Late 56 / Early 57 Part Crossover?

[Mark P.]

When the judging guide suggests potential crossover from a late 56 to an early 57, (or other model years) what is the generally accepted timeframe allowable? In other words, if a late 56 carburetor can be used on an early 57, how long into the 57 run is early still early? A coupe of weeks? 1 Month? Two? Past the first of the year?

Does it depend on the part/component? Do carburetors run into the next model year for a shorter time period than say, 3 speed shifters?

I know, tough questions, but it would be nice if there was a generally acceptabe timeframe, like there is on dated items being generally pre-dated by a maximum of 6 months. Thanks for your input.

Mark

[Gary C.]

Re: Late 56 / Early 57 Part Crossover?

Mark, 56 to 57 cross over is generally the last 100 '56's and the first 100 '57's for carbs. Same thing for the last 100 '57's had '56 parts (cleaning out the bins) and '58 parts on them. '56 3 speed shifters with the external spring continued to approx '57 VIN 1520 about Jan 1, 1957. The small shifter gate continued from '56 into '57 until the 4 speed's introduced May 1, 1957. Gary....

[Mark P.]

Re: Late 56 / Early 57 Part Crossover?

Thanks, Gary. I appreciate the info. Nice to get some clarification, even though I realize there is no hard fast rule on this stuff. It does make sense because you know they aren't going to throwing the old stuff away, they'll just use it on the next model year, especially if there aren't significant changes.

Mark

[Roy B.]

Re: Late 56 / Early 57 Part Crossover?

The first 100 following the next year sounds OK to me! To use up parts left overBut it's just a guessing game.

[Tom H.]

Re: Late 56 / Early 57 Part Crossover?

Mark,

You never know. My 57 (4176) is a late May car with 56 taillight lenses.

[John H.]

Re: Late 56 / Early 57 Part Crossover?

Mark,

You never know. My 57 (4176) is a late May car with 56 taillight lenses.

Tom -

The date molded into the taillight lenses isn't the date they were made - it's the date that the photometrics of the lens were certified to meet the SAE requirements. '56 and '57 used the same lenses.

[Bruce B.]

Re: Late 56 / Early 57 Part Crossover?

My 57 #809 has a 56 power top gas tank cover, a orange temp sender wire and possibly some other 56 items.