That's a standard exhaust setup with the cross to the right side across the front to the front of the right header and on to a single pipe and muffler. The 223 six was standard in all models in '56, with the 272 V8 or 312 V8 optional in all models. It seems the 292 was optional only in the Fairlane wagon in '56, for some reason. My source is the Encyclopedia of American Cars, 1940-1970, authored by R.M. Langworth and the editors of Consumer Guide. I owned a '56 Mainline 2 door sedan when I was 18. My hotrodder brother helped me put a '58 Edsel 410 V8 in it in place of the 6, and a Hurst floor shifter on the standard 3 speed plus overdrive tranny. Top speed was crazy fast, but quick standing starts just burned the tires off.
Love the 56 Ford! In my opinion it was the best looking 50s car. Normally the Customline had a 272 cu. Inch, at least all of the ones I had were 272. That exhaust is original to the car. The Y-blocks were excellent running engines. Water pump is probably froze up if the fan doesn't turn. Those manual brakes actually stopped the car very well. I now have a 59 Edsel with the same setup and don't have any problems stopping. However all components will havto be replaced. Definitely would like to hear it run.
I agree with everything Joe says. The 56 is 100% 12 volt from the factory... including the gauges. (only year gauges are 12 volt) Probably just about guarantee that's a 272ci. My '56 Customline has a 272 as well.... for now... lol Check the tag in the door jamb, and as long as the engine hasn't been swapped it's most likely a 272. Both '56 Fairlanes I have are 292 4v cars and have the dual exh driver's manifold you'll be wanting eventually. As for the brakes, they work fine for what it was at that time, and the little power the 272 produced, but not really for 'today's style of driving' or any future upgraded engines. Lots of upgrade options out there, including disc. Looking forward to more content on your Customline!
The exhaust is a single exhaust crossover to the right side and a single exhaust pipe. Dual exhaust was an option on the customline and standard on the high end line with a standard 292,the 312 was an option. The dual exhaust had a left side manifold that exited at the rear.
That is truck exhaust. They had a cross over pipe that went across the front of the motor that exited out of the passenger side of the engine. People would plug the front of the left side exhaust manifold and have a pipe made to come out of the front right side manifold and go out the back for dual exhaust.
Just for interest - - Had one like this in 1957 with 50,000 miles, which was all baby blue. It had been a highway patrol intercepter that had a big bore engine & a 4-barrel carburetor. Sold it about 1965 with some 125,000 miles. Loved the car & enjoyed the years driving it. Much good luck with your ownership.
My dad loved the '56 Fords even though at the time he drove mostly Chevrolets,he was driving one home from work that belonged to a co worker and passed up a DeSoto Firedome Lik it was standing still, also he did a tune up on another co workers '56 and he was just amazed at how quick that car was,he told me those stories all the time that I was growing up.
4:28, remove the dust caps on the two front drums, cotter pins and castle nuts, and the drums will come off. You might have to back the adjusters off to compensate for the rust ridge on the inside of the drum. 6:00, that's factory. That pipe went over to join up with the passenger exhaust. 14:10, tape a piece of thick cardboard between the fan an radiator next time. Paint the car black on bottom, mint above the chrome. Popular back then.
It's been awhile since I fumbled around to free them up, but I remember the shoes being rusted to the drums... hence the hammer destruction since time was a factor and the main goal of that day was to get it loaded. Thanks again for your input!
Love this Ford. Yep that air cleaner is to small your choking that motor the bigger the air cleaner the better as your engine works like a air pump . Index your plugs she fire 🔥 better between the valves . 👍🏻💯🇦🇺
1956 was the first year for 12 volt electrical system in Fords. This car originally was single exhaust exiting from the right side manifold. The left manifold exited at the front and crossed over to the front of the right manifold.
My Parents had one just like it the T Bird Motor 3 Speed with Overdrive when I was 3 or 4 years old so early 60's. Mom's baby sister use to race it when my Dad was on the road as a truck driver.
The car was built by Ford with a single exhaust. Ford ran an exhaust pipe on the front of the engine from one manifold to the other then through a single pipe to the muffler and out the tailpipe. 1956 was the first year for 12 volt electrical system. Your system is all stock. I love your car. Please enjoy it,
Ford went to 12 volts in 56. From it's inception in 54, a cross-over pipe was employed over the front of the engine for single exhaust, but duals were available. Contrary to your claim, it is equiped with a common place generator. Wise to stay with factory drive-train.Y-blocks were durable engines, although the Fordomatic trans leaves a lot to be desired.
There is nothing wrong with drum brakes!The y blocks had a crossover pipe (right to left manifold )some one did a dual exhaust conversion ,that is the reason for the cob job exhaust .
I have a 56 mainline. Same color. 6 cly. Hope you have good luck with this one. Y block. You may want to check valves before crank with battery. If stuck you will bend valves or push rods. Ask me how I know.
