|
1956 FORD KUSTOM Check out whats gotta be one of the finest examples of a true 50's Kustom to ever cruise the
streets.
This beauty has been on the So. Cal. car scene for three decades with a few different lucky owners. The last owner
lacked the heart and soul needed to maintain and love something of such beauty and stature. Victorias Secret became
available and a group of us chipped in to save her and bring her back to the iconic "show car" that she really is.
Don't get me wrong. She's a driver. She has always been a driver. Its just the fact of the level of workmanship
along with the spot on 50's design makes her a "show car" wherever she sits and not just with the public but with
the car guys!
When Jerry Perry traded his 50 shoebox for this baby, she was already nosed, decked and shaved and was wearing the
1956 Packard tail lights and 1955 Pontiac side trim. We know from Jerry that they had a car guy visiting from
Europe back when and he was the one that married the headlight bezels to the fenders in such a way that they give a
beautiful molded in look. The 1954 Desoto grill was then installed.The car was painted by Jerry and his buddy, Rich
Floyd, in Rich's garage which was also the clubhouse for the Sultans c.c. in Long Beach, Ca. They laid out some
beautiful Watson style scallops in keeping with the 50's kustom look.George Gomez of Bellflower did the interior
and Rick Morgan did the pinstriping. The engine has the usual old school accessories.
When we found the car we knew that she was a real strong build and just needed the right kind of love to bring her
back. The 4 of us own at least a dozen cars amongst us so with our experience and connections we set about to
resurrect this beauty. Starting at the front and ending at the back we first verified that she was still a good
driver. All vacuum readings were well within tolerances. Everything was working but leaking all over.
New Dual reservoir master cylinder
New brake lines from master to rear.
Brake shoes measured out at +75%
Radiator removed, rodded and tested
New hoses and coolant
All transmission, oil pan and rear seals replaced
New U-joints
Gas tank removed and flushed and cleaned
New float
New electric fuel pump
New lines, fittings, and valves on the air ride system.
She lays frame beautifully
This car is like driving in a time warp. Everything works and she cruises right down the road man. The paint job on
this car looks like it was done last week!
Victorias Secret is as old school as it gets!
|
