Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

"Miss Phillips" 1956 Ford Customline Victoria Hardtop

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • "Miss Phillips" 1956 Ford Customline Victoria Hardtop

    Back roughly 6-7 years ago, my wife and I took a trip up to Atlanta, Georgia to visit her grandparents. This was our first visit together out of our home state of Louisiana. Id met her grandparents before on previous holiday occasions but had never been to their home. "Pop" as we call him, Lindsay's grandfather, is a bit reserved until you get to meet him and build a relationship. Rightly so as I was just sone kid she went to school with who he was now having to accept into his home for the weekend. Pop knew I was into cars, knew what I did for work, knew what I currently owned at the time etc. And yet in the half dozen times id met him he had NEVER mentioned his two classic cars he owned back home. You can imagine my surprise upon arriving and walking through the garage to see 2 mid 50s era classics. To make a long story short,(DISCLAIMER : DONT WORRY NO ONE DIED) that initial first visit we discussed the cars, what they were etc. Over the years of subsequent trips to visit etc we'd piddle with them and discuss them and such. His original plan was to pass down "Miss Phillips" to Kelly, his daughter, Lindsay's Mom. The know NOTHING about cars. Thats a blue one, thats a red one, thats a big one and thats a small one. Yeah, that bad. Bout 2 years ago they purchased a 63 F100 from Pop's friend out of Atlanta. Decent condition, runs and drives. It just sits in the garage, neglected. Knowing all of this, I started to joke around with Pop when he was going to pass down the car to Lindsay and I. Kelly would always chime in and say "No, no, thats going to me". Kelly knew they couldnt keep up with it and maintain it like Pop would want it to be. And regardless it would be passed on to us after Kelly gets older in age. Well about 6 months ago Pop and Kelly discussed it and decided it would go straight to Lindsay and I, knowing I enjoy and love cars, and that it would eventually be ours anyway. Over the past month we were looking at dates and open weekends and such as to when we could take the 7.5 hour drive to bring it back down home.

    Don't forget that last trip length I just mentioned.

    Before I go any further im going to defer and give a few details on the car, as lets face it, thats why were on this forum.

    Its a 1956 Ford Customline Victoria. Its essentially Fords competitor to the tri-5 Chevy Belairs. Victoria is the top trim level they were also available in. Pop purchased the car back in the mid 90's in need of a rest. He purchased the car as it is what he drove in High School. He had his brother do an restoration on it to replicate what he used to own.White on black. v8. And a cop car steering wheel. One thing he did change was the engine. It now has a Ford 390 Big block. Supposedly has as mild cam in it. Was a reman engine at same time as resto was complete. Has roughly 5,000 miles on it since then.... Tells you how much he drove it. Ford C6 transmission, 3 speed auto for those that don't know. One of the neat features of the hardtop versions like this one is the absence of a B pillar. If you roll the front and rear windows down its straight through, no view obstruction. HORRIBLE in a rollover case, but fucking cool as hell to look at. And thats worth it, screw safety.

    Back to the story. We went up last weekend to pick her up. Borrowed my dads 2500HD to pulpit, co workers trailer and hit the road north. While hanging out, Pop presented me with a book that his brother had put together of pictures through out the restoration process that he had taken. I have yet to take some pictures but ill be sure to snap some and post them up. He also had a folder with EVERY receipt of all the work he had performed since he purchased it. Pop was the second owner, I the third. Other than the original owner it has stayed in the family and will as such that I force. Looking at the weather it called for some rain here and there on the Monday drive back. First time towing a long distance. First time towing with this truck. First time towing in rain. First time towing alone in the truck. What could possibly go wrong lol. All in it was an uneventful trip, no major issues. It. Just. SUCKED. it poured the entire way home. There was a cool front moving through the south, fronted by rain, and we drove through it all damn day. Luckily before we left he had the foresight to tape up the window edges, as the gaskets are worn and need replacing. It took us 12 hours to get home. I was beat.

