1956 FORD

1956 FORD

Model Designations:

Ford Mainline Six, Series A6

Ford Mainline V-8, Series U6, M6, or P6

Ford Customline Six, Series A6

Ford Customline V-8, Series U6, M6, or P6

Ford Fairlane Six, Series A6

Ford Fairlane V-8, Series U6, M6, or P6

Ford Station Wagon Six, Series A6

Ford Station Wagon V-8, Seires U6, M6 or P6

Note: V-8 Series U6 had the 272 Cubic Inch V-8 Engine

V-8 Seires M6 had the 292 Cubic Inch V-8 Engine

V-8 Series P6 had the 312 Cubic Inch V-8 Engine

Ford Mainline Six, Body Styles:

4 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger, Body #73A

Factory Price: $1,895; Shipping Weight: 3,127 Pounds

Production Total: *

2 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger, Body #70A

Factory Price: $1,850; Shipping Weight: 3,087 Pounds

Production Total: *

2 Door Business Coupe, 3 Passenger, Body # 70D

Factory Price: $1,748; Shipping Weight: 3,032 Pounds

Production Total: *

* Includes Ford Mainline Six Series & V-8 Production.

Ford Mainline V-8, Body Styles:

4 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger, Body # 73A

Factory Price: $1,995; Shipping Weight: 3,238 Pounds

Production Total: 49,448 *

2 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger, Body # 70A

Factory Price: $1,950; Shipping Weight: 3,198 Pounds

Production Total: 106,974 *

2 Door Business Coupe, 3 Passenger, Body # 70D

Factory Price: $1,848; Shipping Weight: 3,143 Pounds

Production Total: 8,020*

* Includes Ford Mainline Six Series & V-8 Production.

Ford Customline Six, Body Styles:

4 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger, Body # 73B

Factory Price: $1,985; Shipping Weight: 3,147 Pounds

Production Total: *

2 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger, Body # 70B

Factory Price: $1,939; Shipping Weight: 3,107 Pounds

Production Total: *

2 Door Victoria Hardtop, 6 Passenger, Body # 64D

Factory Price: $2,093; Shipping Weight: 3,202 Pounds

Production Total: *

* Production Totals included with Customline V-8.

Ford Customline V-8, Body Styles:

4 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger, Body # 73B

Factory Price: $2,086; Shipping Weight: 3,258 Pounds

Production Total: 170,695 *

2 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger, Body # 70B

Factory Price: $2,040; Shipping Weight: 3,218 Pounds

Production Total: 164,828 *

2 Door Victoria Hardtop, 6 Passenger, Body # 64D

Factory Price: $2,193; Shipping Weight: 3,345 Pounds

Production Total: 33,130*

* Production Totals include Ford Customline Six & V-8 Series.

Ford Fairlane Six, Body Styles:

4 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger, Body # 73C

Factory Price: $2,093; Shipping Weight: 3,147 Pounds

Production Total: *

2 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger, Body # 70C

Factory Price: $2,047; Shipping Weight: 3,107 Pounds

Production Total: *

4 Door Victoria Hardtop, 6 Passenger, Body # 57A

Factory Price: $2,249; Shipping Weight: 3,297 Pounds

Production Total: *

2 Door Hardtop, Victoria, 6 Passenger, Body # 64C

Factory Price: $2,194; Shipping Weight: 3,202 Pounds

Production Total: *

2 Door Hardtop, Crown Victoria, 6 Passenger, Body # 64A

Factory Price: $2,237; Shipping Weight: 3,217 Pounds

Production Total: *

2 Door Crown Victoria Skyliner Hardtop, 6 Passenger, Body # 64B

Factory Price: $2,407; Shipping Weight: 3,227 Pounds

Production Total: *

2 Door Sunliner Convertible, 6 Passenger, Body # 76B

Factory Price: $2,359; Shipping Weight: 3,312 Pounds

Production Total: *

* Production Totals include Ford Fairlane Six & V-8 Series.

