The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk 1953 vs 1954 which do I have?

OK so...
As many know, i bought a truck about a month ago...
Outward appearance is a 54 3800.
Registration has LEA758135 on it.
Body has: X53T 025768
Engine has: 0154717T54X ( might have missed another last digit but I don't think so.

so my understanding is that:
the registration LEA points toward a 53 engine
the body is from a 54 2-ton
the engine is from a 54 1/2-ton

note that the registration doesn't match the current body or engine.

My gut says the chassis is original and the body and cab were replaced.

My question is, can I destinguish between a 53 and 54 1-TON chassis?

I'm going to call the DMV (NY) to figure out best way to proceed. I think they will say start from scratch and do a vin/ser # history check. all components are actually from NY I think so maybe that will help. who knows. But then what do i do if i decide to scrap my cab and get a new one? ugh.... what a pain... I'd prefer it be registered as a 54 but the bill of sale says 53 so I'm assuming they will keep that.

Tj

Tj,

The frame cross member for the rear motor mounts is one distinguishing difference between a 53 and 54 truck frame.

http://www.1954advance-design.com/Documents/EngineeringFeatures/slides/orig_Page50.html

http://www.1954advance-design.com/Documents/EngineeringFeatures/slides/orig_Page49.html

Perfect! Thank you very much!

(it always has to be something i have to crawl underneath for huh? lol)

Tj

Good read....
it says fuel tank mounting is different too "with exception of cab model" in 54 did some 3800's have it in the cab and some didn't?

i didn't know I had aluminum pistons... neat.

looking through the pics I have handy...

Does this look like an angled mount ( implying 54) peeking out next to that bent tube? This pic is at a downward angle toward the firewall in the Pass side of the engine bay.

PIC

Got a picture today....

Looks like an angled motor mount to me so chassis is 54 right?

I've never seen the other mount in person so I would be thankful for another set of experienced eyes...

Picture is taken from over the front axle looking rearward.

PIC