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Location: canandaigua, ny | any one know how many 56 suburban's were produces, I have one,,, was just wondering
Edited by wild440 2009-09-22 9:17 PM
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Location: Parts Unknown | Welcome !
Always good to hear from another 56 Dodge owner, .... especially another wagon. 
I can't answer your question though. Maybe Bill Watson will see this ? When all else fails, Bill can usually answer the question ! |
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Location: Parts Unknown | BTW ~ What colors on that wagon ? |
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Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146
Location: bishop, ca | I've got actual factory production numbers for 57 & 58, so, for comparison purposes, when you get the 56 'numbers',
there were 7,163 '57's built, and only 1,300 58's built (in that recession year, which was only 46.89% of the 57 total-
production; import & export considered), so, there was only 18.15% as many 58 2-dr wagons built as compared to their
57 counterparts, well less than the overall production decline might have suggested.
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 929
Location: Finger Lakes NY | hey look at that another one in my neck of the woods welcome aboard!! |
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Veteran
Posts: 204
Location: canandaigua, ny | Hey doc,,, your not going to believe this, but it is red and white.... how do i insert a pic? |
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Location: Parts Unknown | Go to where you would reply and at the bottom of the page you will see a box to click that reads "Attach a file after posting". Click there and then send your message. A page will automatically pop up where you can select pix from your files and attach. Do so, and then hit "send".
Easy as that ! |
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Veteran
Posts: 204
Location: canandaigua, ny | well i need to figure out how to minimize the pic size,it keeps telling ne its too big |
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Veteran
Posts: 204
Location: canandaigua, ny | I hate my computer but Love my old cars. i have to go out to the garage for some theropy |
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Expert
Posts: 3967
Location: DFW, TX | Here's the pictures he sent me. Good looking ride!
His notes-
"this is the car 7/07 rescued from the weeds"
and
"this is the 9/20, put 400+ miles on it"
Sounds like it's a good driver too. What have you done to it so far to get it on the road? Thanks for sharing with us... love those 2dr wagons! 
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Veteran
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Location: canandaigua, ny | Well heres the story..
The family and i spotted this old wagon at this guys place who has a bunch of old junk corvettes.
I got out to check it out, my 12 year old daughter fell in love with it, well the rest is history.
Its been off the road since 1975.
We got the old 270 running, the 2 speed seemed to work ok so we made it drivable, brakes,wheel cylinders, lines, tires sect....
I put about 400 miles on it already, its a blast to drive.
we plan to do the interior first and leave the original paint alone for a couple years,( kinda a back words way to do a resto but its a cool conversation piece that way)
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Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146
Location: bishop, ca | Corey, 'doing' the interior, first, is fine!
On a non-driver/basket case the body can be painted, first, but on a driver, to heck with the paint appearance, initially.
Go drive and bond-to your ride.
NY-sunshine isn't going to hurt the fragile OEM paint work.
BTW, the OEM acrylic enamel paint has pigments in it, which CAN and will be removed by excessive abrasives in a polish
or in a (Dupont-type-) rubbing compound.
If you haven't yet 'attacked' the oxidized paint, try to use a 'polishing compound' as it will have less abrasive material in it.
Once the pigments are removed, the finish will look cloudy, and you can't restore the color, at that point.
Also, as a 'family' project, you can keep your eyes out for a OEM type or a suitable aftermarket (or, even a competing-
brand's, if it will fit)....roof rack assembly.
They're relatively rare finds, but really add to the appearance of a 'wagon', IMHO.
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Veteran
Posts: 204
Location: canandaigua, ny | thank u i will look 4 that!!! |
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Posts: 272
Location: Missouri | Great lookin wagon ya have! Harold |
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Location: Parts Unknown | Am I seeing your pix right .... this car does not have the bolt-on chrome fins ?
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Veteran
Posts: 204
Location: canandaigua, ny | You would be correct, no bolt on finns but u do have a set that came with the car. Im not sure if
im going to install them.
This car also came with extra side chrome (2 door wagon only). the whole back was filled with spare parts,
2 extra 315's with powerflites.
BTW we went to a small local car show yesterday got the peoples choice award, my dauter thaught that was cool 
drive em...enjoy em
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Walter passed away on Jul 29, 2014. We will miss you, Walt!
Posts: 5358
Location: Heaven Above (Formerly Oklahoma City,OK) | Beautiful car. Makes me wish for a '55 tudoor wagon to go with my '55 (C)RL. Anyone interested in a '49 Plymouth tudoor wagon? I've got one spotted out in the higher plains on the East side of the Rockies in Colorado. 6 cyl. 3 on the tree, fairly complete and not real expensive by todays standards.
Uncle Walt |
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Location: Parts Unknown | So, was this an original no-fin car ?
I have seen a few (very few) over the years. I have been told they are really early production. I like the look of the fins, myself. But the ones without are really rare.
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Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146
Location: bishop, ca | If this is a pre-mid-year build, it would not have a Paint/Trim data plate on it--without checking my records, they were 1st
installed in late-ish May, 1955, IIRC.
The P/T plate would confirm the car's 'Scheduled' build date.
Without it, or the factory's IBM build-card copy, we would have to extrapolate the build date from the car's VIN, and/or any
original purchase documents that might still exist On the car.
Edited by d500neil 2009-09-28 5:42 PM
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Veteran
Posts: 204
Location: canandaigua, ny | There are no holes for the mounts in the 1/4s, so who knows.
I do have a set that came with all the spare parts but i dont think im going
to use them, i like the plain look.
As fare as documentation goes, i dont have any, and it came
from Florida in the 70s. I will get the fender tag cleaned up
and post it asap.
Thanks to every one for all the info.
drive em enjoy em  |
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Expert
Posts: 3967
Location: DFW, TX | I also like the look without the fin caps, but with the pretty '56 side trim - and a 2dr no less.
Very interesting car! And yes, drive em enjoy em!! Even the beater wagons.
