rgunnz,
Look for the casting codes and engine serial number that are shown at the link in my earlier post. That information will allow you/us to ID what you have.
From 37-52, there were 15 head bolts; and, from 53-63, there were 18 head bolts. 1953 was an odd/transition year - the oil lubrication system could have been the older, low-pressure system (235s in trucks and manual transmission cars), or the high-pressure oil lubrication system (if the engine was used with a car with the Powerglide transmission). The various codes should clear up what engine you have.
From 37-53, there were 2-bolt valve covers (like yours); and, from 54-63, there were 4 machine-screw valve covers.
On this page, pattern #1 is the 15 bolt head and pattern #2 is the 18 bolt head. 
