1952-59 Ford 1955 Victoria Roof line

Has anyone lowered the roofline on a 55? I really like the roof line on a 56 and want to drop mine to match the 56 roof line. If someone has done this, what all was involved?

 

A few years ago a friend of mine wanted to do the same thing with his 55. He said it was as easy as 1,2,3.
1. He sold the 55.
2. He bought a 56.
3. He enjoys the 56 lower roof line and drives the wheels off it.
Alot of work just to get the roof 2 inches lower and a 1 1/2 longer.
Just my .02 cent on the subject matter.

 

I would do that but the 55 is a three generation project. So that is not an option.

 

Just need to find out what needs to be done. My friend owns a shop and we are kicking ideas around.

 

Too bad you're so far away, I have a '56 donor car (shell & frame) 2dr hardtop I used for my '56 Fairlane.

 

Ahhh that would be perfect. :/

 

Not sure but I was told the 55 Crown has the same roof line as the 56 Victoria.

 

i know you said it isnt an option, but i like riskybiz's idea best.

 

This is new to me. So the roof line on a 56 is 2 inches lower than a 55?
If so it's very interesting as I have to cut a windshield for my 55 and the 56 windshield may be a better donour.

Gil

 

A.P. I have a photo from years back at Paso of a 55 with a chopped 56 roof. Too bad the picture is on film and I don't have a way to scan the picture. I have a 55 Fairlane HT and had a 56 HT. Yes the roof does look better on a 56. This is why my friend sold his 55 and bought a 56. (not mine). The fellow selling the 56 shell would be one way to go, Just change the dash to 55 and door trim. Again just my .02 cents.

 

Well changing it is not an option so I guess we might try to section the top ourselves. We are pre planning some body mods right now so cutting her up a bit is not a big concern. May just leave the top alone and work on the rest. Thanks for all the help and suggestions so far.

 

To answer the question by Drag***, only the '55-'56 Convertibles, '55-'56 Crown Vics and the 56 2 dr and 4dr hardtops had a shorter windshield.

If you are planning on using the shorter windshield to chop a sedan its probably not going to fit very well, the bottom of the windshield will fit the cowl section of the sedan but the top will have a different curve to it. Also the A-Pillars lean in a different direction, if you ajust the A-Pillars to fit the windshield then the vent windows will be off. But who knows, anything is possible.

 

I could be mistaken but I thought the windshields were the same for both the 55 and 56 hardtops.

 

The "low" windshield/top is on 55-56 Crown. 56 2 door Victoria + 55-56 converts.
(Also same on Mercury 55 Montclair 2dr HT and 56 Monteray + Montclair 2dr HT + 56 4dr Phaeton Ht + 55-56 converts)
(Also "low" on Ford 56 Customline 2dr ht)

The "higher" windshield/top is on 55 Victoria + Sedans/wagons. And on 56 4dr ht + Sedans/wagons
(also "high" on 55 Mercury Monteray),,as far as I know,,

I chopped a 55 2dt ht Monteray years ago,,, I´ll see IF I can find pics somewhere ??

http://www.garaget.org/?car=18642&image=154635
link to pic of how it looked like after new owners Beatiful work,, + 1" more in front chop.

 

Well dang. I thought the hardtops were the same. Guess I better make sure I can still get the windsheilds for her then.

 

Both windshields were available when I got mine a few years ago. Bought it local, they ain't cheap though.

 

Just between you and me, I really like the stock '55 hardtop roofline. It's a one-year roof I think and while it's taller and boxier than the slinky '56, it's got a charm that's all its own. I think I'd slam the car hard and leave the roof alone...but what do I know?

 

I really like the way my 55 looks . The only things I am really going to change is , I am changing the 55 dash to a 56 dash so I can use aftermarket gauges , A real radio that isn't Round ! Other than that I wouldn't mind having the 56 trim since I think that the 56 is one of the best looking Fords ever built !

Jim

 

Yeah I picked up a complete 56 dash minus the radio last year along with a highway 15 wiring harness. I agree Jim, I love the 56 trim as well and I may actually leave the roof alone. Think we are going to do a couple of other subtle body mods.
Thanks for all the info and help guys.

 

I am also going to pull the bumper as close as possible to the body of mine . I have a good driver Mercury grill I am going to try and use as well . I have all the trim for my 55 fordor but I really want the trim that went straight down the side of the car that came on the wagons and I think the Mainlines ?? . I like that much better than the Vicky style over the front fender trim the car came with .
I hope to eventually find some early 50's Buick fenders or 55/56 sorry guys , chev, front fender panels to use to replace the headlight body panel with on the 55 . I don't like that 2 piece set up Ford made ! I prefer the one piece fender style better . I have seen this done before and it really does look good too . Then French the light in . I do have more ideas but will come as I work on the car for a few years to come .
It's those sudel things that make your car different from all the others out there !

Jim

 

LOL the 56 Chevy fenders are the ones we are kicking around ideas with right now.