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Veteran
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Location: canandaigua, ny | Its a blast to drive i just wish i could make the 270 smoke the rear tires
soon I hope |
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Member
Posts: 23
Location: Germany | wild440 - 2009-09-23 2:37 AM
any one know how many 56 suburban's were produces, I have one,,, was just wondering
hey! nice car - i know a Sierra kustom car in germany. I love these long cars and the place u have in it.
back to your first question, not specified by body types there were 142.613 Coronets built in 1956.
4-door Sedan, 2-door Club Sedan, 4-door Lancer Hardtop, 2-door Lancer Hardtop, 2-door Convertible, 2-door Suburban and 4-door Station Wagon called "Sierra"
Michael |
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Veteran
Posts: 204
Location: canandaigua, ny | Hey thanks, its cool to see people in other countries like these old mopars too.
I did here from a guy on the internet there were 2025 2 door wagons produced in 56, but i cant confirm that. Either way its a cool old car and fun to drive
My family and i will start the restoration next year.
drive em enjoy em |
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Veteran
Posts: 204
Location: canandaigua, ny | I love these old wagons
Is your wagon also called a suburban?
Allot of cars sit in fields and garages covered up or waiting to be restored "SOME DAY"
drive them, stay excited about them enjoy them
drive em enjoy em
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Regular
Posts: 84
Location: Lakeland, Florida | I have a fairly extensive list of engine and VIN numbers for 1956 Dodges with build dates. I you can send me the Vin and engine number I can tell you within a few weeks of the actual build date.
Bruce
Dodge1956@aol.com |
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Location: Parts Unknown | Yes, the 2 door wagons were badged "Suburban".
I had a monotone grey one years ago that was a D-500 car. It had the strangest rust problem .... the floor just behind the driver's seat was just GONE ! .... leaving the rear quarter just flapping in the breeze ... very soft and flexible when the door was closed, etc. Otherwise, the car was really solid. It was as if someone filled that floor well with wet salt and walked away ! My ex HATED that car. Most times she was quietly neutral or dismissive with the old cars, but that one really pushed a button. 
After riding in Leslie Howard's La Femme a few years back, I decided to pick up a nice 56 Dodge, should one present itself. Strangely enough, one did not long after making the decision. A wagon, no less. D-500 too !
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Location: canandaigua, ny | I like the color combo sweet |
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Location: Missouri | Nice wagon, Doc! Didn't know that 56s had chrome fins available. They look neat! Harold |
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Location: Parts Unknown | Most had the bolt-on fins. It is very unusual to find a 56 without them. Early production, I was told by oldtimers.
I like fins, and therefore would not be attracted enough to own one that did not have them. I have a real beef with the pre-60 wagons (56 Ply excepted) having puny or truncated fins. Wouldn't the 57-59 wagons look awesome with with standard sedan / hardtop quarters on them ? The 56 Dodge with the bolt-on fins was about as close to what I like as the FL wagons ever got.
There is a BIG difference between liking a car design and liking it so much you would actually want to spend the cubic dollars to own and restore one. I like just about any pre-1970 car on its own merits, especially the FL cars. But since I never got a trust fund, I have to be pretty picky about just what is so cool I gotta have one. The rest, I enjoy as someone else owns them. For their interest and devotion, I am eternally grateful. Otherwise, many cars would never get saved. I enjoy them all. That is one reason I enjoy this group ... the team we all play for in preserving this history, whatever part we play.
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Veteran
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Location: canandaigua, ny | im looking for a drivers door panel, i need the stainless trim for the new panels
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Expert
Posts: 1480
Location: Australia | d500neil - 2009-09-25 3:48 PM
Corey, 'doing' the interior, first, is fine!
On a non-driver/basket case the body can be painted, first, but on a driver, to heck with the paint appearance, initially.
Go drive and bond-to your ride.
NY-sunshine isn't going to hurt the fragile OEM paint work.
BTW, the OEM acrylic enamel paint has pigments in it, which CAN and will be removed by excessive abrasives in a polish
or in a (Dupont-type-) rubbing compound.
If you haven't yet 'attacked' the oxidized paint, try to use a 'polishing compound' as it will have less abrasive material in it.
Once the pigments are removed, the finish will look cloudy, and you can't restore the color, at that point.
Also, as a 'family' project, you can keep your eyes out for a OEM type or a suitable aftermarket (or, even a competing-
brand's, if it will fit)....roof rack assembly.
They're relatively rare finds, but really add to the appearance of a 'wagon', IMHO.
dont listen to neil... stay away from roof racks, they are bad and ruin the lines of the roof... adriana |
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Veteran
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Location: canandaigua, ny | If I had a surf board to go with the roof rack, that baby would be on my WAGON!!!!
well this photo is supposed to go on the above post, oops
Edited by wild440 2009-10-30 11:21 AM
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Expert
Posts: 3967
Location: DFW, TX |  |
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Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146
Location: bishop, ca | Going back to Brent's comment, above, about how nice the various 57-59 wagons would look, with their standard
'sedan' fin treatments on them, the simple reason for the foreshortened wagon fins, for all of those years, was
corporate profitability.
There was a standard station wagon quarter panel which was interchangeable, and, I have heard, long ago (probably at a WPC Club national meet, in Detroit, during an evening speech-presentation by a former corporate employee) , that just about the only body panel that Exner ever individually designed, was the station wagon rear doors, which were also interchangeable among the various models.
They didn't really make very many of them, relatively speaking, during the late 50's, but, the wagons were probably very profitable to produce, owing to the commonality of their shared body components.
If someone really wanted to, he could custom-install dedicated 'sedan' fins onto a wagon.
And, the '56 Dodge wagons REALLY needed those chrome fin-tops to be installed on them, in order to differentiate them from their otherwise virtually identical '55 brothers.
Edited by d500neil 2009-10-30 2:46 PM
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Veteran
Posts: 204
Location: canandaigua, ny | just an update, the seats and door panels are at the apolsterer getting done, the floor paches are done.
Im going to laeve the body as it is, i like the "barn fresh look".
