Did your '53 235 come out of a Belair with a Powerglide?
If so, the '53 235 car engine with a Powerglide did not come with a pilot bushing. The crank for that particular year engine with the Powerglide is an oddball in that it is the only year/tranny combo for a later model 235 that will not accept a 'normal' pilot bushing. The good news is that the crank will accept the slightly-smaller-than-normal pilot bushing that has the correct ID for a manual transmission input shaft. They are available, just takes some research. I picked one up a few months ago at either Autozone or O'reilly, not sure which one. I think it was a Dorman part number. I'll see if I can find the number.
Matt