Ford Fairlane V-8, Body Styles:

4 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger, Body # 73C

Factory Price: $2,194; Shipping Weight: 3,290 Pounds

Production Total: 244,872*

2 Door Sedan, 6 Passenger, Body # 70C

Factory Price: $2,147; Shipping Weight: 3,250 Pounds

Production Total: 142,629*

4 Door Victoria Hardtop, 6 Passenger, Body # 57A

Factory Price: $2,349; Shipping Weight: 3,440 Pounds

Production Total: 32,111*

2 Door Hardtop, Victoria, 6 Passenger, Body # 64C

Factory Price: $2,294; Shipping Weight: 3,345 Pounds

Production Total: 177,735*

2 Door Hardtop, Crown Victoria, 6 Passenger, Body # 64A

Factory Price: $2,438; Shipping Weight: 3,360 Pounds

Production Total: 6,209*

2 Door Crown Victoria Skyliner Hardtop, 6 Passenger, Body # 64B

Factory Price: $2,507; Shipping Weight: 3,370 Pounds

Production Total: 603*

2 Door Sunliner Convertible, 6 Passenger, Body # 76B

Factory Price: $2,459; Shipping Weight: 3,455 Pounds

Production Total: 58,147*

* Production Totals include Ford Fairlane Six & V-8 Series.

Ford Station Wagon 6, Body Styles:

2 Door Ranch Wagon, 6 Passenger, Body #59A

Factory Price: $2,185; Shipping Weight: 3,330 Pounds

Production Total: *

2 Door Custom Ranch Wagon, 6 Passenger, Body # 59B

Factory Price: $2,249; Shipping Weight: 3,345 Pounds

Production Total: *

2 Door Parklane Wagon, 6 Passenger, Body # 59C

Factory Price: $2,428; Shipping Weight: 3,360 Pounds

Production Total: *

4 Door Country Sedan Wagon, 6 Passenger, Body # 79B

Factory Price: $2,297; Shipping Weight: 3,420 Pounds

Production Total: *

4 Door Country Sedan Wagon, 8 Passenger, Body # 79B

Factory Price: $2,428; Shipping Weight: 3,485 Pounds

Production Total: *

4 Door Country Squire Wagon, 8 Passenger, Body # 79C

Factory Price: $2,533; Shipping Weight: 3,495 Pounds

Production Total: *

* Production Totals include Ford Station Wagon Six & V-8 Series.

Ford Station Wagon V-8, Body Styles:

2 Door Ranch Wagon, 6 Passenger, Body #59A

Factory Price: $2,285; Shipping Weight: 3,473 Pounds

Production Total: 48,348*

2 Door Custom Ranch Wagon, 6 Passenger, Body # 59B

Factory Price: $2,350; Shipping Weight: 3,488 Pounds

Production Total: 42,317*

2 Door Parklane Wagon, 6 Passenger, Body # 59C

Factory Price: $2,258; Shipping Weight: 3,503 Pounds

Production Total: 15,186*

4 Door Country Sedan Wagon, 6 Passenger, Body # 79D

Factory Price: $2,397; Shipping Weight: 3,536 Pounds

Production Total: N/A*

4 Door Country Sedan Wagon, 8 Passenger, Body # 79B

Factory Price: $2,528; Shipping Weight: 3,628 Pounds

Production Total: 85,374*

4 Door Country Squire Wagon, 8 Passenger, Body # 79C

Factory Price: $2,633; Shipping Weight: 3,638 Pounds

Production Total: 22,221*

* Production Totals include Ford Station Wagon Six & V-8 Series.

1956 FORD

Chassis:

Wheelbase: 115-1/2"

Tire Sizes:

All Except as noted: 6.70 X 15"

Ranch Wagons: 7.10 X 15"

Victorias with Automatic Transmission: 7.10 X 15"

Country Sedans & Country Squires: 7.10 X 15", 6 Ply

Rear Axle Ratios:

6 Cylinder:

Manual Transmission: 3.89:1

Overdrive: 3.89:1

Automatic Transmission: 3.22:1

8 Cylinder:

Manual Transmission: 3.78:1

Overdrive: 3.89:1

Automatic Transmission: 3.22:1

General Engine Specifications:

6 Cylinder Engine:

Engine Type: Overhead Valve, Inline 6

Bore & Stroke: 3.625" x 3.60"

Engine Displacement: 223 Cu. In.

