The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk 1953 model year production

Hi all,

I'm a newbie here, and a newbie to old trucks. I recently acquired a 53 Chevy 6400 cab & chassis through an eBay deal. The seller made a few claims that didn't seem right, based on some quick research done on this site and others, but despite my skepticism, I bought the truck anyway. The truck looked so sad in the eBay listing, I felt I just had to save it. Turns out the guy was either a bold-faced liar or was highly misinformed. However, despite some rust issues in the floor and cab corners, the body is pretty complete and remarkably straight. Still needs lots of work though.

I'll be posting some questions in the various forums as I attempt to learn about these trucks and to determine exactly what I have. My first questions here are: Was there anything unusual about Chevy truck production for the 1953 model year? And is there any published info regarding model year changeover dates?

I do have the 53 Chevy truck resto pack. It has been helpful in deciphering the serial numbers of the truck and components. It doesn't contain any production info, though. I think I remember reading somewhere that some of the packs for earlier years do.

xram53,
Welcome to the 'bolt. Most of your questions will be answered, many with multiple opinions

I know from working on and researching my 53 3604, that there are several differences from the 49-52 ADs and from the 54s. More similarities overall though. Get the repro copies of the 53 Engineering Features (I think, my books are in the garage)and the 53 Owners Manual from any of the vendors. A very helpful group of publications are the Service Bulletins, available in repro for each year. For complete coverage of a 53 model year you will also want the 52 and 54 series as well. The end of the 52 series (Nov & Dec) discusses engineering changes and new features in the upcoming, 53, model year.

Even for your 6400 you should be able to get most parts either in repro or used.

Keep the questions coming and keep on truckin'

First thing I would do is to decipher all your major components to see what you have. It is some what rare to have a pre-54 big, working truck with the original engine still in it. Back them parts were swapped all of the time just to get the truck back into service and alot of parts interchange. Before ordering any parts, you'll need to know exactly what you got.
Just an opinion,
Scott

P.S. Welcome to the 'Bolt and welcome to the A.D. truck world, you'll never be the same.

When I asked if anything was unusual about Chevy truck production in 1953, I meant the actual production process at the assembly plants, not necessarily if there was anything unusual about the trucks themselves, in relation to, say, the 52 or 54 models, though I'll take whatever info I can get.

I ask because the guy I bought the truck from (who allegedly has done lots of research) said that 53 was a screwed up year for Chevy, and that they lost their records for this year. He claimed that no parts were actually manufactured during 53 (because of the Korean war), and that the trucks were pieced together from leftover 52 parts and even early 54 parts. I was just wondering if anyone here has heard or read anything like this. I'm having a tendency not to believe anything this guy says.

Unfortunately, Scott, my truck has turned out not to be all original, though it was advertised as such. The engine is a 54, though somebody retained the earlier valve cover, so at first quick glance, it looked like it could have been an original 53.

BTW, the tranny in my truck has casting dates from Sept. of 53. That, along with specific engine and cylinder head casting numbers being listed for 53 in all of the casting number lists I've found, backs my assertion that the guy was blowin' smoke up my rear big time.

Thanks for your welcomes and your info.

Curt