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56 Dodge Body Code Data Base
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56D500boy
Posted 2018-09-03 1:46 PM (#569530)
Subject: 56 Dodge Body Code Data Base



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As part of my larger 56 Dodge build code project, I am accumulating information about the various three digit 56 Dodge "BT" (body type codes). Rather than horde this information, I am going to post it up as I accumulate enough for a post.

(Please correct me if I get something wrong)

This is what I know (or *think* I know) so far:

D62 = Coronet with 6 cylinder engine
D63-1 = Coronet with 8 cylinder engine
D63-2 = Royals
D63-3 = Custom Royals

First Digit = Engine Type

6 = the Flat head six

8 = V8

Second Digit = trim line

1 = Coronet as in D62 or D63-1
2 = Royal as in D63-2
3= Custom Royal as in D63-3

Third Digit = actual body type:

2 = 2 dr sedan
3 = 2dr convertible
5 = 4 dr sedan
6 = 2 dr hardtop
? = 4 dr hardtop (help!!)
? = 2 dr wagon (suburban) (need help!!)
? = 4dr wagon (suburban) (need help!!)

so examples of these combos that I can confirm so far include:

612 = Coronet 6 cylinder 2 dr sedan (confirmed by an eBay Auction that showed the cowl tag)

812 = Coronet V8 2dr sedan (confirmed by Ralf in Finland)
815 = Coronet V8 4dr sedan (confirmed by Norman H.)
816 = Coronet V8 2dr hardtop (confirmed by an eBay Auction that showed the cowl tag)
826 = Royal 2dr Hardtop (confirmed by an eBay Auction that showed the cowl tag)
833 = Custom Royal convertible (confirmed by Per E. in Sweden and Wayne G. in the US)
835 = Custom Royal 4dr Sedan (confirmed by me and George B.)
836 = Custom Royal 2dr Hardtop (Lancer) (confirmed by Dave N., Dave H., Per E. and many others)

Some speculation (needs to be confirmed):

615 = Coronet 6 cylinder 4 dr sedan (as in a Taxi)
813 = Coronet V8 convertible
825 = Royal V8 4 dr sedan


Edited by 56D500boy 2018-09-03 3:54 PM
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56D500boy
Posted 2018-09-04 3:07 PM (#569589 - in reply to #569530)
Subject: RE: 56 Dodge Body Code Data Base



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DepsilonD (Dave N.) tells me:

"I have a body code of 857 on a ’56 V-8 2-door Suburban. I don’t know if it a Custom Suburban or not".

Well that is a start - filling some blanks - sort of. However, the only thing that I understand is "8" = V8.

56 Dodge Wagons came in four flavours and several subflavours, based on engine (6 or 8), 270 V8 or 315 V8, the number of doors (2 or 4) and the number of seats. On them will be "857"

Suburban = 2 dr, 6 passenger (available as a 6 or V8)
Custom Suburban = 2 dr, 6 passenger, Chrome add-on "Fins", probably only V8

Sierra = 4 dr, probably 8 passenger (3 rows of seats, 3, 3, and 2), probably only V8
Custom Sierra = 4 dr, probably 8 passenger (3 rows of seats, 3, 3, and 2), probably only V8, Chrome add-on "Fins".


REFERENCE: http://www.forwardlook.net/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=64788&...







Edited by 56D500boy 2018-09-04 4:35 PM
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DepsilonD
Posted 2018-09-04 3:29 PM (#569590 - in reply to #569530)
Subject: Re: 56 Dodge Body Code Data Base



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I know this car is a 315 Poly. But the 315 was eventually an option in all of the V-8 cars anyways so it gets tough to figure out. I am pretty sure the car is a Custom Suburban (315 standard), and all Suburbans are 2-Door (all Sierra's are 4-Door).
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56D500boy
Posted 2018-09-04 4:40 PM (#569595 - in reply to #569590)
Subject: Re: 56 Dodge Body Code Data Base



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DepsilonD - 2018-09-04 3:29 PM

I know this car is a 315 Poly. But the 315 was eventually an option in all of the V-8 cars anyways so it gets tough to figure out. I am pretty sure the car is a Custom Suburban (315 standard), and all Suburbans are 2-Door (all Sierra's are 4-Door).