    The cars got some minor issues.
    -NEEDS TIRES, idk how old these are, but they are old
    -As mentioned window seals are shot and leak
    -Both doors need adjusting, drivers side kicks out in one corner and sits in at the diagonal opposite, passenger side is hard to open/close
    - Something underneath is leaking, unsure what
    -Driver window bell crank is broken and currently operated by a vice grip on the stud
    -battery is held in place by bungee cords, no bueno

    Ive had very little time to dive in and take a deep look, but these are the issues im currently aware of. Im sure others will arise once I take a closer look. But she is solid, I took her for a trip around the neighborhood, no major thumps, clunks, did notice a bit of roar, couldnt locate form where in the short drive, but will investigate later.

    Enough talking here are some picks, majority on a trailer until I can find some time to take it to the back of the neighbor hood and get some beauties of her.


    IMG_1453 by lawrx, on Flickr


    IMG_1464 by lawrx, on Flickr


    IMG_1469 by lawrx, on Flickr


    IMG_1481 by lawrx, on Flickr


    IMG_1482 by lawrx, on Flickr


    IMG_1486 by lawrx, on Flickr


    IMG_1489 by lawrx, on Flickr



    IMG_1490 by lawrx, on Flickr



    IMG_1491 by lawrx, on Flickr



    IMG_1493 by lawrx, on Flickr


    IMG_1495 by lawrx, on Flickr



    IMG_1499 by lawrx, on Flickr
    IG @gt3_brz

    My Mustang Build
    http://www.stanceworks.com/forums/sh...=1#post1552949

    My BRZ Build
    http://www.stanceworks.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=86482

    My F100 Build
    http://www.stanceworks.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=97329

  • #2
    Looks great, I spy a beaut of an engine there too. No stang though haha.
    2 328i e36's
    Saabaru linear 2.5na
    Various projects.
    sigpic
    Intro;
    http://www.stanceworks.com/forums/sh...19#post1598619

    Comment


    • #3
      Beautiful story and a beautiful car. Thanks for sharing. Cant wait to see what you do with it

      Comment


      • #4
        Cant wait to watch you work on this one, great story as well. Glad to see it went to you guys and not your wifes mom.
        Insta Mintyhinrichs

        Comment


        • #5
          Been waiting for this thread ever since you posted in the mustang thread.
          This car has found the best new home possible. Can't wait to see where it takes you!
          "You could roll an E30 in a BMW showroom today and people would think:
          Well, they finally got the 1 series right!"

          3.0 L e30 ground up build

          Comment


          • #6
            Thanks everyone! First order of business is getting it registered and insured in my name. Sadly its on the backburner for a bit. All my cars are. We are in the process of purchasing a new home so that takes precedent. Ill be updating the mustang thread shortly.
            IG @gt3_brz

            My Mustang Build
            http://www.stanceworks.com/forums/sh...=1#post1552949

            My BRZ Build
            http://www.stanceworks.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=86482

            My F100 Build
            http://www.stanceworks.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=97329

            Comment


            • #7
              Merry Christmas everyone. As weird as it may sound tonight is the first night in several weeks I've ben able to relax and essentially, do nothing. Surfing thew web and reading build thread/forums etc relaxes me so I figured id post an update.

              2 weeks-ish ago we finally closed on our old home. We were suppose to close on our new home the same day, however there was an issue with the succession paperwork and it had to be pushed back a week to last Friday. Apparently one of the brothers in the succession is in a prison in Arizona and the papers had to be wet ink signed. So they were overnighted there, signed, not notarized, sent back to us, realized they were notarized, mailed, back signed AND notarized, then mailed back. It was a stupid, drawn out, dumb process. Anyway we closed on our new house a week late. In the mean time we had been staying with my in-laws. Ill just leave it at that. SO. Its Friday before Christmas, we have a house to paint, all our furniture to move in, unpack, and get it to a sense of normalcy for the kids come Christmas morning. Piece of cake right?

