HI: You sound like me about 30 years ago, when I bought my first 56 for $1800. Hard lessons learned; bondo, rust, prior collison damage,mine had it all. A magnet and an ice pick are two of your best friends when looking at a little Bird. The rockers, dog-legs, floors, quarters, all are prone to rust. Get under the car and look for clues of rust, or poor repairs. Look at all the exposed seams around the doors, trunk and hood openings, they can tell you volumes. These cars are a lot of fun, just shop around and find the best one within your budget. One that is shiny on the outside, but trash inside will just be a rust hole in the garage that you throw money at. Good luck!!! Also, try joining CTCI. Lots of info there, volumes of knowledge, publications, restoration manuals, etc.
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