55 Ford Data Plate mounting???
 

Putting my 55 Ford Ranch Wagon project back together and ran accross a little problem , maybe somebody can check their Ford and give me the answer. On the data plate , there are two sets of predrilled holes to attach the plate to the body. ( drivers side door body below windshield side.) One set results in the data plate being mounted horizontal to the ground. The other set results in the data plate being at about a 35 degree angle to the ground. Which would be the original and correct mounting holes???
Probably should have just taped off the plate rather than removing it. Well that was better than two years ago , and I just have plain forgotten which way it was mounted. Thanks in advance for getting me straightened out on this.
Steve

Re: 55 Ford Data Plate mounting???
 

Pic of my 56, think they are he same. Have cleaned it up since pic taken. lol

Re: 55 Ford Data Plate mounting???
 

Horizontal, not at an angle.

Original style 'factory' replacement rivets are available from several sources.
Example, https://www.classictbird.com/Data-Pl...oductinfo/800/

Re: 55 Ford Data Plate mounting???
 

Thanks Guys....horizontal it is!

Re: 55 Ford Data Plate mounting???
 

what kind of tool is used to install those rivets?

Re: 55 Ford Data Plate mounting???
 

A hand-held flat tipped punch or wooden dowel about 3/16 ?
I've got a data plate to reinstall but the car isn't painted yet.

Re: 55 Ford Data Plate mounting???
 

Looking at post # 2 photo, it appears that the flanged end of the rivet will be on the outside when installed and a tool has to pull the spherical portion out to expand and catch the body. I could be wrong.

Re: 55 Ford Data Plate mounting???
 

Yes the flange is to the outside to hold the data plate on. I believe you insert the rivet into the data plate and door post holes (or firewall for T-Birds) then when it's in position push or tap in the center dome, which expands the back side of the rivet, fastening it in place.

Re: 55 Ford Data Plate mounting???
 

I would suggest to have extra rivets on hand. They are very soft and can push through very easy.

Re: 55 Ford Data Plate mounting???
 

Of the several I have rebuilt I found the "rivets" appeared to have been set with a center punch type of tool. All four cars have a dimple in the middle of the dome. As a result I have used a center punch to set the rivets. As stated go easy, they are softer then butter.

Re: 55 Ford Data Plate mounting???
 

Thanks ....I ordered those rivits today. I'll let you know how they work.
steve