Identifying a 53' 1/2 ton pilothouse

[Guest adam1953]

I'm looking at buying a nice 1953 Dodge 1/2 ton truck. I've always loved classic cars but never owned a classic truck, and I am admittedly especially new to Dodges trucks.

I am trying to find information on factory stock dodge 1/2 tons. Doing research online I'm finding several variations in the appearance of the truck. There seem to be differences in the mirrors, tail lights, and other small details.

Does anyone have information or photographs of what a definitive 53' 1/2 ton looks like? Any info would be appreciated. Thanks in advance for any help.

Adam

[Dennis_MN]

Just go to the Pilothouse Gallery and scroll down to find the 1953 models, there are several.

http://www.dodgepilothouseclub.org/dodge/dodge.htm

Dennis Sullivan

[Phil Martin]

51,52,53 look alot alike. Main difference is 53 has more squared off rear fenders. Earlier models have round rear fenders.

[Guest adam1953]

I checked out the gallery, and even among the several trucks in the gallery there are the same differences I was mentioning. Some have one round driver's side mirror, some have a round mirror on both sides, some have no mirrors, some have rectangle mirrors, etc. The truck I'm looking at has two rectagle mirros connected at both the top and bottom.

The tail lights are also in the rear bumper, as opposed to out to the sides like I see in many other 53's. Otherwise the rear bumper looks the same.

I'm just wondering how much factory variation there was, and trying to find out how close to factory stock this truck is and how much has been changed over the years.

Here's a photo where you can see both the tail lights and the mirrors. At this point I doubt these are original, but every 53' I look at to compare it to is different from the next, so I have no idea what original looks like.

[Paul Beard]

Those are after market west coast style mirrors.

The rear bumper is also not stock. I believe a rear bumper was optional or dealer installed.

[Tony WestOZ]

One round mirror on drivers side was standard. Round mirror on passenger side optional.

Rear bumper was optional, but lights were mounted of the rear body sides not on the bumper.

[Vintrader]

Here is a picture of a very stock 53 I owned a few years ago. Dutch

[Bob_Koch]

At some point in time you're going to want to get a copy of Don Bunn's book. It's the "bible" on our trucks.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/1583880879?tag=dpetca-20&camp=14573&creative=327641&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=1583880879&adid=19N01VSZ5NVTMWRMNCXW&