Looking at a 56 Nomad

[SS396Pilot]

I'm going to be looking at a 56 Nomad when I get back form this trip. It runs and drives and has only minor rust. It's all complete and an original V8 car with the original engine. Is there anything in particular with Nomads that I should keep an eye out for...besides seeing ground through the floors!? :D I'm excited about finally finding a complete one running and driving without having to mortgage the house. Thanks!

[scotty t]

check out the drip rail. they rust there pretty bad. i've seen them rusted several inches into the roof from the drip rails. other than that just the usual spots.

[56 2x4]

Hard to find trim parts unique to the '56 Nomad:

1) under tail light Vs
2) reverse dogleg trim behind driver and passenger doors

other sort of hard to find trim parts

1) rear quarter trim dividing paint
2) rear wagon bumper and wagon bumper guards
3) cargo deck stainless
4) a complete compliment of tailgate hardware including internal hinge covers

look for cracks (or repair of cracks) coming from the corners of the B pillar into the roof or beltline and corrosion or evidence of repair around the tailgate jam.

Also look at liftgate. It should be plated and without pits or bumps in the plate. No cracks, a big deduction here, impossible to repair cracks. The seams should align with the roof and pillars when closed.

Look for any body work to the rear quarter panels. They are not reproduced and hard to repair correctly.

[hamsman]

:tu Dave, good suggestions above. In addition I would look hard at the spare tire well, this sometimes gives you an idea about rust in that area.
I would also crawl under and look and feel all inner sides of the fenders for any possible past repairs. (take a good flashlight)
Be sure to flip the rear seat to its down position and look under as you are doing it.

Sounds like your gonna have fun !

Don, aka.....the hamsman

[SS396Pilot]

The quarters have had some work to them. He said they would need patches on the lower side, not the entire quarter. Do they make patches? Could you use 56 2 door lowers to patch? I'll check the list you guys gave me. Thanks so much.

[carls 56]

hi dave! don't know anything about nomads (sorry:o). just wanted to wish you good luck:tu. enjoy it :)

[737Pilot]

Dave....a 56???? Have you actually been putting on your O2 mask while the CA goes to the toilet? I don't even know who you are anymore:D

[MightyMouse57]

I'm going to be looking at a 56 Nomad when I get back form this trip. It runs and drives and has only minor rust. It's all complete and an original V8 car with the original engine. Is there anything in particular with Nomads that I should keep an eye out for...besides seeing ground through the floors!? :D I'm excited about finally finding a complete one running and driving without having to mortgage the house. Thanks!

Dave,
Congratulations on finding what sounds like a great car. Enjoy.

[SS396Pilot]

Thanks Guys. I'll be looking at all those items and have my checklist ready.

Mike, these funky rules and regulations you speak of intrigue me, and I wish to subscribe to your newsletter. But unfortunately with them making only about 20K of these things, I think any year will do for me. I'd prefer a 57, but the more I look at all three years the more I think they're all just so darn good looking!!

Kelly said she ran into you again yesterday on the plane. We gotta get together again soon man.

[kab]

I'm with you ss 396. I would be very happy to get ANY year Nomad.They are all beautiful !

[Chevynut]

I think the 56 looks best, followed by the 55, then the 57. I do like the 55 front end and the tall rear wheelwells, but the 56 side trim can't be beat!!

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL97/465705/840294/236103240.jpg

[SS396Pilot]

Man, that's stunning Laszlo. Sent you a PM