Labor Day Putting down your wrenches or time for
MORE wrenching? 
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Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks  Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
Lots of work on Brad's part ... pure enjoyment (and references) for you!
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| | | | Joined: Sep 2003 Posts: 2,384 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2003 Posts: 2,384 | A buddy just bought a 53 panel, told him I could run the VIN, but the VIN cruncher is AWOL??. Anyway, it has a 3 spd, a stabilizer bar on front, half ton w/added turn signals. Black. Only rust is in the floor pan. He says its a 216, but it has outer valve cover bolts, not the acorns on top. Anyway it purr like a kitten, clutch & all works, but no brakes. Needs paint & weatherstrip, has a few dents. Painted bumpers, std heater. Here is the VIN if anyone can decipher it H535044667, engine number stamped is 0542053 F54X. This week I'll go take some pics. Brian | | | | | Joined: Nov 2001 Posts: 1,517 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2001 Posts: 1,517 | Just from the "54x" it sounds like a 54. Or could it be a 54 motor? Where did you get this number from? As always,,,"we want pics." Especially of panel trucks.
Marty | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 | VIN: H535044667
H = 3100 (1/2 ton)
53 = 1953
5 = ?? maybe F for manufactured in Flint, MI
or B for Balt., MD
or S for St. Louis, MO
engine number: 0542053 F54X
F = Flint, MI
54 = 1954
X = Thriftmaster 235 truck engine | | | | | Joined: Sep 2003 Posts: 2,384 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2003 Posts: 2,384 | Boy, I thought it looked like a 235, the truck is def. a 53 looking at the grille & dash etc. Is a 54 235 a babbit motor or pressure oil? This thing still has the battery cover & the cover over the tool compt under the pass seat. Sorry, but I can't read my own scribbling, the 4th digit is an "S" for St Louis. Dome light still works. Maybe he will lose interest in it, I made him promise to sell it to me! | | | | | Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 4,215 Moderator | | Moderator Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 4,215 | A 1954 is not a babbitt pounder but full pressure oiler. The 54's had a 1 piece front windshield. A 53 had a split windshield. The grill is way different as well. | | | | | Joined: Sep 2003 Posts: 2,384 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2003 Posts: 2,384 | Sposedly the story is/was the original engine overheated, & was replaced at the dealer. The truck is def. a '53, has the split w/s & '47-53 grille. | | | | | Joined: Dec 2006 Posts: 1,464 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Dec 2006 Posts: 1,464 | Sounds like a cool rig with a nice engine upgrade already done. | | | | | Joined: Sep 2003 Posts: 2,384 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2003 Posts: 2,384 | | | |
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