Compression Ratio: 8.00:1

Taxable Horsepower: 31.54

Horsepower: 137 @ 4,200 RPM

Torque: 202 Ft. Lbs @ 1,600 RPM

Normal Oil Pressure: 50 PSI

V-8 Engine, 272 Cubic Inches, With Manual Transmission:

Engine Type: Overhead Valve V-8

Bore & Stroke: 3.625" x 3.30"

Engine Displacement: 272 Cu. In.

Compresssion Ratio: 8.00 to 1

Taxable Horsepower: 42.05

Horsepower: 173 @ 4,400 RPM

Torque: 260 Ft. Lbs @ 2,400 RPM

Normal Oil Pressure: 50 PSI

V-8 Engine, 272 Cubic Inches, With Automatic Transmission:

Engine Type: Overhead Valve V-8

Bore & Stroke: 3.625" x 3.30"

Engine Displacement: 272 Cu. In.

Compresssion Ratio: 8.40 to 1

Taxable Horsepower: 42.05

Horsepower: 176 @ 4,400 RPM

Torque: 264 Ft. Lbs @ 2,400 RPM

Normal Oil Pressure: 50 PSI

V-8 Engine, 292 Cubic Inches, With Manual Transmission:

Engine Type: Overhead Valve V-8

Bore & Stroke: 3.75" x 3.30"

Engine Displacement: 292 Cu. In.

Compresssion Ratio: 8.00 to 1

Taxable Horsepower: 45.00

Horsepower: 200 @ 4,600 RPM

Torque: 285 Ft. Lbs @ 2,600 RPM

Normal Oil Pressure: 50 PSI

V-8 Engine, 292 Cubic Inches, With Automatic Transmission:

Engine Type: Overhead Valve V-8

Bore & Stroke: 3.75" x 3.30"

Engine Displacement: 292 Cu. In.

Compresssion Ratio: 8.40 to 1

Taxable Horsepower: 45.00

Horsepower: 202 @ 4,600 RPM

Torque: 289 Ft. Lbs @ 2,600 RPM

Normal Oil Pressure: 50 PSI

V-8 Engine, 312 Cubic Inches, With Manual Transmission:

Engine Type: Overhead Valve V-8

Bore & Stroke: 3.80" x 3.44"

Engine Displacement: 312 Cu. In.

Compresssion Ratio: 8.40 to 1

Taxable Horsepower: 46.21

Horsepower: 215 @ 4,600 RPM

Torque: 317 Ft. Lbs @ 2,600 RPM

Normal Oil Pressure: 50 PSI

V-8 Engine, 312 Cubic Inches, With Automatic Transmission:

Engine Type: Overhead Valve V-8

Bore & Stroke: 3.80" x 3.44"

Engine Displacement: 312 Cu. In.

Compresssion Ratio: 9.00 to 1

Taxable Horsepower: 46.21

Horsepower: 225 @ 4,600 RPM

Torque: 324 Ft. Lbs @ 2,600 RPM

Normal Oil Pressure: 50 PSI

Tune Up Specifications - All Series:

6 Cylinder Engine

Voltage: 12 Volts

Ground Polarity: Negative

Spark Plug Type: Champion 870, or Equivalent

Spark Plug: Gap .034"

Point Gap: .025"

Distributor Cam Angle: 35-38 Degrees

Firing Order: 1-5-3-6-2-4

Ignition Timing:

With Manual Transmission: 4 Degrees BTDC

With Automatic Transmission: 6 Degrees BTDC

Timing Mark Location: On Damper

Engine Idle Speed: 450 RPM

Cylinder Head Torque: 75 Ft. Lbs.

