53 Ford.... Whatsupwith that?

C

Challie

Junior Member
I have 2 sets of front grille surround molding for a 53 Ford. One is stainless , the other is chrome. Anybody know why they would change the material midyear?
 
I have no specific info on your issue, but welcome to the Ford mid-year follies where all sorts of things change mid-stream.
 
The reason is probably the same as modern cars. Changes are either to improve a flaw or cut costs or both.

Sal
 
Also, I had a '52 Ford Customline at one time, and when searching swap meets, I found out that the "Customline" script for the front fenders was also made from stamped stainless steel. My car originally had die cast/chrome plated ones.

Sal
 
From '51 through the end of '53 (maybe even early '54) production, Ford used stainless or what has become known as Korean War Chrome...(not triple plated) In the owners manual that was in my '53 Convertible, there is a section relating to the care of the "chrome", apparently Ford coated the chrome with a varnish that had to be reapplied to maintain the shine.
 
Some '51 Mercs had ribbed bumpers, and some had non-ribbed bumpers. Go figure. Not to mention the mid-year '51 transmission changes. Some cars were painted lacquer, some painted enamel. Mid '64 engine changes. Mid-year C4 transmission changes. The list goes on and on and even into the modern era. 2006 Ford Freestyle--- heated throttle body or non-heated throttle body?
 
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