What to look for on a '56

[fatfords]

Hey, all!

I normally hang out over on the 67-72 board, but I see quite a few names that I recognize from over there. Anyway, one of my neighbors down the road has a 56 his wife told me he is ready to sell. I should get a chance to look at it some time this weekend and I wanted to know if there are any special things to check. What I know so far is it's a 56, 1/2 ton, short bed. I am pretty sure it is a small back window truck. It's been in his family for a long time (maybe since new) and he has finally decided he doesn't have time to do anything with it.

Any suggestions would be appreciated! I will try to take some pics and post on monday. I will check back friday evening.
Thanks,
Kent

[dubie]

You need to check the cab steps. They like to rot out underneath. ALso be sure to check the frotn fenders near the door for rot or body filler, they are prone to rust in that spot. Other than that they are usually pretty solid. Just give it a good once over

[DennyB]

Oher than the basics, cab corners, supports, eyebrows, etc..
Check the hood hinge mounting area on the cab. Sometimes cracks in the firewall will develop and you can see flexing in the firewall.

[Smokie55]

I second what has been said. But most importantly, check the headlight Eyebrows. they are not protected from the inside and they tend to trap mud and water. If they are rusty they are a pain to replace and get them to fit right. I have seen so many of these trucks with replacemnets that had humps and body filler ridges. A good body man or experienced welder can get it done.

[fatfords]

Thanks for the suggestions. I plan to go look at it saturday afternoon and take along the digi-cam. I'll share some pics on monday.

Kent

[ShamrockCustoms]

Here is an extreme example of what can happen to the headlight area of the front fenders......

[rage'nrat638]

here's my buddy don's truck......he's selling this one.....
9500.00 .....it's on e-bay now

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...e=STRK:MESE:IT

[fatfords]

Well, I've been unable to "cross paths" with the guy so far. Played a little phone tag, but his dog is a little too big for me to try to make friends with. Hopefully get to see it in a few days.

I hope the fenders are in better shape than that pic or I may run away! And it is definately not in as good of shape as the second pic!

Kent

[orgalmeister]

fatfords. need parts for your parts chaser? I have a '72 C20 B/B 99% rust free for sale. motor has knock needs rebuild. Air cab, muncie,dana, twin tanks, Cheyenne trim. original.

[fatfords]

orgalmeister,
I wrecked my 72 in May and am STILL waiting on the insurance company to decide what they are going to do. I'm not too hopeful, though. Your truck sounds nice, but shipping it to TX would probably kill any deal we could work out.

[fatfords]

Well, I finally got to see the truck. It is actually a long bed and the fender emblems say "3200" instead of "3100"-does this make it a 3/4 ton? Anyway, here are some pics.

It looks like more of a "project" than I am wanting at the moment, although the guy said, "just make me an offer." Not sure what to do right now.

[resin addict]

My advice, having just gone through a complete frame off rebuild on a '59 that was in a lot better shape than that one is to begin with is to hang onto your money and find something that's in better shape as a starting point.
Maybe it's just me, but unless you're skilled in body work or have friends that are, it looks like a potential money pit.
I see new cab corners, headlight eyebrows, and fenders, who knows what the floor and rockers are like.
Not trying to discourage you, but as I said having just gone through this I know how involved and time consuming the work can be.

[fatfords]

I was thinking the same thing. I may keep looking for a "new" parts chaser.

[R 78 PROJECT]

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