That's awesome Richard! And thanks for the input! Do you have any recommendations on most reasonable valve checking procedures? We'd love to pick your brain on this!
You don’t need a fan shroud. You can even drive without a fan . Mainly only there for in town . At light etc .keep the original fan going the way is a waste of time.
@@brianandglendaharkin9457 - I reckon there is enough airflow while moving then to keep it cool? I think murphy's law would strike and I'd overheat at a light! 😉
Yes it will break free no problem WD-4 a little bit transmission fluid together let it sit for a day or two. I bought a 1934 Ford 5 Window Coupe with 24000 original miles and that's what I did it still runs today
It was originally single exhaust somebody put duel exhaust on it The original pipe to go from the left side front to the right side to make single exhaust
I have a 58 PowerMaster 801 Ford Tractor... Ford ran the steel fuel line right over the exhaust Manifold! They clearly didn't mind heating up the fuel.
The change to disc from drum brakes was good, but the switch from mechanical to hydraulic brakes and the switch from standard house widow pane glass to safety glass were a lot more important. "56 was the first year for a 12 volt system on Fords. Someone changed the 12 V generator for an alternator.
You said that you dumped marvel transmission and anything you could in the cylinders to free it up. You need to drain the crankcase and mess out of it. The put in new oil. You could blow it up when that spark hits it. I had a 51 Ford flat head 8 it had a cross over pipe that went down under the front..and connected to the other header. Check and see if it was dual exaust. You would have two tail pipes. You need to be careful as I said earlier. Good luck on your quest. Eddie
We had the 56 1/2 Customline model, 272 V8 two-dr coupe (sans B-piller) in basic black (ford porcelainized finish, no need to wax but would not get a great shine). As I recall the exhaust "crossover pipe" was Fords creation if you did not get duel exhaust via Y pipe and originally crossed just under the upper radiator hose. The rear spark plugs are a night mare to remove, had to use extensions and universal swivel sockets from underneath. Taillight had a plastichrome trim-ring akin the mid-range models. Thanks. Narragansett Bay
@@hopfammedia My late little brother was a mechanic at the local Ford dealership - Harrison Ford (no lie) in Middletown, RI. The 1/2 yr model was due to a number of undersold coup bodies. Usually attired with the top to mid-line trim levels. Attired with understated custom-line trim and a single exhaust Ford was able to move them along. The car was to be mine upon discharge from the Silent Service. The same brother used the car before I took position and a cigarette landed in the rear seat and the rest is history.
Don't know about that model but the "twin spinner" custom with the flathead V8 had one exhaust manifold going forward and down under the fan area and joined up into the front of the other manifold which then exited from the rear. It had a Generator mounted in the centre above the intake manifold. At least that was the 52 model in Australia
Agreed. You know it Not being a 57 Chevy (or a 56 for that matter) suggested to me that it wasn't worth much outside of sentimental appeal. That was probably true while fooling around with cars in the 80's, etc. But nowadays, appeal has shifted. Glad to see others enjoy a plain 2-Door post 56 Ford!
The car originally had single exhaust. There would have been a crossover pipe that ran between the manifolds. It ran from the left manifold to the right manifold just under the upper radiator hose. What they have done is run a pipe from the front of the left manifold to an exhaust pipe and muffler. They had to cap off the right manifold. It already had an exhaust pipe and muffler. If the car cam with dual exhaust it would have different manifolds that exited in the rear.
'56 was the first year of 12volt systems in Fords, so this was NOT converted from a 6volt. Also, this was a single exhaust from the factory, and you're correct in that the two manifolds were joined together by a pipe across the front of the engine parallel to the radiator. Someone along the life of the car had the exhaust modified to duals; hence all the welding, etc. There's no correlation between the exhaust location and the generator. BTW, that's NOT an alternator; it's a generator.
@@hopfammedia You're welcome. Here's another little-known trivia about the "V8" emblem on the '54 through '56. It is superimposed over the red background which is the fore/aft Y-shaped profile which depicts the "Y" block engine. You'll also see this same badge emblem on the glove box door. I'm guessing that yours is a 272. Seems to me that the 292 and 312 options had a jet-plane style engine badge that said "Thunderbird" in the casting. Have fun with your resurrection project. Glad you're saving the car. It's in relal nice condition. Hope it doesn't have too much rust in the floor pans.
Thanks for the video. I have an original 1956 Ford owners manual in good condition if interested, $30 plus postage. I had a 56 Ford back in the mid 1960’s.
