'53 VS '54 Differences???

[Grandadeo]

Other than the obvious flathead VS overhead was wondering if the passenger car frames forward of the firewall and front suspensions changed from '53 to '54? Thanks in advance for your input.

Lee

 

[Charlie ny]

king pins '53..........ball joints '54
Charlie ny

 

[mercman from oz]

The Wheelbase on the 54 Fords in USA was increased by 1/2", from 115" to 115.5" on the 54 models, however, the old Flathead was retained in Canada, New Zealand & Australia, & they continued using the old Frame with the King Pin front end.

 

[mercman from oz]

If you look carefully at the attached 2 photos of Australian 1953 & 1954 Fords, you can see that the front wheel is not exactly centralised in the front wheel cutouts of the 54 models. That is because the Australian 54 Fords used the new front fenders that were designed for the longer wheelbase 54 models while mounted on the half inch shorter Frames from the 53 Fords..

 

[Grandadeo]

Thanks for the good information. I guess my to the point question should be we're the USA produced '54 frames changed so that a flathead V8 would not be a bolt in with the appropriate mounts?

Lee

 

[itsa52]

Front cross member is way different too, to accommodate the OHV engine

 

[Grandadeo]

Thanks itsa52. That's what I was looking for.

Lee

 

[itsa52]

A couple of auctions that show the difference

http://www.ebay.com/itm/52-53-MERCU...Parts_Accessories&hash=item20e972a316&vxp=mtr

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1952-1953-1...Parts_Accessories&hash=item4d29f8df41&vxp=mtr