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Rust Wagon: 1956 Ford Ranch Wagon

right-front

This Ranch Wagon listed on eBay looks pretty nice from here but has lots of rust underneath the car and likely under the paint. For example, the front crossmember is pretty well rusted away. It’s inBelmont, New Hampshire. With 4 days left, bidding is just over $2500 and reserve has not been reached. It was stored from 1998 until recently. It runs from an external gas tank, drives and stops. It’s the very basic wagon with a V8 and a 3 speed transmission. 

inside

The interior looks complete and original except for the carpet and door panels. The front seat upholstery might even be original, though ripped and sad.

inside-rear

The back brings back fond memories to many of us older folks like vacations and evenings at the drive in with our families, as well as things we’re glad out parents never found out about. The inner fender wells are certainly in sad shape.

left-rear

It looks ok from here, but there must be lots of bondo and bad body work under that paint. Is there enough left here to make it worth restoring to at least a driver? It looks like it would take a lot of work to even make it safe to drive. There aren’t many of these out there, but would it be better to try to find one in better condition for a project.

Comments

  1. Avatar Paul Bellefeuille

    If it was on NH for many years the rust must be quite extensive. I live in NH and the roads are heavily salted in winter. “The cheapest, most effective way” according to the DOT.

    Like 0
  2. Avatar Paul B

    Parts car. Sad, but I see no other way through with this relatively rare Ford. It would be one unimaginably expensive catastrophe after another to fix the structural and cosmetic rust problems on this poor thing. In this case, beauty really is only skin deep, if that.

    Like 0
  3. Avatar leiniedude Member

    Boy, she really looks good in the driveway. With the frame as is, this is an ideal car for a restomod.

    Like 0
  4. Avatar Tom S.

    I just love two-door station wagons.

    Like 0
  5. Avatar Jay Reynolds

    Blue paint holding the rust together .

    Like 0
  6. Avatar Mark S

    As bad as it is for rust it’s still better than the VW hippy van from yesterday.

    Like 0
    • Avatar leiniedude Member

      I agree Mark. She did sell at $4,327.00. 23 bids. Glad someone will work with her. Needs to be on the road.

      Like 0

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