1956 was the first year for 12 volts, also it had single exhaust, your car has duel exhaust , the left side had a cross over pipe, and then on the right it exited from the rear, thats why the right front is capped off
Maybe the lockup was all about just a few piston rings being sized? Or just the fact that the water pump is trash(water pump can be rebuild btw)? Originally both exhaust manifolds are connected with a 3th pipe in the middle. Someone has hacked it off and made a dual exhaust conversion? If your removing all the none original piping be careful cause the % of breaking studs or bolds is very high. Lot of heath needed and pre cleaning any visible threads. Pipe itself should be still available or let a custom exhaust shop make one for you. As for the 12V electrical fan: keep the original fan. You can add a fan in front of the radiator as a extra precaution for overheat. Just remember to get one that plows cool air into the radiator instead of sucking more hot air into it. Lot of people get that part wrong and end up with a hot mess later. I would go and look whats underneath the valve covers. When the car has been sitting for years in a damp and humid environment. Rust and condensation will start building up underneath the valve covers. Despite this engine has a breather in the front, it is not very effective in removing condensation from the engine. If you open up the valve covers you can see if there are any stuck valves(important cause if they are stuck you will 100% bent the pushrods). Might also look out if the rocker arms have been modified to get more oil (aka extra tubes added cause the early Y blocks had oiling issues with the rockers).
You have an old jem. I had a four door 56 with the 272 engine way down under in New Zealand. I'm getting to your posting a bit late things take time down here and lookin forward to your follow-up. Did anyone tell you that you sound just like Buster Scruggs? So long
IMHO, first thing to do is dis-connect the fuel line, you don't want to draw that old gas into the carb. Drop a fresh battery in and see if the starter will spin it over. if it does, you will probably have a lot of oil be pushed out of the cylinders. Assuming that the engine turns over freely, check for spark. Points, condenser, cap and probably plug wires. Got spark? Is the carb free, throttle linkage functions? Carb need disassembly and through cleaning? time for a little fresh gas down the carb and see if it barks off. I wouldn't yank any more parts off of the engine until you have it running. You'll need to find the OEM Ford specs for point gap, dynamic timing... I agree that your engine is most likely a 272 CI "Y" block . 312s didn't come along until 1957. HTH. Bruce
Excellent suggestions @brucenixon4157. Fuel is definately spoiled. This is the direction I plan to go next. Only, I believe I'll pull the valve covers and check the rockers before turning the key to keep from bending any pushrods. Thanks for the thorough comments!
@@hopfammedia I believe that, if you can get a complete revolution by turning the engine over via the crank pulley bolt, the valve train should be free. But, considering how long it has been since the engine has run, I'd be tempted to get some oil on the rockers, valve springs, etc. It will be a minute or two until the engine develops oil pressure. Good luck with the process. Bruce
that car is a time capsule of originalty. i would keep it that way. get it in mechanical working order with new tires and and a good wax jod and enjoy it the way it is. they are only original once.
1956 ford was the first year ford was 12 volts and the exhaust on 55 the driver side went over the top front and hooked in drinker side and went down 56 had manifolds were round and went down to a Y pipe and 57 manifolds were square
@@hopfammedia That's o.k. It's a cool ride, especially since it's been in your family all those years and you know it's original. You can do a little doctoring on it .
THIS IS A CROSS OVER PIPE FROM THE LEFT SIDE FRONT TO THE RIGHT SIDE FRONT ONE PIPE TO THE REAR. TRUST ME I KNOW. STOCK IT WAS A ,12 VOLT IN 56. JUST LIKE THE CHEVY IN 55 AND 56.
It was never a 6-volt system. 1955 was the last year for that. It had a 12 volt DC generator, not an alternator. That left-side exhaust manifold looks like it's upside-down. Who knows why.
i had a 65 Ford Galaxy with power drum brakes, it would throw you through the windshield, there are nouthing wrong with drum brakes, just make them power
@2pugman. I have learned that the various models, (ie. Mainline,Customline, & Crown Victoria) had different trim styles across the body of the car. Thanks much for watching and commenting!
Hi @lynndonsonier2745, that's coming! But first, I think I'll take a look at the valve train and hopefully prevent the bending of any pushrods. Thanks much for your comments!
@HopFam Media those are tough old engines I had 2 of them 272 and 292 only thing about them is they are noted for oil leaks guaranteed, that exhaust pipe on the drivers side should come off very close to the fuel pump, put it back to single exhaust. Good luck I will follow you
My RestoMod plans where chassis / drivetrain swap from a low mileage 04 Towncar. I ended up selling the towncar. But I still like the concept as it updates motor, trans, AND brakes!
Great question @gandstillersales9551! Thanks for posting it. The answer is... I'm ignorant about the differences. Looks like an alternator to me. I imagine I'll learn alot on this journey to get this ride back on the road. Thanks again for your comments!
