1955/56 ford door interchange

[Dave Covey]

Need to tap into the knowledge base on here.

Will a 55/56 Ford 4 door front door interchange with a 2 door? They appear the same at the front but I'm not sure about the length.

I just hate body work..

Thanks

Dave

[Dobie Gillis]

No, the 2 door door is longer for easier access to the back seat.

[Dave Covey]

I forgot to thank you Dobie..
Thanks..

[Dobie Gillis]

No worries, you're welcome.

[Bob-93021]

Hi Dave, I believe you have an answer on 2 door versus 4 door fit. One other very notable difference is in the door latch mechanism and the body striker plate. These are different on a 55 versus a 56. You must match the door mechanism with the striker plate. Just something to consider on swapping doors - Bob

[Dave Covey]

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Thanks Bob. Good to know.
I just bought a set of doors from a guy in CA. from a 55 Victoria hardtop, look good but needs "some" rust repair. Really, looks to be lower corners. I was looking at replacing the inside and outside lowers on both doors, so these will save a lot of body work.
I will next be moving on to the door sills and then both rear quarters. Sure would like to find full length quarters instead of 4 pieces that only do the lower half.

Thanks again.
Dave

[rowens55]

Yes sir, not only are the latches different but the indents on the doors and jambs are different. My friend Dave pointed that out to me a couple weeks ago when we our cars side by side.

[rowens55]

Should have made that a little clearer, doors and jambs "at the latches" are different.

[rick55]

Whilst I was restoring my 55 Tudor I fitted 56 door locks to a door hoping to have the safer 56 latches. When I closed the door the star wheel hit the B pillar and would not close. I already had the car painted and didn't want to rework the latch area of the B pillar. One day I might bite the bullet and make them fit but if I was going to that trouble I would rather fit bear claw latches.

[Bob-93021]

Rick55, Good catch on the 1956 Ford safety improvements. That year they also did the dished steering wheel, padded dash and seat belts! Ford was a leader in this. Anyways, I would have assumed that the body post stampings of 55 and 56 would be the same for forward and backward compatibility of latch hardware.
As Rowen pointed out they are different
Dave, I am glad you found 55 doors and can move on with you project - Bob

[Dave Covey]

Thanks...All.

[Dave Covey]

Bought a pair of doors out of California. Much better than what I have. Right door has very little rust but does have a couple of dents that will be easier to repair than the rust. Left door does have some rust on bottom corners otherwise nice door.

Question, there is a seal retainer on the bottom of the doors that are gone. Dennis Carpenter (parts) shows instructions on replacing the seal but never mentions a seal retainer only glue. A 55 Ford truck however has a retainer except it is attached to the body rather than the door. Just wondering if the seals are the same dimensions and if so would I be smart to use the truck retainer?
Thanks