Go for it! It wouldn't be much work to shine the right front wheel cover. Looked like it had at least one good spring pack on the left rear. I'm putting new gauges and sending units in mine, recommend you do the same for this project. You can replace the steering column with a tilt from a mid 80's Chevy Van. You could (maybe) clean, seal and paint the fuel tank. I'd recommend replacing the tires, if you plan on driving faster than 45-50 mph. Reproduction glass is available.
It isn't a 1953, but more likely a 1947 or 1948.