That's a standard exhaust setup with the cross to the right side across the front to the front of the right header and on to a single pipe and muffler. The 223 six was standard in all models in '56, with the 272 V8 or 312 V8 optional in all models. It seems the 292 was optional only in the Fairlane wagon in '56, for some reason. My source is the Encyclopedia of American Cars, 1940-1970, authored by R.M. Langworth and the editors of Consumer Guide. I owned a '56 Mainline 2 door sedan when I was 18. My hotrodder brother helped me put a '58 Edsel 410 V8 in it in place of the 6, and a Hurst floor shifter on the standard 3 speed plus overdrive tranny. Top speed was crazy fast, but quick standing starts just burned the tires off.
Thanks Michael! Great history. Sure do appreciate your input!
Love the 56 Ford! In my opinion it was the best looking 50s car. Normally the Customline had a 272 cu. Inch, at least all of the ones I had were 272. That exhaust is original to the car. The Y-blocks were excellent running engines. Water pump is probably froze up if the fan doesn't turn. Those manual brakes actually stopped the car very well. I now have a 59 Edsel with the same setup and don't have any problems stopping. However all components will havto be replaced. Definitely would like to hear it run.
Thanks Christopher. Great feedback! We are committed, so stay tuned. Perhaps we will both hear that motor purr again!
I agree with everything Joe says.
The 56 is 100% 12 volt from the factory... including the gauges. (only year gauges are 12 volt)
Probably just about guarantee that's a 272ci. My '56 Customline has a 272 as well.... for now... lol
Check the tag in the door jamb, and as long as the engine hasn't been swapped it's most likely a 272. Both '56 Fairlanes I have are 292 4v cars and have the dual exh driver's manifold you'll be wanting eventually.
As for the brakes, they work fine for what it was at that time, and the little power the 272 produced, but not really for 'today's style of driving' or any future upgraded engines. Lots of upgrade options out there, including disc.
Looking forward to more content on your Customline!
Thanks much for the feedback, we are taking all these suggestions into consideration! Looking forward to releasing a new video soon!
@OlysGarage, Doorplate decodes it to be the 272 Automatic with 176 hp!
@@hopfammedia i suspected so. Hey, still a V8....hopefully get it running and it will sound good!
@@OlysGarage Yep... at least it's a V8 AND, she's got the badge in chrome! 😉
The exhaust is a single exhaust crossover to the right side and a single exhaust pipe. Dual exhaust was an option on the customline and standard on the high end line with a standard 292,the 312 was an option. The dual exhaust had a left side manifold that exited at the rear.
Great feedback Edward. Thanks for watching and commenting.
Great job getting a relic like that freed up. I look forward to see it running I guarantee.
Thanks for the encouragement! I'm excited to hear it again... been a LONG time!
The 56 Ford was 12 volt from the factory. 1955 was 6 volt
Got it! Thanks for the input, Hank!
That is truck exhaust. They had a cross over pipe that went across the front of the motor that exited out of the passenger side of the engine. People would plug the front of the left side exhaust manifold and have a pipe made to come out of the front right side manifold and go out the back for dual exhaust.
Just for interest - - Had one like this in 1957 with 50,000 miles, which was all baby blue. It had been a highway patrol intercepter that had a big bore engine & a 4-barrel carburetor. Sold it about 1965 with some 125,000 miles. Loved the car & enjoyed the years driving it. Much good luck with your ownership.
Thanks @richardbowers3647 for sharing that in the comments for all of us to enjoy! Future episode coming soon, stay tuned!
My dad loved the '56 Fords even though at the time he drove mostly Chevrolets,he was driving one home from work that belonged to a co worker and passed up a DeSoto Firedome Lik it was standing still, also he did a tune up on another co workers '56 and he was just amazed at how quick that car was,he told me those stories all the time that I was growing up.
4:28, remove the dust caps on the two front drums, cotter pins and castle nuts, and the drums will come off. You might have to back the adjusters off to compensate for the rust ridge on the inside of the drum.
6:00, that's factory. That pipe went over to join up with the passenger exhaust.
14:10, tape a piece of thick cardboard between the fan an radiator next time.
Paint the car black on bottom, mint above the chrome. Popular back then.
Thanks for the input Joe!
It's been awhile since I fumbled around to free them up, but I remember the shoes being rusted to the drums... hence the hammer destruction since time was a factor and the main goal of that day was to get it loaded. Thanks again for your input!
Love this Ford. Yep that air cleaner is to small your choking that motor the bigger the air cleaner the better as your engine works like a air pump . Index your plugs she fire 🔥 better between the valves . 👍🏻💯🇦🇺
1956 was the first year for 12 volt electrical system in Fords. This car originally was single exhaust exiting from the right side manifold. The left manifold exited at the front and crossed over to the front of the right manifold.
The 56 Ford cars and light-duty trucks were 12-volt systems. I memory serves me well they were still positive grounded at that time though.
Thanks Wes. I may need to learn more about positive grounds!
56 Ford. One of my Favorits
My Parents had one just like it the T Bird Motor 3 Speed with Overdrive when I was 3 or 4 years old so early 60's. Mom's baby sister use to race it when my Dad was on the road as a truck driver.
