So they used the B5C-13470 and 13471? That must be because the Ford shield tail lights that were introduced in 1955 were wider than the 53-54 round lights?

 

I would love to see this photo more clearly!!

 

Just so I fully understand - the bracket in the photo below is for 53/54 with the rear bumper - correct? The one pictured is the right hand side? And, yes, it uses the third hole.

I can see how that would work and now, like Abe, I’m on the hunt for both the right and left side brackets. I got the ones I have on my truck from Mid-50s, and obviously these were the only ones reproduced. Recall, I never saw my truck’s originals as the rear bed brace was added in the 50s - 20 some years before I bought it in 78.

My 54 is 100% stock - well, not without the right tail light brackets…. Let the hunt begin!

 

Hmmmm... clear as mud....

 

I think you got it right - there is no question the one photographed in the following excerpt from 52Flthed is the correct right hand bracket (with the left hand being a mirror) as it has the expected part number on it.

 

no pics of mine, but the 56 has a tucked and raised bumper. dad used Mid Fifties stainless brackets.

yup, bumper hides the YOM plate. I've not gotten any flack from the POleece thus far.


the OLD pic above, (at least I 'think' it is an old image) what was most unusual for me was this apparent 'vintage' photo and all of the soccer ***** in the foreground.
just unknown to me in that time frame 'soccer'... or is this image not as old as i think it is...

 

Soccer has been around in the US for a long time. The first college soccer game was played between Rutgers and Princeton in 1869. The first pro game was in 1894 between New York and Philly. Large factories in urban areas had company teams. If you were a real good player the owners would give you an easy job. So you were hired to play for the company team. When I played in high school in the early 70's there were some smaller schools we played in Lancaster County where soccer was their only fall sport.

Age and time are relevant aren't they? To me the picture of my truck is not that old. To some young guys they would think the picture is ancient. I don't know how old you think the picture is. This picture was taken sometime between 1987 and 1990

 

Thanks, that does help put things in prospective... and the sport has gained popularity since that time....

 

Wow! What a beauty!

 

This topic has been a concern of mine. Although my 1949 Mercury M-47's both have the obscured license plate issue and it appears that condition is factory correct, I don't want to get pulled over for an obscured license plate. Some laws allow things to slide for factory conditions grandfathered in, but I don't know about this plate thing.

 

Short version of my story

A young college security officer pulled me over for a headlight not working. I think I gave him a hard time. He gave me a warning and 3 days to fix it. Then he said " I can site you for having an obscured license plate." I said "This is a stock truck with a stock bumper in the stock position. If you have a problem with that call the Ford Motor Company."

 

Based on the parts catalog and the images of the brackets in the catalog, it’s clear that our obscured license plate is not a factory issue. The root of the obscured plate is that the correct bracket has not been reproduced, so those that needed new brackets (like me) had to purchase the wrong brackets.

It will take time, but I will find the correct brackets for my truck.

 

I know that now but didn't know it when Mr. Security Cop pulled me over. But he is no longer working at the University.

Brian, I'll give you first dibs if you find one. I don't want to bid against you. But if you find 2 let me know. Remember 55 and up truck brackets will be ok for 53-54 trucks. I think they are a bit longer to compensate for the shield tail lights. I wish I knew this when I was going through my local JY. There were several 53-56 trucks in it. I assume 57 and up flareside pickups with rear bumpers would the brackets....

 

Yes, let’s be sure we aren’t bidding against eachother!!

 

So decided to tackle this on my truck. The spacing on the stake holes are wider than my truck and my license bracket needs to go up another inch. So 52flthed what is the height in the middle of your license bracket and what is the spacing of your stake mount holes? My plate bracket is 5.25 high. Checked with midwest early ford and the one they sell is also 5.25. I know I have the wrong brackets but I thought it would just be a matter of putting a shim under the top mount bolt.