Quote:
Originally Posted by 40cpe
Can you install a '56 latch and striker on a '55 car/wagon?
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Yes if you want to swap the old style latches for safety latches you can remove the latch assembly from the door and the striker plate. They are a direct bolt-in without any modifications.
But you cannot use a '56 striker plate with a 55 latch. The safety plate on the '56 striker will interfere with the full star-wheel of the '55 latch.
You may be able to use the '56 latch with a '55 striker plate, but the '56 star-wheel will not get the full "bite" on the teeth of the '55 striker plate, resulting in a wear "ridge" and possible need for premature replacement of the striker plate.
Personally, I would not buy any of the repro striker plates the chi-coms are offering. They are weak and prone to failure very quickly. All my striker plates on the sedan and wagon are originals. Actually, all these components can last more than a persons lifetime if they are kept properly lubriplated and kept in proper adjustment.