Dave: I just figured that out, i.e. Suburban = 2 drs and Sierras = 4 drs

Suburbans came with three engine possibilities, the 6, the 270 poly and the 315 poly but only the Custom Suburban came (normally) with the 315 poly. So there is a good chance that 857 = Custom Sierra, especially if it was built early in the production year.

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Chrycoman
Posted 2018-09-08 4:18 AM (#569801 - in reply to #569530)
Subject: Re: 56 Dodge Body Code Data Base



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To help you out a bit -

The Coronet wagons did not have the small add-on fins. The 2 door Suburban came either with a six (D62) or V8 (D63-1). The Sierra came only as a V8 as part of the Coronet V8 series (D63-1).

The Custom Suburban and Custom Sierra came only with a V8 as part of the Royal V8 (D63-2). The Sierra and Custom Sierra both came as either 2 seat or 3 seats. Suburbans were all 2 seat wagons.

Also the Custom models (Royal series) used the painted headlamp rims as used on the Custom Royal. The lower priced non-Custom models (Coronet series) used the chrome headlamp rims.

As for engines, the Suburban Six (D62) used only the 230-cid six. Engine number prefix - D62-.

Suburban V8 and Sierra V8 (D63-1) had the standard engine as the 270 V8 (engine number prefix D63-1- ), with 315 optional.

The Custom Suburban and Custom Sierra (D63-2) had the 315-cid V8 engine as standard, and two higher powered versions as optional.

By the looks of things, the second digit has nothing to do with the engine. You have "2" for Royal and "3" for Custom Royal, but both came with the same standard engine - 218 bhp, 315-cid V8.

So, for the "857", is the car "Custom" or not? If it has fins, painted headlamp doors, chrome drain trough mouldings, Sun Cap windshield moulding (wider moulding along top of windshield), instrument panel insert mouldings (along outer edge of instrument panel above the gauges), seat base chrome mouldings (if they have not fallen off by now), you have a Custom. If not, you have the plain Suburban or Sierra.

The Custom also came with carpets and not black rubber, but that can change over the years as the wagon is used.

Although, with the Custom Royal as "3", non-Custom wagons could be "4" and Custom "5". "7" would be 2 door Suburban.

Hope this helps.





Edited by Chrycoman 2018-09-08 4:27 AM
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56D500boy
Posted 2018-09-08 11:14 AM (#569809 - in reply to #569801)
Subject: Re: 56 Dodge Body Code Data Base



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Thanks Bill. Some help but still missing what exactly the "5" and the "7" mean in 857.

For the non-wagons, I had suggested above that:

"Second Digit = trim line

1 = Coronet as in D62 or D63-1
2 = Royal as in D63-2
3= Custom Royal as in D63-3"

Doesn't explain "5". Need more (real) data.

Agree about the most obvious visual clues that Custom = the larger painted headlight "doors" and the chrome fins and that Suburban = 2 dr and Sierra = 4 door.

Anybody with a 56 Dodge wagon, please chime in with photos of the data plate (and info about the wagon configuration).

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56D500boy
Posted 2018-09-08 11:20 AM (#569811 - in reply to #569809)
Subject: 1956 Canadian Dodge Models



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For the few of you that might be following along, you will have noticed references to D62 and D63 but nothing about D61 or D60 for that matter. What's the deal?

Well the deal is D60 and D61 were Canadian Models, i.e. Plymouth chassis and bodies (to the firewall) with American Dodge (appearing or actual) front fenders, hood, bumper, etc.

As far as I can tell,

D60 = 1956 Canadian Dodge Regent, where Regents typically, if not exclusively, came with 251 cu in Flat head 6 cylinder engines.
I have a photo of 1956 Canadian Dodge Regent 2 dr hardtop, 6 cyl, Powerflite, and it is designated D60-2 Special Coupe on its data plate

D61 = 1956 Canadian Dodge Mayfair, which typically, if not exclusively, got the 270 or 277 cu in V8 (I have no specific info on this to confirm)

D62 = no Canadian D62s

D63 = American Dodge body with 303 (302.5) cu in V8 (derived from the 56 Plymouth Fury) (There is a forum member here with one)
At the time of posting there is one (4dr Lancer for sale in Edmonton) https://www.kijiji.ca/v-classic-cars/edmonton/1956-dodge-custom-roya...

