just how important is "original"

I'm at a cross-roads with my 58 Country Sedan. Cosmetically, I intend to keep every thing looking original...more or less (yes if I find a nice vintage set of Fenton 2 piece mags I'm putting them on!). But I question under the hood. Just how important is it for a wagon to remain original. We are the step-children of the product line. My 58 has the 223 6 in it. After a month of soaking the cylinders in a Marvel Mystery Oil/kerosene cocktail, and a slow hand turning of the crank 4 or 5 times durring that period, I finally took the plunge and hit the starter.

Zero Compression

So my first consideration is rebuilding the existing unit. If I do I retain originallity but have a gutless wonder here at 6,000ft. Second consideration is find a 352 or other similar FE engine that will bolt up to the existing 3 spd w/overdrive tranny. The only problem there is I will have acquisition costs on top of rebuild cost of a relativity expensive to get parts for group of engines.

Next consideration is the late-model drop in...say a 289/302, 351/400 or bigger but at this point if I do that I'm also considering going with a C4 or C6 automatic. In the latter two considerations, the first I have a period correct engine but no longer match the VIN. The latter, I get modern reliability and parts availability, but have totally moved away from "original".

Its not going to be a daily driver but may see duty pulling my FV trailer to the track, my wifes vintage 55 Shasta camp trailer or her 2 horse trailer when the car is not just being a driveway king.

Thoughts?

Bill

 

Having the stock 6-cylinder in the '58 is, in my opinion, going to make your wagon worth less than if put a nice modern V8 in it. If your wagon had an original 292 or 312, I would say rebuild it.

 

I agree with Krash. Not only would you have the expense of another engine, but you would have to upgrade the suspension, etc. also. Keeping it original and not having the extra expenses would be my choice. And what is wrong with a gutless wonder. I've owned a few in my day. They are usually the ones that just keep going, and going, and going...

 

I'm all for originality, but it sounds like you are aiming for a tow vehicle. If you get the period correct V8, will you still have to rebuild the existing transmission to handle the extra power? I would go with the option that makes the most sense for you, factoring in initial costs, rebuilding costs and long term maintenance needs.

If it were me, I'd park the old 6 (and tranny if you don't use it) in the corner of the garage and complete any upgrades so that they can be easily undone if you or a subsequent owner want to go back to original. Who knows, over time, you could even rebuild the old 6 on your own so it's ready to go! My point is, if you sell it later on, having the original powertrain available with the sale will appeal to guys that like originality.

 

For me, the biggest determination would be long term goals and intentions of the vehicle. If you plan to keep it long term, I'd say build it the way YOU want it to perform.

 

Just my opinion, but I'd build the wagon to be what I wanted it to be, not what someone else thinks it should be. If I was planning to tow with it, the six is outa there. Now imagine the car with a fuel injected small block, an overdrive transmission.........ahhh, just the thought of that.
When I built the 56 Studebaker wagon, I wanted a car I could take anywhere, not have to worry about parts availability, and have fun with. Out came the Studebaker V8, which was stuck anyway, and in went a........yup, 350 Chevy engine, and I switched from a TH350 to a 700R4, and it was a heck of a fine ride. Travelled all over the southwest with it, and really enjoyed it. When it came time to sell it, it sold for way more than it would have with the stock drivetrain in it.

 

Yup! It's your car, do what you want.

 

With a dead 6 cyl you now have a blank canvas and the freedom to fulfill your automotive dreams!

 

All,
If I had my druthers, it would get the center console out of a 58-60 Bird and big bucket seats out of a 64-66 Galaxie XL refinished to look like the stock back seat. BUT, the wife wants a bench seat so that stays. Next stop would be a 427 with top loader OR a Tremec 5 spd. BUT, again I want the wife to be able to drive. My Son-in-Law has a 76 T-Bird that he parked about 10 years ago when the rear end went out. Hence I have available at a reasonable price a 460/C6 but is there room for that beast in the hole? Come to think of it, if it will fit, that might take care of many problems. Anyone know if the column from the 76 Bird will fit in a 58? Then I get tilt steering as well.

 

I would drop a carbureted 302 in it and a later model automatic with overdrive in it. Let's face it these old wagons we love are not high dollar collector cars like an old muscle car that buyers demand numbers matching drivetrains. Wagons for most buyers are fun cruising cars that can haul the whole family and it is more important that it is driveable and reliable. I think it is worth more to MOST buyers with an updated drivetrain. Just my opinion.

 

I'd go with a later-model 5.0L out of a Mustang or a Crown Vic police car. Rebuild it to GT40 specs; with the aluminum heads, GT40 roller cam, injectors and more. Get the AOD out of the same car, if possible. I'd probably build the 9" rear that is likely under it, and just go!

 

Marty has my vote !:2_thumbs_up_-_anima

 

I do like the idea of a 302/AOD combo or a 289/302 w/C4 combo. The 289/C4 combo ain't gonna be on the trees like the 302/AOD will be tho. Local junkyard prices are only $350 for the 302/AOD combo with warranty. Anybody know how hard it is to wire the AOD to shift correctly? Would it matter if it came out of say an Explorer or F150 as opposed to a Crown Vic or similar?

 

I had a 1949 Ford with the 302/AOD already in it. Seems like I got in the 20's for fuel milage. Have no idea how it was wired. The rest of the car had nightmare wiring using everthing for house extension cords to phone wire. But the overdrive worked.
Good luck

 

I agree with Marty on keeping it original (or not keeping it original).

The 460 might be kinda cool, especially to big block enthusiasts. But parts are more expensive and harder to find. A small block Ford would be the most economical and easy engine to find and build.