Cruzmeisters

He's looking at 56's on flea-bay as we speak!

Panama 58

Here's a picture of a '56 kick panel. As you can see the only metal that exists are two metal L brackets that facilitate screws for the kick panel. This is from a mid to late VIN #3241.

I would first of all check to see that there is a VIN tag on the inside drivers door jamb. Many of them either don't have one, it has been lost or the restoration shop took it off and "put it where they won't lose it, and then lost it."

Next, check to see if the engine is original. There will be NO VIN association with the motor and VIN number. Take a picture of the engine stamp and send it to me. I will give you my thoughts on whether it is an original, restamp or NOM. Most restorers don't know the important particulars of a '56 engine stamp that makes them pretty unique.

Finally, I don't know what your plans are with the car. To drive it and have fun or take it to Bloomington Gold. Regardless, see if it was an original power top car and if any of the original equipment is still in place. The switches, cylinders, etc. are very pricey and it's hard to find the "one year only" correct '56 style switches ('57s were different). Good luck and let us know how you do!
Panama

mashinter

Unlikely you'll have frame rust, but here in salt-land, the box-section frame area just ahead of the rear wheels can be rusty. I saw one in the 70s where both sides and the bottom of the box-section were gone in that area.

As mentioned above, the rear crossmember also dissolves.

Good luck. Great find.

silver67

Earliest one I heard of was 4275. That was Johnz's car. Noland's book says aprox 4300.

65Maroon_Coupe

Thank you!

OldKarz

Yesterday I went out and tried to buy the car, but the gentleman still has a spot in his heart for the old girl! I spent a couple of hours with him as he is a great old fella. At one point I set 12K in 100 dollar bills on the hood of the car and that got his attention (for just a moment), but after listening to him talk about the car it was obvious that it was not going to happen on this day. I had another 8k with me, but I did not even bring it out. The car was a bit rougher than I expected it to be, as it was a drag racer back in the late 60's painted green, but it was an original red car now painted white. 99.9 % of the car is there including a few duplicates that he has picked up over the years at swap meets ect...The original engine is gone, but he has two 265hp engines that are there as well as two dual quad set ups. There were a 3 areas that I could see and feel from the nose of the car in front of the tires as well as the trunk lid that had been repaired, but all looked fine from the outside. Both tops for the car are there as well as original wheels. He has "some" documents relating to earlier ownership as well as its racing days, but I did not ask nor did he offer to show them to me. All in all it was a great time, and he said he would call me when he decides to let her go. I will stop in to see him a couple of times in the next year and see what happens.

Thanks to all whom offered their expertise to me in getting me up to speed on this car. Panama 58, THANK-YOU for going above and beyond what one could expect for guidance. This is what makes this place such a jewel.

Panama 58

Glad to be of help. At minimum you learned a lot about '56s. I hope it is just a matter of time before you drag it home. Best of luck.
Panama

56early

Did you happen to get the VIN # , early cars prior to 700 had unique engine parts , exhaust manifolds, intake, distributor, oil pan , dip stick and tube, to name a few . The parts are very diffuclt to find and costly. Good Luck and keep visiting him!!

56early

"Most restorers don't know the important particulars of a '56 engine stamp that makes them pretty unique."

Panama, can you fill me in on the particulars? they use a sequential build number no vin stamping build location, date and then designation. and all vette motors were built in flint. Jim

Panama 58

You are correct in all of your information so far, but there is more. Looking at the pic below you can see an original, untouched '56 corvette engine stamp pad. Understanding that the gang that was loaded with numbers and letters could only hold five at a time, so what you have is a stamp pad that took four actual strikes to achieve what you see. The first strike is the first five numbers, the next two were struck as singles (this is why you should always look for these two numbers to be misaligned from the rest of the stamp. This is where most of the "restampers" screw up. So, you have strikes #1, #2, #3 and then the fourth strike is the F56XX once again with five characters. The first five are perfectly aligned to each other, the next two are crooked, and the last five are perfectly aligned to each other. You then have a complete stamp for '56 corvette.



Panama

DZAUTO

On the 56 Corvettes, and early production 57s, THERE IS NO BIRDCAGE, NO METAL REINFORCEMENT STRUCTURE, NOTHING!!!!
The 56 is the lightest and weakest of all Corvettes ever built. Not even the door pillars have any additional strenthening.

Also, YOU ARE MAKING A GIANT MISTAKE WAITING 1-2WKS TO GO BACK!
VERY, VERY, VERY probably, if that car has been sitting inside since 1976, THERE AIN'T GONNA be any rust (of any significance) anywhere including the rear cross member.

Tom Parsons

OldKarz

It was between the last 500-600 made in 56. Thanks!

56early

Thanks Panama , I wasn't aware of the 5 gang holder . I have 2 blocks both never decked and I guess I never paid any mind to it . Thanks again . Jim

Panama 58

Are they original corvette stampings?
Panama