My only question is, why didn't you drive it the rest of the way home? Sure, a piston came out, but so what, it was still running. You couldn't have done any more damage to it. It was already toast.
Just think of the story you would have had to carry with you forever. Who could ever top that story!
If the '53 engine is an insert bearing, full oil pressure engine, there will be captains bars cast into the block above the starter (none on the driver's side).
