DaveFs 1956 Dodge Custom Royal D-500
56D500boy
Posted 2016-11-25 8:06 PM (#527174)
Subject: DaveFs 1956 Dodge Custom Royal D-500



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I purchased this car on Sept 15, 2016 (2 months and a bit ago). I was looking for a 56 Plymouth 2dr hardtop V8 automatic. I searched for weeks on Craigslist and Kijiji (from Ontario west, i.e. Ont, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Albert and British Columbia). My search criteria was "56" in the classic cars section just to see what was there. Found a 56 Plymouth 4dr V8 auto in Ottawa (but it was red and white) and a 56 Plymouth Belvedere 2dr Post with a modern 318 LA V8. Neither of them thrilled me. Eventually I bumped into a 56 Dodge Custom Royal D-500 that had been hiding in the parking garage of highrise apartment block 5 minutes away from me for the past 25 years. Once I confirmed that it was a 4 bbl D-500, I could not pass it by, even though it is a 4dr sedan. The 315 hemi had me sold from the get go. It hadn't been started in 20-25 years so it was going to be a project (which I really wasn't looking for). I won't bore you with the saga other than to say it now has a completely refurbed fuel system and a new brake system. I finally drove it for the first time today, Nov. 25, 2016.

It is a bit scary (steering-wise - still needs work on that) but at least it is driving now. I have gone slightly resto-mod on the wheels and tires (as you will see) but am happy with the look. (I still have the original wheels and the factory spinner wheel discs). Engine sounds good but it needs a tune up and/or the vacuum advance looked at. That can be next week.

Small detail: It had an oil change in June 1992 at 119,250 miles. It had another oil change after I bought it at 119,426 miles. Yup. It had done less than 200 miles in 24 odd years. Based on the engine colour (blue not silver), there is a chance that it had a rebuild sometime along the way. Good news/bad news.

Here are some photos chronicling it from the first time I saw it until today.

Edited by 56D500boy 2016-11-25 10:51 PM




(DaveFs56CustomRoyalD500UrbanBarnFind.jpg)



(DaveFs56CustomRoyalD500SeesTheLightForTheFirstTimeIn25years.jpg)



(DaveFs56CustomRoyalD500SeesTheLightForTheFirstTimeIn25years_Front.jpg)



(Davids56DodgeCustomRoyalD500_Sept16_2016_small.jpg)



(DaveForgiesCustomRoyalD500EngineNumber.jpg)



(DaveFs56D500WithIncorrectAirCleaner.jpg)



(DaveFs56D500Nov25_2016.jpg)



(DaveFs56D500Nov25_2016_RightRear.jpg)



(DaveFs56D500Nov25_2016_side1.jpg)



(DaveFs56D500Nov25_2016_side1WithDogDishes.jpg)



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Attachments Davids56DodgeCustomRoyalD500_Sept16_2016_small.jpg (168KB - 525 downloads)
Attachments DaveForgiesCustomRoyalD500EngineNumber.jpg (138KB - 528 downloads)
Attachments DaveFs56D500WithIncorrectAirCleaner.jpg (157KB - 521 downloads)
Attachments DaveFs56D500Nov25_2016.jpg (162KB - 521 downloads)
Attachments DaveFs56D500Nov25_2016_RightRear.jpg (188KB - 537 downloads)
Attachments DaveFs56D500Nov25_2016_side1.jpg (168KB - 510 downloads)
Attachments DaveFs56D500Nov25_2016_side1WithDogDishes.jpg (180KB - 542 downloads)
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mikes2nd
Posted 2016-11-25 11:19 PM (#527177 - in reply to #527174)
Subject: Re: DaveFs 1956 Dodge Custom Royal D-500


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that's a pretty cool car.
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56D500boy
Posted 2016-11-26 10:32 AM (#527187 - in reply to #527177)
Subject: Re: DaveFs 1956 Dodge Custom Royal D-500



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mikes2nd - 2016-11-25 11:19 PM that's a pretty cool car.


Thanks. I think so too. Probably not the coolest FL car, but cool enough for the girls I go with

I've added this photo to the post to show that the car came to Canada (New Westminster, BC) from Washington State (probably around 1992 based on the oil change sticker).



Edited by 56D500boy 2016-11-26 2:50 PM
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StillOutThere
Posted 2016-11-26 2:44 PM (#527211 - in reply to #527174)
Subject: Re: DaveFs 1956 Dodge Custom Royal D-500



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Great car. Happy for you that you have it on the road.
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DepsilonD
Posted 2016-11-28 11:59 AM (#527369 - in reply to #527174)
Subject: Re: DaveFs 1956 Dodge Custom Royal D-500



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Good looking car. Great find!
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57burb
Posted 2016-11-28 12:36 PM (#527376 - in reply to #527369)
Subject: Re: DaveFs 1956 Dodge Custom Royal D-500



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Great looking car! There aren't many left. Enjoy!
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horace
Posted 2016-12-02 1:00 PM (#527731 - in reply to #527174)
Subject: Re: DaveFs 1956 Dodge Custom Royal D-500



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D-500, 3 tone, & spinners don't get any better than that
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oldwood
Posted 2016-12-05 11:19 AM (#527938 - in reply to #527174)
Subject: Re: DaveFs 1956 Dodge Custom Royal D-500


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Nice find. Who cares how many doors. The REAL question is: duz it have a Hemi??? Enjoy and be sure and research the right kind of oil to run in it. You don't want to wipe out a good camshaft.
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56D500boy
Posted 2016-12-05 1:29 PM (#527945 - in reply to #527938)
Subject: Re: DaveFs 1956 Dodge Custom Royal D-500



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oldwood - 2016-12-05 11:19 AM Nice find. Who cares how many doors. The REAL question is: duz it have a Hemi??? Enjoy and be sure and research the right kind of oil to run in it. You don't want to wipe out a good camshaft.


Of course it has a HEMI. (I'm calling it a small block hemi (315 ci, 5.1L)) .

Regarding oil, Dave Homstad suggested "When you change oil, I recommend 10W-40. Make sure you add a can of "ZDDP Plus" at every oil change. D500s had higher valve spring pressure than most cars, so ZDDP is even more important to protect the cam."

I need to go buy some: http://zddplus.com/



Thanks for the kick in the pants to get on it. (Of course, who knows what the previous owners did. At least the last oil change before my ownership was done in 1992 which implies that the oil might have still had the proper camshaft lubricants).



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56D500boy
Posted 2016-12-08 11:54 AM (#528189 - in reply to #527945)
Subject: Re: DaveFs 1956 Dodge Custom Royal D-500



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Needed to check something on the rear taillights so I had to go out the garage (-8 C brrr). While I was there, I finally took a photo of the 1992 oil change sticker on the drivers door. See below.

In an very strange turn of events, the previous oil change was apparently done on Sept. 15, 1992. Strangely, I bought the car on Sept. 15, 2016, 24 exactly years later. To confirm the mileage when I bought it, but I did take a photo of the speedometer after the car came home via tow truck. 119,426 miles. So less than 200 miles in 24 years. (The oil got changed before the first attempts at starting the engine were made).

(The Driver's door panel is in need of some TLC - that's what winter and a nice warm basement is for )





Edited by 56D500boy 2016-12-08 12:59 PM




(DaveFs56CRD5001992OilChangeSticker_small.jpg)



(DaveFsCRD500SpeedoSept15_2016.jpg)



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1961plymouthfury
Posted 2016-12-08 12:14 PM (#528191 - in reply to #527174)
Subject: Re: DaveFs 1956 Dodge Custom Royal D-500


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There is a motor oil called Brad Penn and it has alot of zinc in it
http://www.performancefactory.us/brad-penn-oils-penn-grade-1-usa/
Here is a the website were you can order it

Edited by 1961plymouthfury 2016-12-08 12:18 PM
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56D500boy
Posted 2017-01-15 8:06 PM (#531442 - in reply to #528189)
Subject: Re: DaveFs 1956 Dodge Custom Royal D-500



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After we finished Sunday Brunch (actually Dim Sum) at a local strip mall, I popped next door to a fabric shop to see what the had for vinyl for the bottom of my driver's door panel which needs a new door card and replacement of the dark blue bottom vinyl. They had a cloth-backed vinyl in "Marine" Blue that was very close to the dark solid blue in the photo (which I took with me). Bought a meter (39 inches) 54" wide for $35 CDN. That will do me for a bunch of things, the bottom of that driver's door panel being one of them (plenty to do the other 3 door panel bottoms too. Got it home and compared it to the actual OE dark blue vinyl material and the match was very very close if not identical. Score.

