Re: very confused

Posted by BigKev On 2010/9/17 22:50:45

Look at the '53 Sales Brochure here on the website, lots of illustrations of the various models. The side trim is a bit different between the Clipper Special, Deluxe, and Super models. Some of "factory" pics that came from the Detroit Public Library are actually misidentified or have incorrect descriptions so don't rely on those as the gospel. Generally only the seniors (non-Clipper) had the chrome fin on top of the fender. Also '53 Clipper had thin headlight rings, while the seniors had thick headlight rings. The '54 Clippers use the thick rings (same a '53 Senior), and the '54 Seniors had the rings with the little fin on it.

Not only are the sore thumb taillight a sure sign of a '54 clipper, but also '54 didn't use side trim with the barb head on it. 53 was the last year for the barb-headed trim. Besides the basic grille shell, all the rest of the trim on the '54 is different than the '53 model clipper models.

Also the '54 Deluxes and Supers have an extra piece of chrome trim that goes under the bumper extensions (the piece you are missing).