Compression Pressure @ Cranking Speed: 150 PSI (Minimum)

8 Cylinder Engine, 272, 292 Cubic Inch:

Voltage: 12 Volts

Ground Polarity: Negative

Spark Plug Type: Champion F-14Y, or Equivalent

Spark Plug: Gap .034"

Point Gap: .015"

Distributor Cam Angle: 26-28 Degrees

Firing Order: 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2

Ignition Timing:

Manual Transmission: 3 Degrees BTDC

Automatic Transmission: 6 Degrees BTDC

Timing Mark Location: On Damper

Engine Idle Speed: 450 RPM

Cylinder Head Torque: 75 Ft. Lbs.

Compression Pressure @ Cranking Speed: 155 PSI (Minimum)

8 Cylinder Engine, 312 Cubic Inch:

Voltage: 12 Volts

Ground Polarity: Negative

Spark Plug Type: Champion F-14Y, or Equivalent

Spark Plug: Gap .034"

Point Gap: .015"

Distributor Cam Angle: 26-28 Degrees

Firing Order: 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2

Ignition Timing:

Manual Transmission: 3 Degrees BTDC

Automatic Transmission: 6 Degrees BTDC

Timing Mark Location: On Damper

Engine Idle Speed: 450 RPM

Cylinder Head Torque: 75 Ft. Lbs.

Compression Pressure @ Cranking Speed: 155 PSI (Minimum)

Valve Specifications:

6 Cylinder Engine:

Operating Clearance, Running Hot or Cold:

Intake .019";

Exhaust .019"

Valve Seat Angle: 45 Degrees

Valve Timing: Intake Opens 24 degrees Before Top Dead Center

Exhaust Closes 2 degrees After Top Dead Center

Valve Spring Pressure: 161 LBS @ 1.39 inches

Cam Lobe Lift:

Intake: .268"

Exhaust: .268"

Valve Stem Clearance:

Intake .001"-.0024"

Exhaust .0023"-.0037"

Valve Stem Diameter:

Intake: .3415"-.3425"

Exhaust: .3405"-.3415"

8 Cylinder Engines:

Operating Clearance, Running Hot or Cold:

Intake: .019"

Exhaust .019"

Valve Seat Angle: 45 Degrees,

Valve Timing: Intake Opens 12 Degrees Before Top Dead Center

Exhaust Valve Closes 8 Degrees After Top Dead Center

Valve Spring Pressure: 161 Lbs @ 1.39 inches

Cam Lobe Lift:

Intake: .259"

Exhaust: .257"

Valve Stem Clearance:

Intake .001"-.0024";

Exhaust .0023"-.0037"

Valve Stem Diameter:

Intake: .3415"-.3425"

Exhaust: .3405"-.3415"

Piston, Rings, Pins, Crankshaft & Bearing Data:

6 Cylinder Engine:

Fitting Pistons:

Shim Thickness: .002"

Pounds Pull on Scale: 5-10 Lbs.

Ring End Gap:

Compression: .010"

Oil: .015"

Wrist Pin Diameter: .9121"

Rod Bearings:

Shaft Diameter: 2.298"-2.299"

Bearing Clearance: .0005"-.002"

Rod End Play: .003"-.009"

Rod Bolt Torque: 45-50 Ft. Lbs.

Main Bearings:

Shaft Diameter: 2.498"-2.499"

Bearing Clearance: .0005"-.003"

Crankshaft End Play: .004"-.008"

Thrust on #3 Bearing

Rod Bolt Torque: 100 Ft. Lbs.

8 Cylinder Engine, 272 Cubic Inches:

Fitting Pistons:

Shim Thickness: .002"

Pounds Pull on Scale: 5-10 Lbs.

Ring End Gap:

Compression: .010"

Oil: .015"

Wrist Pin Diameter: .9121"

Rod Bearings:

Shaft Diameter: 2.188"-2.189"

Bearing Clearance: .0005"-.003"

Rod End Play: .006"-.016"

Rod Bolt Torque: 45-50 Ft. Lbs.

Main Bearings:

Shaft Diameter: 2.498"-2.499"

Bearing Clearance: .0005"-.003"

Crankshaft End Play: .002"-.006"

Thrust on #3 Bearing

Rod Bolt Torque: 100 Ft. Lbs.

8 Cylinder Engine, 292 Cubic Inches:

Fitting Pistons:

Shim Thickness: .002"

Pounds Pull on Scale: 5-10 Lbs.