Not sure, but I imagine your T-Bird had the bigger 312 Cu.In. I like those cars!
Pipe should go from drivers side and connect to passenger side across the front someone wanted to put duel exhaust.
The car was built by Ford with a single exhaust. Ford ran an exhaust pipe on the front of the engine from one manifold to the other then through a single pipe to the muffler and out the tailpipe. 1956 was the first year for 12 volt electrical system. Your system is all stock. I love your car. Please enjoy it,
Thanks @Toddtakacs5003! Great feedback. Looking forward to posting more progress... stay tuned & thanks for your encouragement!
Love to see the engine all dressed up and cleaned up
Me too!
Then Dad bought a 56 Ford wagon in 64. Had a Thunder bird Special in it. Had the little Jet on Fenders.
the exhaust used to be single..cut off the front crossover exhuast pipe ..that I only remember being on 272 's
Ford went to 12 volts in 56. From it's inception in 54, a cross-over pipe was employed over the front of the engine for single exhaust, but duals were available. Contrary to your claim, it is equiped with a common place generator. Wise to stay with factory drive-train.Y-blocks were durable engines, although the Fordomatic trans leaves a lot to be desired.
Got it! I was fooled by the GEN light in the dash and assumed it was a 6-Volt Conversion. Thanks for the feedback!
@@hopfammedia Looking forward to follow-up videos on this 56.
Thanks @jeromebreeding3302. We are working on it. Appreciate the encouragement!
There is nothing wrong with drum brakes!The y blocks had a crossover pipe (right to left manifold )some one did a dual exhaust conversion ,that is the reason for the cob job exhaust .
Thanks Andrew! I am learning that.. Appreciate your comments!
I have a 56 mainline. Same color. 6 cly. Hope you have good luck with this one. Y block. You may want to check valves before crank with battery. If stuck you will bend valves or push rods. Ask me how I know.
That's awesome Richard! And thanks for the input! Do you have any recommendations on most reasonable valve checking procedures? We'd love to pick your brain on this!
You don’t need a fan shroud. You can even drive without a fan . Mainly only there for in town . At light etc .keep the original fan going the way is a waste of time.
@@brianandglendaharkin9457 - I reckon there is enough airflow while moving then to keep it cool? I think murphy's law would strike and I'd overheat at a light! 😉
Yes it will break free no problem WD-4 a little bit transmission fluid together let it sit for a day or two. I bought a 1934 Ford 5 Window Coupe with 24000 original miles and that's what I did it still runs today
Cool! Thanks for sharing that Rick. Appreciate the encouragement!
It was originally single exhaust somebody put duel exhaust on it The original pipe to go from the left side front to the right side to make single exhaust
And ran the driver's side exhaust pipe withing an inch of the fuel line.
Vapor-lock, anybody?
I have a 58 PowerMaster 801 Ford Tractor... Ford ran the steel fuel line right over the exhaust Manifold! They clearly didn't mind heating up the fuel.
Yes crossover exhaust but someone wanted to have dual exhaust I would guess
Yep!
When I was about 7 or 8 a Friend of our Family had a car Identical to yours.
Cool Jeff! Thanks for sharing that.
The change to disc from drum brakes was good, but the switch from mechanical to hydraulic brakes and the switch from standard house widow pane glass to safety glass were a lot more important. "56 was the first year for a 12 volt system on Fords. Someone changed the 12 V generator for an alternator.
Agreed!
@@hopfammedia that is a genarator
Yep, I'm learning that. Thanks for your input!
You said that you dumped marvel transmission and anything you could in the cylinders to free it up. You need to drain the crankcase and mess out of it. The put in new oil. You could blow it up when that spark hits it. I had a 51 Ford flat head 8 it had a cross over pipe that went down under the front..and connected to the other header. Check and see if it was dual exaust. You would have two tail pipes. You need to be careful as I said earlier. Good luck on your quest. Eddie
Thanks Eddie! Planning on doing that soon. Thanks for your comments!
The exhaust crossed over to the right side s common way to make duals was to do that modification to avoid changing the manifolds
I'm learning that Tom. Thanks much for your comments!
We had the 56 1/2 Customline model, 272 V8 two-dr coupe (sans B-piller) in basic black (ford porcelainized finish, no need to wax but would not get a great shine). As I recall the exhaust "crossover pipe" was Fords creation if you did not get duel exhaust via Y pipe and originally crossed just under the upper radiator hose. The rear spark plugs are a night mare to remove, had to use extensions and universal swivel sockets from underneath. Taillight had a plastichrome trim-ring akin the mid-range models. Thanks. Narragansett Bay
Did not realize there was a 56 1/2. Sounds Like a Great Ride!