On the down side, I took the 56 out for a run (because the main streets were actually dry and it was 8C out and I hadn't had it out of the garage since it snowed in early December). Went about 8 km including some at 80 kph (50 mph). Car ran pretty good. On the way home, I stopped the local pressure wand wash place and pressure washed the underside of the car (so far so good). However, back at home I got stuck in the snowy/icy alley getting the car back into the garage and slid/wedged the left passenger door into the garage door opening, putting a big dint in the side of the door. Couldn't believe it. Might have avoided it *IF* I had sought help but I was too proud (read: stupid) for that. :roll eyes:

Couldn't find the big toilet plunger in the house so decided to remove the left rear inner door panel and see if the dint would pop out from the inside. I was in the middle of that when I shut the door for a moment and the whole dint popped out on its own with a "boing". It is not perfect but way better than it was. Left a couple of permanent glitches that I will have to attend to but not as bad as I thought it would be.

Never rains but it pours, while I was at the car wash, I opened the hood to pressure wash the lower parts of the engine. As I do so, I noticed that I have a pin-hole in the radiator that is pissing out coolant - because the car is finally fully up to temperature (and coolant pressure - 7 psi cap). One step forward (vinyl for the door panels) and two steps back (rad needs attention and the door needs some hammering). I guess I can't be too surprised that the radiator sprung a leak and I should be happy that I didn't do more damage to the door. But still

So now I have to vow (to myself) to NOT take the car out until *ALL* the ice and snow is gone in the alley *AND* I get the rad fixed.

Not mine but my goal for the driver's door panel (subject of another thread)



Edited by 56D500boy 2017-01-15 8:10 PM
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Chrispy
Posted 2017-01-17 1:35 AM (#531532 - in reply to #527174)
Subject: Re: DaveFs 1956 Dodge Custom Royal D-500



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Mobil 1 0w-40 has a good amound of zddp in it and flows at low temps. Since your hemi has been sitting, you need to pull the rocker assemblies and clean out the rocker shafts and the arms themselves, they are likely sludged up and if so, you will wipe out rocker arms. That sucks (ask me how i know).

Hemi hanes has a good write up on cleaning them out. You'll need to order new end plugs for the rocker shafts, those are available from TR waters and Hot heads.

Great car!
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56D500boy
Posted 2017-02-06 6:19 PM (#533366 - in reply to #531532)
Subject: Re: DaveFs 1956 Dodge Custom Royal D-500



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Chrispy - 2017-01-17 1:35 AM Mobil 1 0w-40 has a good amound of zddp in it and flows at low temps. Since your hemi has been sitting, you need to pull the rocker assemblies and clean out the rocker shafts and the arms themselves, they are likely sludged up and if so, you will wipe out rocker arms. That sucks (ask me how i know). Hemi hanes has a good write up on cleaning them out. You'll need to order new end plugs for the rocker shafts, those are available from TR waters and Hot heads. Great car!


Thanks for the hints. Not sure how sludgy things were/are. The engine had an oil change less than 200 miles before I bought it. That said, there was 25 years between the oil change and my purchase. Before the engine ws even started, the oil was changed for fresh stuff (10W30). I have since added a "Zinc" equivalent additive.

When/*IF* the weather ever gets warmer, I am going to pull the valve covers to paint them properly. At that time, I will clean out any sludge in the upper heads that I see.

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56D500boy
Posted 2017-02-06 6:46 PM (#533371 - in reply to #533366)
Subject: Re: DaveFs 1956 Dodge Custom Royal D-500



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UPDATES:

While waiting for the weather to get warmer I have been doing the following:

1. Inching closer to my conversion of the back-up lights to more tail/stop/signal lights. Using United Pacific high power RED LED 36934 1157 bulbs. http://www.uapac.com/antique/2-high-power-led-1157-bulb.html

2. Moving slowly on the drivers door panel restoration. Got lost renovating inside the door getting rid of surface rust. Waiting for warmer weather to finalize.

3. Getting the exhaust replaced. Went with 2.25" pipes once the OE down pipes from the manifold went horizontal. AP XLERATOR BIG MAX® TURBO MUFFLERS and Magnaflow 35190 tips:
http://www.apexhaust.com/product/automotive-light-truck/muffler/xle... I need to do some adjustments on the rear hangers before I post new photos.

4. Bought 5 non-spinner 56 Dodge full wheel covers (4 good, one slightly dented spares)

5. Took my non-working T and C Motorola 941 HR out to be converted to AM/FM/USB/Aux/Bluetooth using Aurora Products. 4 channel 200 watt.
http://www.tech-retro.com/Aurora_Design/Automotive_Home.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kw5hNDkLEY4

6. Bought vintage looking rear deck speaker covers (planning to have two 6 x 9 two-ways in rear deck (which needs fixing anyway) and either one speaker in the dash or two speakers one each on the new kick panels (done in 1/8" ABS plastic sheet))

7. Bought OE style twin rear fender aerials. Waiting for warmer weather (and the radio to be finished) to install (Need to cut holes in fender tops and repaint those areas).

8. Bought some bits from John at Big M to replace the ones that I have that could be nicer: Trunk "V", instrument cluster dimmer switch, left rear door trim, right rear stone guard. None of them perfect but all of them better than mine.

9. Chased George Laurie in Australia re: the hood and trunk emblems that I ordered in October. "They're coming. Don't worry"

10. Submitted and received my information from FCA Historical. Sorted out a couple of things but its all good now. Bottomline my 56 Custom Royal D-500 is most likely a D-500 special (engine only and no heavy duty suspension but with the 12" brake package added back in). Engine in the car is the engine that it left the factory with.

Probably forgot something but those must be the highlights.

Photos below:








Edited by 56D500boy 2017-02-06 6:50 PM
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56D500boy
Posted 2017-02-18 7:26 PM (#534305 - in reply to #533371)
Subject: Re: DaveFs 1956 Dodge Custom Royal D-500



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February 18th UPDATE:

I got the new exhaust installed on February 2nd (a nice dry day). Drove the car the long way home and parked it in the garage. The weather immediately turned nasty with snow (again) and cold. Didn't try to start the car until maybe Sunday the 5th or Monday the 6th. No start. Nothing. Do the usual check for fuel, check for spark and determine that the issue is no spark. Hmm....it just had new points, etc. less than 50 miles ago. WTH?

Pull the distributor and notice the internal ground wire was looking a bit flaky. Decide to fix that and also investigate alternatives to the dual point system (cool back in the day but that was before transistors, etc). Decided on Pertronix. I searched the forum and found a few threads that mentioned that the dual point distributors could be converted to point less using a Pertronix 1383 kit. So I ordered one from a local dealer.

NOTE: Pertronix 1383 has another number, i.e. CH 392. Probably a reference to the fact that, according to Dave Homstad, the Pertronix kit was originally designed for the Chrysler 392 that came with the IBK-4301A dual point distributor, PN 1642 392 (hmmm....that 392 sure keeps coming back).

Anyway, I slowly but surely installed the Pertronix 1383 in my IBK-4301A distributor. There were complications (of course, why make it easy). The internal ground wire had broken off (or almost off and I broke it completely off disassembling the distributor). That created an issue that was solved with copper de-soldering wick, two small ring terminals (trimmed to make them even smaller), solder (and gun), pop rivets and a Dremel (to trim away the excess on the pop-rivet backing washer) and then a point file to file down the top of the pop rivet so it didn't interfer with the movement of the top plate.

Speaking of points, one if not both of the points that I removed were wet with "oil", perhaps the result of the mechanic who installed them back in September using the wrong distributor cam grease (??). Anyway, they are gone, wiped off and stored in a small labelled margarine tub complete with a photo of the top of the distributor before I started disassembly.

Since I had to remove the top and bottom plate assembly to drill out the ground strap rivet, I had to remove the vacuum advance arm (and vacuum advance can). At that point, I noticed that there was no clip on the vacuum advance connection pin. The groove was there but no clip. When I went to pick-up the Pertronix "Flamethrower" ("40,000V internal resistor (no external balast resistor)) coil, I took the plate assembly with me and got the appropriately sized "E" clip. Later at home, I turned the distributor upside down for some reason and the original tiny wire spring "D" clip fell out. I saved it and it is taped to a labelled piece of paper in the margarine tub.

