I have put a 55 body on a 56 frame before. I just made sure the frame was square by making an X. Most of the body mounts are usually rotted out any way. I just put the body on and welded the body mounts on to the frame where they needed to be. Guys like Surplus Supply in Akron used to have repop body mounts that looked like originals.

Kenneth

Fredricksburg, Texas

That is very interesting as this is the first 56 convertible I have heard about with the plate under the frame.



I have only seen this sleigh shoe on a few east coast Vickys' Maybe that plant used that style of frame. On my cars, both 56 convertibles I had did not have the plate one a KC built and other Oakville On built. The 56 crown is a San Jose without the plate.



What plant built this car?

marv

My 56 tbird and 56 sunliner both have the added what I call steel straps on the bottom and X sections of the frame.

-Gary Burnette-

The 55 Crown, convert and Victoria had this plate welded on the underside of the frame for reinforcement. Some of the late 55 models do not have this reinforcement. I don't know when it was discontinued.



Some of the 56 2 dr Victoria's also have this sleigh runner under the frame so it seems that certain plants had frames from different manufacturers. These did not have the heavier outer frame like the rest of the 56 Victorias



56 Crowns, Victoria's and converts have a heavier outer frame (outer half of the box) than the 55 model frames or 56 sedan models. It is 2 ga. heavier. The inner frame of the box is same ga. as the 55's.



marv

I believe the 55 shop manuals have a diagram of the frames. I do know the Vicky and convertible frames have an extra plate welded down the bottom of the frame for stiffness. Almost looks like someone added a patch down the underside of the frame but it is factory.

55 Vicky & customline

58 Rack Dump, 55 F350 yard truck, 57 F100

59 & 61 P 400's, 58 F100 custom cab, 69 F100, 79 F150, 82 F600 ramp truck, 90 mustang conv 7 up, 94 Mustang, Should I continue?

I was looking at the diagrams and see that there is 1/4" difference between 55 and 56 frame on front body mount.



The 56 is 1/4" more forward. The second body mount is 1/8" difference between 55 and 56, again 56 is 1/8" more forward. From memory I thought it was more. There is probably enough slop in the frame holes and body holes to allow a 56 frame to be installed on a 55.



marv

My very late 55 has a 56 body so I am wondering if I have a 56 frame too since they are different.

Butchering up everything I can get my hands on in Dayton Ohio

I would think all except convertible. although I've heard that the 55 vicky and the convertible were the same.

       

Gary, 55 Vicky, St. Germain, Wisconsin

 

I found the sheets.

Do you need for a convertible or all except convertible. Convertibles have difference frame.



marv

Here is a 55 Ford Specifications Manual on eBay currently. (I AM NOT ASSOCIATED WITH THE AUCTION)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1955-Ford-Service-Specifications-Manual-/150408147791?pt=Motors_Manuals_Literature&hash=item230506334f

Buy It Now for $12.00 OR best offer plus $2.00 shipping.It will have your frame info in it.

Oldmics