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Old 12-05-2020, 12:14 PM   #1
steve fritz
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Default 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
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Old 12-05-2020, 12:26 PM   #2
56sedandelivery
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Default Re: 55 Ford Data Plate mounting???

Pic of my 56, think they are he same. Have cleaned it up since pic taken. lol
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Old 12-05-2020, 01:08 PM   #3
dmsfrr
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Default 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/
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Old 12-05-2020, 01:15 PM   #4
steve fritz
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Default Re: 55 Ford Data Plate mounting???

Thanks Guys....horizontal it is!
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Old 12-05-2020, 06:13 PM   #5
40cpe
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Default Re: 55 Ford Data Plate mounting???

Quote:
Originally Posted by dmsfrr View Post
Horizontal, not at an angle.

Original style 'factory' replacement rivets are available from several sources.
Example, https://www.classictbird.com/Data-Pl...oductinfo/800/
what kind of tool is used to install those rivets?
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Old 12-05-2020, 07:33 PM   #6
dmsfrr
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Default Re: 55 Ford Data Plate mounting???

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what kind of tool is used to install those rivets?
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.
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Old 12-05-2020, 07:51 PM   #7
40cpe
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Default 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.
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Old 12-05-2020, 08:04 PM   #8
dmsfrr
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Default Re: 55 Ford Data Plate mounting???

Quote:
Originally Posted by 40cpe View Post
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.
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.
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Last edited by dmsfrr; 12-05-2020 at 08:15 PM. Reason: add photo
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Old 12-06-2020, 10:19 AM   #9
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Default 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.
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Old 12-07-2020, 08:41 AM   #10
Ford blue blood
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Default 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.
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Old 12-11-2020, 09:41 AM   #11
steve fritz
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Default Re: 55 Ford Data Plate mounting???

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