I thought this car was more solid than what it is---the sand blaster showed a different story---
the tin work is taking a little longer than i thought.
STILL HAVING FUN WITH IT |
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Expert
Posts: 1819
Location: Vancouver, BC | d500neil - 2009-09-25 12:48 PM
Corey, 'doing' the interior, first, is fine!
On a non-driver/basket case the body can be painted, first, but on a driver, to heck with the paint appearance, initially.
Go drive and bond-to your ride.
NY-sunshine isn't going to hurt the fragile OEM paint work.
BTW, the OEM acrylic enamel paint has pigments in it, which CAN and will be removed by excessive abrasives in a polish
or in a (Dupont-type-) rubbing compound.
If you haven't yet 'attacked' the oxidized paint, try to use a 'polishing compound' as it will have less abrasive material in it.
Once the pigments are removed, the finish will look cloudy, and you can't restore the color, at that point.
Also, as a 'family' project, you can keep your eyes out for a OEM type or a suitable aftermarket (or, even a competing-
brand's, if it will fit)....roof rack assembly.
They're relatively rare finds, but really add to the appearance of a 'wagon', IMHO.
All paints have either pigments or dyes - that is how the paint gets colour. We see reflected light, thus when we see a red rose we see the light reflected from the rose in the red spectrum. Which is also how white can be all colours and black none. And also why black cars get so hot (light not reflected from the surface) and white the coolest. Pigments are chosen for the colour of light they reflect.
A layer of paint applied to a vehicle will have paint pigments through the layer. Thus when paint gets oxydized you need to remove the thin layer of oxydized colour to reveal the paint and its pigments below. A rubbing compound has the most bite in removing paint and usually is the choice in removing the oxydized layer. If you use a rubbing compound and go too far, it's not the pigment that has been removed, it is the paint layer. Did that on an old Studebaker once - went through the dull repainted layer into the nice shiny factory layer.
A polishing compound is less abrasive than a rubbing compound but can be used to remove light oxydation without fear of removing the whole layer of paint. It also does a nice job on slightly weathered paint.
Straight polish, on the other hand, is the least abrasive of the three. It generally does not do a good job in removing oxydized paint, but it does do a good job making it all shine. Polish generally can used without fear of removing the paint layer.
So, it you have a 'barn-find' car a polishing compound would bring the colour back by removing light oxydation and surface blemishes. And once that is done, a good polish will bring a nice shine to the paint and help protect the paint from damage (sun, bird droppings, road oils, tree sap, etc.).
When using a rubbing compound, polishing compound or a polish, you will find your rubbing cloth picking up the colour of the paint. All three will do it, but the polish will remove the least of the paint layer. And that is how a layer of paint or colour can "disappear".
One aspect of older paints (enamels and lacquers) is "bleeding". Reds were noted for this and when looking at older paint chip charts you will find some colours labelled as "bleeders". If a layer of paint is not sealed properly the pigments in the "bleeder" layer may react with the solvents in the layer being applied and affect the colour of the top coat. Your new layer of white paint thus might land up with some reddish areas.
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Veteran
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Location: canandaigua, ny | pics before and after
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Veteran
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Location: canandaigua, ny | i used a cleaner wax ans a buffer, the car is not perfect but looks ok
drivem
enjoyem |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1053
Location: Ny | The red is definetely brigher! I love your wagon, and look forward to seeing more updated pictures as you progress!
Edited by Jessica 2009-12-22 11:34 PM
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 370
Location: Mishawaka, IN. | that is yet another KOOL wagon and a 2dr way KOOL. I'm with you on driven them and enjoying them.
Jimmy |
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Veteran
Posts: 204
Location: canandaigua, ny | body tag info...
reads as fallows
ac a sc bs b
schedule body paint trim sf
u4 27 01 009 847 175 828
my only question is ??? is this a factory 2 tone ??
either way it is going to be turquoise and white when done
thanks Corey
DRIVEM
ENJOYEM
u4 27 01 009
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Expert
Posts: 1303
Location: Farmingdale NJ | Well, Well, Well, Finally another 2 dr 56 Suburban. I was feeling pretty lonely here. Thought I would never see another! Even at Carlisle a couple years ago (last time I went)..,there were'nt any. Keep posting, I would love to discuss anything you want. |
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Veteran
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Location: canandaigua, ny | i tell every one that looks at it to look close cuz it is probabley the last one they will ever see . Im going to drive the old girl to carlisle for the mopar show. this summer, cant wait.
post some pics
a guy from nyc im'ed me, there is one there too.
drivem
enjoyem  |
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Location: Parts Unknown | There are at least four of us 56 Dodge wagoneers here on the site, ..... we three and that guy in Alamosa. But I can "feel" the high falootin' snootiness of the 2 door owners looking down on us commoner 4 door owners !
Where you been, Bob ? How's your car coming along ?
I once owned an all grey D-500 Suburban, that I sold complete and running, so unless someone else parted it out, there is at least one more out there somewhere !
56 Dodge wagon owners, UNITE !
Edited by Doctor DeSoto 2010-02-05 1:13 PM
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Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146
Location: bishop, ca | ...thought that you weregonna SELL your wagon, Doc....?
OEM Dog Dish, or baby-moons would look good on that car.
On a 2-dr wagon, I'd install a bit of eye-candy under the hood, in the form of a vintage-
looking/style intake, and a couple-few Strombergs, along with twice pipes.
Are there vintage looking glass packs, like Smitty's or Cherry Bombs, or, do all of
the G.-P.s look (if not, necessarily SOUND) alike????
I also wonder if black-walls, along with the mini-covers, would give the car a bit of an
attitude?----wheels should be white (right?) along with the black-walls?
Or, maybe black-on-black, with the Babies?
Edited by d500neil 2010-02-05 4:47 PM
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Location: Parts Unknown | The wagon would be the last car to go before the DeSoto. I do not plan to let it go before I croak unless some way-out unforeseen change occurred that just made letting it go an attractive option. In other words, as I see it now, my heirs will sell the cars.