Info from the Chrysler Corporation (Chryco) of Canada's 1955-56 CDPD manual:



Edited by 56D500boy 2018-09-08 11:31 AM




(56DodgeCanadianModelDesignations.jpg)



(56DodgeCanadianModelListingByEngine_small.jpg)



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Chrycoman
Posted 2018-09-08 2:18 PM (#569814 - in reply to #569530)
Subject: Re: 56 Dodge Body Code Data Base



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The D60 was the 6 cylinder version of the Plymouth-based Dodge. Came as Crusader (D60-1) and Regent (D60-2). The Canadian version used the 250.6-cid flathead six. The export models (built in Windsor and Detroit) were Kingsway (D60-1), Kingsway Deluxe (D60-2) and Kingsway Custom (D60-3). The US-built Kingsway D60 used the Plymouth 230-cid flathead six and was available in all body styles used by Plymouth. In Canada the Dodge Kingsway Six was available as a 4 door sedan in Kingsway, Kingsway Deluxe and Kingsway Custom. 33 Kingsway Six Custom sedans were built.

The D61 was the V8 version - D61-1 Crusader, D61-2 Regent, D61-3 Mayfair. The Dodge 270 V8 was used when the 1956 models were introduced and the A block 276.1 a few couple of months later at engine number 6000C. The same engines were used in the U.S. The export Kingsway models were built in the U.S. in the same body styles as the Plymouth using US Plymouth engines (except Fury).

Body styles built in Canada were 2 door sedan, 4 door sedan, 2 door Suburban, 4 door Suburban, 2 door Hardtop and 4 door Hardtop. The Mayfair 2 door convertible was imported from the U.S. and all options, colours, trim, etc. were identical to the US Belvedere convertible. Just the front clip and nameplates were different.

The Canadian-built Dodge Custom Royal and Chrysler Windsor used the 303 V8, CR in 2-bbl and Windsor with 4-bbl. But I would not say the Canadian 303 was based on the Fury as the Canadian Custom Royal and Windsor were in production by August 1955 while the Fury was later in the year. For the longest time the belief was the Fury used Windsor-built 303 engines, but that is not quite true.

The Canadian 1956 Custom Royal came as 4 door sedan, 2 and 4 door hardtop as well as the imported convertible. No wagons until 1958. Although not advertised, Chrysler of Canada would import models not sold in Canada if you didn't mind paying the import duties, excise taxes, federal sales taxes, etc. all based on the list price of the car converted to Canadian dollars. Thus in 1956 it was possible to import a Coronet, Royal, Suburban or Sierra. Just have bring lots of cash to the dealer. For example, the Custom Royal convertible was advertised in the U.S. as US$2,913 for the base model, while in Canada it was C$3,980. The Custom Royal sedan was US$2,623 while the Canadian-built sedan was C$3,190. The Canadian market Custom Royal had turn signals, back up lights, glove box light, map light, Powerflite, and wheel covers as standard equipment which explained about C$200 of the price difference. The Heater-Defroster was a mandatory option - price was not included in the advertised prices, but was added to the cost as soon as you sat down with the saleman.




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56D500boy
Posted 2018-10-14 12:09 PM (#571671 - in reply to #569589)
Subject: RE: 56 Dodge Body Code Data Base



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56D500boy - 2018-09-04 3:07 PM

DepsilonD (Dave N.) tells me:
"I have a body code of 857 on a ’56 V-8 2-door Suburban. I don’t know if it a Custom Suburban or not".
Well that is a start - filling some blanks - sort of. However, the only thing that I understand is "8" = V8.
56 Dodge Wagons came in four flavours and several subflavours, based on engine (6 or 8), 270 V8 or 315 V8, the number of doors (2 or 4) and the number of seats. One them will be "857"



During my Sunday AM eBay/Google cruise for all things 1956 Dodge, I bumped into an old advert for a 1956 Dodge Custom Sierra D500 Wagon for sale in France last year. The car sold for about 21,000 Euros so actually not a bad price considering. The ad still had all (20) of its photos so I've archived them. One of the photos was the cowl tag showing the body as 858. So another data point.

Based on the previous posts in this thread, if the car is a 4 door wagon, it is a Sierra. It has the hooded headlight "doors" so Custom, i.e. Custom Sierra. Body code = 858 so 857 for a 2dr Suburban wagon from DepsilonD must mean the first 8 = V8, the 5 = wagon and 8 = Sierra 4 dr and 7 = Suburban 2 dr. (BUT I could be wrong)

I'm going to pursue some of the other info on the tag in the a separate VIN tag thread.



