Taildraggerdriver
Poster
Posts: 8
Age: 68
Loc: Halfway, Or
Reg: 08-22-18
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08-22-18 09:16 AM - Post#2743995
I'm a new member, I thought I'd see if there is anybody who would have a 1956 265 engine block they would sell. I looking for a block for my 1956 Corvette
I'm looking for block cast Part # 3720991 with Cast Date between E106 (May 10, 1956) and F96 (June 9, 1956). I'm looking for a block in these date ranges with a front engine stamp with the last 4 character code of F56F or F56G.
My corvette is a 225hp 2 4bbl original car I'm trying to restore. The car was built approximately June 16th 1956. If I can get one of these blocks I can stamp an additional letter and have a correct restoration engine for a corvette. (F56F add a G = F56FG stamp indicates a 225hp, with a powerglide trans, F56G add a R = F56GR is a 225hp with a three speed)I have almost all the rest of the engine parts.
I'm willing to purchase a block needing rebuilt (core), a short block or a complete engine.
I live in Eastern Oregon so would like to find one in the west but might consider getting one anywhere in the US if it looks like the right one.
Thanks
Eric Twombly (Taildraggerdriver)
Eric D. Twombly
Halfway, Oregon |
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56sedandelivery
Dedicated Member
Posts: 5486
Age: 67
Loc: Everett, Wa.
Reg: 02-26-08
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08-22-18 09:38 AM - Post#2743998
In response to Taildraggerdriver
That word C-O-R-V-E-T-T-E, adds to the price. I'd find a 991 block with the right dates, have the blocked decked, and re-stamp the pad how you want/need it. There are at least a couple of 991 blocks/engines in the Seattle area Craig's List Classifieds. Personally, I'm using a 57 265/283 block to get a block mounted starter motor pad/provision for my project; that way, I can use one of my own built aluminum Powerglides without have to use an adapter for the starter. Good luck in your hunt.
I am Butch/56sedandelivery.
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Taildraggerdriver
Poster
Posts: 8
Age: 68
Loc: Halfway, Or
Reg: 08-22-18
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08-22-18 12:59 PM - Post#2744026
In response to 56sedandelivery
I already have a block that fits the bill (has a date E286 Stamp F56FB). I plan to do that if I can't find one before I get ready to start the work on the rolling frame.
I do have a couple of cars it might go in if I don't need it for my Corvette.
I have a 1955 Sedan Deliver waiting in the barn to work on one of these days, One of my favorite cars.
Thanks for the input.
ET(Taildraggerdriver)
Eric D. Twombly
Halfway, Oregon |
Edited by Taildraggerdriver on 08-22-18 01:01 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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Mercedes
Contributor
Posts: 189
Reg: 07-09-18
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08-26-18 03:57 PM - Post#2744474
In response to Taildraggerdriver
Once the original engine is gone, digging around for date coded parts only adds to the aggravation and cost.
I'd suggest an original appearance over the right date codes.
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 Tony
Founder & Grand PoohBah
Posts: 17861
Age: 62
Loc: Orange County CA.
Reg: 03-15-99
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08-26-18 06:47 PM - Post#2744501
In response to 56sedandelivery
I'd find a 991 block with the right dates, have the blocked decked, and re-stamp the pad how you want/need it.
Some might consider that fraud.
Edited by Tony on 08-26-18 06:50 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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56sedandelivery
Dedicated Member
Posts: 5486
Age: 67
Loc: Everett, Wa.
Reg: 02-26-08
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08-26-18 11:25 PM - Post#2744512
In response to Tony
Not sure how that's "fraud"; when a block is decked, most times, the engine ID info is lost, machined away. If you want to re-stamp it with the "original numbers", or ones that "now" match the car, what's the real issue? To find a block that would be completely numbers matching, is probably going to cost $$$$$$$$$; THAT's the real FRAUD. JMO.
I am Butch/56sedandelivery.
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Tony
Founder & Grand PoohBah
Posts: 17861
Age: 62
Loc: Orange County CA.
Reg: 03-15-99
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08-27-18 07:38 AM - Post#2744544
In response to 56sedandelivery
That's why number matching cars are hard to find and more expensive. When people make them up themselves and then present them as legit the Hobby is compromised entirely. Fake paintings. Fake coins. When should it stop.
It's looked against and in most states illegal to do what you suggest to that Corvette. It's been discussed before here many times. That's where the term tribute car was started. Or simply state the truth. Any thing else is wrong. I'd like to hear other people's thoughts on this.
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55 Shaker
Member
Posts: 1466
Age: 69
Loc: north central IL.
Reg: 03-13-06
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08-27-18 08:53 AM - Post#2744550
In response to Tony
I'm goin to have to side with Tony and consider doing that as fraud. JMO.
| The older I get, the more dangerous, I am !!!! |
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56sedandelivery
Dedicated Member
Posts: 5486
Age: 67
Loc: Everett, Wa.