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Veteran
Posts: 204
Location: canandaigua, ny | So this is the scoop, i thought wagons were kinda cool cuz you never see them, but never went beond that, well we found this one and i would have to say
its one of the coolest car i have ever had, DIFERENT and i like different. My wife lets me spend money on this one and all 3 of my girls love this old car too.
2 or 4 doors it doesnt matter, cool none the less.
DRIVEM
ENJOYEM |
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Location: Parts Unknown | My bent on cars always leans to the weird or unusual. Just about anything will overrule a Chevy or Ford .... just too common, a wagon overrules all but maybe a convertible. Hudsons, Studebaker, DeSoto, etc. .... all good things. There are limits. A 56 Nash is just too ugly for even a mother to love !  But would still rather see one of those going down the road than another Chevelle or Nova.
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Veteran
Posts: 204
Location: canandaigua, ny | agree 100%
Im still chasing down a 64 rambler wagon I looked at 4 years ago, the search is on  |
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Location: Parts Unknown | Go earlier. The 57-61 Rambler wagons really had some good George Jetson styling ! The Americans were always real tubs, and I guess those really stand out from a crowd now too. There is a 60 Invicta wagon dumped in a ravine about 50 miles from me that is just mashed. It kills me to think of such a way-out wagon like that being trashed and dumped. If only someone had tucked it in the barn on 1970. But there it sits, gnawing at me to do SOMETHING to save it.
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Expert
Posts: 1303
Location: Farmingdale NJ | Actually, if you go to my album you can see pics of my car. I haven't updated it in a while. Because,.....I haven't updated it in a while. You can check out a lot of members albums at the upper right. click on albums, then go to any members name in the pull down menu.
Turns out the family of Chrysler didnt keep track of individual production numbers for models back in '56. As it was mentioned above, you can find out how many Coronets were made, but not how many 2 dr wagons in red and white were made. At least that's what I've learned. I also was told a long time ago that there were around 2500 suburbans made, but can't back it up. Look Forward (pun intended) to hearing about your ride some more. |
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Expert
Posts: 1303
Location: Farmingdale NJ | Yeah, cop car rims, black walls, and baby moons will give it attitude. As far as eye candy under the hood, I hope I've got that covered |
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Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146
Location: bishop, ca | ...is that IT, in your avatar????
I'd try for shorter injector stacks, so that the hood could close.
You might well luck-out, with those Block Hugger headers, on your '56, because they will NOT fit (on the driver's side)
of a Torsion-bar car, as they contact the motor mount, and 'dump' right over the T/bar.
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Expert
Posts: 1303
Location: Farmingdale NJ | Yeah thats it. Got ya covered on the stacks. They are just a little too long, and those block huggers are the cheap Ebay kind, but they are coated. So far these, or the the ones I got from HotHeads dont clear the steering box. Gonna have to modify the drivers side. ....and Yes, HotHeads headers are made way better than the cheap ones. |
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Member
Posts: 39
Location: Long Island, NY | Hey All, here is #5, with 3 in NY, I've heard of another one here on Long Island, but have not seen it yet. And Bob's makes 4 here in the northeast. Modelbuilder has been to my house twice for measurements of various things for his
realistic model of the wagons he is creating. Most of you have seen my car, came from Ariz., and had it listed in members rides, but can't find it now. Found some pics that a member from England had put on this site from ebay ad. Here are a few pics. Getting some chrome done at this time and installing a newer rear in it. Hope to drive this year. Been sitting in garage for last year/half.
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Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146
Location: bishop, ca | Art, are those OEM chrome fin tops?
They look a lot taller than my recollection, of them.
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Expert
Posts: 1303
Location: Farmingdale NJ | Wow, how cool is that. Its kinda weird to see a couple of these things all of a sudden. Interesting paint scheme |
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Member
Posts: 39
Location: Long Island, NY | Hi, Yes, just sent them to the chromers. Held on with 3 studs, pass. side a b----, with the fuel fill tunnel. |
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Member
Posts: 39
Location: Long Island, NY | Thanks Bob, wish I had your engine in mine. |
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Member
Posts: 39
Location: Long Island, NY | Anybody have a trailer hitch or pics of one on a wagon? Looking to put one on to tow some finned boats of same era. Don't really want to fabricate one if I don't have to. Thanks,Art. |
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Veteran
Posts: 204
Location: canandaigua, ny | my wagon had one but some one cut it off, it kinda looks like it was an ugggly install. It was welded to the frame, its going to take alot of grinding to get whats left of it off.
Its cool to see other suburbans out there.
Corey |
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Veteran
Posts: 204
Location: canandaigua, ny | is any one going to any carlisle shows or syracuse nationals
im going to drive the old girl down for the mopar show and the syracuse show |
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Location: Parts Unknown | Mine has a tow hitch. I am on the wrong computer to post pix. What do you want to see ? I don't have any of the underside.
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Location: Long Island, NY | Hi Doc, the underside is what I am looking for. Curious how hitch is attached to frame. Hate to ask, but when you get a chance, or next time it's up on a lift, sure would like to see some pics. BTW, there should be another D500 Sierra wagon in CA. Was sold from a Mopar dealer in South Carolina to someone in CA. I know the people in SC, but never saw the car. Thanks, Art. |
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Location: little rock, AR | Wild440, I caught your post about the Rambler Wagon. I'm currently putting back together a 1962 Classic Wagon to drive to the 75th Anniversary AACA show in Louisville,KY this year. The more unusual, the better I like it. Don't any of you sick O's take that the wrong way. Great looking wagon you have there. |
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Location: Parts Unknown | RTwagon - 2010-02-12 4:14 AM
Hi Doc, the underside is what I am looking for. Curious how hitch is attached to frame. Hate to ask, but when you get a chance, or next time it's up on a lift, sure would like to see some pics. BTW, there should be another D500 Sierra wagon in CA. Was sold from a Mopar dealer in South Carolina to someone in CA. I know the people in SC, but never saw the car. Thanks, Art.
