My first real hot rod was a 56 2 door hardtop just like yours.  That was in 1964. It had a 292 with a three speed on the floor.  Brings back lots of memories. I drove my wife to the hospital in that car when she gave birth to my son.  The seat broke and it fell back half way there.  I got lots of tickets in that car too.  Something about "illegal start".  

Thank you for the tip. I haven't had much time to scout around the forum, yet. Still learning to navigate it, you could say. Appreciate the help!

Welcome Squatch;  Looking for parts, or selling, go up left to "keeping the dream alive" & then go to "Classifieds"..  


Paul

Thank you! It's definitely a project. I bought another set of very straight fenders for it, as well as a hood (the one on the car has a rip where it kinked). Also bought a Goodell Fabrications cross member, as the original one has some rust issues (very common, as I've come to understand). Got another rear end (axle), just because it was cheap, and a decent front bumper, as well.
So, the forum life is not new to me anymore, as I am an active member on a Jeep forum, but the arrangement here is quite different. I'm not all that great with computers, but I obviously know a little 'bout 'em. I was wondering how one goes about seeking out a specific subject on here. For instance, if I'm looking for an  4-bbl intake (later style), how would I look for posts/threads on the subject, without having to go through everything from accelerator pumps to Zephyr transmissions? Inquiring minds want to know... 
Thanks! 
Squatch

*Actually, I just discovered the Tech section, and what with the titles and all, I find it quite interesting to go searching for what I'm interested in. Lots of good reading, and lots of good info! If there's a quicker way, great. Otherwise, I'll go through the threads like a good book!

welcome to the site - nice project you have there. There are many good fellas on this forum who can help with whatever you need. I have learned much since joining years ago.

Daniel Jessup

Lancaster, California

aka "The Hot Rod Reverend"
check out the 1955 Ford Fairlane build at www.hotrodreverend.com

Welcome Squatch!
I admire anyone taking on a project like yours.
Hey check out the classified section. I have a nice Eldelbrock manifold and dual Carter carbs for sale that were just rebuilt and road tested on my 292 Y-Block for my 1960 F-100 Pick up.





Joe D (The Frig)
1960 F-100 - 292 Y-Block
Philly Burbs

Nice project. Cant wait to see more. Welcome aboard!

Durham Missouri

Thank you for the welcome! I agree, the '56 is a looker. In fact, it is my favorite car of all time. After that, a '60 Pontiac, and after that, a '60 Ford Starliner. But with having owned over 300 vehicles, I rather affectionately refer to myself as something of an "automotive slut" (I'll drive anything!). I love the automobile. One of the few things in life I understand. Can't wait to really start delving more into the Y-blocks. In 1981, I bought a '56 Crestline 2-door hdtp out of a guy's back yard. It had a 272/auto in it. Leaked oil out the RMS like it was going outta style. Had 22 lbs of oil pressure at highway speeds, though. So, I did a full brake job on it, rotated the bias ply tires, changed the oil, put a 5 gallon jug of oil in the trunk, hooked a Datsun pickup bed-turned-trailer to the back, and drove it from Washington state to New York. I was 18 years old, then, and thusly invincible. Also, it was a much different world than it is today...

Welcome - the 56 hardtops were one of the finest looking cars Ford ever built, especially when painted all one color.


54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

Thank you, Ted. And thanks for the help with getting me registered on here!