OK ok, so shoot me! I've found a pretty good 56 210 for sale here locally that may be in my price range but.... I don't care for the 56 front end and tailights. Rather have a 55 but don't seem to be able to find one that fits my pocketbook or skill level. How close do a 55 fenders and hood fit up on a 56 body? Seems ive read somewhere on the HAMB that they are kinda close...and what about the tailights? Interchangeable? Any knowledge out there or HAMB threads that the search can't find?
The parts will bolt on in front, but the lower body line will not match up. The 55's flare out on the lower edge of the body, 56's don't. I don't know about the tailights, but one issue, even if the 1955 lights fit in the holes, is the gas filler tube is behind the driver's side swingout tailight on the 56, and on the rear 1/4 on the 55. If I were going to do it, I'd leave the tailights alone, and buy or make some lower front fender patch panels for a 1956, and use them on the bottoms of the 55 fenders, to make the lower edge consistant.....if you wanted to really make it look like a 55, you'll also have to address the rear wheel openings...
I'm not a expert on tri five chevs, but to my knowledge, the front sheetmetal will bolt right on. I think the taillights may be possible to swap, but you won't be able to put gas in it! The 56 had the gas door as part of the taillight. (I'm sure you coud figure a way out around that problem though)
55 quarters are different than 56 and the taillight holes are different...but EMS does sell what you need to cut out the 56 and replace with 55 just add a gas door to the quarter and you will need a new fuel tank arm, they are avalable new as well. but that is a lot of work and cost when you could just save up that spent money and get the 55 you want.
Ahhhh didn't even think about the rear wheelwells. Good to have you guys peering over my shoulder, I get a bit impatient at times. Guess I'll keep looking for a 55.
It looks like this thread has gone another direction so I don't feel too bad hijacking it a little. Been looking for a '56 Bel Air from my high school days in south bay Los Angeles area. It had '57 Packard taillight lenses frenched in and the gas filler moved to the trunk. The hood was filled and peaked but otherwise original with 3 speed 265. Would love to find this car!
I hear ya Squirrel! Sometimes an ol fart like myself gets impatient when I'm on the downside of the hill.
<<<<< Whats not to like ? Like Squirrel said get what you want, all that 1/4 panel work is not worth it.
There are '55 taillights available that "swing out" in order to hide (or remove) the gas door on a '55. However,the taillight openings on a '56 are larger so you'd have to do some sheetmetal work. There'd be quite a bit or work to make a '56 a '55...best find a '55 or buy the '56 with the intent of trading to a '55...unless of course you've got time and money to burn. R-
The 55 chevy fenders, rockers and quarters roll out at the bottom. 56-57 roll under. If you put a 55 nose on a 56 the bottom of the fender will not match the rocker by a lot and look rather odd. Guess you could put a lower fender patch from a 56 on a 55 but it will never look right ... suggest you find a 55 unless you are going to replace rockers and lower quarters anyway.
A guy where I used to live took a '56 4drHT and made a '55 out of it. Looked factory and went right on by most lookers. It was really nice.
I have pictures somewhere of a 55-56 with 55 front sheetmetal, 56 side trim and 57 rear quarters. all 3 years rolled into one. it's a nice looking car.
As you can see from the photos the bottom of the 55 fender rolls away from the body and then back under ... the 56 rolls under ... a 55 fender on a 56 body will not match ... might use a 56 patch panel on a 55 fender for the match. I would just find a 55 ...
I've owned several '55's and '56's. The '56 is 1.9" longer. May have to modify the frame horns. Bumper braces are different for front and rear. Body side moldings are different, radiator core supports are different. I've cannibalized a few for parts for other cars and around the house. LOL
Was a common swap years ago. There are, as already mentioned, some suttle differences. The 56 tail lights can be made to look like "exaturated" (sp?) 55 with custom lenses. Personally, I also prefer 56's. Butch/56sedandelivery.
Anybody have any usable used parts for a 56? I need wiring harnesses and heater and wipers parts. Upgrades are cool with me. Cheap is the keyword. Summer is fading fast here in northern Michigan. Working outdoors on this...so gotta gitter done and put away. I prefer a 55...so you guys who feel like 56's are cooler...might trade for one. Gotta be a two door.
Glad ypu reconsidered. I have a friend down near San Diego who always wanted a 55 but found a 56 for a great price. So- he decided to make mods to the car to make it a 55. He finished the front sheetmetal, bought bumpers, found rear quarter doners & got it all welded in. Then he lost interest in the car. Turned into alot more work than he planned on. Put it up for sale and............ nothing. Since the ***le said 56- couldn't get 55 prices for it & couldn't get 56 prices either. Wound up selling it for a song- less than he paid for it originally.
The Jalopy Journal
