti R1*
64 Champ 1/2 ton
* Formerly owned
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Great looking car! Congratulations on finding such a great example of a 2DR President. I have never seen one in real life. All the '56 line is my favorite of the full size cars. Being a Wagonaire man, I would love to find a nice '56 Wagon that I wouldn't have to sell my house to afford. Sally has such a narrow mind about such things.
One thing for sure: It couldn't have found a better home.
Nick
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The door panels were the first thing that bugged me. The cardboard got wet and is falling apart; none of the panel clips were doing anything anymore.. I grabbed some 1/16" ABS sheet from work and this evening I was able to get the passenger side door panel redone. I stripped the stainless trim and vinyl (along with that molded in armrest) from the factory panel, and used the cardboard as a template for the ABS. I got it cut to size and used 3M headliner adhesive to glue the original foam and vinyl to the new backer. Installed the "new" panel with commercial grade Velcro instead of the factory clips and put the handles back on. I'll tackle the driver's side tomorrow. Didn't think to take any pictures.
The door panels are on their last leg but I thought I'd try to get a little more use out of them. I can't imagine there being any NOS panels for a '56 President two door lying around.
Ordered new tires today (blackwall radials; wide whites can wait until the wallet is happy again), and I'll buff and wax the paint later this week as well. It needs a paint job, but I'll make it look as good as it can for now.Last edited by mbstude; 11-22-2016, 06:58 PM.
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Refinished the driver's side door panel and drove the '56 home tonight, after putting a few miles on it around town. I have to get used to the thumbs up and comments again.. My Toyota 4Runner blends in with everything else. I think I'm gonna like this car.
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I spent the day buffing/polishing/waxing the paint, and making everything shiny.... The engine was oily/greasy from being used as a daily driver for a while, so I did a quick cleanup under the hood, too. (It came without a battery hold down, the bungee is temporary. And we can do without the Bob Palma jokes. )
I was going through one of the boxes that the previous owner sent, and found a '56 Florida license plate that must've been on the car when Earl Drews owned it. He and his wife retired to Florida in the '90's and he had the car until his passing in 2004. Thought it fitting to put it on the front bumper.
Last edited by mbstude; 11-25-2016, 03:42 PM.
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