When I installed the Pertronix finally yesterday afternoon, I checked the air gap. I got 45 thou with my old metal blade feeler gauge. Well within Pertronix's 5 to 60 thou range so I presumed that it would be good to literally go.

I got the distributor back together and into the engine late yesterday afternoon, but since I was getting tired (old guy, heart patient, ) I stopped and finished the install wiring today after lunch. A bit of putzing and fussing because of the coil bracket issue (subject of another thread) but eventually got it all connected, double checked and tools out of the engine bay. With a bit of a sigh I sat in the drivers seat and turned the key. Started right off, no extra cranking. (Dave Homstad had suggested to me that it would fire right up and it did) Yip-Fn-EEeee. Sounds real good, probably better than it has since I got the car started for the first time on November 11th. No minor misses like it had before (so there probably was issues with the dual points for awhile). The new exhaust definitely is NOT demure. It will grab attention (hopefully not too much).

So...I will carry the dual points stuff with me but I also purchased another new-in-the-box (NIB) Pertronix 1383 kit from John Kunkel. AND...don't ask me why but, I found a NIB NOS (supposedly) 1642392 IBK-4301A last night on ebay while looking for a spare distributor (saw lots of dogs for less money, but thankfully they were already sold). I checked all the sources I knew of and nobody had one so bought it this morning and I paid the stupid price. (a bit insane).

That said. I don't think that I will have any unsolvable ignition problems in the future. Feeling like a winner now, not a loser.

THIS:







Edited by 56D500boy 2017-02-19 11:01 AM
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Islander 62
Posted 2017-02-19 10:44 AM (#534335 - in reply to #534305)
Subject: Re: DaveFs 1956 Dodge Custom Royal D-500


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Nice to see that someone else made this change......I made the change in my '58 Imperial and haven't looked back. I was leery at first and was tongue in cheek when I hit the starter button. The 392 fired up in half a turn and ran like the proverbial watch. Like you, I have the points safely tucked away for posterity....and a backup.
I'll be over in Vancouver in the next couple of weeks with the Imperial, ( I'm over here on the Island ).........send me a PM if you'd like to get together.
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56D500boy
Posted 2017-02-19 12:36 PM (#534339 - in reply to #534335)
Subject: Re: DaveFs 1956 Dodge Custom Royal D-500



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Chris: You've got a PM and maybe an email from Ian S.

Dave F
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56D500boy
Posted 2017-03-02 7:05 PM (#535047 - in reply to #534339)
Subject: Re: DaveFs 1956 Dodge Custom Royal D-500



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Searching for the Truth - I know it's out there

When I got my corrected letter from Chrysler historical I learned that my car was built in Los Angeles



http://www.allpar.com/corporate/factories/los-angeles.html

I also discovered that the car was delivered to E A Abbott Motors in Anacortes WA. I have contacted the antique dealers in the area looking for E A Abbott memorabilia and, today, the local historical society that provided two photos that I will be purchasing from them.

From the historical society website:

"Abbott Auto Company was located at Commercial Avenue and 10th. Born in Iowa, Edson Abbott (1890-1973) came to Anacortes in 1915. His business was underway by 1921 and occupied at least 3 different locations on Commercial.

ABBOTT AUTO COMPANY - owned by Edson and Flora Abbott
1921 - 803 Commercial
1927 - 10th and Commercial
1928 - Abbott Auto becomes an "A" Dealer; "Can now have cars shipped direct to outlet"
(9-13-1928 ANACORTES AMERICAN)
1940 - Abbott Plymouth and Dodge at 10th and Commercial (building apparently burned down
between 1940 and 1948)
1948 - E. A. Abbott Motor Company at corner of 3rd and Commercial
1954 - Abbott Agency Dodge and Plymouth - corner of 3rd and Commercial
1962 - no listing - See more at: http://anacortes.pastperfectonline.com/photo/A32AE562-2403-450F-AE0...

Abbott Auto Co., Dodge-Plymouth, Atlas Tires & Batteries, standard lubrication. Also Chevron gasoline. April __31.1005 Commercial, at least 1927-36.1937 found at 1009 Commercial.1948 found at 306 Commercial named Abbott Motor Company. Not found after 196? "

Somehow I used Google street view to establish that the building is still there as 310 Commercial (not 306). The new owner is operating a lubricant distribution business out of the building and has done so since the mid 60's. I've got a call into the owner to see if he can tie up the loop from Abbott Motors to Reisner Distributors for me. I am really hoping for a photo of the building from the mid 50s when it was a Dodge dealership. Who knows I might get lucky.



Edited by 56D500boy 2017-03-03 1:10 AM




(DForgiesRevisedLetterFromFCAHistoricalRedacted.jpg)



(AbbottMotorsAnacortesWA.jpg)



(AbbottMotors1947Parade.jpg)



(AbbottAutoAnacortesTodayAsReisnerDistributor.jpg)



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56D500boy
Posted 2017-03-03 8:12 PM (#535116 - in reply to #535047)
Subject: Re: DaveFs 1956 Dodge Custom Royal D-500



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Town and Country Radio Conversion

I just picked up my Town and Country Radio conversion. It was done by Larry Wood of Vintage AutoSound: http://www.woodradios.com/

He used Aurora Design components to eliminate the tube systems and bring the radio into the 21st century. http://www.tech-retro.com/Aurora_Design/Automotive_Home.html

It now has AM, FM, USB (for thumb drives), Aux (for iPods and Discmen) plus the latest Bluetooth which I could use to answer the phone (there are two microphones). 200W, 4 channel. I am going to do one speaker in the dash and two in the rear package tray (which needs fixing anyway).

The Town and Country seek bar and the electro-mechanical presets all work like the original (because they are the original bits) (needed a new 165V relay to make it work). The five colour LED function light is located in a very discrete spot on the tuning bar and the whole thing looks 100% stock in fact these conversions are deemed to be "Stock" to the nit-pickers who grant (or deny) Collector car status here in BC.

I'll be play with speakers tomorrow.

Here is a video on its operation:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kw5hNDkLEY4

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56D500boy
Posted 2017-03-04 1:58 PM (#535152 - in reply to #535116)
Subject: Re: DaveFs 1956 Dodge Custom Royal D-500



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I guess I should have called the radio "Electro Touch" (Not Town and Country)





(56DodgeAccessoriesBrochure_12.JPG)



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56D500boy
Posted 2017-03-04 7:56 PM (#535169 - in reply to #535152)
Subject: Re: DaveFs 1956 Dodge Custom Royal D-500



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I was just out in the car trying to figure out what the original speaker size would have been for the dash speaker (looks like 5'x7" based on a cardboard oval of that size that I trialled). While I was laying upside down in the footwell (back arched over the center hump - very comfy (NOT)), I looked up at the underside of the rear-view mirror. Hey I've got the flip/flop glare-proof mirror!! I did not know that.

I did know that I have the optional directional signals, outside mirrors (2), back-up lights and map light. But no radio. Soon to be remedied.



Edited by 56D500boy 2017-03-04 8:00 PM




(56DodgeAccessoriesBrochure_5.JPG)



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horace
Posted 2017-03-06 2:00 PM (#535282 - in reply to #527174)
Subject: Re: DaveFs 1956 Dodge Custom Royal D-500



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My Uncle Lawrence owned a Dodge dealership during era w/ my dad as a salesman, which was good because there was a sleepy Ford dealer in our town in northern MN, now 8500 pop the about 6000? with tourism & farming & some logging to sustain it. I remember there were a # of D500s sold one sticks out an Royal sedan orchid w/ white top & lower a fur trader owned. It was passed to his sons who did a lot of racing w/ it acquiring many trophies. There was a 2 tone gray CR sedan, & a Royal Golden Rod, & a Dr had a white & orchid sedan & there were others but after 60 yrs these are the only ones that stand out. There was a truck driver who had a black, white & lilac Royal or CR 2dr hdtp with sons who enjoyed the abuse of power, later another trucking firm's son wned the car who still speaks of it today. I remember @ local county fair time a blk, maroon & lilac CR was on display hub caps missing w a 3spd stk. Dad drove it home for lunch one day it really fllew!! It must have been in races OR set speed records. Some say there were only a few D500's but if you have people in their 40s selling a HOT product it ups the anti by a lot. They were g r e a t cars just a little before my driving days
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56D500boy
Posted 2017-03-06 2:36 PM (#535286 - in reply to #535282)
Subject: Re: DaveFs 1956 Dodge Custom Royal D-500



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Thanks for the comments Horace. I think that the cars you are talking about are likely from the first run of 56 D500s when the factory was trying to suggest a limited number of paint colors and schemes with a preference towards a 2-tone “sandwich,” only in Oriental Coral and Sapphire White . REFERENCE: http://www.allpar.com/model/d500.html

Although there are likely inaccuracies in this Barrett-Jackson blurb, it is fun to read:

"Lot #361 - The D-500 was the fastest production vehicle in the world in 1956. A random selected 4 door sedan smashed 306 speed and endurance records in 14-day run at Bonneville, Utah, returning 26 to U.S.A. These cars were built from the ground up for performance and are said to be the prototype for Dodge muscle cars. Estimated in 1996 to be less than 250 surviving by W.P. Chrysler. The 2-4 barrel set-up on one of these cars led to title of 1st Super Stock class championship. The D-500 was 1st to run +100 mph in 1/4 mile & 1st under 14 seconds.! "

REF: http://www.barrett-jackson.com/Events/Event/Details/1956-DODGE-CORO...

