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1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Fat Fendered and Classic Ford Trucks

Question on 56 Ford Headlight Buckets

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Old Sep 10, 2006 | 09:56 PM
  #1  
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delaney
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Question on 56 Ford Headlight Buckets

I am installing a 56 grill in my 53. From what I understand I need to use 56 headlights. Are 56 headlights unique for this one year or is there a range of years that are the same for a 56?
Thanks in advance.
 
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Old Sep 10, 2006 | 10:06 PM
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LEckart
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I believe you are talking about the area behind the headlights or the air dam panels. On the 56 they are recessed to for the back of the headlight so the grille will fit flush to the air dam panel. The earlier air dams do not have the recess. You can purchase 56 panels or cut the 53 to allow the rear of the headlight to poke through so the grille will fit up.
 
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Old Sep 10, 2006 | 10:15 PM
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I have 56 air dams. My question is are the 56 headlight buckets unique to that year or are there other years that are the same?
Thanks
 
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Old Sep 10, 2006 | 11:30 PM
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I don't think that there is any difference. But maybe somebody who is certain will come along and help you, but there is my answer.
 
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Old Sep 10, 2006 | 11:37 PM
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56 buckets are different, they are smaller, they have no "lip" , but I heard people say the 53 -55 buckets can be made to work by trimming them.

Mark
 
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Old Sep 18, 2006 | 03:04 AM
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I have a 54 that I've put a 56 aftermarket grill in. I was unable to find 56 headlamp buckets and had heard you could use the 53-55 buckets by trimming them . the outer lip has to be trimmed about an 1/8 inch all the way around in order to fit . once cut they screw right in. The only other problem is that the 56 headlight doors are installed with two screws as apposed to the 53-55 with one screw. I made a small z bracket and tacked it to the outer rim. it workedfine
 
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Old Sep 18, 2006 | 07:04 AM
  #7  
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delaney
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Originally Posted by papabills54
I have a 54 that I've put a 56 aftermarket grill in. I was unable to find 56 headlamp buckets and had heard you could use the 53-55 buckets by trimming them . the outer lip has to be trimmed about an 1/8 inch all the way around in order to fit . once cut they screw right in. The only other problem is that the 56 headlight doors are installed with two screws as apposed to the 53-55 with one screw. I made a small z bracket and tacked it to the outer rim. it workedfine
Thank you papabills, your answer based on experience is exactly what I was looking for. I would like to clarify one thing in my mind, when you say DOOR, are you referring to the chrome headlight ring?
Thanks again
 
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Old Sep 19, 2006 | 03:35 AM
  #8  
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papabills54
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yes, the headlight ring [door] is one in the same. good luck and have fun with your truck.
 
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