"Tim - are you saying the 55 and earlier 235 water pump can be used without adapting the block as per Dave's adapter kit?" "Sedgewick"
I might have stated/phrased this incorrectly: (?)
"With 55-2nd or later 235/261 block, use the 1955nd or earlier 216/235/261 short-shaft water pump (and Pre '68 Dave's water pump adapter plate [chev235guy.blogspot.com] that can be found on ebay)"
" . . . a 1956 era 235 and the fan blade is about 3/16" from the radiator . . "
That block/engine would need Dave's adapter and an earlier style (higher-mounted") water pump.
Your 1956 engine would need the adapter and an earlier style water pump.
