mallard,
All Advance Design (1947.5 - 1955.5) hoods are interchangeable - I was told. The only hood that might not match 1947.5-1953 is the 1954 hood.
Even if the '54 (and early '55) hood works with 1947.5-53 fenders and grills, to the purist there is a difference in the '54 hood - where the front emblem attaches to the hood, the '54 hood is smooth while the 47.5-53 hood have a "dimple" where the four emblem posts go through the hood. This difference is not noticeable when the front hood emblem is installed.
I trust that others will correct me if I am wrong.
Tim
