overall length

[Falfa-55]

hey guys/gals , my project is a couple of hours from me at the moment , does anyone know the overall length of a 2 dr 55' ? Thanks Todd

[MikeKy55]

Including bumpers? I laid a tape next to mine and it's real close to 16' 1"

[reborn55]

Without bumpers=188.3 inches
With bumpers=197.1 inches

[Steve Allen]

I always found the tri-5 overall lengths [OAL] pretty interesting.

I'm not sure where they're doing the measurment from, but as stated in the orginal factory specifications:

55 210, Belair 115 inch wheel base 195.6 inches OAL
56 210, Belair 115 inch wheel base 197.5 inches OAL
57 210, Belair 115 inch wheel base 200.0 inches OAL

As each year progressed, the car grew a little in length. And as we most know, the 55 is the smallest looking of the three, and the OAL definitely tells us that’s true. Maybe that’s the attraction to the 55, a little smaller and sportier looking. At least, that’s the reasons I was initially attracted to the 55. But of course, each year has it’s own very unique elements, and we are lucky enough to have a number of choices here. Thank you Chevy!!

[Falfa-55]

thanks guys , just what I needed

[reborn55]

Steve--just curious to know where you got your info. Seems there are never any defining references to to tri-five specs. I got my info from original GM tech sheets(restoration package) put out in 55 and are a little different from your specs. It would be nice to have a definitve source for some of these specs.:confused:

[Steve Allen]

Ken,

Can't quite recall where I located the spec sheets. Their very detailed and show the production numbers for each car year and model. I have them in a pdf file and would be happy to e-mail them to you. They appear to have been copied and then scanned to a computer file. The actual production numbers for each model is pretty interesting. The Nomads had the real low production numbers. ie....

57 210 2 Door Sedan 162,090 units
57 Nomad 2 door wagon 6,103 units
57 Sport Sedan, hardtop 137,672 units


I just noticed on the file copy, the website address at the top in very small letters as to where the information was obtained from:
www.greatoldcars.com

[Steve Allen]

Ken, I e-mailed the spec file to you.

[reborn55]

Thanks Steve--little more info. Chevrolet used to and may still do offer what they call a restoration package for individual year cars. I got mine from Chevrolet Motor Division about 13 years ago. Have got others since. It is very detailed copy of info from specific years. I copied mine and sent it to Kevin Hardy who posts many online manuals and info.
http://chevy.tocmp.com/chevyresto/55index.htm
Doesn't have production figures but some very interesting facts and figures. Thanks for your info.

[PaPa Mike]

Good link Ken; Thanx for posting

[Chevynut]

I always found the tri-5 overall lengths [OAL] pretty interesting.

As each year progressed, the car grew a little in length. And as we most know, the 55 is the smallest looking of the three, and the OAL definitely tells us that’s true. Maybe that’s the attraction to the 55, a little smaller and sportier looking.

I hardly think you could tell a difference of 2" out of over 16 feet. ;) I think most of the difference is in the bumpers, because the 55-56 frames are the same length. In fact, the 57 frame is the shortest due to the truncated front horns, but other than that the frame is about the same with minor differences.

I've never thought the 55 looked any smaller than a 56. The height is the same too. But a 57 looks a lot heavier to me due to the big front bumper. Each of them has their special traits. :D

[dseale4888]

The '56 nose is longer in that the center of the hood is pointed and the fenders are longer.
Dave

[ETriggs]

What about 57's? Are they about the same length? Is there a sheet like that around for the 57's?
Thanks!
Eldon

[reborn55]

http://chevy.tocmp.com/chevyresto/57index.htm

[ETriggs]

Thanks Ken! That is perfect!
Eldon