              As for Miss Phillips, about a week before our closing date I drove her over to a friends house (clear a non "car guy" given he has an empty garage lol) and stashed her in there till a later date once we are moved in and situated. She drover perfect the whole way there. Did about 40-45 on a 2 lane highway vs the interstate. She's noisy but drives well. Gave me some insight on some areas I want to improve on for A. Safety and B. enjoyment while driving. Anyway, I pill up in the street, kill the car, and go knock on the door. Go inside for a bit, chat etc. 15 minutes later I come out and we are going to back her into the garage. We get up ALL the way until the front wheels are about 1.5 from the threshold and she dies. I drove 20 miles, and you die 1.5 feet from the destination....

              Tried a few times to crank her over and no go. Noticed the electric priming pump I had installed month or so ago wasn't kicking on, so that may be part of the issue. That will eventually get replaced as ill be doing a drop on efi carb replacement. But for now, need to figure out the issue of the electric primer. Currently she is still sitting at my friends house and I'm hoping late this week or just after the first of the year driving her to her new home.

              Ive posted some pics of the updates and painting we did in the new house. That will be all im doing for the next several weeks, if you like what you see ill continue to post those in here until its time to start back up on the cars.

              IMG_2104 by lawrx, on Flickr

              IMG_8647 by lawrx, on Flickr

              IMG_9620 by lawrx, on Flickr

              IMG_9619 by lawrx, on Flickr

              IMG_9609 by lawrx, on Flickr

              IMG_9604 by lawrx, on Flickr

              IMG_9613 by lawrx, on Flickr

              IMG_9617 by lawrx, on Flickr

              IMG_2136 by lawrx, on Flickr

              IMG_1966 by lawrx, on Flickr

              IMG_1964 by lawrx, on Flickr
              IG @gt3_brz

              My Mustang Build
              http://www.stanceworks.com/forums/sh...=1#post1552949

              My BRZ Build
              http://www.stanceworks.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=86482

              My F100 Build
              http://www.stanceworks.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=97329

              Comment


              • #8
                Originally posted by laextreme5 View Post
                Merry Christmas everyone. As weird as it may sound tonight is the first night in several weeks I've ben able to relax and essentially, do nothing. Surfing thew web and reading build thread/forums etc relaxes me so I figured id post an update.

                2 weeks-ish ago we finally closed on our old home. We were suppose to close on our new home the same day, however there was an issue with the succession paperwork and it had to be pushed back a week to last Friday. Apparently one of the brothers in the succession is in a prison in Arizona and the papers had to be wet ink signed. So they were overnighted there, signed, not notarized, sent back to us, realized they were notarized, mailed, back signed AND notarized, then mailed back. It was a stupid, drawn out, dumb process. Anyway we closed on our new house a week late. In the mean time we had been staying with my in-laws. Ill just leave it at that. SO. Its Friday before Christmas, we have a house to paint, all our furniture to move in, unpack, and get it to a sense of normalcy for the kids come Christmas morning. Piece of cake right?

                As for Miss Phillips, about a week before our closing date I drove her over to a friends house (clear a non "car guy" given he has an empty garage lol) and stashed her in there till a later date once we are moved in and situated. She drover perfect the whole way there. Did about 40-45 on a 2 lane highway vs the interstate. She's noisy but drives well. Gave me some insight on some areas I want to improve on for A. Safety and B. enjoyment while driving. Anyway, I pill up in the street, kill the car, and go knock on the door. Go inside for a bit, chat etc. 15 minutes later I come out and we are going to back her into the garage. We get up ALL the way until the front wheels are about 1.5 from the threshold and she dies. I drove 20 miles, and you die 1.5 feet from the destination....

                Tried a few times to crank her over and no go. Noticed the electric priming pump I had installed month or so ago wasn't kicking on, so that may be part of the issue. That will eventually get replaced as ill be doing a drop on efi carb replacement. But for now, need to figure out the issue of the electric primer. Currently she is still sitting at my friends house and I'm hoping late this week or just after the first of the year driving her to her new home.

                Ive posted some pics of the updates and painting we did in the new house. That will be all im doing for the next several weeks, if you like what you see ill continue to post those in here until its time to start back up on the cars.