@@hopfammedia My late little brother was a mechanic at the local Ford dealership - Harrison Ford (no lie) in Middletown, RI. The 1/2 yr model was due to a number of undersold coup bodies. Usually attired with the top to mid-line trim levels. Attired with understated custom-line trim and a single exhaust Ford was able to move them along. The car was to be mine upon discharge from the Silent Service. The same brother used the car before I took position and a cigarette landed in the rear seat and the rest is history.
@@jebsails2837 that's great history. Sorry you never got possession. Thanks for posting your experience and the 1/2 model details!
Don't know about that model but the "twin spinner" custom with the flathead V8 had one exhaust manifold going forward and down under the fan area and joined up into the front of the other manifold which then exited from the rear. It had a Generator mounted in the centre above the intake manifold. At least that was the 52 model in Australia
So then it was originally single exhaust setup from Ford.
Original generator.is where your alt.is now.
nice man, im up here in memphis. good to see more locals rescuing cars. Its not a 57 chevy, but i'd love to have that and running on the road.
Agreed. You know it Not being a 57 Chevy (or a 56 for that matter) suggested to me that it wasn't worth much outside of sentimental appeal. That was probably true while fooling around with cars in the 80's, etc. But nowadays, appeal has shifted. Glad to see others enjoy a plain 2-Door post 56 Ford!
The car originally had single exhaust. There would have been a crossover pipe that ran between the manifolds. It ran from the left manifold to the right manifold just under the upper radiator hose. What they have done is run a pipe from the front of the left manifold to an exhaust pipe and muffler. They had to cap off the right manifold. It already had an exhaust pipe and muffler.
If the car cam with dual exhaust it would have different manifolds that exited in the rear.
Excellent feedback Joe, thanks for your comments!
Drum brakes work just fine. My first car was a stock 54 ford customline. It stopped! Manual drums on all 4 corners
Gotcha. They may have to stay. But if so, then a power brake booster upgrade will have to be considered.
@@hopfammedia good shoes, good drums, they really work just fine. Cant go around tailgating folks
Exactly!
'56 was the first year of 12volt systems in Fords, so this was NOT converted from a 6volt. Also, this was a single exhaust from the factory, and you're correct in that the two manifolds were joined together by a pipe across the front of the engine parallel to the radiator. Someone along the life of the car had the exhaust modified to duals; hence all the welding, etc. There's no correlation between the exhaust location and the generator. BTW, that's NOT an alternator; it's a generator.
Thanks for the input Carl!
@@hopfammedia You're welcome. Here's another little-known trivia about the "V8" emblem on the '54 through '56. It is superimposed over the red background which is the fore/aft Y-shaped profile which depicts the "Y" block engine. You'll also see this same badge emblem on the glove box door. I'm guessing that yours is a 272. Seems to me that the 292 and 312 options had a jet-plane style engine badge that said "Thunderbird" in the casting. Have fun with your resurrection project. Glad you're saving the car. It's in relal nice condition. Hope it doesn't have too much rust in the floor pans.
Thanks for the video. I have an original 1956 Ford owners manual in good condition if interested, $30 plus postage. I had a 56 Ford back in the mid 1960’s.
Most welcome Tony! What color was Ford? Two or Four Door?
@@hopfammedia Light blue 2 door post. Loved it.
@@tonyshepherd406 what trim package?
@tonyshepard406, thanks much for the offer. I'm not looking for one now but will keep it in mind.
56 was the first year Ford went to 12 volt.
The exhaust did go over the front of the engine.
Someone cut the pipe to make duel exhaust.
BeUtiful car.
Thanks Jerry! Sure do appreciate your comments.
1956 was the first year for 12 volts, also it had single exhaust, your car has duel exhaust , the left side had a cross over pipe, and then on the right it exited from the rear, thats why the right front is capped off
Thanks @MrBrendog67rat, I'm learning that. Appreciate your comments!
Maybe the lockup was all about just a few piston rings being sized? Or just the fact that the water pump is trash(water pump can be rebuild btw)? Originally both exhaust manifolds are connected with a 3th pipe in the middle. Someone has hacked it off and made a dual exhaust conversion? If your removing all the none original piping be careful cause the % of breaking studs or bolds is very high. Lot of heath needed and pre cleaning any visible threads. Pipe itself should be still available or let a custom exhaust shop make one for you. As for the 12V electrical fan: keep the original fan. You can add a fan in front of the radiator as a extra precaution for overheat. Just remember to get one that plows cool air into the radiator instead of sucking more hot air into it. Lot of people get that part wrong and end up with a hot mess later. I would go and look whats underneath the valve covers. When the car has been sitting for years in a damp and humid environment. Rust and condensation will start building up underneath the valve covers. Despite this engine has a breather in the front, it is not very effective in removing condensation from the engine. If you open up the valve covers you can see if there are any stuck valves(important cause if they are stuck you will 100% bent the pushrods). Might also look out if the rocker arms have been modified to get more oil (aka extra tubes added cause the early Y blocks had oiling issues with the rockers).
