55/56 Dash


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By PWH42 - 13 Years Ago
Has anyone here ever swapped a 56 dash into a 55 and can tell me if it's a direct bolt-in or would some modifications be needed?This is referring to a full size car,not a Bird.



Thanks
By The Master Cylinder - 13 Years Ago
Yes, Altho personally I prefer the '55 dash in a '55 because of it's uniqueness (matching round radio, heater, clock and the plastic cover over the speedo). Just my 1¢ worth.Smooooth
By PWH42 - 13 Years Ago
Thanks M.C.,

I agree about the uniqueness of the 55,but that is why I want to change it.The 55 dash makes it very difficult to install modern AC/Heat,radios,gauges,etc.
By miker - 13 Years Ago
Classic auto air sells a conversion for the stock controls. spautoradio on ebay does stock radio conversions. Neither are cheap, but the other new stuff isnt either. And I think Doug T had a post a week ago about using later model ford gauges in the stock dash.



The radio guys did a 35 ford standard Motorola remote head for me, with modern electronics and a Bluetooth for the iPod.



There's a couple things to check or change on the a/c unit, not a big deal, that their instructions don't cover. If you go that route, drop me a line.
By The Master Cylinder - 13 Years Ago
PWH42 (8/24/2012)
Thanks M.C.,

I agree about the uniqueness of the 55,but that is why I want to change it.The 55 dash makes it very difficult to install modern AC/Heat,radios,gauges,etc.





Yes the '56 is a little more "modern".



As for my radio it just has the front half so the dial and buttons work. It "turns on" a hidden radio/CD player under the back seat. All controls are RF remote.



Heater only, a NOS Arvin unit (aftermarket in the '50's). I have a Thermador "Swamp Cooler" for cruises.



Clock is original wind up that still works, altho I have an electric that was converted to quartz movement if the w/u takes a dump.



Here I'm having some fun. People don't know what to say when they see a 150 mph speedo in a '55 Ford RanchWagon. "Wow, that Wagon goes 150!!!!"w00tw00t







Good luck with your project.