There were 2 bolts on the valve covers of all pre-1954 235s, too.
The side cover goes all the way up the side of the head on all pre-1950 235s, too.
If the valve cover is on an original 1953 Thriftmaster truck engine, the engine would be a 216 (however, any 2-bolt valve cover could have found its way onto any pre-1954 engine).
Tom,
Can you find and post the casting codes?
If you have a pre-54 engine (216 or 235) and you need a water pump, the same water pump was used on all pre-55-2nd series 216/235/261 engines (however, the pulley grooves did differ over the years).
Tim
