A friend is parting out a 1955 Nomad with factory power-steering. I have an original 1956 Nomad without power-steering. Are the power-steering parts the same on a 1955 and a 1956? Can I simply install the steering column and steering box from the 1955 in my 1956 and then install the generator/power-steering pump? Do they look and operate the same? Can a judge look at it and tell it was not original to the car?

Thanks

The 1955 and 1956 power steering are the same.
You will need the generator with the pump on the back, the mounting to manifold bracket, The idler arm and tie rods,, slave cylinder (attached to tie rods),the pitman arm, and hoses.
The 1955 generator mounts metal to metal to the mount bracket. The 1956 has large rubber insulators in the generaor end frames. As long as you use all the 1955 parts here it will be OK. The 1955 had an additional bracket running from the back of the generator to the intake manifold bolt. You really don't not need t but to look "correct" it should be there. they are probably being reproduced. The P.S generator puts out35 amps. The non P/S gen. put out 25 amps. To get the 35 amps your non P/S voltage it can be adjust to have the 35 amps or a 35 amp volt. reg. can be installed.
I would replace all four hoses and expect leakes at the slave cylinder and the control valve....and possibly the pump. All can be repaired.
I think the power steering make drive the car a more pleasant experiance
The column and gear do not need to be changed. The main thing to make it look correct is the mentioned brace and the tag on the generator with the part numbers and date. The mounting to the manifold is not that obivous.

Gene just about covered it all. The 55 PS gen is actually a 30 amp, and I would suggest to just get the volt reg from the 55 to match. It's actually a fairly rare volt reg, so don't discard it. The brace that goes over the valve cover is essential for the 55 type PS gen, since it has no rubber mounts it is more effected by vibration, so install it or the reproduction.