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| | | | Joined: Feb 2013 Posts: 613 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2013 Posts: 613 | I've read on this site that the plastic wire insulation started in 54. My 53, has plastic insulation and it looks factory. All of the gauges and ignition key switch are plastic. Basically everything under the hood is plastic as well, except where the headlights get wired to the buss. From there to the actual headlight is fabric. All of the terminal ends are soldered at there connector and not just pinched. Can anyone verify this? More than anything , just curious. Thanks again, Jim | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 | Jim,
It is possible that the switchover from cloth-covered to plastic covered took place in later 1953 at some assembly plants?
Do you have an original engine? If yes, what are the date codes on the block/head and serial number?
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2013 Posts: 613 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2013 Posts: 613 | Hi, Tim, once again your answering another of my questions, Thanks. I don't have those numbers with me but I did previously did check them. The engine does match the truck. When I get home I'll get that info. Thanks again, Jim | | | | | Joined: Feb 2013 Posts: 613 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2013 Posts: 613 | Ok here you go Tim, Block # ALCP305009 Door plate # L53B32645 | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 | Jim, Here are locations of other codes. The head date casting code and the bock date casting code will give a indication of how late in the year the engine was made. Vehicle code: L53B L = 1 ton truck 53 = 53 B = Baltimore assembly plant 305009 = 304009th truck at that plant that year. That looks like a large number - there were (supposedly) around 327,000 total trucks built that year at all plants. Maybe someone will correct/explain; or, maybe that number is for all plants (even though I think the Bulletin states otherwise)? Engine code: ALCP A = 3800 (1 ton) L = 1953 C = 216 truck engine with 10 3/4" clutch plate P = Tonawanda plant 32645 = 31645th 216 engine from that plant that year I'll double check those codes. Here is the GM Technical Service Bulletin with code information. 1953 codes are a little more complex than other years. | | | | | Joined: Feb 2013 Posts: 613 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2013 Posts: 613 | Thank you Tim, I'll print this out and keep it with all the oter litature that I found for my records. I actually made binders up with all the info for this truck. You have been a great help with my endevors. jim | | |
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