Reg: 02-26-08
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08-27-18 10:34 AM - Post#2744560
In response to 55 Shaker
The OP is still stating HE can stamp an additional number/letter to whatever block he finds; is that fraud? In for a penny, in for a pound. Fraud is fraud, but If you are building a car for YOURSELF, what's the harm? Yes, the FRAUD comes in WHEN and IF it's passed off as LEGIT. I did't say to do THAT. Build what you want, but be honest about what it is. Hard to do I suppose, but I'm no crook, and I won't have to ever worry about that. If I was building a Corvette for myself, as my forever car, I would't hesitate doing whatever it took; but I also would't say, "hey Tony, wanna' buy a numbers matching, all original, Corvette? That ain't me. Ends to a means, but not to perpetuate a fraud on anyone.
I am Butch/56sedandelivery.
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 acardon
Ultra Senior Member
Posts: 11107
Loc: DFW TEXAS
Reg: 03-25-05
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08-27-18 12:31 PM - Post#2744568
In response to 56sedandelivery
Why is it any different to sell a doctored car as a numbers matching than to show it at a NCRS meet and accept a prize as a numbers matching stock car?
Don
66 Corvair (driving)
57 2dr HT (driving)
56 2dr HT (waiting to be restored)
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56sedandelivery
Dedicated Member
Posts: 5486
Age: 67
Loc: Everett, Wa.
Reg: 02-26-08
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08-27-18 01:14 PM - Post#2744574
In response to acardon
THAT, I would't know; I don't have any "doctored cars". But if I did, I would't try to pass it off as something it's not. That's all I've got to say on it. I am Butch/56sedandelivery.
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57tim
Valued Contributor
Posts: 3038
Loc: Cameron, Wi, USA
Reg: 11-09-01
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08-29-18 04:54 PM - Post#2744801
In response to 56sedandelivery
Date coded new glass is just as fraudulent. JMO. 
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Lee T
Contributor
Posts: 175
Reg: 07-05-12
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08-31-18 03:32 AM - Post#2744915
In response to 57tim
Food for thought.
Very few cars in the east and Midwest originally had tinted glass.
Is adding original options to your car fraud?
Is changing a cowl tag fraud? Its not illegal.
Messing with a VIN tag is illegal, and that is because of possible theft
So IMO fraud is a legal term that doesn't apply here to the changes that some are making to the cars.
But there are less harsh terms that could be used, maybe unethical for some changes, but where do you draw the line for that description?
Most people use language for an original car for sale as "numbers matching", but before 1966 that doesn't necessarily mean original drive train to that car.
I wonder how many of the high point Corvettes that are judged, have documents to prove the originality.
Edited by Lee T on 09-01-18 02:15 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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Lee T
Contributor
Posts: 175
Reg: 07-05-12
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08-31-18 05:06 AM - Post#2744919
In response to Lee T
Mentioning Ford twice here is embarrassing, but there was an historic car recently found that they say will be worth millions after restoration. This car is just a body with chassis parts, no front end, no drive train, and will probably get major panel replacement.
http://www.foxnews.com/auto/2018/08/17/littl e-red-...
Several years ago there was a famous race car found in much worse condition because it was buried for years. I would think that the body tag was about all they saved on that one, but again it was worth millions.
Most of the cars like this, such as the 55 Biscayne, need lots of pictures to recreate the original car. They don't claim that the cars are original, but they don't necessarily say that they are recreations either. They are just restorations that included major reconstruction.
The important thing is that they usually offer the build history with pictures and videos. IMO, the only reason they didn't recreate these cars before is because someone else may come up with the original VIN tag.
I don't know what the answer is for our cars, there are just a lot questions about the originality of most cars. Was the engine changed during warranty with one that came out of another car in the dealership, and it was incidentally built the same month?
Some cars have documented history, and they are probably the only ones we can be sure of. I could tell you that a car is original, but will everyone believe me. I guess we all have to determine how important it is to be totally original, documented cars are certainly worth more, and I guess there is good reason for that.
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56sedandelivery
Dedicated Member
Posts: 5486
Age: 67
Loc: Everett, Wa.
Reg: 02-26-08
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08-31-18 12:34 PM - Post#2744942
In response to Lee T
^^^^^55 Biscayne^^^^^? Better stick with Fords fella. Just a FYI, the Biscayne model did't come out until 1958. I am Butch/56sedandelivery.
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Lee T
Contributor
Posts: 175
Reg: 07-05-12
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09-01-18 01:56 AM - Post#2744978
In response to 56sedandelivery
Glad to meet you Butch, my name is Lee.
Most of the cars like this, such as the 55 Biscayne, need lots of pictures to recreate the original car.
Sorry, I guess I should have posted some pictures to show the car I was talking about.
https://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z1860/Chevrol e...
