my new 53 hard top

[austinsailor]

Just loaded my new 53 belvedere 2 dr hardtop with overdrive. Solid body, everything there, every little badge, etc. All glass good. A project for sure, but a heck of a start.

Pictures to follow soon.

[54Illinois]

Pics pics pics!!!!

[austinsailor]

It's now dark out, but here is was being loaded.

Nearly no dents, no rust except the rockers and floors. Doors, fenders, trunk, all fine. Bumpers are totally shot. Body parts all fit fine. Even came with a title.

Bought it for the price of a used overdrive. How can I go wrong? They owned it for 40 years, now it's my turn. Best news? My wife likes it!

Edited February 13, 2012 by austinsailor

[Jerry Roberts]

That is going to be a beauty when done .

[JerseyHarold]

You're off to a good start. Is that tinted glass all around?

[austinsailor]

Yes, it's all tinted, and except for the wing vents, I think in good shape. I didn't realize they had it in Plymouths that far back.

[BobT-47P15]

I do believe the 54 Savoy I owned for a while in '07 had tinted

all around.

[BobT-47P15]

Maybe you can find a continental kit for it..................

[Frank Elder]

Maybe you can find a continental kit for it..................

You sure go for all the add ons Bob..........is there a kit for the vert?

[Plymouthy Adams]

I have seen one continential kit offered for sale for these cars....quite pricy on initial asking price but it is the single largest and least seen accessory.

Your car kind of reminds me of mine when I got it except for bumpers...

I assure you you will like it more and more as you work on it..these cars grow on you quick..

[austinsailor]

Tim, thanks for posting those pictures. My wife can now see the before and after to tell how ours can come out.

As to a continental kit kit for it, if I find one, I'd sure do my best to buy it. I think that is one of the coolest things you could put on it. If anyone sees one, please let me know.

[freemansrodnrat]

Tim, I also like the before picture , great patina!

Dirk

[Plymouthy Adams]

sadly, there is just a very short period of time between patina and all out rust..

[BobT-47P15]

Frankie47--quote-- You sure go for all the add ons Bob..........is there a kit for the vert? [/COLOR]

I've never seen a kit for the 46-48.

Apparently you could get a kit for a 50 Ford...........

My uncle had a 53 Ford hardtop with that "fake" cover that fits on the

trunk lid. Looked pretty sporty.

[oldodge41]

This one has a continental kit but I can't find my pic I took of it.

[austinsailor]

Grill is a little different on that one - it must be a different year - but what a beautiful car.

I also have fender skirts with mine. Well, fender skirt. Only one in the trunk. I need to see if the other one is in under a seat or something. Maybe the seller has it in his barn or somewhere.

[Young Ed]

Yes that one and Tims are 54s. Same basic body different trim etc.

[austinsailor]

Guess there is more to know before I buy any parts. Hw do you inow early or late?

Ebay item 260739443371

[Young Ed]

I've never known of early/late just with or without optional backup lights.

[54Illinois]

Your year (53) has the "buckteeth" grill. The 54 got braces...

[austinsailor]

Mine has backup, so I guess I need to worry about that.

(added)

Now I find this:

This is a NOS taillight lens for late 1953 Plymouth (after serial number 13194381). NOS in original box – excellent condition!

Not sure what to think. Mine is registered under the motor #, so I guess I need to find the serial #.

Edited February 14, 2012 by austinsailor

[Plymouthy Adams]

I have not been around the 53's much but have seen a few...the rear lens is available with or without back up light clear element...also in blue dots...the 53's trim at the rear fender and light bezel is thin compared to the 54...the 54's rear bezels, fender trim and front headlight rings were made "thick" so to give folks an image of a bit larger car in this year..not sure if the 53 backup lights were a beginning, middle or end run item..but I do think this was the first year for the continental kit..

[B-Watson]

I have not been around the 53's much but have seen a few...the rear lens is available with or without back up light clear element...also in blue dots...the 53's trim at the rear fender and light bezel is thin compared to the 54...the 54's rear bezels, fender trim and front headlight rings were made "thick" so to give folks an image of a bit larger car in this year..not sure if the 53 backup lights were a beginning, middle or end run item..but I do think this was the first year for the continental kit..

There were two styles of taillights and back up lights in 1953. The early taillight did not have a partition for the back up light instead it was a separate affair mounted below the trunk lid mirroring the gas cap. Cars without the back up light did not have the unit installed on the car.

A revised taillight came out in March with the back up light at the bottom of the unit. All cars got the unit, but the back up light wiring, switch, bulbs, etc. were optional.

The change for US-built P24, SP24 and D43 came around serial number 13194381 at the Lynch Road plant. No info for Evansville, LosAngeles and SanLeandro plants.

Changes in Canada came at -

P24-1 (Cambridge) - 95521598

P24-2 (Cranbrook) - 96068045

P24-3 (Belvedere) - all had newer unit, back up lights stadndard

D43-1 (Crusader) - 97519390, except Suburban at 97519453

D43-2 (Regent) - 98063113

D43-3 (Mayfair) - all had newer unit, back up lights standard

[austinsailor]

So if mine has the backup built into the bottom of lense it's late?

Edited February 14, 2012 by austinsailor

[Plymouthy Adams]

B Watson confirmed the two lenses I mentioned and further gave the date of service..so apparanetly you have a later set of lenses..over the years I would never second guess if they are original to the car or not..a PO may have upgraded...second big question now is to look and see if the optional wiring and lamp bases are part of your car...