The sill plates, or the strips of aluminum along the bottom of the doorjamb, serve two functions: They hide the body seam and the raw edge of the carpet. If you notice, we didn’t say they look cool. The factory did put some style in them with a bit of texture and a Body by Fisher logo, but every stock car has the same exact set. These often overlooked strips can be replaced with something that looks better, offers more protection, and also does the job of the stock piece. 1 For our sill plate upgrade for the ’56, we looked to Pete’s Fabrication. This company makes all kinds of billet dress-up items for Tri-Fives, and these plates are just one of the offerings. They are made out of 6061 aluminum, feature a mirror-like polished finish, and come with either lines (shown) or lines with a Bow Tie. They are larger than the stock pieces but still fit in the stock location and even screw down in the factory holes. These plates are about 60 bucks more than a stock replacement set, which is well worth the added protection and cool factor.1 For our sill plate upgrade for the ’56, we looked to Pete’s Fabrication. This company m 2 Here is the factory sill plate as installed on a ’56 Chevy. As you can see, they look like all the other ones out there and are so thin the slightest pressure can produce a dent. That is all about to change.2 Here is the factory sill plate as installed on a ’56 Chevy. As you can see, they look l 3 Obviously, before the new ones can go on, the old ones need to be unscrewed. One thing to look for is dirt accumulation in the screw heads. This can make it difficult to get the screwdriver to bite, so use a brush or vacuum to clean out the heads.3 Obviously, before the new ones can go on, the old ones need to be unscrewed. One thing 4 Since Pete’s uses the factory screw locations, installation is pretty much find the hole and put in one of the provided screws, times four. A scratch awl will help in the process. After you get them screwed down, slowly close the door to make sure there is no contact between the sill plate and the bottom of the door. If there is contact, you will need to take them off and remove some of the padding under the carpet.4 Since Pete’s uses the factory screw locations, installation is pretty much find the hol 5 Once installed, the new Pete’s Fabrication sill plates offer a few more inches of carpet protection and most importantly a custom look. Since these are much thicker than the stock units, if you do get a scratch in them there is enough material there to polish it out.5 Once installed, the new Pete’s Fabrication sill plates offer a few more inches of carpe 6 Just to give you a better look, here is a side-by-side comparison of the stock and Pete’s sill plates. The Pete’s plate is much thicker so it won’t bend as easily, and it also offers almost 100-percent more threshold protection.6 Just to give you a better look, here is a side-by-side comparison of the stock and Pete SOURCES Pete's Fabrication 270-842-6016 www.petesfab.com By Calin Head Enjoyed this Post? Subscribe to our RSS Feed, or use your favorite social media to recommend us to friends and colleagues!