                IMG_2104 by lawrx, on Flickr

                IMG_8647 by lawrx, on Flickr

                IMG_9620 by lawrx, on Flickr

                IMG_9619 by lawrx, on Flickr

                IMG_9609 by lawrx, on Flickr

                IMG_9604 by lawrx, on Flickr

                IMG_9613 by lawrx, on Flickr

                IMG_9617 by lawrx, on Flickr

                IMG_2136 by lawrx, on Flickr

                IMG_1966 by lawrx, on Flickr

                IMG_1964 by lawrx, on Flickr
                Cars bed is mexistanced wicked. I for one enjoy backstory so I like these posts, better than a dead thread, imo.
                2 328i e36's
                Saabaru linear 2.5na
                Various projects.
                sigpic
                Intro;
                http://www.stanceworks.com/forums/sh...19#post1598619

                Comment


                • #9
                  Going through one of our last boxes last night, i came across some pictures and receipts Pop had given me when we went to pick up the car. The first was a folder full of receipts. Of EVERY piece of work performed on the car beginning when he took ownership in late 95'. Gaskets, trim, interior pieces, hardware, labor for exhaust. You name it, there is a receipt for it. I also have the original title form when Pop purchased it from the original owner. That makes me the third owner of the car.



                  IMG_2387 by lawrx, on Flickr


                  IMG_2396 by lawrx, on Flickr



                  IMG_2398 by lawrx, on Flickr



                  IMG_2397 by lawrx, on Flickr



                  The other, is a book of photos taken during the restoration in 96'. It was restored by Harold, Pops brother in-law in Sylvania, Georgia. They aren't the most detailed pics, but still somewhat show the major steps of the process. Harold restores cars on the side for people, or used to. As Pop put it "Hes getting up there in age now and his eyesight isnt so good, so there are a few waves and runs in the paint". The pictured blue car is what the original 390 came out of. After finishing the car they hasd several issues with that motor. It was pulled and replaced with the current motor in the car, a refurbed 390 from a parts store (have to find the receipt to find out which store specifically, out of genuine curiosity).


                  IMG_2388 by lawrx, on Flickr



                  IMG_2389 by lawrx, on Flickr


                  IMG_2390 by lawrx, on Flickr



                  IMG_2392 by lawrx, on Flickr



                  IMG_2393 by lawrx, on Flickr



                  IMG_2394 by lawrx, on Flickr



                  IMG_2395 by lawrx, on Flickr



                  And lastly a small update on the house. We started (i, actually, wife just sat and watched) took the doors off the cabinets to clean and scuff them to get ready for paint. They are going a cream/off white color. All the colors came off the Sherwin williams historic pallet. Our house is located in the Historic District in our city and any exterior changes must be approved by the historic commision. We opted to use the historic colors on the inside as well. They seem to have a more subdued, toned down saturation to them that we liked regardless. Also started taking down the wall paper. Its been up there since the 80s. It. Fucking. Sucks.



                  IMG_2381 by lawrx, on Flickr


                  IMG_2382 by lawrx, on Flickr



                  IMG_2384 by lawrx, on Flickr




                  IMG_2385 by lawrx, on Flickr



                  IMG_2386 by lawrx, on Flickr
                  IG @gt3_brz

                  My Mustang Build
                  http://www.stanceworks.com/forums/sh...=1#post1552949

                  My BRZ Build
                  http://www.stanceworks.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=86482

                  My F100 Build
                  http://www.stanceworks.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=97329

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    I feel your pain with the wallpaper, Literally every single room in my house had it on the walls...I am still not done totally striping it in a room.
                    Insta Mintyhinrichs

