51-53 cab differences?

[Brent B3B]

this may have been brought up before. i am seeing some differences in the trucks i have. (b3b)  

does anyone know what year or what model the hood support on the hood changed from an "angle iron" to a factory bend?

 

or when they changed the top of the radiator "shroud" to a clipped corners? i thought this was a home improvement but all three of my 51's are "clipped" (like the black one)

 

and i know the door vent was an option, but is there anyone who has one and wishes they had the other for a reason?

 

i know a lot of folks are past this part of the building but for the folks that are trying to stay "true" could be helpful in the future (and i am just curious  )

[Dave72dt]

My '51 b3b had the angle for the hood support. I've got the vent option on my doors and almost would prefer the solid version. Since my cab has a chopped roof, fitting glass would be easier with the solid version. Retaining the vent option means cutting the vent window and frame down to size also.

[MBF]

I've got one of each style window.  The vent windows do allow for more ventilation in the summer, but I still like the single pane style better.  Less parts, and less chance of leaks.  Just my opinion.  Mike

[NiftyFifty]

I'd prefer single window...makes a cooler look on a modified truck, but definitely a hotter ride. The rad cradle changed in 51, that's forsure..,hoods, and grill from 48-50 will not fit 51-53 and vice versa. Both my hod supports are the same on the 50 and 51, moulded flat.

[Brent B3B]

I've got one of each style window.  The vent windows do allow for more ventilation in the summer, but I still like the single pane style better.  Less parts, and less chance of leaks.  Just my opinion.  Mike

there is my duh moment. that totally makes sense

 

I'd prefer single window...makes a cooler look on a modified truck, but definitely a hotter ride. The rad cradle changed in 51, that's forsure..,hoods, and grill from 48-50 will not fit 51-53 and vice versa. Both my hod supports are the same on the 50 and 51, moulded flat.

in the photo's, are you calling the "red" or the "green" style molded flat? 

[Bobacuda]

Where the vent window really comes in handy on my truck since I don't have a defroster.  I would have the heater on, then open the window vents slightly toward the windshield.  The air flow kept the condensation on the inside of the windshield to a minimum.  And in summer, it helps add to the "convection oven cab cooling system."

[NiftyFifty]

there is my duh moment. that totally makes sense

 

in the photo's, are you calling the "red" or the "green" style molded flat?

Red, both my trucks are that

[48Dodger]

I'd prefer vented windows...makes a cooler look on a modified truck.

 

The first year I went to Bonneville, I had the vent still in the driver's door, didn't make time to pull it out.

 

So the only glass in the two doors was the driver side. When I made my first pass, it was a test run to feel out the track.

I ran it up to maybe 90 mph. As I reached the 80's, salt was flying in the window. Yah, I had my helmet on, but salt smacking and

and bouncing off of everythning on my left side. I pushed the vent window out just a wee bit, and bam mow! No salt.

 

48D