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horace
Posted 2017-03-06 2:42 PM (#535287 - in reply to #527174)
Subject: Re: DaveFs 1956 Dodge Custom Royal D-500



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Weren't there 3 different D500 offerings? I wonder if the record breaker was the toured dealerships? The hottest D500 had suspension mods if I remember right. I remember something about the coral cars. I think 56 were 12 volt not 6 volt as stated

Edited by horace 2017-03-06 2:47 PM
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56D500boy
Posted 2017-03-10 1:29 AM (#535631 - in reply to #535287)
Subject: Re: DaveFs 1956 Dodge Custom Royal D-500



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horace - 2017-03-06 2:42 PM Weren't there 3 different D500 offerings? I wonder if the record breaker was the toured dealerships? The hottest D500 had suspension mods if I remember right. I remember something about the coral cars. I think 56 were 12 volt not 6 volt as stated


I *think* (and therefore stand to be corrected) that the 1956 D500s came in three flavours. The original ones were 2 door Coronets with the single 4 bbl 315 hemi, 3 spd std or 2 sp Powerflite and the heavy duty taxi cab suspension and 56 Chrysler 12" x 2.5" brakes. They had 260 hp. These were the hot ticket until the next level came out, i.e. the D500-1 with two 4 bbl carbs, larger diameter exhaust (including the manifolds), a hotter camshaft and Imperial running gear including 5.5" bolt circle wheels (and brakes) These dual quad engines made 275 hp and were typically the ones raced, including by such notables as Lee Petty (father of Richard and grandfather of Kyle, etc). See attached photo. A bit later you could get the full D500 package (but maybe with only the Chrysler brakes and 4.5" bolt circle wheels) in just about any body style.

Then there was a third level, later in the spring of 1956 when you could just get the 260 hp single 4 bbl 315 cu in hemi but without the heavy duty suspension and no Chrysler brakes. You could get this in anybody style including the Sierra wagons. The brakes in these versions might have been an option. I have a 56 Dodge D500 4dr Custom Royal sedan which has the engine and the Chrysler brakes but not the heavy duty suspension (which is fine with me). I have redone the brakes and I am going to be redoing the front end (the steering bits). I have a local NOS parts source but he didn't have that 1611209 "U" shaped Idler arm. That was my most recent purchase.

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56D500boy
Posted 2017-03-10 9:35 PM (#535682 - in reply to #535631)
Subject: Re: DaveFs 1956 Dodge Custom Royal D-500



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UPDATE: I have "finished" my taillight project. (NOTE: I never finish things 100% - just 98% so I can go back and fix the little things - still need to fix one small wiring issue.)

I have converted the 56 Dodge back-up lights to more taillights (three function: running, signal and stop) using two pin sockets from Big M, red Custom Royal style lenses from eBay and connector blocks from a 1979 Datsun (don't ask). I also added a 14 LED (2 vertical columns of 7 white LEDs per side) license plate surround and wired it in as the back up light. Not sure how bright it is yet.

I think I am happy. It is what I wanted to do and I have done it. Three of the lenses are the proper late1955/1956 Custom Royal. One lens is the early 1955 Custom Royal with a pebbly interior finish. It is okay but noticeable. Something to score sometime either here or at a swap meet.

I'll add photos tomorrow.

Dave F.

Edited by 56D500boy 2017-03-11 1:34 AM
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horace
Posted 2017-03-11 11:58 AM (#535724 - in reply to #527174)
Subject: Re: DaveFs 1956 Dodge Custom Royal D-500



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I my ramblings on & on about D500's on our town the chamber guy had 56 & 57 D500 station wagon maybe charcoal w/ orchid center to pull floats
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56D500boy
Posted 2017-03-11 4:21 PM (#535737 - in reply to #535682)
Subject: Re: DaveFs 1956 Dodge Custom Royal D-500



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56D500boy - 2017-03-10 9:35 PM I'll add photos tomorrow.
Dave F.


Okay. Some photos:

In order:

1. As installed, all lights off. Day time. You can see which of the four lenses is the odd one out.
2. Installed and park lights on. Daytime. The odd man out lens is less noticeable.
3. Installed and park lights on. Daytime. Back-up light is on, i.e. engine is running and the Trans is in "R" (low speed idle, emergency on and rear wheel chocked)
4. Night time. Park lights on. In neutral.
5. Night time. Park lights on. In Reverse. (Note due to the automatic exposure, the back up light looks blindingly bright. In reality it is bright but not blindling so)

(I've detailed what I did in this post: Adding more taillights to a 56 Dodge Custom Royal: http://www.forwardlook.net/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=64943&...)



Edited by 56D500boy 2017-03-11 4:54 PM




(DaveFs56CustomRoyalD500TaillightProject_1.jpg)



(DaveFs56CustomRoyalD500TaillightProject_2.jpg)



(DaveFs56CustomRoyalD500TaillightProject_3.jpg)



(DaveFs56CustomRoyalD500TaillightProject_4.jpg)



(DaveFs56CustomRoyalD500TaillightProject_5.jpg)



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Attachments DaveFs56CustomRoyalD500TaillightProject_2.jpg (122KB - 479 downloads)
Attachments DaveFs56CustomRoyalD500TaillightProject_3.jpg (119KB - 506 downloads)
Attachments DaveFs56CustomRoyalD500TaillightProject_4.jpg (107KB - 505 downloads)
Attachments DaveFs56CustomRoyalD500TaillightProject_5.jpg (79KB - 479 downloads)
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56D500boy
Posted 2017-03-31 1:11 AM (#537080 - in reply to #535737)
Subject: Re: DaveFs 1956 Dodge Custom Royal D-500



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When I was out with the Dodge on March 20th (chasing its own parts for a change - it was a nice sunny day), the engine developed a nasty miss, after simply being parked when I went into a shop, for seemingly no reason.

I wasn't in the mood to track it down then and got sidetracked on several other things (front and rear speakers and the misbehaving cowl vent) = until today (I needed some "WIN" after being temporarily defeated by the cowl vent hinge). I really don't know what the issue was but I put on a NOS distributor cap, moving the wires one by one from the old to the new cap, making sure that the wires were fully and completely seated in the cap. Put the cap back on, snapped the clips on and fired it up. Purred like a solid lifter kitten. Seems to have more power now too. The new exhaust sounds great too.

Good news and grins.

Dave F.
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RUSTORICHES
Posted 2017-03-31 8:15 PM (#537121 - in reply to #527174)
Subject: Re: DaveFs 1956 Dodge Custom Royal D-500


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Dave You may want to look at replacing the condenser also pending how the contact points and terminal posts on the cap looked no use running a new cap and finding out in a couple of months or less the terminal posts are arced out again.
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56D500boy
Posted 2017-03-31 8:51 PM (#537124 - in reply to #537121)
Subject: Re: DaveFs 1956 Dodge Custom Royal D-500



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RUSTORICHES - 2017-03-31 8:15 PM
Dave You may want to look at replacing the condenser also pending how the contact points and terminal posts on the cap looked no use running a new cap and finding out in a couple of months or less the terminal posts are arced out again.