*******************************
A woman whose name escapes me joined this group some 5-6 years ago and posted some pix of her "new" red and white (with black ?) D-500 Sierra. Could have even been a Custom Sierra ? It was a nice, serviceable car. I think it even had power windows ??? Same one ?
My car was special ordered through Eddy's Garage, Deadwood, SD. Momma wanted a wagon in these color, Pop wanted the D-500 package. Both wanted a Dodge. It was delivered and before the new owners arrived to pick it up, the car was sold off the lot by an unknowing salesman ! Needless to say, new owners were pissed and a second special order car to those specs was rush-ordered and ultimately delivered.
Now, this is where some fun comes in .... This car of ours had Coronet bezels on the lights front and back ... indicating a regular old Sierra. However, (the differences are few between a CS and a Sierra) our car has the CS interior. Much easier to swap a few bezels than seats and all those wagon door and interior panels !!! So, why the Coronet bezels ? The original owner's son, who was present as an adult for both the aborted delivery and the actual delivery of the second car insists the car always wore those type bezels.
So was the aborted delivery car actually a regular Sierra and in the mad rush to get that second car delivered, a CS showed up and the dealer did a quick cosmetic detail with the bezels hoping the angry buyers wouldn't notice ?
The son promises early day photos of the car when great mountains of his kids stuff is removed from his house, so maybe these will give evidence ?
Either way, there is another same colored Sierra or Custom Sierra with the D-500 option possibly out there somewhere !
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Location: Parts Unknown | My car is in winter storage and not very accessible for any sort of photos for a while. I can give it a quick look next time I am out there if that would help ?
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Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146
Location: bishop, ca | Still wanna know: are those large chromed fin caps OEM on the CSierra wagons?
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Location: Long Island, NY | Sorry, thought I answered that, They are factory, have L & R PART #, and I think I'm the first one to remove them since new. Were not removed with last 2 paint jobs. Color now and before was a blue/white scheme. Original color seems to be a pink/coral and white. Found the pink behind the tailight bezels, and white under fins. I think the angle of pic makes them look bigger, the're about 5" tall at rear. Art. |
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Location: Parts Unknown | The bolt-on fins were a last minute addition to all wagons except Plymouth (which got new finned quarter panels for 56). A few early production 56 wagons Chrysler-DeSoto-Dodge managed to get out the door without them, but most cars were built with the bolt-on fins. This was not a case of certain models like Windsor vs. NY'er, or in the Dodge case, a matter of door numbers or which model.
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Location: Missouri | l'd like to have a '55 Dodge 2 door wagon, & make it into a sedan delivery. l did have a pink & white '58 Rambler wagon back in '73; it was a 4-door tho but was neat. Harold
Edited by 55coronet440 2010-02-12 12:53 AM
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Location: Parts Unknown | I had a 56 D-500 Suburban years ago .... solid grey. I considered doing a delivery conversion on it. Would have been cute as hell, for sure. Someone offered me stupid money for it and I sold it before doing much with the car. Ford got about as close to building a Dodge as they ever did in 56 with their wagon (styling-wise). I would be real happy with a 56 Ford delivery, outside of changing the drivetrain, brakes, and steering ! Man, those were primitive cars ! Pretty good looking, but underpowered, lame braking, and sloppy handling.
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Location: Farmingdale NJ | Hey Doc,
That was Carolyn that your thinking of. She hasnt been on the site since October. Here is her album;
http://www.forwardlook.net/forums/photos/photo-main.asp?viewmember=... |
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Location: Parts Unknown | Yup! .... that's the car !
I read Carolyn's story a little more carefully and wonder where her car originally came from. Ours was the 2nd
of two D-500 wagons ordered to a specific customer, and after reading her comment about not being able to match
the paint ...... makes me wonder if this might not be car No.1 ???? Our two cars might look like reverse-color twins
from 20 paces in a couple of her shots. No telling how close our car's repaint is to original, although the original owner
claims it to be dead on and the lower cowl looks close. How many D-500 wagons could they have built ???
I do not see a contact link for her in that album. I would be interested in writing to her.
Also, since we are discussing evidence of what constitutes a Custom Sierra vs. a non-Custom Sierra, note the toothed
grille bars, painted headlight rings, Mylar upper interior panels ..... but this car also has the non-fluted Coronet-type
tail light bezels. That makes 3 for 3 of members' CUSTOM wagons with the Coronet rear bezels ! Hmmm ....
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Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146
Location: bishop, ca | Brent, you are differentiating the 4-door Custom Sierra's from Sierras, and then the 2-door Custom Suburbans from 'regular'
Suburbans....
..and, then, the Custom Suburbans just happen to resemble the exteriors of the Custom Sierras!
The interior motifs of the C-Sierra and the C-Suburban would be very different, however.
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Location: Parts Unknown | Neil,
Have a look at the door panels on the C-Sub and C-Sierra .... same Mylar insert design up top.
Looks like Customs all got the fancy interior, regardless of door count. I presume it would be the
same for the standard series.
Since this whole Custom vs. standard ID issue has been a bit of detective work, as we expand our
evidence base, it is interesting to note patterns.
What do your brochures show for tail light bezels on the Custom wagons, plain or louvered ?????
Any suggestion that the Customs got the fancy steering wheel vs. the standard getting the rubber
unit ?
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Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146
Location: bishop, ca | My 1956 research folder is over 3 1/2" thick (by actual measurement, just now), but it virtually only concerns
itself with D500/optional equipment records-info.
On the back of my "Facts" brochure, where the car models' physical/mechanical info is listed, is this header : "For
Specifications of Dodge Station Wagons, See The Special Dodge Station Wagon Brochure."
Thanks a lot.
Ive got a photocopy of the Dodge Ambulance/Mortician's Brochure, but the only car shown/discussed is the Custom Sierra
4-door/6-passenger model, but, the tail lights (in this photocopy) are indistinct.
If I were betting, I'd bet that the tail light bezels are 'plain', and not the typical fluted-and-winged CRL tail light bezels.
I've also got the 2/86(!) issue of the WPC News magazine, which discusses the 1956 Dodges.