Ring End Gap:

Compression: .010"

Oil: .015"

Wrist Pin Diameter: .9121"

Rod Bearings:

Shaft Diameter: 2.188"-2.189"

Bearing Clearance: .0005"-.003"

Rod End Play: .006"-.016"

Rod Bolt Torque: 45-50 Ft. Lbs.

Main Bearings:

Shaft Diameter: 2.498"-2.499"

Bearing Clearance: .0005"-.003"

Crankshaft End Play: .002"-.006"

Thrust on #3 Bearing

Rod Bolt Torque: 100 Ft. Lbs.

8 Cylinder Engine, 312 Cubic Inches:

Fitting Pistons:

Shim Thickness: .002"

Pounds Pull on Scale: 5-10 Lbs.

Ring End Gap:

Compression: .012"

Oil: .015"

Wrist Pin Diameter: .9121"

Rod Bearings:

Shaft Diameter: 2.188"-2.189"

Bearing Clearance: .0005"-.003"

Rod End Play: .006"-.016"

Rod Bolt Torque: 45-50 Ft. Lbs.

Main Bearings:

Shaft Diameter: 2.623"-2.624"

Bearing Clearance: .0005"-.003"

Crankshaft End Play: .002"-.006"

Thrust on #3 Bearing

Rod Bolt Torque: 125 Ft. Lbs.

Capacities-All Series:

With 6 Cylinder Engine:

Cooling System:

Without Heater: 14-1/2 Quarts

With Heater: 15-1/2 Quarts

Radiator Cap Pressure: 12-15 PSI

Fuel Tank: 17 Gallons

Station Wagons & Couriers: 19 Gallons

Engine Oil Refill: 4 Quarts*

Manual Transmission: 3 Pints

With Overdrive: 3 Pints

Station Wagons With Overdrive: 4-1/2 Pints

Automatic Transmission: 9-1/4 Quarts

Rear Axle: 4 Pints: Station Wagon: 3 Pints

* Add 1 Quart For Oil Filter

With 8 Cylinder Engine:

Cooling System:

Without Heater: 19 Quarts

With Heater: 20 Quarts

Radiator Cap Pressure: 12-15 PSI

Fuel Tank: 17 Gallons

Station Wagons & Couriers: 19 Gallons

Engine Oil Refill: 5 Quarts*

Manual Transmission: 3 Pints

With Overdrive: 3 Pints

Station Wagons With Overdrive: 4-1/2 Pints

Automatic Transmission: 9-3/4 Quarts

Rear Axle: 4 Pints: Station Wagon: 3 Pints

* Add 1 Quart For Oil Filter

Starting Motor Specifications:

6 & 8 Cylinder:

Part #B6A-11002A

Rotation: Clockwise

Brush Spring Tension: 48 to 56 Ounces

No Load Test: 120 Amperes, 12 Volts, @ 4,800 RPM

Torque Test: 550 Amperes, 5.0 Volts, @ 15-1/2 Ft. Lbs.

Distributor Specifications:

6 Cylinder:

Part #B6A-12127E

Rotation: Clockwise

Breaker Point Gap: .025"

Cam Angle: 35-38 Degrees

Breaker Arm Spring Tension: 17 to 20 Ounces

Condenser Capacity: .21 to .25 Mfds

Vacuum Advance Data:

Advance Starts: 2-1/4 Degrees @ .50" Vacuum

Full Advance: 13-3/4 Degrees @ 6.0" Vacuum

8 Cylinder:

Part #B6A-12127A

Rotation: Counter-Clockwise

Breaker Point Gap: .015"

Cam Angle: 26-28 Degrees

Breaker Arm Spring Tension: 17 to 20 Ounces

Condenser Capacity: .21 to .25 Mfds

Vacuum Advance Data:

Advance Starts: 3/4 Degrees @ .28" Vacuum

Full Advance: 16-1/2 Degrees @ 4.6" Vacuum

Part #B6A-12127B

Rotation: Counter-Clockwise

Breaker Point Gap: .015"

