I read somewhere that the 56 door latches (the ones that mount on the cab) were thicker than the 53-55 latches. I could use some new ones and am not sure what to use on my truck as it is a mixture of a 55 and 56. Seems like the 56's were 1/8" thicker? I can't find this info anywhere now. I thought it was in a Midfifty catalog, but can't find now.. Anybody know? Thanks Greg.

 

Dennis Carpenter $19.95 Part no. 1953 - 55 same different number for 1956. BUT: my 1954 while going
along desides to open then it won't stay shut, I know the latch is toast no teeth left, So I took one off a 1956
parts cab out back put it on the 54 & door shuts and stays shut. So I don't know the difference but the 56
works

 

You are confusing one part with another.

The door latches are located on the door itself, the door latch striker plates are located on the B pillars of the cab.

Pic: latch is 21812 .. striker plate is 22008 .. shim between striker plate and cab is 22058

 

Your cab is a 56, I don't understand your idea that it is a mixture of 55 and 56....??

 

Sent you a rep, John. No a short PM.

 

Your'e right bill what I meant was the strikers

 

The 56 striker plates were a bit thicker. In 56 Ford came up with some safety features like optional seat belts, a recessed steering wheel and a way to keep doors from flying open in a crash or rollover. The star latch was thinner then the team to 55 trucks and it stuck out a bit. The striker plate he a plate that bolted over it and thus was meant to keep the door locked and shut.