To answer your questions Tim:
1. '53 6v for 10 3/4" clutch/pressure-plate
2. 6v 1953
3. Didn't look at the rebuilts, that's the first 10 3/4" I've seen. For that price and by your advice it sounds like I should get a kit. I just need to make sure to get the correct bolt pattern. Thanks for the links and advice.
