Thanks fellas, believe me, I'm not loosin any sleep over it. He has my info n I will continue ta stop by ever now n again. In the mean time I have my 55CV ta keep me busy n VERY happy!! Think I'm gonna take yer advice Charlie n build me a 292 for her. That'll make me VERY VERY happy!! :0)
Thanks again, Rowen

Rowen
55CV
Woodland, Ca

It's definitely a car guy thing. Two blocks from my house a guy has a '57 Chebby Apache stepside and a '46 Hudson Big Boy pickup. Both are in good condition but he has them stored outside and they are moldering away in the weather. Apparently he won't sell them. Twice I've seen guys with trailers there, but both trucks are still there. Go figure...

Been there, Rowen... in purchasing both hobby cars and car parts.  I've come to believe that it's a car guy thing.

Patience required.  Leave them your contact info and stop by occasionally.  It still may not work-out for you, though. 

In ONE of my classic examples, I had a '57 'Bird I had followed for 34 years,  It had been off the road since 1970 due to a front end accident.  In 2007, the owner finally agreed to a purchase price.  -We had a handshake on the deal.  While I was pulling the money from a retirement fund the owner changed his mind and traded it for a toy he wanted with no money exchanged in the deal.  UGH!


NoShortcuts
a.k.a. Charlie Brown
near Syracuse, New York

Well, I went and Che led out the 56 CV yesterday after work. It is a "P" code car but for sum reason th fella decided th car was NOT for sale after all? Asked him why he changed his mind with th difficulties that th family had n he had no real answer fer me. Just said its NOT for sale. No pics n no inspection. Im gonna keep trying.

Rowen
55CV
Woodland, Ca

Paul's info is good to consider, Rowen.  Ted Eaton's recently shared information about the frequency of finding cam tunnel distortion in 312 blocks has cemented my intention of using a 292 block for the next home of my 312 rotating assembly.  The hold-up has been finding a machine shop that I was confident about doing the 312 crank modification work.  Problem solved!  While I'm not going racing, I want my block and crank assembly to be reliable.  -Radius-es on the crank mains and throws are critical.  


NoShortcuts
a.k.a. Charlie Brown
near Syracuse, New York

Wow Rono! !! Why didn't I think of that!! To simple for me i guess!! That sounds like an excellent place ta start!! Thanks! Ill stop after work n look!! Ill post what I find! Rowen

Rowen
55CV
Woodland, Ca

Apparently, as the 312 option came in Fords somewhat late in 1956, only about 17% of them were acquipped with them. Priority production was given to Merc's, Thunderbirds & Police packages.. The Thunderbird emblem on the fender could mean a 312 or a 292-4Bbl dual exhaust car.. And as stated, there was a problem with the early main cap specs, which led to some stripped main bolts & cracked blocks.. So, approach the 312 claim with caution.. 
P.S.- Further, due to the age of the engines, our site moderator Ted, who has vast experience with these engines, has found that 312s are more likely to have block distortion problems than 272 & 292 engines...              


Paul

One other thing you could check would be the VIN on the data plate. Of course the original motor could have replaced somewhere along the line, but if it is a "P" code car, that should give you hope that at least originally it was a 312 car.
Rono

  Ron Lane,  Meridian, ID

Oops!! Sorry fer the double post!!damn fat fingers......

Rowen
55CV
Woodland, Ca

Yep mike I know what yer saying. This fella was a local rodder in town. He died unexpectedly an now his wife is ill n needs the money for her care. My wife knows the family n I trust what their telling me about the car. Its a lil rough interior wise but the body is straight as an arrow and all the trim is on her and in great shape. Paint is rough (sittin outside as I said). Ill look her over better (pans n trunk, door bottoms etc) fer rust when I check the mains. Not sure what the market is fer a "non-runnin" 56 CV? Don't want ta low ball em as they need the money, but I don't want ta over pay either. When I see it next ill take some pics n see ifin you folks kin help me set a fair value. Till then I know not much kin be said.

Rowen
55CV
Woodland, Ca