Great info @SuperMAZ007! Sure do appreciate your comments!
You have an old jem. I had a four door 56 with the 272 engine way down under in New Zealand. I'm getting to your posting a bit late things take time down here and lookin forward to your follow-up. Did anyone tell you that you sound just like Buster Scruggs? So long
Thank you @martydavies7198! I am glad you enjoy it. I appreciate the reminder to get back to that project. No, I haven't heard that before!
It's always been a 12 volt system. Ford went from 6v to 12v in 1954. It was a generator rather than alternator though
I am learning that @gl1886, thanks much for commenting. Stay tuned. New episode coming Thursday!
I had 2 56 ford's an they were 292s. Exhaust manifold pipe ran around front of motor.
Thanks @jimwalton4073! It looks like this one is the 272. Thanks for watching and sharing your comments!
Should be a fun project!
IMHO, first thing to do is dis-connect the fuel line, you don't want to draw that old gas into the carb. Drop a fresh battery in and see if the starter will spin it over. if it does, you will probably have a lot of oil be pushed out of the cylinders. Assuming that the engine turns over freely, check for spark. Points, condenser, cap and probably plug wires. Got spark? Is the carb free, throttle linkage functions? Carb need disassembly and through cleaning? time for a little fresh gas down the carb and see if it barks off. I wouldn't yank any more parts off of the engine until you have it running. You'll need to find the OEM Ford specs for point gap, dynamic timing...
I agree that your engine is most likely a 272 CI "Y" block . 312s didn't come along until 1957.
HTH.
Bruce
Excellent suggestions @brucenixon4157. Fuel is definately spoiled. This is the direction I plan to go next. Only, I believe I'll pull the valve covers and check the rockers before turning the key to keep from bending any pushrods. Thanks for the thorough comments!
@@hopfammedia I believe that, if you can get a complete revolution by turning the engine over via the crank pulley bolt, the valve train should be free. But, considering how long it has been since the engine has run, I'd be tempted to get some oil on the rockers, valve springs, etc. It will be a minute or two until the engine develops oil pressure.
Good luck with the process.
Bruce
Watch Mortske repair. He's worked on some 292 y blocks. Plus it's a great channel.
Got it! Thanks for the suggestion.
that car is a time capsule of originalty. i would keep it that way. get it in mechanical working order with new tires and and a good wax jod and enjoy it the way it is. they are only original once.
Thanks Robert. Appreciate your comments!
Soak them cylinders in Myrster oil for a week. Or two. Well maybe not that long. At least a few days.
the exhaust came across the front of the engine and the generator is where it belongs and i believe this is a 12 volt system from the factory
Yes @dalesmith776. I've been learning that. Thanks much for your comments!
My parents had a car like that, I hope you can get it running again
That's awesome! Thank you, we hope so too!
Great stuff, thanks for sharing, new sub. Cheers.
Yeah Man! Thanks for watching.
I did it just using the fan belt like the way you're doing. No tools needed.
Hmmm, I wasn't able to budge it that way.
1956 ford was the first year ford was 12 volts and the exhaust on 55 the driver side went over the top front and hooked in drinker side and went down 56 had manifolds were round and went down to a Y pipe and 57 manifolds were square
Excellent detail, thanks!
3:53 before the 1963 zip code.
My 56 Ford truck has 272 I took fan off and got a 12 dollar electric fan off Chevy hhr works great with truck shrould
Had one just like it when I was 16.
That's awesome William! What did you like best and/or the least about yours?
Cool ride . I think that engine just might be a 272.
Yep! Confirmed from the data plate - 272 Automatic.
Rated a whopping 176 hp...
@@hopfammedia That's o.k. It's a cool ride, especially since it's been in your family all those years and you know it's original. You can do a little doctoring on it .
Start the motor on 2 stroke fuel ⛽️ it will help lube the motor .👍🏻💯🇦🇺
Great Idea!
I owned the same modile car mine had the same set up for the exhaust
Thanks for commenting Mark. What color or color combination did it have?
THIS IS A CROSS OVER PIPE FROM THE LEFT SIDE FRONT TO THE RIGHT SIDE FRONT ONE PIPE TO THE REAR. TRUST ME I KNOW. STOCK IT WAS A ,12 VOLT IN 56. JUST LIKE THE CHEVY IN 55 AND 56.
you are right sir
Great Feedback, thanks!
its a 272 and had a cross over in front for single exhaust 56 was factory 12 volt.
Thanks Roy! I'm learning that. Appreciate your comments.
Love it, I have the station wagon, same colour and trim, cool.
Sure would like to see a picture of your wagon John. If you get a chance, please send it via email.
They did that for duals they looped over I have a239Y-block
Yep, Sure looks that way. Wonder if there was a HP improvement moving to duals?
Great video! Correct me but that engine turns clockwise.
