Two things to look for. Front crossmember - these rust out.  Repos are available.  Look at the body to frame mounts.  These also are prone to rust out. While replacement parts are available, it looks like a lot of work to replace.

Be careful about a marine engine.  If used in salt water they could have thin walls if the engine was not properly care for.  I have heard that some marines engines have reverse rotation.  Check this out.

There are a lot of aftermarket parts for the car and the engine. Lots of luck.

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

Gents

Yesterday I posted for the first time here and received great assistance on the tech forum. I haven't owned a Y-Block since 1968 (56 Merc Meteor).

Today I get the chance to look at a 1955 Two-door Fairlane hardtop, and may be able to acquire it at a reasonable price (owner has had it for years and is considering selling). The car looks to be pretty good on the exterior (not too much rust), but has been sitting outside for many years. The engine is the original, and doesn't run. Frozen, he says. He has another engine from a boat. Oh, it's an automatic.

My question(s)

Anything major that I should look for or look out for?

Anything that's not available anymore that would make the restoration a bad decision?

Thanks for any help

Jim