Glen: I think you missed my February 18th update (above - in this thread):

"Anyway, I slowly but surely installed the Pertronix 1383 in my IBK-4301A distributor. There were complications (of course, why make it easy). The internal ground wire had broken off (or almost off and I broke it completely off disassembling the distributor). That created an issue that was solved with copper de-soldering wick, two small ring terminals (trimmed to make them even smaller), solder (and gun), pop rivets and a Dremel (to trim away the excess on the pop-rivet backing washer) and then a point file to file down the top of the pop rivet so it didn't interfer with the movement of the top plate."

Been running the Pertronix since then and have a fully loaded (points, condenser, rotor, cap) NOS IBK-4301A in a box beside me for security.



Dave F

Edited by 56D500boy 2017-04-01 10:19 AM
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RUSTORICHES
Posted 2017-04-01 4:49 AM (#537135 - in reply to #527174)
Subject: Re: DaveFs 1956 Dodge Custom Royal D-500


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Sorry Dave yes I did miss that post ……..oh well I jumped the gun on that one. It's great here that HEMI is running on all 8 There's nothing that compares to the sound of those Hemi's
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56D500boy
Posted 2017-04-05 6:45 PM (#537454 - in reply to #535737)
Subject: Re: DaveFs 1956 Dodge Custom Royal D-500



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The other day I removed all the taillights and the trim from both sides and painted the "white" (sapphire white) a bright white and then reinstalled everything, as documented in my taillight thread:

http://www.forwardlook.net/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=64943&...



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56D500boy
Posted 2017-07-11 8:10 PM (#543985 - in reply to #537454)
Subject: It's ALiiiiive (again)!!



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After I got back from California in early May, I finally decided to get at the D500 valve covers, i.e. get them off, stripped and repainted so I would not be embarrassed taking the car to a local 300A/B expert to have my solid lifter valves adjusted

That was partially documented here:

Renewing 56 Dodge D500 Valve Covers: http://www.forwardlook.net/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=65655&...

While I had the valve covers off, I realized that there was nothing stopping me from adjusting the valves myself. That lead to a couple of threads:

Anybody recognize these strange 315 hemi valve lash adjusters?: http://www.forwardlook.net/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=65759&...

One way to determine piston position for valve adjustments: http://www.forwardlook.net/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=65823&...

And

Spark Plug Suggestions for 56 D500 315 hemi: http://www.forwardlook.net/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=65567&...

While I was there (famous phrase (WIWT)), I cleaned up some of the wiring issues, did some painting, changed the starter solenoid to the proper spread base unit and installed a new coolant temp sensor:

Searching for a 4 terminal 1692 659 Starter Solenoid :http://www.forwardlook.net/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=65733&posts=4&highlight=starter%20solenoid&highlightmode=1#M541569

Question about the 1507 050 Coolant Temperature Sender:http://www.forwardlook.net/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=66080&posts=12&highlight=coolant%20temp&highlightmode=1#M543683

I finally got it all back together today (only lost one small screw - one of the Power Brake Vacuum canister leg mounts). The engine needed a couple of squirts of starter fluid to "prime the pump" (I had tried my MitiVac to draw fuel to the carburetor but that didn't work). Started up pretty good. Smoked quite a bit (some of that was from oil leaking out of the head with the valve covers off).

Can't say that my valve adjustments made a world of difference but at least I tried.

I think I will have to strip and repaint the valve covers at some point (next year). That VHT caliper paint is the right colour but it is very brittle and chips off if you look at it the wrong way.

Here is the before and after:





(DForgies56D500EngineBayNov_2016.jpg)



(DForgies56D500EngineBayJuly11_2017_small.jpg)



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Attachments DForgies56D500EngineBayNov_2016.jpg (152KB - 485 downloads)
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CaprockClassics
Posted 2017-07-11 10:41 PM (#543995 - in reply to #527174)
Subject: Re: DaveFs 1956 Dodge Custom Royal D-500



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VHT paint needs to be cured in an oven prior to installation. Constant temp of 200-300 degrees for a few hours finished the curing process. Simply tossing it on compromises the integrity of the finish. Also, VHT Engine paint is plenty durable for this application, Caliper paint is Over-Kill. I do believe that a local paint shop should be able to custom mix you a higher-temp enamel as well; if you need a certain color or texture.

On a side note, I've painted engines with actual automotive body-spray paint, I let things cure properly, and had them run for years without paint issue. It's all about prep work and knowing your materials and curing methods/timing.

~Peter
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56D500boy
Posted 2017-08-01 1:45 AM (#545272 - in reply to #543985)
Subject: RE: It's ALiiiiive (again)!!



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Finally got enough done rattle-can paint-wise to put the left side of the car back together. I've only painted the dark blue bits on the left side and the trunk. I've just started on the right side today and while some spot putty was drying, I put some of the trim on the left side.

This is where I started back in November (2016)



This was late this afternoon (July 31, 2017) (now the trick is to get the right side looking as good as the left (or better)):



Edited by 56D500boy 2017-08-01 10:29 AM




(DaveFs56D500July31_2017_1.jpg)



(DaveFs56D500July31_2017_2.jpg)



(DaveFs56D500July31_2017_3.jpg)



(DaveFs56D500July31_2017_4.jpg)



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Attachments DaveFs56D500July31_2017_4.jpg (132KB - 492 downloads)
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60 Imp
Posted 2017-08-01 6:30 AM (#545281 - in reply to #527174)
Subject: RE: DaveFs 1956 Dodge Custom Royal D-500


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That is a handsome car, and you have brought it a long way in a short time!
Good work Dave, your passion is commendable.
Steve.
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56D500boy
Posted 2017-08-06 9:21 PM (#545722 - in reply to #545281)
Subject: RE: DaveFs 1956 Dodge Custom Royal D-500



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60 Imp - 2017-08-01 6:30 AM That is a handsome car, and you have brought it a long way in a short time!
Good work Dave, your passion is commendable. Steve.


Gosh. Gee, thanks, Steve. You're making me blush.

(Passion is there, skills, not so much)

Oh well.

Edited by 56D500boy 2017-08-06 9:25 PM
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56D500boy
Posted 2017-08-06 9:29 PM (#545723 - in reply to #545722)
Subject: RE: DaveFs 1956 Dodge Custom Royal D-500



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What did I do today?

Finished playing with the driver's door trim (combo of spring clips and Auveco/Geno 2619 stud clips), lubed the window winder and put on the vapour barrier.

Also bent over the "pins" on the stainless door trim, locking them in place. Renovated door panel goes back on tomorrow (Yay!!)

Played with putting on the some of the trunk trim. The "Vee" is one I bought from John at Big M (shiny chrome but pitted). (The original isn't pitted but it has been polished to death, the brass is showing through). The others are original. The D500 flags got a minor spruce up with some black paint.

Also started back painting the plastic part of the missing trunk badge. Might turn out "okay". (Maybe ) Still waiting (in hope) for George Laurie to come through with perfect ones. (fingers and toes crossed).





Edited by 56D500boy 2017-08-06 11:41 PM




(DaveFs56DodgeD500TrunkArea_Aug6_2017_1.jpg)



(DaveFs56DodgeD500TrunkArea_Aug6_2017_2.jpg)



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Attachments DaveFs56DodgeD500TrunkArea_Aug6_2017_1.jpg (131KB - 482 downloads)
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56D500boy
Posted 2017-08-07 9:12 PM (#545791 - in reply to #545723)
Subject: RE: DaveFs 1956 Dodge Custom Royal D-500



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56D500boy - 2017-08-06 9:29 PM
Finished playing with the driver's door trim (combo of spring clips and Auveco/Geno 2619 stud clips), lubed the window winder and put on the vapour barrier.
Also bent over the "pins" on the stainless door trim, locking them in place. Renovated door panel goes back on tomorrow (Yay!!)
Played with putting on the some of the trunk trim. The "Vee" is one I bought from John at Big M (shiny chrome but pitted). (The original isn't pitted but it has been polished to death, the brass is showing through). The others are original. The D500 flags got a minor spruce up with some black paint.
Also started back painting the plastic part of the missing trunk badge. Might turn out "okay". (Maybe ) Still waiting (in hope) for George Laurie to come through with perfect ones. (fingers and toes crossed).


Back painted the front and rear badges (mostly the red and black bits). Turned out not bad (but not good either). Installed them. Also got the fake paper "315 HEMI HEAD" sticker that I made months ago colour Laser printed on a Vinyl shipping label. Cut it out and stuck it on. Looks good (in my opinion).



