56 Fenders

[LEE T]

Yes, the vid puts a new light on repro parts for sure. What I think is interesting is that with all the labor and tooling it took back then for each single part, and they had model change overs ever three years, plus modifications each year, and today with all the technology available and computers to reduce labor costs and now they are also starting to use 3D printing for small parts, but the major model change over is now every 10 years. And not much change in looks in between.

People just liked their cars better back then, and looked forward to the new models. I remember the cars being covered up, and even the show rooms were draped, until the day when the new cars would be unveiled. Without the smog equipment, safety equipment, high tech, and being able to buy a bare bones car without options, made them a lot more afordable than today.

[markm]

No need to cover new models up today, I have trouble telling the new Fords and Chevys from the POS Toyotas and Hondas.

[JT56]

I'm almost betting that the demand for repop 56 parts is increasing faster than for 55-57. As the previously less-popular 56's get dragged out of the garages and barns, people are going to want parts for them. I see more and more people wanting a 56.

Agreed. I have seen more project 56's coming our and people asking about them too! You still have those out there that feel they are the bastard car between the two! lol

[LEE T]

Personally, I think the 56 adapts its self to a lower stance a little better than the 55 or 57, and I have two 56 project cars, but I like the overall look of the 55 much better.

[chevynut]

Without the smog equipment, safety equipment, high tech, and being able to buy a bare bones car without options, made them a lot more afordable than today.

I actually think cars are comparably priced today relative to incomes, and you get a lot more for your money. For example, in 1955 the "average wage index" reported by the SSA was $3,301.44 per year. In 2014 it was $46,481.52 or an increase of 14.08 times. A new 55 Chevy BA 2DHT cost $2166 back then and a Nomad was $2571, the most expensive of the models. At the rate of wage inflation, a 55Chevy today would cost $30,497 which is in the range of many new cars. And now A/C, power steering, power brakes, power windows, cruise control, tilt, ABS and power door locks are pretty much standard equipment and fit and finish is much better. Even the paint and rubber lasts a lot longer these days.

[LEE T]

Wow, I guess the labor savings by using computers and robots has been huuuuge . Its also interesting that some of the options became standard equipment because it was cheaper than stocking standard and optional equipment.

[chevynut]

Yeah LeeT I keep hearing people complain about prices all the time, but a lot of things have gotten cheaper over time...some a LOT cheaper (like electronics). I remember back around 1970 we could get gas for around 29 cents. The average wage index then was $6186.24. In 2014 it was 7.51 times that....so at the same percentage of wages gas should be $2.17. I saw it for less than that the other day but I can't find the 2016 index. Housing is currently out of line locally. My parents bought their house in 1965 for $18,000. The wage index now is about 10 times what it was in 1965, but the house is worth around $400K today. I think in general food prices have actually gotten cheaper over time. Prices don't matter within our economy...prices relative to wages matter.

[LEE T]

And as far as cars go, fortunately they don't make em like they use to. With the lower engine RPM today and higher quality internal parts in the engine and trans, and better rust prevention from the factory on the body and panels the cars are actually designed to last much longer now than before.

[55 Rescue Dog]

They just need to make them look like a 55 2dr. That is the biggest problem.