1953 Corvettes
05-30-2017, 11:04 AM
#81
Burning Brakes
thanks for mentioning the running changes in the 53 body. I have seen them mentioned before, but what has not been mentioned is the differences from the last known 53 flint body to the first known 53 st. louis body. it would be interesting to know what changes occurred and the gap that exist from a verified 53 flint body to a verified 53 st.louis body.
Last edited by scopeli; 05-30-2017 at 11:08 AM.
05-30-2017, 05:37 PM
#82
Racer
Thread Starter
There are many differences between an "early" 53 body, a later 53 body, an early 54 body and a later 54 body.
1953's and early 54's were all hand laid cloth - I attached a video - you can see the process, layer of cloth, a layer of mat, then a layer of cloth. The bodies are thin enough you can see through them.
53' and early 54 bodies have enclosed body mounts behind the rear seat, later in 54 it was changed to open mounts.
The bonding technique on the core support on 53 and eary 54's is different than later 54's.
Later 54's the bodies are press molded and heavier vs the cloth body.
The cloth will "print" thru the paint on the early 53's and 54' -
53 and early 54's the wiper motor, the door access holes and the hole in the waterfall are square cut. Later 54's these were cut with a hole saw.
The trunk hinge openings are cut larger on the 53' and early 54's.
There is a front fender lip on 53's and early 54's which in not present on later 54's
There are many differences in the bodies.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oxyy8_K03w0&t=19s
1953's and early 54's were all hand laid cloth - I attached a video - you can see the process, layer of cloth, a layer of mat, then a layer of cloth. The bodies are thin enough you can see through them.
53' and early 54 bodies have enclosed body mounts behind the rear seat, later in 54 it was changed to open mounts.
The bonding technique on the core support on 53 and eary 54's is different than later 54's.
Later 54's the bodies are press molded and heavier vs the cloth body.
The cloth will "print" thru the paint on the early 53's and 54' -
53 and early 54's the wiper motor, the door access holes and the hole in the waterfall are square cut. Later 54's these were cut with a hole saw.
The trunk hinge openings are cut larger on the 53' and early 54's.
There is a front fender lip on 53's and early 54's which in not present on later 54's
There are many differences in the bodies.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oxyy8_K03w0&t=19s
I also haven't seen the NCRS video before. I'm going to watch all 3 parts. These are very informative.
05-31-2017, 07:47 AM
#83
Le Mans Master
Member Since: Dec 2009
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A great source is Vette Daddy
Brett has seen and restored more 53's than anyone
He is doing two or three right now.
Brett has seen and restored more 53's than anyone
He is doing two or three right now.
06-01-2017, 01:18 PM
#84
Racer
Thread Starter
Just finished up the videos and Ken provides some amazing information. Thanks for sharing these. I'm a history nerd so I found these very fascinating.
I've also been intrigued by some of the famous individuals that originally owned 53s. The Early Corvettes site mentions John Wayne, Frank Fink and the Dupont family.
http://www.earlycorvettes.com/corvettesite/fink53.html
I've also been intrigued by some of the famous individuals that originally owned 53s. The Early Corvettes site mentions John Wayne, Frank Fink and the Dupont family.
http://www.earlycorvettes.com/corvettesite/fink53.html
06-03-2017, 05:23 PM
#85
Le Mans Master
thanks for mentioning the running changes in the 53 body. I have seen them mentioned before, but what has not been mentioned is the differences from the last known 53 flint body to the first known 53 st. louis body. it would be interesting to know what changes occurred and the gap that exist from a verified 53 flint body to a verified 53 st.louis body.
There were reportedly 14 bodies assembled in St Louis between Xmas and New Years. 54 models.
One of the very last 55's was mostly cloth.
06-03-2017, 05:25 PM
#86
Le Mans Master
Just finished up the videos and Ken provides some amazing information. Thanks for sharing these. I'm a history nerd so I found these very fascinating.