Un-fortunately, the tail lights on the Custom Sierra wagon are cut off on the outside edge on the subject page!
The tail light bezels on the clearly-shown Custom suburban are the VERY-plain, round style.
However, there is a 4-door plain-jane wagon shown, with what appears to be "Suburban" on its quarter panel
(and with the chrome fin-tops on it, too), with the article-author's following photo caption for it :" This station
wagon is a Coronet[???] and may possibly be an 8-passenger version"....[it IS a 9-passenger model; it has the third
seat folded down, in the photos of the car].
The four photos (side/rear(gate-down)/front door (open)/rear door (open).... were taken just outside the factory (like
we've all seen, before) and the door trim panels are VERY-plain looking (just like a 'Coronet' might appear to look).
I'll send these pics to Sir Clive, and he might post them here, and confuse you, too.....
Edited by d500neil 2010-02-17 9:26 PM
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Location: Farmingdale NJ | However, there is a 4-door plain-jane wagon shown, with what appears to be "Suburban" on its quarter panel
(and with the chrome fin-tops on it, too), with the article-author's following photo caption for it :" This station
wagon is a Coronet[???] and may possibly be an 8-passenger version"....[it IS a 9-passenger model; it has the third
seat folded down, in the photos of the car].
??? A 4 door with Suburban script on the quarter ???? It is true however that the wagons are in the Coronet family. Is it possible that 2 drs (Suburbans) were available with a third seat ??? It would be a real chore to get in and out of it. Can someone post a pic of a 55 or 56 with the third seat. |
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Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146
Location: bishop, ca | The car, as photographed, might have been a prototype/pilot car, but, it is seen outside the factory, in a completed
condition.
The factory took photos of cars, like this, apparently to document the appearance of the newly built cars, for their
internal historical documentation purposes.
You guys tell me if the images look like "Suburban", or "Sierra"(which is probably what the subject car may be---EXCEPT for
the appearance of its interior, which looks like an entry-level of trim.
Sir Clive will be posting the pics asap.
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Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Location: .Norfolk..Mafia.. ,England UK | d500neil - 2010-02-18 10:32 PM
The car, as photographed, might have been a prototype/pilot car, but, it is seen outside the factory, in a completed
condition.
The factory took photos of cars, like this, apparently to document the appearance of the newly built cars, for their
internal historical documentation purposes.
You guys tell me if the images look like "Suburban", or "Sierra"(which is probably what the subject car may be---EXCEPT for
the appearance of its interior, which looks like an entry-level of trim.
Sir Clive will be posting the pics asap.
The first pic, of a Custom Sierra, may have
the "Suburban" nameplate on it.
The next series of photos, of the Custom Suburban
(2-dr wagon) is self explanatory.
The final set of photos is a mystery to me (prototype/
"pilot" car???) as it has 4-doors, 9-passenger, a
"Suburban" nameplate, and a plain-jain interior(!!!)
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Location: .Norfolk..Mafia.. ,England UK | .
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Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146
Location: bishop, ca | ..and, oh yeah; this 'Coronet' wagon has the "Custom" (Custom Sierra and Custom Suburban) chrome fins
installed on it.
As it is a complete-stripper, built "in white", it may well be a pilot-car, which was photographed after it left the
hand-built assembly line.
The "Pilots" were built to see how well the new-models could actually be built, in the real-world, so,
absolute model-accuracy was not important, and these cars were driven-around the factory premises
for a while and/or crushed--they were not built with a VIN tag.
I distinctly recall seeing quite a few Dodge Dynasty's "in white" (got some secret-agent-spy-scope
photos of them, inside the plant, too----against tour-orders---during the WPC national meet, in 1990-
ish, at the Belvidere [note correct spelling] IL Assembly Plant....and, we all could walk up to any
of several Dodge Stratus' "in white", parked around the place, which didn't have any VIN's on them) .
Edited by d500neil 2010-02-18 6:28 PM
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Location: Long Island, NY | Is that an English wagon brochure? The first page is same as my brochure, but the rest of the photos are not in my brochure? I have color pics of models, but none of those pics. Art. |
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Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146
Location: bishop, ca | No; I don't have the 1956 Dodge wagon brochure.
These particular photos were taken from the FEB 86 issue of the monthly WPC Club's magazine, which discussed
the 1956 Dodges (sorta--OK).
Collecting factory and aftermarket literature and photos and collectibles is a major part of our hobby.
For example, there is a 1957 Dodge color and trim 'explanation' mini-brochure, which is very handy
to have, as far as confirming which particular interior and exterior colors/styles were available, together,
but I don't have one for 1956.
It almost seems like 'you' need an Enigma-Machine to decypher the 56 colors and trim, as shown
on the P/T plates.
Edited by d500neil 2010-02-18 7:20 PM
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Location: Parts Unknown | d500neil - 2010-02-19 3:11 PM
..and, oh yeah; this 'Coronet' wagon has the "Custom" (Custom Sierra and Custom Suburban) chrome fins
installed on it.
********************************
Neil,
You have this attributed wrong. The bolt-on fin was standard equipment to ALL wagons, regardless of series.
The exception were some early production cars of random model/trim level, but this is a "when built" issue,
not a series or trim issue.
56 DeSoto and Chrysler wagons are also found on rare occasions without the added fins.
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Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146
Location: bishop, ca | THANK you very much!
That takes care of THAT issue.
Aren't (almost-) absolutes wonderful?
....That's about as good as it gets with our cars...almost-absolutes; "Never-Say-Never"....
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Location: Farmingdale NJ | Here is the 56 wagon brochure. I took pics of every page. Note that in the actual photos of cars, the 55 door handles. yet in every artist rendering the 56 door handles. The actual car photos do have 56 sheetmetal and bumpers. Also look at the small interior pics of the Custom interior and standard interior.
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Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146
Location: bishop, ca | So, the Custom Sierra wagon has "Suburban(?)" on its quarter panel (but no other "Custom" and/or "Sierra" nameplates
on them?---its interior of, and upholstery style of cloth-and-vinyl set it apart from the Sierra wagons.