Edited by 56D500boy 2018-10-14 1:02 PM




(56DodgeCustomSierraD500Wagon_1.jpg)



(56DodgeCustomSierraD500Wagon_2.jpg)



(56DodgeCustomSierraD500Wagon_3.jpg)



(1956DodgeCustomSierraD500WagonCowlTag.jpg)



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56D500boy
Posted 2018-12-13 4:33 PM (#575187 - in reply to #571671)
Subject: RE: 56 Dodge Body Code Data Base



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I was looking for something else and bumped into an old thread with a 56 Dodge Royal D500 2dr Golden Lancer.

Body = 826 = works for me: 8 = V8, 2 = Royal, 6 = 2dr hardtop.

Trim = 539 = black and white flying ducks

Paint = 077 = the Golden Lancer colour combo, white and gold.



(1224.JPG)



(1223.JPG)



(1234.JPG)



(56.jpg)



(56_2.jpg)



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56D500boy
Posted 2019-01-03 7:48 PM (#576219 - in reply to #571671)
Subject: RE: 56 Dodge Body Code Data Base



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Previously I suggested:

56D500boy - 2018-10-14 12:09 PM

56D500boy - 2018-09-04 3:07 PM

56 Dodge Wagons came in four flavours and several subflavours, based on engine (6 or 8), 270 V8 or 315 V8, the number of doors (2 or 4) and the number of seats. One them will be "857"



Based on the previous posts in this thread, if the car is a 4 door wagon, it is a Sierra. It has the hooded headlight "doors" so Custom, i.e. Custom Sierra. Body code = 858 so 857 for a 2dr Suburban wagon from DepsilonD must mean the first 8 = V8, the 5 = wagon and 8 = Sierra 4 dr and 7 = Suburban 2 dr. (BUT I could be wrong)


The other day, I bumped into a thread that showed a 56 Dodge 2dr Suburban owned by JerseyBob. The interior was in a black and white pattern that I had not seen before so I contacted Bob and asked him to send a photo of his data plate and a couple of interior photos. Which he did (Thanks Bob). Bob also pointed me to his album which has a photo of his original engine, a flat head 6.

So based on previous "figurings" (and head scratching), the body code should start with "6" for the engine and end with "7" for the two door wagon. Turns out the Body Code is 647 so not bad. BUT my head hurts trying to figure out the "4". Any suggestions? Standard transmission? All the other wagons with "5" have been PowerFlites (I think)









Edited by 56D500boy 2019-01-03 7:57 PM




(JerseyBobs2dr56SuburbanOriginalFlatHeatSixEngine.jpg)



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56D500boy
Posted 2019-03-29 1:01 PM (#580072 - in reply to #576219)
Subject: Another Data Point: 56 Dodge Royal 4 dr Hardtop



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This is the 56 Dodge Royal 4dr Hardtop that John F. at Big M has (had?) for sale:

White on white, V8, 4dr hardtop:



Cowl Tag:



So from the tag:

12 22 = Scheduled build date = Dec. 22, 1955

Body = 821 (?) = 8 = V8, 2 = Royal, 1 = 4 dr hardtop (??). This is the first 4 dr hardtop tag that I have encountered so I'm not sure about the "1".

Paint = 55 (as in 555 = all Sapphire white)

Trim = 532 (??). I can't quite see it. New data point for the 56 Dodge Trim code thread. Those are seat covers over the factory 56 Royal "Flying Duck" cloth that shows on the door panels.




Previously I had suggested:

56D500boy - 2018-09-03 10:46 AM
This is what I know (or *think* I know) so far:

D62 = Coronet with 6 cylinder engine
D63-1 = Coronet with 8 cylinder engine
D63-2 = Royals
D63-3 = Custom Royals

First Digit = Engine Type

6 = the Flat head six

8 = V8

Second Digit = trim line

1 = Coronet as in D62 or D63-1
2 = Royal as in D63-2
3= Custom Royal as in D63-3


Third Digit = actual body type:

2 = 2 dr sedan
3 = 2dr convertible
5 = 4 dr sedan
6 = 2 dr hardtop
? = 4 dr hardtop (help!!)
? = 2 dr wagon (suburban) (need help!!)
? = 4dr wagon (suburban) (need help!!)

so examples of these combos that I can confirm so far include:

