An interesting delema!!!!
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 115
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An interesting delema!!!!
I recently purchased a 1555 Ford F-600 that is in pretty rough shape. The man I bought it from called it a '55 and the title ( a duplicate) says it's a 55. I am aquainted with an elderly gentleman who was a Ford truck mechanic for most of his life and I often question him about how to repair different things. Oddly enough we were discussing the windshield wiper motor. He was talking like it was a vacuum type, when it is really electric. He asked if I was sure of the year. Then asked if the windshield were flat or curved. It is indeed, a curved one piece glass. He states that it has to be at least a 56 because of the elect. wiper motor and curved glass. I replied that maybe those parts were newer replacement parts. He states no because the curved glass necessitiated a change in the door shape and wing windows. My question is: Is he right, making the title incorrect, or is his memory faulty? He has never been wrong befor. Thanks, ~Okie~
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 226
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From: N. Vancouver B.C.
Okie, if the windshield is curved it's not a 55. The 56 has vertical/upright windshield posts and front door frames. The 55 windshield posts and door frames slant back.
Good luck with the truck.
Kevin
Good luck with the truck.
Kevin
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 214
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From: Kingfisher OK, USA
Most of the guys here (not me) have books and resources to break down the VIN and tell you everything you need to know about it. The one true way to tell is on the frame there should be the VIN stamped on it from the factory. Of course, that just tells you the year of the frame, and it could be a cab replacement as well. I am more knowledgeable in the 48-52 body style than the others, but there are many ways to check the said year model against the actual. Hope this helps a little!
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 263
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From: ELLICOTT CITY, MD. USA
The '55 has a curved windshield in that it is not totally flat. I know this as I have a '55 F-250 and broke the windshield because of the curve. The older mechanic gentleman may be refering to a sharper curve in the windshield. I also have the electric wiper motor. Some of the models, probably the earlier ones, when the model year changed, may have had the vaccuum type motor as the manufacturers try to exhaust the supply before they change over to the new and improved. The '65 Mustang came out in mid '64 and the first Mustangs had generators. The later '65's had alternators. Ford was not going to just sit on a pile of brand new generators so the put them in the first of the line until they ran out. It's probably the same deal with the wiper motors. I think '55 is one of those 'tweener years where certain things came out "new and improved". As I stated earlier, I have a '55 F-250. I took the old wiper motor out (electric 6 volt) and installed a new electric (12 volt). The easiest way to tell if it is a '56 is to look at the doors or post a pic and some one can let you know if you have the '53-'55 cab or the '56.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 213
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I have a 1954 F-750 with electric wipers.
The difference in the 53-55 windshields and the 56 is PRONOUNCED. In 56 and up they introduced the "wraparound" windshield, where the windshield actually wrapped around the side of the truck to increase visibility.
55's have a grill with a V in it. 56's are straight across.
The difference in the 53-55 windshields and the 56 is PRONOUNCED. In 56 and up they introduced the "wraparound" windshield, where the windshield actually wrapped around the side of the truck to increase visibility.
55's have a grill with a V in it. 56's are straight across.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 932
Likes: 9
From: DFW, TX
Okie,
Lots of good info thrown out so far. I will add that the easiest way for me to tell the 53-55 from the 56 is the shape of the vent window in the door. The 53-55 is a triangle and the 56 is a rectangle. If you can post the VIN # from the ID plate (53-55 on the glove box, 56 on the driver's A-pillar) or the frame, it can be broken down from there.
You might also verify that the VIN on the title matches the VIN on the truck.
Good Luck,
Lots of good info thrown out so far. I will add that the easiest way for me to tell the 53-55 from the 56 is the shape of the vent window in the door. The 53-55 is a triangle and the 56 is a rectangle. If you can post the VIN # from the ID plate (53-55 on the glove box, 56 on the driver's A-pillar) or the frame, it can be broken down from there.
You might also verify that the VIN on the title matches the VIN on the truck.
Good Luck,