Only the Custom Sierra and the Custom Suburban have (according to this brochure) the chrome fins on them?
The Suburbans appear to have only "Cordagrain" all-vinyl (H.D.-) interiors in them.
What other categorical conclusions are provided my this brochure?
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Veteran
Posts: 204
Location: canandaigua, ny | BROCHURES are just high lighted features of any given car line, it seems that you could order or special order any combo on any model
BACK IN THE DAY.
these brochures were printed and showed up at the dealers before the cars were being produces so I can understand the pics of the previous mod le year
in them.
if all the cars were optioned the same, same trim, engines and labeled the same there would be no need for IBM cards or
trim tags
That's what kinda makes this hobby cool... variety
drivem
enjoyem
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Location: Parts Unknown | d500neil - 2010-02-21 6:45 PM
So, the Custom Sierra wagon has "Suburban(?)" on its quarter panel (but no other "Custom" and/or "Sierra" nameplates
on them?---its interior of, and upholstery style of cloth-and-vinyl set it apart from the Sierra wagons.
Only the Custom Sierra and the Custom Suburban have (according to this brochure) the chrome fins on them?
The Suburbans appear to have only "Cordagrain" all-vinyl (H.D.-) interiors in them.
What other categorical conclusions are provided my this brochure?
*************************
Where are you getting the idea that Custom Sierras have "Suburban" emblems on the quarters ? Just
for clarity, there was no "Custom" badge in 56, like there was in later years .... only "Sierra" or "Suburban".
Interested parties had to spot the detail differences to tell them apart.
There is no rhyme or reason to the added fins other than early production didn't get them. Can't explain
the presence (or lack of) in the brochures. Likely a similar reason to the 55 door handles being on some cars.
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Location: Farmingdale NJ | Based on the pics posted from outside the factory, I looked very closely at the pictures in the brochure. It is hard to tell, but the Sierra script and Suburban script are on the correct models. You cant really make out all the letters, but you can count them. Also, Suburban has the two "b's" in it that stick up higer than any letters in "Sierra'.
According to the brochure, only cordagrain was available for any wagon no matter what trim level. The first two pages show the Custom models, one actual photo of a Sierra in green over Green, and the rendering of the Custom Suburban in black over aquamarine (exactly my paint scheme). There is a small rendering of interiors for the custom models on their page, and a rendering of standard interiors on that respective page. Clearly you can see the seat inserts and and angled line of the trim on the door panel of the custom interior. As opposed to the straight lines of the interior on the standard models.(like my seats that I posted) Cory posted a pic of the custom interior door panel.
Like Doc mentioned; early models may not have come with chrome fins on the standard model, and that was the intent according to the brochure. Most likey buyers wanted to differentiate between the 55 and 56 models when they bought new, and the hood and bumperettes were not different enough for the public. So they quickly started putting fins on all models. This is probably compounded by the fact that the coupes and sedans got new rear quarters in 56 and the wagons retained the 55 rear quarters.....Oh yeah, and one more thing I picked up on; it says the Suburban was also available as an 8 passenger. Wow, imagine getting in and out of that 3rd seat !!?? I also dont see any CRL type taillights on any wagon in the brochure. |
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Location: Parts Unknown | I have photographs of a very nice original 56 NY'er wagon that was built without the fins.
By the logic that base models wagons were intentionally built sans fins, this suggests quite
the opposite and is primarily my supporting evidence that the fins were an early production
add-on rather than being relative to some model or door configuration. Oldtimers way back
in the 70's and 80's al said the no-fin 56 wagons were early-early production. I have also
seen, or seen pix of a DeSoto wagon sans fins. DeSoto only offered a Firedome wagon, and
only in a 4 door, so ..... ?
My parents, like many 50's vintage parents, always had a wagon in the stable. With three
brats to tote, along with hockey gear and cub scout troops, the rear facing WAY-back seat
was always ordered. I NEVER EVER remember even us small-size junior family members
trying to access this seat through a side door, .... only through the lowered back glass or
dropped tailgate. It was easier to get in-out with only the backglass dropped, as you could
use the rear bumper as a step .... some cars even had rubber step pads to avoid slipping off
a wet bumper.
In 56, Dodge called their 3-seat wagons "8 passenger", not "9". These cars are pretty small
compared to the DeSoto-Chrysler that year, or later Dodge wagons.
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Location: Farmingdale NJ | I haven't seen a third seat in person on a 56, but in the brochure it faces forward. Look at the diagram for folding the seats. And your right, they never refered to the wagons as 9 passenger, only 6 and 8 |
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Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146
Location: bishop, ca | Well, that "8 passenger" description is fairly accurate, because, even in the 57+ versions, there AIN'T a lot of
room in that rear "Spectator" seat!
Normally, only two children are shown sitting in it.
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Location: Under the X in Texas | What about this delivery that was at Hershey a few years ago? Now before you climb all over me and say someone surely built it, there was a '56 Plymouth sedan delivery in Southern California a dozen years ago before I moved here that belonged to some friends who were in the Nash club. It was in original condition with just an older repaint. I was INSIDE that vehicle to inspect it and I can GUARANTEE you it was factory built and not constructed from a two door station wagon. Although honestly it is too long ago for me to remember any details but I approached it with the same curiosity you would have if you saw it today. Plyms aren't my thing and I've looked at ... ummm... 14,237 or so cars since then so the details have gone fuzzy on that ONE.
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Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146
Location: bishop, ca | ..She's a looker, alright!
That "V" emblem appears to be an aftermarket piece; I've seen them on occasion, but don't have any close-
up images to post of one of them.
The "V" emblem was only used on the 1957 Dodges.
I've seen (and have some photos, taken at the Desert Valley salvage yard, in AZ), of a 56 PLY pick up truck which was
created out of a sedan----others have probably seen it there, too---it used to have "Carnation" logo-paintwork on
its doors.
It looks to be as unified and professionally-done as any 59+ Chubbie El Camino.