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56sedandelivery
Dedicated Member
Posts: 5486
Age: 67
Loc: Everett, Wa.
Reg: 02-26-08
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09-01-18 02:56 AM - Post#2744979
In response to Lee T
Looks like a cross between a Corvair, a Corvette, a Bug Eyed Sprite, and a Lincoln (with the suicide rear doors). Concept cars were always a little too "way out there". Has the first edition WCFB Carter 4 barrel used in 55, and the dash looks like a 58. I am Butch/56sedandelivery.
Edited by 56sedandelivery on 09-01-18 02:59 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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Lee T
Contributor
Posts: 175
Reg: 07-05-12
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09-01-18 03:46 AM - Post#2744984
In response to 56sedandelivery
Yes, it looks like the corvair.
More thoughts about engines.
When you think about it, isn't the whole thing about judging (except factory original class) to see how close you can come to reproducing what the factory did. Not many cars still have all their original parts, so we have to search around and find them, so we can transplant them on our own cars. Put the right paint dabs in the right places, order date coded glass, use correct bolt head markings, use dated items that are of the correct month, get a new cowl tag to match the color we want, I even use the intake gasket that has a nub sticking up, just like the originals.
So what is so different, that we can call it fraud, when someone wants to transplant a correctly dated engine?
I wouldn't try restamping though, because I think it would be very difficult to match what the factory did.
Edited by Lee T on 09-01-18 04:23 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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Taildraggerdriver
Poster
Posts: 8
Age: 68
Loc: Halfway, Or
Reg: 08-22-18
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09-05-18 10:43 AM - Post#2745400
In response to Lee T
Very Interesting discussion on Restamping. In my case I'm clearly Restoring a car and would show it as a restored car.
In the corvette NCRS world this is considered very appropriate. I have many of the correct parts such as the starter, dual point distributor, tach drive generator which are the correct part (part number) but the wrong date. I will get the Delco-remy plates remade with the correct date for my car. This is to create a correct restored car. It is clearly not a restored original car. I would not call it a restored original. This is another class of car.
It is possible to have some folks who know how its done to get restamps that are very accurate to the original. This is done by Trophy shops for Delco-remy number plates.
Part of what I will have if and when I get the car completed is many pictures and complete documentation of the original part number & date and/or engine stamping that were changed and what the originals were. I have seen others do the same. In my opinion that is not fraud but I'm no lawyer. I guess a later owner could try to pass a car I worked on as a correct original car.
Interested in reading more discussion.
Thanks
Eric D. Twombly
Halfway, Oregon |
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Sting Ray
"13th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 2882
Loc: Drag City, California
Reg: 02-19-05
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09-05-18 11:50 AM - Post#2745404
In response to Taildraggerdriver
In the case of your '56 I don't think a restamp showing the hp and what trans behind it is a big deal; the later years with the build sequence of the vin would be an issue.
Bleeds Chevy Orange
1957 Chevy 150, 3-spd
1964 Corvette two top convert, 4-spd
1965 Pontiac GTO hrdtp, tri-power, 4-spd, 4.11's
1967 El Camino, 427, 4-spd
2009 Corvette coupe, triple black, 436 hp, 6-spd
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Signal Oil
Contributor
Posts: 122
Loc: Washington
Reg: 05-14-04
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 09-11-18 02:08 PM - Post#2745928
In response to Taildraggerdriver
It feels like this post has been hijacked a bit. Is anyone able to answer his question about finding the block he is looking for?
Scot
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jjs55belair
Member
Posts: 13
Loc: Camarillo, CA
Reg: 11-10-04
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09-22-18 08:16 PM - Post#2746957
In response to Signal Oil
I had my 265 block machined and decked, but forgot to take photos and measure the size and location of the engine number. Can someone provide a picture of the 1955 V8 265 engine number location and size of stamping? I need to purchase the stamps! I have my original Owner Policy and Carlife Guaranty with engine number, so I'm good in that regard. Thank you!
| Jeff
1955 2DR Hardtop (Stock)
1955 Cameo Pickup (Stock) |
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joeblow55
Poster
Posts: 59
Reg: 05-03-10
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10-08-18 01:29 PM - Post#2748160
In response to Taildraggerdriver
"Taildragger" ... I have a 1956 265 engine block.
I live in the Midwest, so shipping might be costly, but if it's what you need, we can work something out. I don't post a lot, but I have gotten lots of good info from the people on this site. I will have to look up the date codes and stamping on that block, but years ago I remember looking at it and realizing it was an original bore 265, and it WAS a 56 block. The 55's did not have an oil filter provision if I recall correctly. I have a 55 belair with a big block, so I will NEVER use this block, but I knew when I got it that it was worth saving for someone someday ... maybe that day is now 
Reply back or send PM with your info and I will call you to discuss.
Joe S.
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