Light Commercial Vehicles Association
Two LCVA Articles about
Advance-Design Trucks
1953
• 216.5 cubic inch engine; low pressure inline-6 engine with 30 psi oil pressure gauge. This is the last year for the 216 cu.in. low-pressure babbit bearing type engine. In 1953. the Powerglide-equipped automobiles used the new, higher-pressure 235 engine (with hyydraulic lifters).
• 235 cubic inch engine is available on larger trucks; this is also a low-pressure inline-6 engine with 30psi oil pressure gauge. (the last year)
• Cloth-braided wiring.
• Shortages during the Korean War are the primary reasons for the eliminating of bright work on the 1952 and 1953 truck.
• Therefore, painted items on these trucks include: hub caps, bumpers, grille, radio speaker horizontal trim, glovebox door, etc.
• Interior window cranks and wiper knobs are maroon plastic.
• Shortages during the Korean War are the primary reasons for the eliminating of bright work on the 1952 and 1953 truck.
Therefore, painted items on these trucks included: hub caps, bumpers, grille, radio speaker horizontal trim, glovebox door, etc.
• The “back splash” on painted grills was light gray (Thistle Gray) to match hub caps and bumpers.
• Major changes in exterior colors.
• Series/model emblem on sides of hood changed (same as 1954) - hood side emblem changed to large 3100, 3600, 3800, etc...only. No CHEVROLET emblem on side.
• Hood front emblem now stainless steel.
• First year for the optional left-side mount (driver's side) spare on Advance-Design pickups.
• An optional rear bumper is again available this year (had been discontinued in 1951)???
• Door post ID plate is now blue & silver. Prior years were black & silver.
• Last year that wood blocks are used under bed.
• Serial #'s, H 1/2 ton, J 3/4 ton, L 1 ton, etc...
1953
Resources:
Classic Parts (Chevy Duty)
Jim Carter Antique Truck Parts
Light Commercial Vehicle Association - January/February, 1984