GORGEOUS creation work (on the PLY-), which really looked like an OEM production, but, was/is it? Dunno.
Edited by d500neil 2010-02-22 7:38 PM
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Location: canandaigua, ny | now that is freeking cool, that throws some ideas into my head I would love to do my wagon like that |
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Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146
Location: bishop, ca | If you do, Corey, I suggest that you install dual rear view mirrors on it.
What I did, and highly recommend to anyone who drives his car, with the fender mirrors located in their OEM
positions, is get a large convex rear view mirror and 'weather-strip' glue it to the mirror face.
On the driver's side, you will be amazed at the perfect placement of that mirror, as you will CLEARLY be able to
see objects that are both close, and far away from you, in detail.---just simply a perfect location for that mirror.
Over on the passenger's side, I've never experimented with having a convex mirror be installed there, but, in 'your' sedan-
delivery mode, you would absolutely need to have one be installed there.
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Location: Parts Unknown | With those skirts it looks like a hearse conversion.
For those of us that experienced the post-war years up through the 60's, you will remember a
whole different mindset for many regarding cars, particularly OLDER cars (contemporarily speaking)
where the newer cars were truly better machines and the generations that survived the Depression
had a practical sense of making a pickup, camper, or tow truck out of aging passenger cars. If
someone told me they had or knew of such a delivery, my first thought would be back to those days
when many simply made a vehicle to fit their need. If the factory did indeed make such a critter, the
special tooling and parts would involve a fair amount of expense and trouble to produce and it would
make no sense that the car would never been offered to the buying public after such expenses were
incurred. Of course, using the term "makes sense" in the same sentence as "factory" often leads down
a dark path ... but I would suspect any such one-off prototype would be somewhat rough in
the critical places and hand made to make it work.
Not too long ago someone had a 56 Dodge ambulance conversion for sale (on eBay?) and I have a
brochure showing different wagon conversions offered for 56 Dodge, so the realm of possibilities is
pretty big that a 1956 vintage conversion-type 56 Dodge could have happened.
A friend owns a 56 Chev delivery that when found in the early 80's still read "Beverly Hills Diaper
Service" with related address and phone number on it ! Like all good Chevy guys, he rodded it and
made it typically stupid, but I can still remember it sitting there in all its blackwall and dog dish hub cap
glory with that lettering down the side.
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Location: Parts Unknown | OK, boys and girls ..... just when I thought the details were hammered out on these, take a look at the above photos
and note the very different windshield wrap mouldings on these cars !!!
Some have a small, clean upper piece that tucks neatly UNDER the leading edge of the roof. The delivery has this type.
My car has a more "visor-like" moulding that hangs out forward of the roof. Looking at some of the brochure pix above
I see they show it both ways.
Another standard vs. Custom trim detail ????
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Expert
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Location: Farmingdale NJ | There is an accessory catalog for 56 out there. I dont have it. None of these cars show "bumper wings" but they were available. The skirts could be from the same catalog or aftermarket, since there were and are companies that made them.
I'll have to look up the trim options on the CRL. Maybe that windshield trim is a carry over from that upscale model. Remember, these 55 and 56's share alot of sheet metal with the coupes and sedans.
On that delivery; it has standard headlight trim, but Custom grill teeth. The "V" looks like the CRL emblem to me ??? Don't know. The hearse theory is worth looking into (I wonder if CanMan has any info on the 55-56's)
This thread has been a lot of fun, it's about time one of the best looking FL models got some air time! ( I am a little bias) In my opinion, all the offerings from Chryco in 56 were some of the best designs. |
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Location: Long Island, NY | I have a copy of the accessories book. Along with the wings a bar mounted to bumper guards is included. Lots of neat items available. Even has part numbers and some prices. Radios,AC, antennas, mirrors,batteries, ton of car-care products, even Highway Hi-fi. Lists for Dodge,PLY,DES,and Chrys. You can get it on ebay. I got mine for 20. At least 25 pages.Black n white, but very useful. Art. |
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Posts: 204
Location: canandaigua, ny | just wanted to show the good and ugly side of my resto
I have all the interior parts done ready to install, the dash turned out better than the pics.
still having fun with this one
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100_2776 (Small).jpg (50KB - 131 downloads)
100_2779 (Small).jpg (48KB - 139 downloads)
100_2886 (Small).jpg (42KB - 138 downloads)
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Expert
Posts: 1303
Location: Farmingdale NJ | You sure look like your making some good progress on that car ! Can't wait to get mine going again  |
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Veteran
Posts: 204
Location: canandaigua, ny | I got my hemi today 331 (i think) out of a 55 imperial. looks like the rat rod is on the back burner for a while so i think the hemi
is going into the wagon. |
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Location: Parts Unknown | Mine looks good with a Hemi.
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Veteran
Posts: 204
Location: canandaigua, ny | I am going to go through it first, its been sitting since 1960 |
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Expert
Posts: 1303
Location: Farmingdale NJ | OK, how weird is that? Its hard enough to find anyone with one of these 56 Subs, and now your going to have a 331 extended block in it too? Thats exactly what I have. Let me tell you one thing. It's a tight fit. I had to cut my trans tunnel. |
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Veteran
Posts: 204
Location: canandaigua, ny | Nope, its not an extended block, the 331 came out of a 55 imperial. with a power flight. It should fit right in, I think I can use my
270 mounts and every thing.
I'm sure I wont get it in there this year. Ill probly put it in when I disassemble it for paint |
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Expert
Posts: 1303
Location: Farmingdale NJ | Duh, your right, don't know what I was thinking. |
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Veteran
Posts: 272
Location: Missouri | That dash is stunning! Can't wait to see the wagon when yer done! |
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Veteran
Posts: 204
Location: canandaigua, ny | THANKS
the interior is done and turned out good.
The progress is keeping me motivated to finish the body.
Still driving it red and white for a while,,,,, mabee this winter |
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Expert
Posts: 1303
Location: Farmingdale NJ | C'mon...take a pic of the finished interior !! |
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