612 = Coronet 6 cylinder 2 dr sedan (confirmed by an eBay Auction that showed the cowl tag)

812 = Coronet V8 2dr sedan (confirmed by Ralf in Finland)
815 = Coronet V8 4dr sedan (confirmed by Norman H.)
816 = Coronet V8 2dr hardtop (confirmed by an eBay Auction that showed the cowl tag)
826 = Royal 2dr Hardtop (confirmed by an eBay Auction that showed the cowl tag)
833 = Custom Royal convertible (confirmed by Per E. in Sweden and Wayne G. in the US)
835 = Custom Royal 4dr Sedan (confirmed by me and George B.)
836 = Custom Royal 2dr Hardtop (Lancer) (confirmed by Dave N., Dave H., Per E. and many others)

Some speculation (needs to be confirmed):

615 = Coronet 6 cylinder 4 dr sedan (as in a Taxi)
813 = Coronet V8 convertible
825 = Royal V8 4 dr sedan


So now I think we can revise the list:

Second Digit = trim line

1 = Coronet as in D62 or D63-1
2 = Royal as in D63-2
3= Custom Royal as in D63-3
4 = Sierra Wagon
5= Custom Sierra wagon (??)

Third Digit = actual body type:

1 = 4 dr hardtop ("Special Sedan")
2 = 2 dr sedan ("Club coupe???"
3 = 2dr convertible ("Convertible Coupe")
4 = ?? (haven't seen one yet)
5 = 4 dr sedan
6 = 2 dr hardtop ("Special Club Coupe")
7 = 2 dr wagon (suburban)
8 = 4 dr wagon (suburban)

so examples of these combos that I can confirm so far include:

612 = Coronet 6 cylinder 2 dr sedan (confirmed by an eBay Auction that showed the cowl tag)
647 = Sierra 2 dr 6 cylinder wagon


812 = Coronet V8 2dr sedan (confirmed by Ralf in Finland)
815 = Coronet V8 4dr sedan (confirmed by Norman H.)
816 = Coronet V8 2dr hardtop (confirmed by an eBay Auction that showed the cowl tag)
821 = Royal 4dr hardtop (as above)
826 = Royal 2dr Hardtop (confirmed by an eBay Auction that showed the cowl tag)
833 = Custom Royal convertible (confirmed by Per E. in Sweden and Wayne G. in the US)
835 = Custom Royal 4dr Sedan (confirmed by me and George B.)
836 = Custom Royal 2dr Hardtop (Lancer) (confirmed by Dave N., Dave H., Per E. and many others)
858 = Custom Sierra 4dr Wagon (V8)

Some speculation (needs to be confirmed):

615 = Coronet 6 cylinder 4 dr sedan (as in a Taxi)
813 = Coronet V8 convertible
825 = Royal V8 4 dr sedan

Edited by 56D500boy 2019-03-29 1:21 PM
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56D500boy
Posted 2019-04-02 5:02 PM (#580306 - in reply to #580072)
Subject: RE: Another Data Point: 56 Dodge Royal 4 dr Hardtop



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I don't know where the body tag photo from John (Big M) F.'s 56 Royal 4dr hardtop went to but here it is again (attached to this thread now, not John's for sale thread):



Edited by 56D500boy 2019-04-02 5:04 PM




(DSCN7155.JPG)



(DSCN7188.JPG)



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56D500boy
Posted 2019-04-03 7:53 PM (#580362 - in reply to #580306)
Subject: Looking for more 56 Dodge



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I recently was sent some pages from perhaps an older Kelly Blue book (see below).

In these pages, it lists seven iterations of the 56 Dodge wagon. I am hoping to learn what the body codes for all seven were. At this point, I only know 2 of them.