I've also been intrigued by some of the famous individuals that originally owned 53s. The Early Corvettes site mentions John Wayne, Frank Fink and the Dupont family.
http://www.earlycorvettes.com/corvettesite/fink53.html
I've also been intrigued by some of the famous individuals that originally owned 53s. The Early Corvettes site mentions John Wayne, Frank Fink and the Dupont family.
http://www.earlycorvettes.com/corvettesite/fink53.html
06-05-2017, 09:12 AM
#87
Racer
Thread Starter
08-31-2017, 12:10 PM
#88
Racer
Thread Starter
Mershon's has #87 listed for sale. They're asking $299k
http://www.mershons.com/vehicle-deta...1cbd8e24091ee/
It's also on ebay. Currently at $125k with reserve not met.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/292224906118...6118&viewitem=
http://www.mershons.com/vehicle-deta...1cbd8e24091ee/
It's also on ebay. Currently at $125k with reserve not met.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/292224906118...6118&viewitem=
Last edited by wake00; 08-31-2017 at 04:00 PM.
08-31-2017, 04:22 PM
#89
Drifting
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2024 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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There is a beauty 53 that will be on the block at the Mecum Chicago auction in October! Real deal ! Private collection! Very nice car!
Jmills
Jmills
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wake00 (08-31-2017)
08-31-2017, 04:57 PM
#90
Racer
Thread Starter
08-31-2017, 05:29 PM
#91
Drifting
Member Since: Aug 2012
Location: Cincinnati ohio
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2024 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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2020 C6 of the Year Winner - Unmodified
2020 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2017 C2 of the Year Finalist
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wake00 (09-01-2017)
08-31-2017, 05:49 PM
#92
Melting Slicks
Irvin Patrick down in Kentucky is currently working on his 30th 1953 restoration, so he has done 10% of them. He certainly knows 53's and may be able to provide the serial numbers to those trying to keep track of them. Irvin is a great guy, been doing it a long, long time.
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wake00 (09-01-2017)
09-01-2017, 09:21 AM
#94
Le Mans Master
Vin # 130 was owned by my brother in law till a few years ago. He sold it and all I know is it went to a guy in FL. maybe a Museum I don't know for sure. His step father got the # 130 in 1954 from a GM big ship who did not like it because it leaked when it rained. So he traded it to my brother in laws step father for a 1954 Studabaker and $1500. with reverse gear out of the Stud. It stayed it that family till about 4 or 5 yrs ago.
Last edited by Mike Terry; 09-01-2017 at 09:24 AM.
09-01-2017, 03:49 PM
#96
Racer
Thread Starter
Vin # 130 was owned by my brother in law till a few years ago. He sold it and all I know is it went to a guy in FL. maybe a Museum I don't know for sure. His step father got the # 130 in 1954 from a GM big ship who did not like it because it leaked when it rained. So he traded it to my brother in laws step father for a 1954 Studabaker and $1500. with reverse gear out of the Stud. It stayed it that family till about 4 or 5 yrs ago.
09-01-2017, 03:51 PM
#97
Racer
Thread Starter
I didn't see an episode with a 53... I'll have to do some research on that one. I do have #66 in Ohio. If you have any pictures, I'd love to see them. Thanks for the help.
09-01-2017, 08:24 PM
#98
I believe the bodies were made in Ashtabula Ohio by Molded Fiber Glass(MFG) company owned by Robert Morrison. The company is still in business and still makes structural molded parts for Corvettes. There is also a 53 or early 54 in the lobby of the company HQ. VIN Unknown?
09-01-2017, 08:57 PM
#99
Le Mans Master
Before #130 was sold and went to FL. it was owned by Indiana State Rep. Woody Burton and his brother Retired Congressman Dan Burton and it was there step father Kenny (sorry I do not know Kenny's last name) who traded the Studabaker and about $1500.00 for it. If you want PM me and I will try to find out who bought it and where in FL. it went to.
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wake00 (09-05-2017)
09-05-2017, 08:49 AM
#100
Racer
Thread Starter
Before #130 was sold and went to FL. it was owned by Indiana State Rep. Woody Burton and his brother Retired Congressman Dan Burton and it was there step father Kenny (sorry I do not know Kenny's last name) who traded the Studabaker and about $1500.00 for it. If you want PM me and I will try to find out who bought it and where in FL. it went to.