Edited by 56D500boy 2017-08-07 9:15 PM




(DaveFs56DodgeD500TrunkArea_Aug7_2017_1.jpg)



(DaveFs56DodgeD500TrunkArea_Aug7_2017_2.jpg)



(DaveFs56DodgeD500TrunkArea_Aug7_2017_3.jpg)



(DaveFs56DodgeD500TrunkArea_Aug7_2017_4.jpg)



(DaveFsD500EngineWithFaked315HemiHeadVinylSticker.jpg)



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Attachments DaveFsD500EngineWithFaked315HemiHeadVinylSticker.jpg (174KB - 470 downloads)
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Mike McCandless
Posted 2017-08-07 9:25 PM (#545794 - in reply to #527174)
Subject: Re: DaveFs 1956 Dodge Custom Royal D-500


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56D500boy
Posted 2017-08-11 9:20 PM (#546040 - in reply to #545791)
Subject: RE: DaveFs 1956 Dodge Custom Royal D-500



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Found a photo of the before to compare to the after (so far)

After (still a work in progress) (Before = below)



Edited by 56D500boy 2017-08-11 11:36 PM




(00V0V_btuOm73FG2Q_1200x900.jpg)



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56D500boy
Posted 2017-08-25 12:41 PM (#547000 - in reply to #546040)
Subject: 56 D500 Cross-flags emblems



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Hmm...So my 56 Dodge D500's crossed flag emblems really did start off being related to the Indy 500.

Mine (and all 56 D500's):



Original application (the 1954 Dodge Indy 500 pace car):





Edited by 56D500boy 2017-08-25 12:43 PM
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56D500boy
Posted 2017-09-15 1:42 PM (#548458 - in reply to #547000)
Subject: Happy Re- Birthday to my car



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Happy Birthday to my car

Bought my 1956 Dodge Custom Royal D500 315 hemi 4 door Sedan one year ago today (Sept 15, 2016). It didn’t run and had no brakes anyway. This is a list of the things that I have done since then, mostly in order:

Had the ignition rekeyed (car came with no keys whatsoever)

Changed the oil and tried to start the car (oil only had 200 miles on it but it was 25 years old) – Failed to start

Pulled the carburetor and had it restored/rebuilt

Pulled the gas tank and had it purged and relined

Bought and installed a NOS water pump

Bought and installed a NOS fuel pump

Reinstalled the carb and fuel tank with two fuel filters, one before and one after the fuel pump

Bought and installed an aftermarket air cleaner with an adapter and spacer to fit on the carb and clear my PS pump (on the back of the generator).

“Clocked” the PS pump so it better cleared the air cleaner

Bought and Installed a new rotor and distributor cap on the distributor.

Got the engine started (Yay!)

Bought brake parts (all the cylinders and shoes and one new drum (right front) and had them installed (too much work for me in my tiny single car 1942 garage)

Bought a set of 8" x 15" Cop-car wheels and dog dish hub caps and had 235/75/15 white-wall radial tires installed

Bought and installed new spark plug wires with “proper” hemi-style boots

Purchased and intalled a Pertronix ignition system with a Pertronix coil (no ballast resistor needed, 40,000 V)

Bought an Electro-touch tune (Town and Country) radio and had it converted to AM/FM/USB/Aux/Bluetooth stereo

Removed the radiator (minor leak) and had it recored (3 row instead of 2) and reinstalled it

Minor body work (two small perforations) on the light blue areas and painted with custom-matched rattle-can paint

Rattle-can painted the dark blue saddle parts with Duplicolor early 1990’s Dodge (Neon) Intense Blue Pearl paint – Not perfect and still needs the hood done – but much better than I found it.

Removed the driver’s door lock cylinder and had it keyed to the ignition switch key

Renovated the drivers door including cleaning and painting the inside and applying Dynamat, replacing the window tracks and cat’s whiskers

Rebuilt and installed the driver’s door panel using masonite and the original inner door skin except the bottom bit was replaced with new material

Converted the back-up lights to taillights complete with LED lights, repainted the white part, polished and renewed the taillight trim and surround

Added a back-up light via a 14 white LED license plate frame

Had a new 2.25” exhaust system (downpipe back) installed with “Turbo” mufflers and MagnaFlow tips

Fixed and repainted a better steering wheel than what came with the car

Removed and renewed the valve covers using red caliper paint and black semi-gloss on the wire cover

Set the valve clearances (cold)

Bought and had installed inner and outer tie rods, center link and idler arm; front end alignment with consideration of the radial tires.

Painted the metal part of the brake booster and the vacuum storage canister

Bought and installed a new starter solenoid with the proper wide feet spacing

Renewed the passenger footwell and painted it with ZeroRust followed by Duplicolor Bed Liner (black)

Built and installed a new rear parcel tray, set up for two new 6 x 9 speakers (no cutting of the metal parcel tray bulkhead)

Removed, cleaned, polished and re-installed the various front, side and trunk badges with new hardware

Removed, cleaned and polished the rear fender trim using new GENO (Auveco) brand clips

Bought and installed twin OE rear fender antenna

Renewed front and rear Dodge medallions (one purchased off eBay, one OE to the car, both needed back painting)

Painted the very ugly headliner with chalk paint

Had the non-functioning generator rebuilt

Bought and installed a new voltage regulator

Bought and installed a proper OE dash radio surround to replace my radio delete panel

Bought and installed a new (to me) trunk lock

Created and built a new aluminum dash speaker mounting plate for a new 6 x 9 speaker

Removed and tested my dash clock and sent it off for repair

Removed and cleaned my dash speaker grill and reinstalled it (Today)

Continued with the speaker and radio install (Today)

Still lots and lots to do, e.g the other three door internals, windlace, drivers foot well, carpet, etc.

Here are some photos (before and four taken yesterday):

Day 1:



Yesterday:


Edited by 56D500boy 2017-09-15 3:23 PM




(DForgies56CRD500Sept14_2017_1.jpg)



(DForgies56CRD500Sept14_2017_2.jpg)



(DForgies56CRD500Sept14_2017_3.jpg)



(DForgies56CRD500Sept14_2017_4.jpg)



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Attachments DForgies56CRD500Sept14_2017_1.jpg (226KB - 443 downloads)
Attachments DForgies56CRD500Sept14_2017_2.jpg (221KB - 449 downloads)
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56D500boy
Posted 2017-09-16 1:52 PM (#548503 - in reply to #548458)
Subject: RE: Happy Re- Birthday to my car



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56D500boy - 2017-09-15 1:42 PM

Removed and tested my dash clock and sent it off for repair (Today)
Removed and cleaned my dash speaker grill and reinstalled it (Today)
Continued with the speaker and radio install (Today)


"Today" was Yesterday and, of course, it didn't quite go as planned. In order remove the dash speaker grill you have to release at least part of the 23-33-86 right side chrome dash trim (mostly just loosen it in the area of the speaker grill).

*NATURALLY* the dreaded can of "while I am there" worms opened up. (SPROING!!!)

I now have the upper right side trim off and have one more nut at the far left of the lower trim to get off. On the upside, that will permit me to repaint (spray bomb) the light blue part of the dash which had worn through in spots.

PS to get that last lower trim nut off, you have to loosen/remove the AMP/FUEL gauge module. They obviously put the trim on before the gauges went it.

Save me.





Edited by 56D500boy 2017-09-16 2:23 PM




(56DodgeDashParts.jpg)



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56D500boy
Posted 2017-10-08 12:54 PM (#549980 - in reply to #548503)
Subject: Updates



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Finished the AM/FM/USB/Aux(iPod)/Blue Tooth Radio Install:

Front Speaker Mount:

http://www.forwardlook.net/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=64616&...



Rear Speakers:

http://www.forwardlook.net/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=64957&...





Figured out (with help) how the old and new radios work:

http://www.forwardlook.net/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=66794&...

Cleaned up the right side Rocker panel and installed a better Stone Deflector:

http://www.forwardlook.net/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=63716&...

Before:



After:



On-going saga (not over) Hardstarting/Battery issues:

http://www.forwardlook.net/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=66809&...




Edited by 56D500boy 2017-10-08 12:55 PM
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56D500boy
Posted 2017-11-05 8:15 PM (#551703 - in reply to #549980)
Subject: RE: Updates



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I had the 56 out of the garage today so I could play with the ACC/Stock Interiors carpet fitment (again) and fiddle with the placement of the three point seat belt retractor bottom bracket location. While it was out, I had a neighbour snap a photo of me and the car (my good wife is away) and then I took a selfie so you guys can see what kind of dufus is at the other end of the key board.