From the above brochure listing and the Blue Book list, I have interpreted and compiled the following (if I am wrong please correct me):

56 Dodge Wagons

Basics:


Suburban = 2 doors, max of 2 seats/6 passengers, 3 in front, 3 in rear, no third seat
Sierra = 4 doors, could be 2 seat/6 passengers or 3 seat /8 passengers (the additional 2 in the rear most area), 270 cu in poly V8, chrome headlight doors (bezels), no chrome on rear fins
Custom = body-coloured headlight doors, chrome rear fins to either the Suburban or Sierra, 315 cu in poly V8


Engines:

Flat head 131 hp 230 cu in 6 cyl - Suburban only
270 cu in 2 bbl 189 hp poly Red Ram V8, Suburban and Sierra
315 cu in 2bbl 218 hp Super Red Ram poly V8, Custom Suburban and Custom Sierra
315 cu in 4 bbl 230 hp Super-Powered Super Red Ram poly optional from the initial introduction
315 cu in 4 bbl 260 hp D500 hemi optional after approximately May 1956 (Dr. Desoto owned one for a time)

Combinations and permutations from the 56 Dodge Wagon Brochure:

6 cylinder Suburban example: Code 647 2dr 6 cyl with standard transmission
8 cylinder Suburban, 270 cu in V8
8 cylinder, Sierra, 4dr, 2 seats/6 passengers
8 cylinder, Sierra, 4dr, 3 seats/8 passengers
8 cylinder Custom Suburban. Rumour has Code 857 where V8, 2dr, auto trans, 2 seats, body-coloured head light bezel/doors, chrome fins
8 cylinder Custom Sierra 6 passenger, example Code 858: V8, 4 dr, auto trans, 2 seats (Doctor Desoto's Custom Sierra D500 wagon had this code)
8 cylinder Custom Sierra 8 passenger

So I am still looking for build tag (cowl tag) or IBM card examples of the five or six wagons that I am missing to add to this list.

Anybody?



Doc Desoto's D500 Custom Sierra build tag with the 858 body code:





Edited by 56D500boy 2019-04-04 10:35 AM




(56CustomSierraWagonD500CowlTag.jpg)



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RustyFender
Posted 2019-06-13 1:27 PM (#583380 - in reply to #569530)
Subject: RE: 56 Dodge Body Code Data Base



Member

Posts: 22

Location: Oregon, USA
Royal Lancer
315 Poly/Auto
Jewel Black upper/Aquamarine lower in original paint
3rd owner





(Royal2.jpg)



(tag.jpg)



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56D500boy
Posted 2019-06-13 1:59 PM (#583381 - in reply to #583380)
Subject: RE: 56 Dodge Body Code Data Base



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Thanks Kelly. So 824 = V8, Royal, 4dr hardtop where the 4 = 4 dr hardtop. Good to know/confirm. I will update the list of body codes.

As for your build tag, it looks like mine, i.e. an LA built car with a 42nnnnn VIN (not 35nnnnn = Detroit). Looks like a late December (12/29/55) build. Hope that it wasn't the Friday before New Years eve (and there were a few bottles being passed around on the line).

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RustyFender
Posted 2019-06-13 2:04 PM (#583382 - in reply to #583381)
Subject: RE: 56 Dodge Body Code Data Base



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Location: Oregon, USA
Yes, I just checked and the VIN starts in 42. Thanks for your work!
Kelly
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56D500boy
Posted 2019-12-25 5:33 PM (#592016 - in reply to #580362)
Subject: RE: Looking for more 56 Dodge



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.
While going through Bruce Faulkner's 56 Dodge data base today for D500 engine numbers and corresponding VINs, I discovered that he had a section on body codes. Basically the same info that has been compiled here but with a bit more info on the wagons. I had to flag and correct a couple of other items, i.e. Bruce had never seen a Body code starting with 6 so he thought that they all started with "8". (They do but only if the engine is a V8, the 6 cylinder body codes started with 6, as in the example above 647).

In the D500 engine base Bruce had wagons with 858 and 848 codes. I had an 859 code for an 8 passenger Custom Sierra wagon.

So I think that there are wagon codes like this:

647 = 6 cylinder, 2 dr, standard transmission, Suburban

848 = V8, 2dr, Sierra

858 = V8, Custom Sierra, 6 passenger

859 = V8, Custom Sierra, 8 passenger (3rd, forward-facing jump seat behind the normal rear seat)

I could be wrong about the 848.





(BruceFaulknersBodyCodeSummary.jpg)



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56D500boy
Posted 2019-12-26 3:27 PM (#592038 - in reply to #592016)
Subject: RE: Looking for more 56 Dodge



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Small update. Yesterday while going through some D500 engine numbers, I re-found a cowl tag for a 3 seat Custom Sierra (which happened to have a D500 hemi). The body code was 859. On that basis, I am adding some wild @ss guesses (those followed with (??))

