Does a 1955 bumper and grill (everything below the hood) fit on a 1956?

Poncho Jode · Veteran Member

Does a 1955 bumper and grill (everything below the hood) fit on a 1956?

davelacourse · Poncho Master!

... see my response in "55 Chev Rocker trim on 55 Laurentian" - also the trim piece at the leading edgo of the hood above the grille is different on 55 versus 56 (to match those little trim pieces on the fenders that I showed), so that reinforces my thought it would be easier to swap the entire front end.

Dave

Poncho Jode · Veteran Member

You did say that the part numbers for the fenders were the same, so were you able to see a parts list number or something to be able to determine that the fender to hood leading edge trim is that much different than the 56? I have been trying to look at a bunch of pics to see how much difference there is and I have not been able to see much difference. It's a long drive to the 55 guy's place so I want to be real sure of things before I make an offer and take the long drive.

davelacourse · Poncho Master!

part numbers on the 3 pieces (right, left and center) of the radiator grille bar (which I have partially pictured below):

1955 = 5848416, 5848415, 5848412
1956 = 5848510, 5848509, 5848497

The hood for 55 has different p/n than 56 too.

American Pontiacs have different part numbers than the above (but also 1955 and 1956 are different)

p/n for fenders, 1955 and 1956 = 5799861 (right), 5799860 (left)

American Pontiacs have different part numbers than the above (but also 1955 and 1956 are same)

I have never done a side-by-side comparison, except obviously 55 grille and bumper are way different than 56, eh?

But since trim has different p/n's I must conclude that 55 grille/bumper will not match up with 56 fender trim.

Dave

Taylor55 · Poncho Master!

I have tried the 55 corner pieces on the 56 fenders and they fit and the bolt holes line up. You will need to take as much of the 55 front bumper section as possible. What I mean is take the whole thing off as an assembly lower bumper upper bumper signal lights grill and the mounting brackets. Unplug the signal lamp assemblys at the harness. Also if possible there are some adjusting bumper bolts that are sort of off round, try as hard as possible not to break these. This assy is very heavy and it would be better to have someone helping you.

The hoods are different but only in the mounting of the silver streak mouldings. The 56 mouldings are narrower and bolt on while the 55 is wider and clip on . Use the better of the two hoods with the corresponding mouldings. The 55 clips are available from a company in Florida but were originally manufactured in Windsor Ontario. One inner fender panel has a different part number but I have compaed the 55 and 56 inner fenders and cannot find a difference unless I missed something.

Try and get the horns in your deal. They will say Autolite on them. This is a Canadian item only. All US built 55and 56 Chevys are plain. Good working horns are getting harder to find.

Good Luck with your project.

Al

Poncho Jode · Veteran Member

Well that is good info. So I will really have to see how this all works out. I'm betting it will take me a bunch of time waiting for all the pieces to fall into place. I know that is the look I'm going for, So I will build with that plan in mind. Thank you for all the information. When I get all those parts to make this happen I will try to keep the pieces you want and we'll work something out.

Taylor55 · Poncho Master!

I really do not need any parts. It is important you get the adjusting bolts to line up the bumper and if you get the horns thrown in your deal its a bonus for you a good flea market part if they work. If the guy selling you the parts is going to scrap the car anyway try and get as many usefull parts as possible.

Al

Poncho Jode · Veteran Member

Thank you Taylor for your reply. That is great info to have. I'm waiting for replies to a couple emails from 55 owners. I hope they reply soon. This is a fun project so far and I am just scratching the surface of getting started. My first goal is to get a car running and insured. Then I will drive and upgrade and drive some more and upgrade some more. I have no plans at this point to make a show car, so my bodywork and such will be quite minimal. I want to get new seat upholstery, headliner and carpet. Maybe this winter or next I will attempt the power steering and power brake conversions. Thanks again to all that have been helping me get going on this little gem.

Taylor55 · Poncho Master!

Go on ebay and buy a set of aftermarket seat covers. they are always for sale relatively cheap. Buy them for a 55 Chev 4 dr. sedan. You can also buy a carpet set for about $150.00. I would not worry about the headling for now or the carpet. Concentrate on getting the car running first. once it is running and you have a few dollars to spend get a front disc brake kit. Just get one that is manual front disc for now, it will get you a dual braking system for safety and will cost about the same as buying new shoes,drums, wheel bearing ,seals to rebuild your original brakes. It will make the car much safer to drive.

Al

Poncho Jode · Veteran Member

Those are some good tips. I definitely have to keep the costs down. This is going to be quite the budget build. I have never heard of manual front disk setups before. Sounds like and interesting idea.