Jim, Thank you so much for the info about reducing the size of photos. I have reduced the photos of the day the car arrived from Michigan. I have posted 3 of them. I haven't any other photos at the moment. I am having an addition built on the house to put the motorcycles (4 Harleys). That leaves the entire garage for the Dodge. So far I have taken all the glass out, except the windshield and the tail gate window. I have taken the seats out, the headliner and most of the interior. I am getting this thing ready for media blasting and epoxy primer. I have to make up my mind about the front suspension. I can adapt a Dodge Dakota front clip, with disc brakes and rack and pinion steering, or I can get a sub frame from any one of the manufacturers that make tubular clips. A guy that has a 56 sent me pics and directions of his 56 wagon. He put the Dakota front clip on his. But I am using a Gen 1 Hemi for an engine. That thing weighs a ton, even with aluminum heads. If I go to the tubular clip over the Dokato clip, I lose a pile of weight. But the Dakota is cheaper, a lot cheaper. So that is a consideration as well. And one that I need address pretty soon. But at least, thanks to John, I have some pictures posted. And will be able to post others as the build continues.
Claude, Glad I could help. As computer illiterate as I am, I had to have it explained to me more than once. Now I can reduce picture sizes fairly quickly to make them small enough to post to forums and small enough to e-mail to friends. When you post to the forum, rather than clicking on "quick reply", try clicking on "go advanced" and then click on "manage attachments". Then you should be able to upload your reduced size photo to your post. Once you have a photo in your gallery, of if you find a photo elsewhere on the internet, you can also do a "copy" and "paste" of the photo to your post as well.
I was a little confused by the side trim on your wagon. I didn't think any of the wagons in '55 had the Lancer type side trim that was standard on convertibles and 2 door hardtops in 55. There were two series of Dodge wagons in '55. The Royal Sierra 4 door wagon in 6 and 8 passenger models was the top line wagon that year and featured a straight body side molding down the full length of the car. The Coronet 4 door Sierra wagon in 6 and 8 passenger forms, and the Coronet 2 door Suburban 6 passenger wagon was the lower priced line of '55 Dodge wagons. The Coronet Sierra (4dr) and Suburban (2 dr) wagons featured a straight body side molding that started at the headlights on the front fenders and extended to the trailing edge of the front doors. But, I leard that the hardtop/convertible "Lancer" trim was an extra cost trim option on sedans and wagons. Thats kind of surprising for a time when the chrome side trim was part of the model line's identity. By the way, as I was trying to figure out the side trim, I noticed that in my copy of the "Standard Catalog of Chrysler 1924-1990", it lists production for the 55 Coronet Suburban 2 door wagon at 8115. It didn't say how many had six's and how many V-8's. In this thread on another forum showing photos from last weekend's Mopar Spring Fling Mopar show in California, there is a 55 Royal Sierra wagon with the same optional side trim. http://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/showthread.php?t=140592
Lancer trim On a Suburban? I am brand new to the MoPars. At least the ones that are older than the famous muscle cars of the 60s. (I had ordered a 1966 Plymouth with Hemi/4 speed before I was transferred to Hawaii. I cancelled the order. Can you say what a "MAROON" ala Bugs Bunny?) So I am learning about the side trim. But my car seems to have all the Lancer trim on the side and hood. I have only seen 2 other 2 door wagons. And they had the trim you described. My car has room for 6. It came with a 6 cylinder, 3 speed on the column, no overdrive. It has a heater, no A/C (not surprising) and an AM push button radio. I absolutely love this body style. I have owned 2 1955 Chevys, as well as a 1957 convertible. One of the 55s was a 2 door wagon and the other a 2 door sedan, which I still own. As far as I am concerned, the 55 Dodge has it all over the 55 Chevy. It is only my opinion. But one I truly believe is, at least for me, true. By the way, thanks for the numbers statistic. I had no idea. I was in the middle of a 1965 Olds 442 project when I saw this beautiful wagon on eBay. I immediately bought the Dodge and put the 442 up for sale. I have ordered some parts from a Guy in Jacksonville, Florida that speciallizes just in old MoPar parts. He has been in this business for 20 years. I ordered 2 NOS tail light assemblies from him. As we talked, he said he knew Dodge made 2 door wagons in 1955, but he told me he has never seen one. And the Lancer trim on the car is original. I am the third registered owner of the car. I don't know if you looked at the license plate, but it has not been registered since 1972. I believe the car has been garaged most of it's life because there are no leaves in the drain in front of the door hinges, or any where else for that matter. The only rust is where the tires splashed up salt during the winter. The interior is actually in very good condition. The main problem there is the head liner. There were 3 small holes in the head liner. Mice had built a very complex condominium system in the head liner, and I mean the entire head liner. But the seats are excellent. The body is escellent. Two dents. One on the passenger side low on the body that runs from just forward of the rear door line back about 2.5 feet. The other is the left rear tail light. It has been kissed in what looks like a back up accident. But the tail lights need to be replace anyhow due to rust. The only problem I am going to have is the panel below the lower tail gate. It has rust in the hinge area and will have to be made from scratch. Do you have any source for MoPar Body panels? Especially the one below the tail gate?
