[Parkman51]

That's very helpful, Goatracer, I'm going to make notes of all that. A few follow-up questions for you (and some new questions later).

-Why is it that the suspension in a '55 is more complicated than one from the '60s?
-What's the link for the vacuum-electric wiper conversion kit?
-I've read that it may be advantageous to convert the drum brakes to disc brakes, and I already think I need a new master cylinder. Assuming I have to replace the master cylinder, is it worth the upgrade or should I stick with the drum system? I'm not planning to race this car or do anything high-performance with it, if that helps.

And new questions:
I want to install lap belts, does this require welding or is it something that can be done with hand tools? And where can I find a good kit to do this - Ames and RockAuto don't seem to have them.
The car has sat for an unspecified amount of time in the previous owner's garage and the gas has probably turned to varnish. Advice on a complete drain and flush of the fuel system? Any "don't forget this"es or "try this product"s?