I have a 55 Ford and just like the 56 dash cluster so much better than mine . I have looked at maybe trying to swap the cluster but don't think that it possible . Has anyone done this or is it possible or will I have to change the entire dash to get the 56 gage cluster into my 55 ? I am sure I will get some slack on not leaving the 55 dash but I just think the 56 looks a heck of a lot better and have more options to upgrade the gages if someone wanted to . I am going to be taking the dash out this winter to rewire so that would be the time to change things IF I can get a dash that I can afford . I have been toying with this idea of the 56 gage cluster in a 55 dash for 4 years now ! Hope someone can help ! Jim
Jim, I agree. Every time I build with a '55 in my head, I always plan on a '56 dash. I haven't done the swap, but it seems to me it should be an easy in and out. The body shells are the same as far as I know, and so are the windshields?
It should work...im not sure on the line up on the bolt holes but I agree with streetdreams...the body inside and out are the same...I have both the 55 and 56 and just for fun I might pull them both out and swap them and see if it works...I need to paint them both anyways...LMAO
[re: Yesterday 11:03 PMPaul2748 raceron - let us know too] Paul, just some chatter with Jim about a few parts we're thinking about swapping. ron
Jim I did this swap in my '55. If you are leaving it stock, the 56 dash is 12 volt. But the dash is a bolt in. Just be sure you get the dash ends to match your body style. The dash end and upright windshield trim from the sedan wouldn't fit my crown. PM me if you run into trouble. I have some sedan ends left, I think. Check my album, the dash is a 56 in my 55. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=18277&pictureid=194133
4d , thanks for the in formation and the picture . Very nice interior in yours ! I am wondering how much trouble it will be to take the 56 gage cluster and make it fit into a 55 dash . That is what I am thinking of doing to mine . I can't afford a complete 56 dash , wish I could but being on disability , it doesn't leave anything to buy parts with . I do odd jobs on cars when I can find one that needs work to make a couple dollars and I can also rebuild engines too . I am just trying to get the body work done then figured I would check into changing the gage cluster when I rewire the car . I am already on a 12v system now so that's not a problem . I am just wondering if anyone has tried to make the 56 gage cluster fit into a 55 dash yet . I know there will be some cutting but just need to know if someone had done this one before . Jim
Jim, I think that it would be more time, h***le, agravation, than it's worth. I too like the 56 dash much better.
Jim,the Astro Dial is a unique feature of those Fords unlike anything else produced,there was an ebay vendor that had some really interesting gauge and panel sets for the '53 & '56 Fords that might be able to be fabbed in.Visit this ebay store:OLD NEW PARTS put this number in ebay search to get there:310124833673,click on visit store, in the column to the left click on Ford Car gauge clusters there are a ton of choices to be had.,and some good prices.
About ten years ago I made a 56 Crown Vic (custom) out of a 55 Club sedan, the complete dash from 56 would be the easiest way to go.
1hot1954 , I would think the 53 would but not the 56 . The 55 & 56 were basically the same dash . I guess you can make any dash fit if you have the time to do all the fab work and tons of welding little pieces together . I have seen many dashes put into tons of different cars , but how much time and your skills with a welder is something only you can answer . Kustom dashes are always nice to see ! Jim
Copper Top , yes a complete dash would be the easiest way to go and wish I had one to work with , but I am on a fixed income from disability and really can't afford a complete dash unless someone has one dirt cheap to sell or trade for parts ! I have seen them at some swap meets sometimes and they are in the $300 range for one not all rusted up . Jeff , I am going to check out that seller on Ebay and see what he has to offer . I have just thought about taking the speedometer out and fab up a face plate and doing something like that . I know I can cut up my dash to install some gages but really don't like to do that . I will let you know what I find out on Ebay . Thanks again , Jim
1hot1954,the 1952-54 dashes are a bolt in interchange.Check out the ebay link I posted and check out the gauge & panel combos,as for the sunvisor you posted on 1954ford did you check out big Jim's there is a link to it a few weeks back here.
Yea that is why I am looking at changing the dash if I go with a 53 dash, I can get rid of the sun dial speedo and then put in a gauge and panel combo from the link in ebay. I will check out big Jim's thanks.
Jeff , checked out the Ebay link and they have some really nice gage kits but nothing for the 55 Fords . I guess I will keep looking for a 56 dash someplace . Jim
Jim,I have a gut feeling the early dash may fit your '55 better than the '56 would.I wanted some sill plates for my '54 new were too pricey, $35 on ebay for '55 sills that were A+ fit perfect! had to redrill 2 holes,I wanted the stainless shades also found some for a '55,fit perfect!You might want to do some measuring first then look on ebay for a dash that is being sold and send a message requesting a measurement of the earlier unit.Remember Jim,only '54 & '55 had the Astro Dial.
Jeff , You got a good point there about the ****py speedometer only in the 54 & 55 Fords . I just can't stand that ****py speedometer at all and I want something better looking for my 55 Ford . I like the 56 because you can use some modern gages and speedometer that look so much better than the ****py one in the 55 Fords . Thanks again ! Jim
I kept the original speedo (had it rebuilt) but the others were replaced with Stewart Warner cl***ic wings style gauges in my '56. They seem to fit the cluster very well even with the original speedo head:
Hey guys, some stuff like the sill plates should fit, but the dash is completely different. Don't foget that the 52-54s are basically the sme cars, but in 55, they went to a 'wrap around' windshield, so they aren't even close without some serious changes.
I will figure out something , I hope . Just can't understand why Ford did that speedometer that way . I guess they thought it would be a good idea then one year later , a huge improvement and still one of Fords best gage clusters they ever did , IMO ! If someone runs across a cheap one please let me know . I can also do some barter or trading for parts too ! Jim
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