Good info,
Ford was a leader in safety features in'56: Seat belts were available, scooped steering wheel, padded dash, break-a-way rear view
mirror and door latches that prevented the doors from opening in an accident.
Might be more features but these all the ones I know.
Tim
Wet 'n Soggy
FL 33706

Thanks, I'll try to be more observant. 

As always you all have came through again thanks!

The obvious difference is the 56 star wheel is only about half as thick as the 55 wheel. The other differences is inside the door.

Can you look at the latch/striker installed on the car and distinguish between the '55 and '56? If so, what do I look for?
I have looked at pictures and drawings and can't tell the difference. 

Ford made changes to the latches for the '56 model year to eliminate the doors popping open. The changes were made to the latch mechanism inside the door and to the star wheel and striker plate. A '56 latch won't work with a '55 star wheel and striker and vice versa. The '56 latch and striker are a direct bolt-on replacement for the '55 pieces. If it were my car I would opt for the '56 latch and striker for the added safety.

So can you educate me. What the difference between the 1955 model latches. I don’t understand what differences . So if you have a drivers side latch for 1955 Ford Crown Victoria that you could part with let me know. I am interested as I stated for a friends 55 Crown. I am in Minnesota, 55021. Please let me know thanks.

55 Ford and 55 Mercury use the same latch and i do have them   Carl

I just checked Larry's Thunderbird. He does list them as available for 1955.



  

It is 1955 Ford Crown Victoria