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Update on the car and house. Went over to my buddies house to drive her back to her new home. Was a little nervous about it as when I drove it over initially it killed on me right as I was pulling it into the garage. She cranked over fine, idled well, and we pulled out and left. Decided to go a different way as it was foggy, roads were wet and this alternative route was slower speeds giving less chance of an accident. (Keep in mind I'm driving on 15+ year old tires, they will be going away asap soon as house is in order) We get to an red light of a main intersection, come to a stop waiting for traffic so I can turn right, wife behind me following after dropping me off. Sit for a second or two, then idle states dropping. Lower.Lower, and then clunk, she killed. Tried a few times to turn her over and nothing. Same issue I had when I dropped her off at my buddies. Had to push her 30 ft backwards alone (wife had the two kids in the car) out the road, and call my dad for a tow. We were maybe 1.5-2 miles from the house. We just threw a ratchet strap to the frame and just tugged me the rest of the way. Precursor, I know nothing about carbs and their adjustment. Never worked on them, never owned one etc. Once back to the house and out the road Dad and I investigated a bit. Initially we thought it was a spark issue as A it was getting air and B when pumping the throttle while not running we had gas. Dad went to start it, based on a hunch eh held peddle to the floor and cranked her. She started right up. Looking into the carb you could see the fuel just dripping in by large drops while at idle. WAY to rich. Simple Bowl float adjustment and she was good as new. The float was simply allowing too much fuel in the bowl at idle causing it to literally pour out at idle. Anyway, she's back running good, pulled her in front the house, got a few pics and pulled her under the garage and put the new car cover on. Cant wait to get her all in my name and go for some cruises.

                      Wife also got a short clip on her phone of me passing her by. Ill be sure to get a few more vids of her before I make some changes. Its something I want to do a bot more of, incorporating few videos into my build threads.





                      IMG_9813 by lawrx, on Flickr



                      IMG_2440 by lawrx, on Flickr


                      IMG_2442 by lawrx, on Flickr



                      IMG_2443 by lawrx, on Flickr


                      IMG_2444 by lawrx, on Flickr



                      We also made some massive progress on the kitchen. Wallpaper was fully removed, patch the damage from the removal, and put some new texture up. Had a mini paint party with some family members and got it painted with the exception of some trimming in. All last week I've week working on the cabinets as well. Removing the doors, sanding, cleaning and prepping them all for paint. Wife and I over two nights got everything for the most part painted. We missed a few spots and few others need a another coat but they are 90% done. I never want to do that again. Ever.

                      We also gutted the front flower beds and put some new flowers in them. Its been raining here for 2 weeks and the yard is a lake Welcome to Louisiana) and several times I stepped in the garden and went up to my knee in mud....





                      IMG_2460 by lawrx, on Flickr


                      IMG_2461 by lawrx, on Flickr


                      IMG_2463 by lawrx, on Flickr


                      IMG_2466 by lawrx, on Flickr


                      IMG_2469 by lawrx, on Flickr


                      IMG_2473 by lawrx, on Flickr
                      IG @gt3_brz

                      My Mustang Build
                      http://www.stanceworks.com/forums/sh...=1#post1552949

                      My BRZ Build
                      http://www.stanceworks.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=86482

                      My F100 Build
                      http://www.stanceworks.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=97329

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        What a cool car and even cooler story, awesome that it's staying in the family. I always enjoy your story telling. Keep it all coming

                        2001 BMW 560i 6.0 LSx/T56 SOLD


                        2000 Corvette Hardtop FRC

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Originally posted by nsogiba View Post
                          What a cool car and even cooler story, awesome that it's staying in the family. I always enjoy your story telling. Keep it all coming
                          Thank you!

                          Hoping in the next few weeks ill get her registered and insured in my name finally. Plan on taking her for a few drives ASAP once its taken care of.
                          IG @gt3_brz

                          My Mustang Build
                          http://www.stanceworks.com/forums/sh...=1#post1552949

                          My BRZ Build
                          http://www.stanceworks.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=86482

                          My F100 Build
                          http://www.stanceworks.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=97329

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            The car is cool but I am amazed at how you turned that kitchen from "old granny spec" to actually looking modern just by painting it white haha

                            FB: @DumbassCarCrew - IG: @fruttolo_dumbasscrew

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Originally posted by Fruttolo View Post
                              The car is cool but I am amazed at how you turned that kitchen from "old granny spec" to actually looking modern just by painting it white haha
                              Thank you. I cant take credit for that, that's all my wife's doing. I just did the manual labor lol.
                              IG @gt3_brz

                              My Mustang Build
                              http://www.stanceworks.com/forums/sh...=1#post1552949

                              My BRZ Build
                              http://www.stanceworks.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=86482

                              My F100 Build
                              http://www.stanceworks.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=97329

                              Comment

                              Working...
                              X