BTW: I "painted" (rattle canned) the hood this week (just the dark blue bit) (three coats of the blue over two coats of high build primer). Eventually it will need to be taken to bare metal and redone but it was all I could do before the weather turned too too cold for any unheated garage painting. It's better than when I found the car last year. (Not sure why the left side of the hood looks purple, it doesn't look like that in real life)

That's a test of the high build primer on the front fender. Trust me, it's not high enough build to knock out the "acne" scars from whatever happened under the blue poly tarp it was stored under for many years.





Edited by 56D500boy 2017-11-05 8:20 PM




(DaveFAndHis56DodgeCustomRoyalD500Nov5_2017_1.jpg)



(DaveFAndHis56DodgeCustomRoyalD500Nov5_2017_2.jpg)



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horace
Posted 2017-11-13 1:38 PM (#552157 - in reply to #527174)
Subject: Re: DaveFs 1956 Dodge Custom Royal D-500



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Just commenting, back to spinners unique & really bring ou the FOWARS LOOK, little hub caps are SOOOO blaize (sp)! Probably said this befor but my dad & Uncle sold these cars new as 40 yr old guys. I remember quite a few a CR sed D500 stick that toured fairs lilac, maroon & black, a 2 tone gray Cr sed
D500, a 56 D500 station Wagon , a Goldenrod Royal D500 coupe , a D500 Royal coupe lilac white & black that religiously blew the doors off a 56 Bel Air power pak, a CR an orchid & white Royal sed D500, which the sons raced alot successfully & there were others, quite a popular car in it's day in our resort town of 6000. There were others as well. I wonder why there were an inordinate # of Royals. We had a mediocre Chev dealer, wild man Olds dealer, sleepy Ford dealer, & Buick dealer in financial probs, & a Ply dealer in constant ownership turmoil @ the time so, that helped DODGE sales. Love the tri color & dual aerials which were a must as were dual exhaust defectors.
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56D500boy
Posted 2018-09-14 5:49 PM (#570107 - in reply to #552157)
Subject: Re: DaveFs 1956 Dodge Custom Royal D-500



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I guess that I haven't driven it much. First photo is when I got the car. Second is today. I needed a photo to register the odometer with our insurance corporation of British Columbia (ICBC). I will get a 10% discount next year if I show that I drove it less than 5000 km in the next 12 months. Pretty sure that I will qualify.





(DaveFsCRD500SpeedoSept15_2016.jpg)



(DaveFs56DodgeMileageSept14_2018.jpg)



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56D500boy
Posted 2018-10-20 4:37 PM (#572071 - in reply to #570107)
Subject: Re: DaveFs 1956 Dodge Custom Royal D-500



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Wow. D55Dave from Penticton BC just posted these photos of my car. Probably taken at an car show in around 1990 in Richmond BC after it was bought at auction in Seattle around 1988 and brought up to New Westminster in 1988 by the fellow I bought the car from in Sept 2106 (well actually his wife, the fellow at Alzheimer's by then)

It was beautiful back in 1990, before it lived in a highrise basement under a polypropylene tarp for 25 plus years. Sad. Brings a tear to my eye.

I am just bringing it back to about that condition now (After a lot of work).



Edited by 56D500boy 2018-10-20 8:09 PM




(DaveFs56DodgeD500InSeattleCirca1988_2.jpg)



(DaveFs56DodgeD500InSeattleCirca1988_1.jpg)



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56D500boy
Posted 2018-10-27 8:33 PM (#572494 - in reply to #572071)
Subject: Re: DaveFs 1956 Dodge Custom Royal D-500



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56D500boy - 2018-10-20 4:37 PM

Wow. D55Dave from Penticton BC just posted these photos of my car. Probably taken at an car show in around 1990 in Richmond BC after it was bought at auction in Seattle around 1988 and brought up to New Westminster in 1988 by the fellow I bought the car from in Sept 2106 (well actually his wife, the fellow at Alzheimer's by then)


A couple of corrections:

1. D55Dave is from Kelowna, not Penticton BC (my bad).
2. The "car show" was probably an auction in Richmond BC circa 1990 (D55Dave is going to try an pin down the date).
3. The photos are from that auction and have nothing to do with Seattle.

Here is the placard that came with my car, probably from that auction.

Several errors on the placard:

For example, the pistons are still flat tops, the D500 was NOT the Indy Pace car (ever), it might have been a fast production car in 1956 (more hp than even a 2 x 4 bbl Corvette) and the California Highway Patrol loved them in 1956 but that would not be true for 10 years, the seat belts that came in the car were NOT factory (aftermarket), and I am not sure about the "never smashed". (I think there was a light hit at the right front at some point). Not much rust (one or two perforations that I have found and at least one of the outer rockers was replaced).





(AlanCruickshanksPosterForHisD500AtJimRatsoysAuctionCirca1990.jpg)



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56D500boy
Posted 2019-08-21 1:42 AM (#586318 - in reply to #572071)
Subject: Re: DaveFs 1956 Dodge Custom Royal D-500



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I haven't posted about absolutely everything that I have done to my 56 Dodge since buying it almost three years ago (Sept. 15/2016). Today, I finished the installation of the cat's whiskers on the four inner door frames:

http://www.forwardlook.net/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=65605

With the cats whiskers done, I immediately realized that, after almost three years, I have the car that I was originally looking for, i.e. a 56 Dodge or Plymouth (that would fit in my 12 x 20 garage), 12 volt, V8 automatic that needs very little beyond a bit of TLC, cleaning and polishing. Too bad it took me almost three years to transform what I bought in Sept. 2016 to that state. I can't say that I didn't enjoy the various challenges that I encountered or made up (e.g. shoulder belts front and rear, auxiliary gauge cluster, etc) and, for the most part, over came successfully.

Still lots to do but nothing that is really pressing.

I celebrated by starting to clean the door jambs and planning for a little door sill painting.



Edited by 56D500boy 2019-08-21 1:46 AM
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56D500boy
Posted 2019-08-23 4:20 PM (#586455 - in reply to #586318)
Subject: Re: DaveFs 1956 Dodge Custom Royal D-500



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56D500boy - 2019-08-20 10:42 PM
I celebrated by starting to clean the door jambs and planning for a little door sill painting.


After getting ready to re-cover two of the armrest/door pulls yesterday, I cleaned two more door jambs. What fun. Why didn't I do this before? (Because there were 1000 other more important things to do )

Then I gave the car a little freshwater (no soap or wax) wipe down before I went to a car show (about 200 cars) in the late afternoon/early evening (Charitable donations to MS research via the A&W hamburger chain). There was exactly one other Forward Look car there, a 1956 Canadian (303 poly) Custom Royal sedan (which had been at a previous car show on Sunday)

Here's mine. (Probably looks the same to anybody following this thread but the left rear door is now dint free and all the window channels have been replaced (some done better than others)).





Edited by 56D500boy 2019-08-23 5:31 PM




(DaveFs56CRD500Sedan_Aug22_2019_1_small.jpg)



(DaveFs56CRD500Sedan_Aug22_2019_2_small.jpg)



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56D500boy
Posted 2020-02-05 1:38 AM (#593819 - in reply to #586455)
Subject: Re: DaveFs 1956 Dodge Custom Royal D-500



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Due to uncooperative weather, the day that got picked for the installation of a LiftMaster 8500 wall mount (JackShaft) garage door opener (and moving the torsion spring to above the door) was today. And it snowed.

So my poor old girl had to spend her first day in probably more than 30 years under a few inches of nice clean wet BC snow.

(I did have a cover over most of the windshield and the cowl vent so that should have kept the wet out a bit)

I brushed almost all of the snow off before I put the car back into the garage and then I wiped as much water as I could off with a microfabric towel. Then I left the heat on in the garage for 4 hours to dry it off. Hopefully no issues.

(I like the opener situation now so it was all worth it)



Edited by 56D500boy 2020-02-05 1:41 AM




(DaveFs56DodgeD500FirstSnowInProbably30years.jpg)



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Old Ray
Posted 2020-02-05 10:30 AM (#593827 - in reply to #527174)
Subject: RE: DaveFs 1956 Dodge Custom Royal D-500



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... honest Dave, ... it won't hurt it !




