Are all 53-56 grilles interchangeable, what about headlight rings?
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,001
Likes: 20
From: West Virginia
Are all 53-56 grilles interchangeable, what about headlight rings?
Will all the grilles interchange?
I prefer the 55 grille over the 56 and would like to use it.
Will my 56' headlight buckets work in the 55 grille?
Will my "inny" trim rings work on the 55' grille?
I prefer the 55 grille over the 56 and would like to use it.
Will my 56' headlight buckets work in the 55 grille?
Will my "inny" trim rings work on the 55' grille?
Phantom of the Phorum
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 5,472
Likes: 1,696
From: Kentucky
There are differences in the gravel pans and air deflectors over the different years.
The '56 air deflectors have depressions for the headlight buckets due to the recessed headlights.
The '53 uses one gravel pan, the '54 uses a different one (due to the shape of the grille) , and the '55 and '56 use a different one. It has to do with the running lights and their position.
You can use the '55 grille on the '56 truck without any problem. If you want to use the '56 headlight rims, you will have to use the '56 air deflectors and will have to "French" (recess) the headlight buckets. I've seen it done but I don't know the details.
Edit: Here is a thread where someone here on FTE Frenched the headlights on a '53 grille. I hope this helps answer your questions. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...dlights-5.html
The '56 air deflectors have depressions for the headlight buckets due to the recessed headlights.
The '53 uses one gravel pan, the '54 uses a different one (due to the shape of the grille) , and the '55 and '56 use a different one. It has to do with the running lights and their position.
You can use the '55 grille on the '56 truck without any problem. If you want to use the '56 headlight rims, you will have to use the '56 air deflectors and will have to "French" (recess) the headlight buckets. I've seen it done but I don't know the details.
Edit: Here is a thread where someone here on FTE Frenched the headlights on a '53 grille. I hope this helps answer your questions. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...dlights-5.html
Last edited by EffieTrucker; Feb 3, 2014 at 07:41 AM. Reason: added link
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,093
Likes: 652
From: Brentwood, TN
Take a look at this thread https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...eadlights.html, I believe that all your questions will be answered there. Post #65 has some good info on the bolt patterns, that was a gotcha I missed when I decided to go with a 53 grille in my 56. Going from a 56 to a 55 may not have the same bolt pattern issues but it is worth while to look before you leap.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 367
Likes: 0
From: pineville, la
I noticed on my truck that the bolt patterns aren't the same for 55 to 56. The po had one deflector from a 56 and one that was original. When I put my 55 grille on the for test fitment, the 56 deflector wouldn't bolt up bc the bolt holes were in different spots. I don't know if mine are made different or what but that's how mine is.
Phantom of the Phorum
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 5,472
Likes: 1,696
From: Kentucky
I knew there was a difference between the '53 and '56 grille-to-deflector bolt pattern, but I didn't know about the '55. It's easy enough to drill the correct holes, but be sure to plug the extras. Otherwise the front tire will be throwing water, mud, and grit behind the headlight bucket. A sure recipe for rust.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 367
Likes: 0
From: pineville, la
I don't think about that! Ima plug mine up when I get back out to it. It's a little to cold right now.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 914
Likes: 71
From: Lavergne, Tn.
Try this link to my tech week submission on the Hamb
Tech Week....Eye Surgery for the 53-55 F100 Grilles - THE H.A.M.B.
Tech Week....Eye Surgery for the 53-55 F100 Grilles - THE H.A.M.B.
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