So now we have:

Combinations and permutations from the 56 Dodge Wagon Brochure:

6 cylinder Suburban example: Code 647 2dr 6 cyl with standard transmission
8 cylinder Suburban, 270 cu in V8 Code =847 (??)
8 cylinder, Sierra, 4dr, 2 seats/6 passengers Code = 848 (??)
8 cylinder, Sierra, 4dr, 3 seats/8 passengers Code = 849 (??)
8 cylinder Custom Suburban. Rumour has Code 857 (??) where V8, 2dr, auto trans, 2 seats, body-coloured head light bezel/doors, chrome fins
8 cylinder Custom Sierra 6 passenger, example Code 858 : V8, 4 dr, auto trans, 2 seats (Doctor Desoto's Custom Sierra D500 wagon had this code )
8 cylinder Custom Sierra 8 passenger as above but with the 3rd seat, Code 859

So I am still hoping to find more info to confirm or correct these guesses.



Edited by 56D500boy 2019-12-26 3:28 PM
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frwl
Posted 2019-12-27 7:00 AM (#592074 - in reply to #569530)
Subject: RE: 56 Dodge Body Code Data Base


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Hello Dave. This is what I found.
Hard to see, but cowl tag shows body 849 = this is 9 Passenger Sierra Wagon…
I have no photo of trunk compartment
Else PAINT 273 and TRIM 828 probably… and «5» below «B» in the right top corner…




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56D500boy
Posted 2019-12-27 11:31 AM (#592085 - in reply to #592074)
Subject: RE: 56 Dodge Body Code Data Base



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frwl - 2019-12-27 4:00 AM
Hard to see, but cowl tag shows body 849 = this is 9 Passenger Sierra Wagon…
I have no photo of trunk compartment
Else PAINT 273 and TRIM 828 probably…


Something strange with that wagon. Chrome fins but also chrome headlight bezels/doors. (??)

The car has been messed with (interior has been redone and the 273 paint code = sapphire white roof, jewell black saddle and garnet metallic lower.

But I believe the 9 in 849.

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Chrycoman
Posted 2019-12-27 6:46 PM (#592105 - in reply to #569530)
Subject: Re: 56 Dodge Body Code Data Base



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Looks like you have settled the three digit Body entry on the Body Plate -

1st digit - Engine
6 - Six cylinder
8 - Eight cylinder

2nd digit - Series
1 - Coronet 6 (D62) & V8 (D63-1)
2 - Royal V8 (D63-2)
3 - Custom Royal V8 (D63-3)
4 - Suburban 6 (D62) / Suburban V8 & Sierra V8 (D63-1)
5 - Custom Suburban V8 / Custom Sierra V8 (D63-2)

3rd digit - Body Style
1 -
2 - 2dr Club Sedan
3 - 2dr Convertible
4 - 4dr Special Sedan (Hardtop Sedan)
5 - 4dr Sedan
6 - 2dr Special Club Coupe (Hardtop Coupe)
7 - 2dr Station Wagon
8 - 4dr Station Wagon, 2-seat
9 - 4dr Station Wagon, 3-seat

Does not appear to be an entry on the Body Code for a D-500. At least the few confirmed D-500 models have nothing extra in the Body Code.

What does the B - 5 entry on the some of the body plates refer to?


Bill
Vancouver, BC
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56D500boy
Posted 2019-12-27 8:17 PM (#592109 - in reply to #592105)
Subject: Re: 56 Dodge Body Code Data Base



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Chrycoman - 2019-12-27 3:46 PM
Does not appear to be an entry on the Body Code for a D-500. At least the few confirmed D-500 models have nothing extra in the Body Code.
What does the B - 5 entry on the some of the body plates refer to?


Bill: I have been attempting to find a "sign", any sign of the D500 engine, etc. on the 56 Dodge D500 cowl data plates for over three years now and nothing has jumped out and bitten me yet.

Three of us (myself, Igor(frwl) and Robert (RDP)) have been trying to figure out the 56 Los Angeles cowl data plates (before moving to the Detroit plates - which are different) and we haven't got confirmed anything. Igor and Robert have been doing a great job figuring things out but there are still gaps.

This thread: (2 pages so far):

http://www.forwardlook.net/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=67614&...