Wow @ejsvt2956, I didn't know it would matter at this point. Any chance that's why the rockers scraped into the valve covers?
Could be a 292, could be a 272, might even be the optional 312 although thats extremely unlikely
Thanks @tradrodsandcustoms, VIN Decode states 272. Thanks for your input!
A 56 ford came out 12 volt 55 was the last 6 volt ford and I think that that motor had a crosover on the front.
Thanks Gail! I'm learning that. Appreciate your comments!
Left exhaust looped around front of engine to right pipe then down right .
Thanks Tony, I'm learning that. Appreciate your comments!
That came with a front crossover pipe
They did connect straight across
Yep, I'm learning that. Thanks much for your comments!
It had a crossover pipe its been cut for the alternator clearance .
Hey, I must have guessed it right then!
they used to go over thetop of the engine the exhuast
The distributor or be on the passenger side in the back if it is a Y block
Thanks @danforaker1867. Your knowledge is much appreciated!
It had single exhaust, there was a crossover pipe.
Yep! I'm learning that Gary. Thanks for your comments.
Looped over
The cross over pip went around the front and the pipe come out on the left driver side
Yep, that seems to be what Ford intended. Thanks much for the feedback!
That engine had a cross over exhaust it went from the driver side to the passenger then out under the car
Yep, been figuring that out. Thanks much for your feedback!
A little ,do you have ah pipe if not put one in it will some to and equalize both sides km .
Good Point
That’s how the pipes exited they went around the front of the engine not down ..
That's what I'm learning @daviddamico4288. Sure do appreciate your comments!
That pipe came across the front of motor to manifold on passenger side then went down
Yes sir, thanks for your comments!
That pipe used to go across the front of the motor and somebody has changed it
I'm learning that Jimmie. Thanks for your comments!
Looped over and connected for a single exhaust pipe.
Yep! Thanks for your comments!
It was never a 6-volt system. 1955 was the last year for that. It had a 12 volt DC generator, not an alternator. That left-side exhaust manifold looks like it's upside-down. Who knows why.
Hi Ken, I'm learning that. Maybe because it was originally a single exhaust that fed over to the right side manifold.
Crossover pipe cut and bent to make dual exhaust
Yep, learning that! Thanks for your input @ronalddavis7711!
I think that's how they made dual exhaust, (if it has duals)
It does have duals @nowhereman7398
i had a 65 Ford Galaxy with power drum brakes, it would throw you through the windshield, there are nouthing wrong with drum brakes, just make them power
Got it. Definitely needs to be upgraded from original design!
❤ Very good
'56's had a different side body trim. What's up ?
@2pugman. I have learned that the various models, (ie. Mainline,Customline, & Crown Victoria) had different trim styles across the body of the car. Thanks much for watching and commenting!
Being this is a plain Jane Ford could be a 272.
Think I would have tried the starter.
Hi @lynndonsonier2745, that's coming! But first, I think I'll take a look at the valve train and hopefully prevent the bending of any pushrods. Thanks much for your comments!
@HopFam Media those are tough old engines I had 2 of them 272 and 292 only thing about them is they are noted for oil leaks guaranteed, that exhaust pipe on the drivers side should come off very close to the fuel pump, put it back to single exhaust. Good luck I will follow you
No shroud from factory
They came with either 272 292 of 312 capacity You should consider replacing it with, a more modern motor 351 or 396 easier to get parts
My RestoMod plans where chassis / drivetrain swap from a low mileage 04 Towncar. I ended up selling the towncar. But I still like the concept as it updates motor, trans, AND brakes!
Why? The 272-292’s were good engines and parts are readily available. Why Mickey Mouse it?
@@craigjorgensen4637 good point. Plus this path gets it running quicker... waited long enough.
The exhaust is correct for 56 ford
Yep, I'm learning that David. Thanks much for your input!
That's a 12v generator, Ford didn't have alternater till early 60's
Thanks @rickyoung8503, I'm learning that. Sure do appreciate your comments! Stay tuned, more to come.
Pull valve covers check valves
Appreciate that @phillipstotts8180! Stay tuned for our next episode and advise. Thanks!
Y block. .original exhaust. Single .did loop around
Thanks Mike! I'm learning that. Appreciate your input!
exhaust ia
s stock the steering column is in the way
Thanks Neal! Appreciate your comments.
1956 was the first year for 12 volts brother
I'm glad they did!
That is generator not alt. 56 was 12 volts stock
Yep, @richardponder8024. I'm learning that. Thanks much for your comments!
why are you calling the generator an alternator ? J A
Great question @gandstillersales9551! Thanks for posting it. The answer is... I'm ignorant about the differences. Looks like an alternator to me. I imagine I'll learn alot on this journey to get this ride back on the road. Thanks again for your comments!
Would be a 272 engine
That's what the VIN is decoding. Thanks for your comments @jefferypowell9885!