I have a question for all the experts out there -- What to look for to tell a 53 Panel from a 55 Panel? The reason I ask is that I have a Panel truck -- I was told it was a 55, the VIN says it's a 55 but the grille and hood badges are from a 53. They seem to match the rest of the truck but obviously could have been changed. I'm not sure what else to look for. One reference talks about a steering wheel emblem for the 53 for the 50th anniversary or Ford. I put some photos in my gallery if that helps.

I guess it doesn't really matter, and if it's only the emblems they are easy to change. Since it's titled as a 55 I will probably build it as a 55. I would just like to know if there is anything else I should look for. Any ideas out there?

After all the years I've had the truck it is ready to go in the garage and hopefully I will be able to start working on it. Going to try hard to get it going by next summer. Been trying to sell one of my T-Birds to finance the truck restoration but no luck so far.

Thanks for the help -- love the forum.

Jeff in northern Wisconsin

 

'53 Deluxe Grill with '55-'56 parking lights. Wrong horn button for a '53, I think
it is for a '55 Custom Cab (5 star) Hood emblems are '53 or '54 standard cab.
Check the frame ID number against the tag in the glove box.(VIN) What Engine? '53 with V8 would be a 239 Flathead. other subtle differances.

 

Grille was probably switched to the 53 because it was prettier than the 55, or it was in a collision at one time and that was all the available parts at the local wreckers, my thoughts

 

Another thing to look at, the dash cluster. There isn't a 53 Ford truck in America that ever had idiot lights from the factory. They weren't available yet. I'd say the truck was wrecked, or someone did a build up with what was available. The hood, and grill were transplanted from a 53.