Edited by 56D500boy 2019-12-28 12:43 PM
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frwl
Posted 2019-12-28 12:22 PM (#592126 - in reply to #569530)
Subject: RE: 56 Dodge Body Code Data Base


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Just for compare…

1956 Plymouth Body Style – Third Digit

1 = 2door Business Sedan
3 = Convertible
4 = 2door Sedan
5 = 4door Sedan
6 = 2door Hardtop
7 = 2door Station Wagon, 6P
8 = 4door Station Wagon, 6P
9 = 4door Hardtop

1956 Dodge Body Style – Third Digit

2 = 2door Sedan
3 = Convertible
4 = 4door Hardtop
5 = 4door Sedan
6 = 2door Hardtop
7 = 2door Station Wagon, 6P
8 = 4door Station Wagon, 6P
9 = 4door Station Wagon, 9P

1956 DeSoto Body Style – Second Digit

0 = 4door Station Wagon, 6P (and Adventurer 2door Hardtop)
1 = 4door Hardtop Sportsman (non confirmed)
2 = 2door Hardtop Seville
3 = Convertible
4 = 4door Hardtop Seville (non confirmed)
5 = 4door Sedan
6 = 2door Hardtop Sportsman

1956 Chrysler Body Style – Second Digit

0 = 4door Station Wagon, 6P
1 = 4door Hardtop Newport (non confirmed)
2 = 2door Hardtop Windsor Nassau / New Yorker Newport
3 = Convertible
4 = 2door Hardtop 300B
5 = 4door Sedan
6 = 2door Hardtop Windsor Newport / New Yorker St.Regis

1956 Imperial Body Style – Second Digit

1 = 4door Hardtop Southampton
5 = 4door Sedan
6 = 2door Hardtop Southampton
7 = 4door Sedan, 8P
8 = Limousine, 8P
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frwl
Posted 2019-12-28 2:33 PM (#592134 - in reply to #569530)
Subject: RE: 56 Dodge Body Code Data Base


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Dave, this is probably "strange" BODY 849 wagon, that showed above by myself

https://www.mecum.com/lots/PJ0617-288288/1956-dodge-sierra-wagon/




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56D500boy
Posted 2019-12-28 4:41 PM (#592144 - in reply to #592134)
Subject: RE: 56 Dodge Body Code Data Base



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frwl - 2019-12-28 11:33 AM Dave, this is probably "strange" BODY 849 wagon, that showed above by myself


Thanks for the link Igor. It shows that the engine is a 270 2bbl poly = base V8 so Sierra (4 dr) makes sense. The chrome headlight bezels ("doors") also makessense for the Sierra. The confusion is the chrome tail fin extensions which should only be on a either Custom Suburban (2 dr) or Custom Sierra (4dr). Perhaps they were a factory option back in the day *OR* somebody liked the look and added them post-factory. Who knows.

Nice car regardless.

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56D500boy
Posted 2020-08-06 3:45 PM (#601738 - in reply to #592144)
Subject: RE: 56 Dodge Body Code Data Base



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I was re-reading Jon Robinson's book on the 1950's Chrysler products the other day, looking at the 54-56 Dodge sections. In the 1956 Dodge section (pg. 128-133), Mr. Robinson provided three tables, one each for the Coronet, Royal and Custom Royal. He provided some information on Model Number, Body/Style Number, Body Type and Seating, Factory Price and Shipping Weight in these tables. However, he wasn't 100% accurate on the Coronet model numbers and he had no body codes for any of the cars. So I decided to extract the three tables, consolidate them into one table and add the missing information. This *might* be useful in the future. (Or NOT )

I've added the section from the 55-58 Mopar Parts catalogue to confirm that D62 = 6 cylinder Coronets and D63-1 = 8 cylinder Coronets (and D63-2 = Royals (all V8s) and D63-3 = Custom Royals (all v8s))

I've also added annotated pages from the 56 Dodge Full-line brochure and added the body codes against the images of the cars so there is (hopefully) no future misunderstanding.


Edited by 56D500boy 2020-08-07 2:21 AM




(56DodgeModelCodes.jpg)



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(JonRobinsons56DodgeListings_medium_Annotated.jpg)



(56DodgeCoronetModels.jpg)



(56DodgeRoyalModels.jpg)



(56DodgeCustomRoyalModels.jpg)



(56DodgeWagons.jpg)



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Attachments 56DodgeCustomRoyalModels.jpg (180KB - 319 downloads)
Attachments 56DodgeWagons.jpg (240KB - 309 downloads)
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