There seem to be quite a few subtle identifiers for each model year. 1948-1951 AD"s. Not so much that I can find for 1952 vs 1953. Korean War caused some changes from earlier years, was that for both '52 and '53? Any easy clues between '52 and '53?
There's this from the tech tips page here on Stovebolt. But it's missing the painted bumpers and hubcaps that were used on the Korean War year (52-53) trucks in lieu of chrome. It only identifies the hood badge difference between 52 and 53.
Kevin 1951 Chevy 3100 work truck Follow this saga in Project Journal Photos 1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car) Busting rust since the mid-60's If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together.
I think the factory was trying to eliminate the fabric covered wires in '53, but must have been using up old stock? Clearly, '53 was the transition year. My '53 Bel Air (an early to mid model year build) has most major portions of the mid-current main harness that are plastic insulated, but the high current and outermost sub-harnesses (eg headlight wiring) are cloth covered. I can't speak to the '53 AD trucks, but I am guessing the same - portions of the wiring harness in both styles - probably depending on when during the '53 model year the vehicle was built.
Thanks for the responses. Looks like the hood badges are telltale, although they are easily and often swapped. I need to work on my search skills. Knew the tech tips were there, but always use the "hop to" drop down menu to change forums and "Tech Tips" don't show on there.
Awesome!. Thanks Dave! Just saved a screenshot to my iPad. Thats about as simple as it comes.
Phil Moderator, The Engine Shop, Interiors and Project Journals
1952 Chevrolet 3100, Three on the Tree, 4:11 torque tube Updated to: ‘59 235 w/hydraulic lifters, 12v w/alternator, HEI, PCV and Power front Disc Brakes Project Journals Stovebolt Gallery Forum
For a specific accounting of what was in your particular truck, go here:
https://www.gmheritagecenter.com/do...hevrolet-Trucks/1959-Chevrolet-Truck.pdf You can also find torque and horsepower curves for your particular engine. Those are very interesting as they reveal the effect of changes between years. If you look far enough, you can also find GM published data about why they were making the changes.
Where the year shows (1959 above), type in the year of your truck and then hit the "enter" key. You'll see what GM published in the year your truck was built. There is also tons more information on the GM Heritage site. If you want a sales brochure (most are in color) for your truck...they're there. Example:
There's this from the tech tips page here on Stovebolt. But it's missing the painted bumpers and hubcaps that were used on the Korean War year (52-53) trucks in lieu of chrome. It only identifies the hood badge difference between 52 and 53.
Thanks for the shout out, Kevin. The article is missing a lot of things but I put it together as a quick spotting guide for use on the fly in junkyards, backyards, etc. It is not intended to be an indepth piece.
Jus sayin ...
~ John
A kid raised on Hotwheels, Matchbox and Tonka cannot be reasonably expected to own only one vehicle as an adult.
1949 Chevrolet 3804 In the Legacy Gallery | In the Gallery Forum 1973 IH 1310 Dump 1963 Kaiser M38A1 2001 International/AmTran RE3000 "Skoolie" 2014 Ford E-350 4x4 (Quigley)
No worries, John. It's a handy item, and since hubcaps and bumpers are not necessarily found on a lot of survivors, it gets the job done.
Kevin 1951 Chevy 3100 work truck Follow this saga in Project Journal Photos 1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car) Busting rust since the mid-60's If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together.
