1953-54 verification

[bob ward]

I have a friend that has a 54 that actually may be a 53. It has the 2 hood latches and the guy he bought it from was in the process of making '2' cars. My friend got the crappy one, but with the high serial number, it makes no sense it is a 54?

I am trying to help him out, any ideas?

bob ward

[Mike M.]

Re: 1953-54 verification

does it have a vin plate? how about vin # stamped on frame, topside about where the drivers buttock would sit? mike

[Roy B.]

Re: 1953-54 verification

I don't know what you mean buy two hood latches ( the two hood blocks used up front?) but early 54 had them also. The frame numbers is what you will have to go by, many early 54's body parts are the same as 53 .

[bob ward]

Re: 1953-54 verification

yes it does, he found it in the trunk when he just bought the car (1971) and he always wondered if he had a cobbled up 54. Keep in mind he bought this thing in 71 for like $400. The Vin is 3/4 the way in the production run (I am not going to advertise his VIN number, but according to the total, its 3/4 the way there). It has 2 hood latches. I had no idea where the frame number is, so now that its under the seat, we can maybe take a mirror or something to see. That helps. I know 58-62 cars, I don't know these things. My gut tells me his frame will be a 53 or early 54 (not matching his vin). I just read in a book that door latches are different between 53 and 54, so I will have him check that too. I think he bought a car that was used to perfect a 53 or 54 back in 71. So he may actually have a real 53 'something'. Motor is long gone.

[bob ward]

Re: 1953-54 verification

there are 2 hood pulls inside the interior compartment. The question is how many 54s were made this way and would have it have been as far as 3/4 production run. I hope this old timer with the car has something of a surprise. To me 3/4 production run does not equal early 54 and thus should not have the 2 hood pulls. On to the frame....
bob

[Peter K.]

Re: 1953-54 verification

My car is #47 in 54, two hood releases, "hockey pucks" on the front lip of hood, smooth expansion tank, short exhaust extensions, fuel and brake lines on the outside of the frame, etc....and lots of hand laid fiberglass. PS Have another smooth expansion tank for sale if you need it.

Peter