Howdy all. Thought I would sign up as I recently drug home a 56 Super 88 2 door HT.
My plan initially was to cut the dash assembly out for a 58 Chevy truck project I am working and sell off the remains/parts. However the more I look at this car the more I think it can be saved from the fate of being parted out. If it were a 4 door there would be no hesitation but this is a rather rare car and still has the 324 and jetaway in place.
It needs a ton of work as the car spent a few decades as an outdoor planter in a vacant lot in Lindale Tx before the city sold it at auction to clear it out.
There are a few challenges I see to saving this car with the main one being a clear title. Unless I can get that the car is destined for parting.
Other challenges are reproduction part sources, and whether to replace the drive train with a more modern arrangement. I am sure there are some die hards which cringe at that thought but sometimes it is the best option if the car is to be driven regulary as I do with all mine.
My daily driver is a 54 Chevy 5 window.
The decision making process is not going to be quick as I have to dismantle the car either way. This gives me a few months at least.
Here are a few pics of the car as it now sits.

 

Here is my daily driver

 

Lot of work there, especially with all the missing stuff. I'd be inclined to part it if the sheetmetal is any good. You'd get your money back and maybe save another one not so far gone.

If you decide to go thru with it and upgrade the drivetrain, remember old-school hotrod guys are always looking for early Rockets and Hydros. One thing I like about rat-rods and hellbillys- they disdain "modern" GM crate power for their rides.

 

Agreed on the lots of work but the only pieces missing are one headlight bezel and a few exterior trim pieces. The rest is there but would need rework, re-chrome, or replacement. With the limited aftermarket availability for this car I would need to find one or more donors to save this one. I would also agree this one could give itself up to save another but the time and trouble to ship the parts makes that avenue more of a pita than I want. Been there before.
If I do part out the 56, the dash, engine and rear axle would stay with me unless I was convinced otherwise. I have always wanted to do an 30's GM project and those parts would work well for that.
Thanks for the response.

 

Man if I had to drive around with those hotties every day of the week, I'd be so worn out, or bored to death of cute chicks it wouldn't be funny


Good luck with your project. If the original title is lost, doesn't TX have any process to regain a duplicate if you can prove the history of the vehicle?

 

Welcome to CO.

 

I sure do like you truck accessory kit. Sure wish I could get that kit for my car.

That sure looks like a lot of work to make drivable but I have seen worse. Good luck on what ever course you decide to take

 

Nice picture from the Niftee50's show. Welcome to CO

 

Thanks - the picture was from a show last Sat AM in Tomball not Klein. Alot of the same cars/trucks though that you typically see at the Sat evening cruise-in were in attendance but also some new ones.

Those "accessories" were only installed temporarily as they probably would be high maintenance. The wife would also likely object.