(1956 dodge pic # 3.jpg)



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56D500boy
Posted 2021-01-13 7:56 PM (#607697 - in reply to #593819)
Subject: Re: DaveFs 1956 Dodge Custom Royal D-500



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Not too many posts in this thread in 2020. Just the snow fall photo.

What did I do to my car in 2020?

I got the tranmission swap done (by a shop) in January 2020. Was 56 Dodge 2 spd/4 button Powerflite, now is 57 Windsor 3 spd/5 button A-466 Cast Iron Torqueflite.

Summarized here:

http://www.forwardlook.net/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=73638&...

Another thing is the shifter housing. I removed it (DON"T DO IT) and then polished the housing. Not sure if I would like it but it now looks completely normal (still debating the colour of the buttons - I have 5 black ones from a LoadFlite but would need to buy new green ones)

http://www.forwardlook.net/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=70969&...



I am starting out on a brake system modernization project and I am currently in the "lining up the ducks" phase :

http://www.forwardlook.net/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=75197&...

Had the old dear out for a drive today. It was sunny and dry and 11 C (about 52 F) in the Vancouver BC area. Drive was good. However, *SUDDENLY* I have no signal lights. Not sure what is up with that. (The *FUN* never stops - I will start with the Electronic flasher).

Photos from today. Bonus point for anyone who notices what part of the exterior I recently broke due to stupidity. (Dels56 - you are disqualified from playing - you know the answer )



Edited by 56D500boy 2021-01-14 1:37 AM




(DaveFs56DodgeD500CRSedan_Jan13_2021_front.jpg)



(DaveFs56DodgeD500CRSedan_Jan13_2021_rear.jpg)



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amb426amb1
Posted 2021-05-04 5:10 AM (#611696 - in reply to #527174)
Subject: Re: DaveFs 1956 Dodge Custom Royal D-500


Member

Posts: 8

Great read. Thanks for posting all the updates and photos. I've got several projects to do but excited to restore my 55 royal.
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56D500boy
Posted 2021-05-04 11:25 AM (#611703 - in reply to #611696)
Subject: Re: DaveFs 1956 Dodge Custom Royal D-500



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amb426amb1 - 2021-05-04 2:10 AM
Great read. Thanks for posting all the updates and photos. I've got several projects to do but excited to restore my 55 royal.


Thanks Jon. There are also a tonne of other DIY posts that I have done about solving the small(ish) problems that I have had with my car. Just use the forum search with "56 Dodge" and my user name "56D500boy" and "all posts".

I forgot that you started a Member's Rides thread:

http://www.forwardlook.net/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=75795&...

I just pm'd you with my email address if you need extra help.



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56D500boy
Posted 2021-05-16 12:54 PM (#612038 - in reply to #607697)
Subject: My car is now offically a pensioner. Happy 65th Birthday to Bluey.



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On this date, May 16th, 1956, 65 years ago, my car was built in the Los Angeles factory. Happy Birthday "Bluey". In different times, I might have gotten a cake and shared it with car buddies. I might still do that.



Edited by 56D500boy 2021-05-16 2:14 PM
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56D500boy
Posted 2021-05-19 3:42 PM (#612096 - in reply to #612038)
Subject: RE: My car is now offically a pensioner. Happy 65th Birthday to Bluey.



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56D500boy - 2021-05-16 9:54 AM .
On this date, May 16th, 1956, 65 years ago, my car was built in the Los Angeles factory. Happy Birthday "Bluey". In different times, I might have gotten a cake and shared it with car buddies. I might still do that.


I am/was a member of group of people who have had heart issues (attacks, stents, surgeries, etc) that used to meet three times a week at a "Healthy Heart" exercise class. Covid caused the cancellation of the class. A hard core group has been meeting once a week (Weds AM) in dry weather to walk a high school sports track (socially distanced and masked) for an hour (better than nothing). I am an on again/off again member of that group.

Yesterday, I decided to do the cake thing in honour of my 70th (May 2nd) and my car's 65th (May 16th). So I bought a cake to share after Walkies. Weather looked pretty good and I intended to bring the old girl (the car, not my wife) with the cake. I emailed the hard core group and added a few more once and awhilers to the list. I told them that I would bring a cake, and I will have plates and forks and napkins. No candles.

Low and behold all but one showed up. (Must have been the cake). I even got two birthday cars and a "gift" (a lottery ticket for a $50 million draw on Friday). (If I win, I owe the group 10%)

No group photos but I did get a photo of the cake, before and after. It was fun. (A few of the gear head heart group hung around afterwards and we shot the breeze). All good.



Edited by 56D500boy 2021-05-19 3:46 PM




(BlueySCake_May2021.jpg)



(BlueyWithCake1.jpg)



(BlueyWithCake2.jpg)



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Powerflite
Posted 2021-05-19 4:02 PM (#612098 - in reply to #527174)
Subject: Re: DaveFs 1956 Dodge Custom Royal D-500



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Happy birthday, sounds like fun. I hardly drive or go anywhere these days, but working on my cars does give me some exercise. My father started hiking everyday after his heart attack and has been doing it for 30 years now. He is still quite healthy as a result. One of the only times I've left the house, I took my kids to Yosemite 2wks ago where my youngest daughter insisted we hike to the top of Yosemite falls. I was walking like a 90 yr old man before I got to the top and was sore for many days afterward. I guess I wasn't getting as much exercise as I should.
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Steve1956
Posted 2021-05-19 7:15 PM (#612101 - in reply to #612096)
Subject: RE: My car is now offically a pensioner. Happy 65th Birthday to Bluey.


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Congratulations Dave. I have a way to go before i can celebrate either of those events (not quite yet 70) and I will wait till the car is restored. Currently waiting to get the car back into a workshop for rust repairs to rear wheel arches and rockers etc. Too many people doing their cars now because they are home for work due to COVID I think.



(IMG_3748.JPG)



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56D500boy
Posted 2021-05-30 9:43 PM (#612338 - in reply to #612096)
Subject: RE: My car is now offically a pensioner. Happy 65th Birthday to Bluey.



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Inspired by the colour combo I did on my ABS kick panels, I decided to two-tone the front seat side panels. A bit of work but I think that they are going to turn out okay.

The inspiration:



The first of two side panels (the other needed a bit of touch up on the upper edges) (the lighter blue looks greener than it is (it is the same paint as I used on the top of the ABS kick panel):



Edited by 56D500boy 2021-05-30 9:48 PM




(56DodgeThreeToneWhiteDarkBlueLightBlue_FrontSeatSidePanelDoneInTwoToneBlue_1.jpg)



(56DodgeThreeToneWhiteDarkBlueLightBlue_FrontSeatSidePanelDoneInTwoToneBlue_2.jpg)



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Powerflite
Posted 2021-05-31 12:13 AM (#612341 - in reply to #527174)
Subject: Re: DaveFs 1956 Dodge Custom Royal D-500



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That looks nice. The '56 Plymouth seat panels were painted a 2-tone from the factory, for 2-tone cars.
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56D500boy
Posted 2021-05-31 3:15 PM (#612353 - in reply to #612341)
Subject: Re: DaveFs 1956 Dodge Custom Royal D-500



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Powerflite - 2021-05-30 9:13 PM
That looks nice. The '56 Plymouth seat panels were painted a 2-tone from the factory, for 2-tone cars.


Thanks. I know that Terry's (71charger_fan's) 55 Plaza wagon came with solid painted seat sides which he hated:



But during the transition to a black and white interior, he painted them two-tone:



Edited by 56D500boy 2021-05-31 5:10 PM
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56D500boy
Posted 2022-03-29 6:36 PM (#620586 - in reply to #612353)
Subject: Re: DaveFs 1956 Dodge Custom Royal D-500



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After a long winter playing with prepping for an alternator, an independent power steering pump and front disc brakes, it was finally warm and dry enough to get the old beast out of the garage so I could start straightening
out the mess I created over the winter.

That is a work in progress, finding things that I forgot about, putting things away, etc.

Anyway, she's out in the sun under the cherry blossoms.

UPDATE: Took her for a bit of a run. Went well. Speeds up to 70 mph, all good. Leaky heater core isn't leaking - I just didn't have the upper hose clamp on correctly (YAY - fixed).



Edited by 56D500boy 2022-03-30 2:17 AM




(DaveFs56D500Spring2022.jpg)



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