Forgot to post this on Sunday but I just remembered it... I installed an under-dash gauge panel in the '55 on Sunday which was previously in my '62 Lark (I like gauges.) One of the gauges was a voltmeter, although I have no reason to suspect any charging system issues (properly wired, fresh rebuild 63 amp Delco 10SI) anyway I started it up and it only indicated 13V, which seemed odd to me as Delcos tend to run closer to 14V or so.
Then I released the parking brake and the gauge snapped up to 14V. Apparently my dash has a poor ground and the gauges are all grounding through the e-brake cable! go figure. Would never have known had I not installed the voltmeter. check your grounds...
nate