After info on 53 "aniversery" customlines

starkersEB · 30-04-2007, 10:54 PM

Now before the flaming starts im not even sure such model exists, but going by what my dad says this is what his family car used to be.

I was thiking about a new project down the track and also wanted to do it with my dad. So i thought the 53 would be perfect not only cos his dad had one but he is born in 53 too. So i just want some general advice about the 53 so i dont decide to go ahed and get myself in too much of a hole.

So would it be a pretty expensive/hard task to do one of these up?

xe351 · 01-05-2007, 12:24 PM

restoring any old car is a hard and expensive task. Pretty sure the 53 customline was an anniversary model. Biggest thing to look for is rust, the floors and sills are the most affected usually, but expect a bit in most panels with any car that age. They were a sidevalve v8 (ohc came in 55) i think 3 speed manual. It helps alot too if its complete or almost complete. For a good restorer you would expect to pay around the 3-5k mark, cheaper ones are out there but its usually worth spending a bit more to get a good base.

DirtyHarry · 01-05-2007, 12:27 PM

From Wikipedia:

"The big news for 1953 was the availability of power-assisted brakes and steering, which had previously been limited to the Mercury and Lincoln lines. The center grille bullet lost its ring and was now flanked by vertical black stripes, while the corner markers were plain rectangular lights rather than the circular "intakes". All 1953 Fords featured commemorative steering wheels marking the company's 50th anniversary. William Clay Ford paced the Indianapolis 500 in a Sunliner convertible with a dummy Continental tire kit. This was also the last year for real wood trim on the Country Squire wagon."

Google is your friend, but try these as a starting point

Unique Cars

Wikipedia

http://1954-ford.restocar.com/page3.html

**Charliewool** · 01-05-2007, 01:23 PM

I know you said "53" for sentimental reasons.. But if it were me going the Cusso route, I'd be going for "55" or later.
Pre 55 had king-pin front ends and a slug of a side-valve V8.
With later Customline, disc brake conversion is dead simple! (machine ball-joint tapers, and Xr-Xy discs fit) as is late model engine upgrade! From memory a FE block (332, 390, 428 etc) bolts straight in and Clevo also a simple fit.
If you are going original.. The 53 "triple spinner" IS a lovely old car though!