Cam Angle: 26-28 Degrees

Breaker Arm Spring Tension: 17 to 20 Ounces

Condenser Capacity: .21 to .25 Mfds

Vacuum Advance Data:

Advance Starts: 1/2 Degree @ .29" Vacuum

Full Advance: 13-1/2 Degrees @ 2.19" Vacuum

Ford Generator Specifications:

Generator #B6A-10002A

Rotation: Clockwise

Ground Polarity: Negative

Generator Output: 30 Amperes @ 1,500 RPM

Brushes Spring Tension: 26-34 Ounces

Field Current Amperes: 1.4 to 1.6 Amperes

Regulator B6A-10505A

Cutout Relay:

Voltage to Close Points: 12.4

Voltage Regulator Setting: 15.0 Volts

Current Regulator Setting: 30 Amperes

Generator #B36S-10002A

Rotation: Clockwise

Ground Polarity: Negative

Generator Output: 30 Amperes @ 1,500 RPM

Brushes Spring Tension: 26-34 Ounces

Field Current Amperes: 1.4 to 1.6 Amperes

Regulator B6A-10505A

Cutout Relay:

Voltage to Close Points: 12.4

Voltage Regulator Setting: 15.0 Volts

Current Regulator Setting: 30 Amperes

Rear Axle & Brake Specifications-Passenger Cars, All Series:

Ring Gear & Pinion Backlash: .003"-.008"

Drive Pinion Adjustment: Shims

Drive Pinion Bearing Adjustment: Spacer

Axle Shaft End Play: None

Wheel Cylinder Bore:

Front: 1-1/8"

Rear: 7/8"

Master Cylinder Bore: 1"

Rear Axle & Brake Specifications-Station Wagons, All Series:

Ring Gear & Pinion Backlash: .003"-.008"

Drive Pinion Adjustment: Shims

Drive Pinion Bearing Adjustment: Spacer

Axle Shaft End Play: None

Wheel Cylinder Bore:

Front: 1-1/8"

Rear: 15/16"

Master Cylinder Bore: 1"

Wheel Alignment Specifications:

All Models:

Caster: + 1 Degree

Camber: + 3/4 Degree

Toe-In: 1/16" to 1/8"

Toe-Out on Turns:

Outer Wheel: 24-1/2 Degrees

Inner Wheel: 20 Degrees

Kingpin Angle: 7 Degrees, 7 Minutes

Holley Carburetor Adjustments, 6 Cylinder:

Model #1904, 1960

1 Barrel

Idle Screw Turns to Open: 1

Float Setting, Closed: 13/64"

Dashpot Setting: .045"-.064"

Holley Carburetor Adjustments, 8 Cylinder:

Model #2110

2 Barrels

Idle Screw Turns to Open: 1

Float Setting, Closed: 1-15/32"

Dashpot Setting: .045"-.064"
Automatic Choke Setting: Line up mark on choke cover with long mark on choke housing.

Model #4000

4 Barrels

Idle Screw Turns to Open: 5/8

Float Setting, Closed: 1/4"

Dashpot Setting: .045"-.064"

Automatic Choke Setting: Line up mark on choke cover with long mark on choke housing.

Popular Options:

Radio, Heater & Defroster, Power Windows (Not available on Mainline), Power Seat (Not Available on Mainline), Power Steering, Power Brakes, Overdrive, Automatic Transmission, Whitewall Tires.

1956 Ford Historical Data:

Introduction date of the 1956 Ford line is not available.

Total Ford Production for the1956 model year was 1,412,847, not including Thunderbirds.

1956 Ford Colors &Codes:

A Raven Black

B Nocturne Blue

C Bermuda Blue

D Diamond Blue

E Colonial White

F Pine Ridge Green

G Meadowmist Green

H Platinum Gray

J Buckskin Tan

K Fiesta Red

L Peacock Blue

M Goldenglow Yellow

N Mandarin Orange

V Berkshire Green

W Springmist Green

Y Sunset Coral

Promotional Models Available:

Plastic: Victoria 4 Door Hardtop, Sunliner Convertible, 4 Door Station Wagon, Thunderbird Convertible.

Metal: 4 Door Sedan