Build Slip/Chassis #s/Evidence of Restoration

Posted by LynnFauth On 2012/7/24 22:31:53

The more into my 53 ClipDlx, I'm getting convinced of a frame off restore. Crawling around the car, changing oil & waiting for tran and hypoid oil deliveries before pan drops, I wonder: given how clean and painted the oil pan, Torque C cover, and trans pan seem (this one complete with plenty of permatex-type goop) is it necessary to pull them to de-sludge. ATF is clear red & doesn't smell burnt. Oil was reasonably clean. I've attached some pictures to show how clean it is; a crawl inspection of undercarriage revealed 2 minor rust spots: 1)Left rear quarter by fender skirt 2)another where two floor panels join, right rear. All is painted gloss black; all rubber grommets/bushings do not appear to be originals--they're intact, not rotted like 60-yr olds. I've attached some pictures--evidence of clean!

What advice comes from the experts reading this? For sure, ATF gets replaced,as does diff. oil. Engine oil and filter have been replaced; a radiator flush comes once I get it off stands with new oils.

I found the build slip. It reads:

KO 22154 AT HE RPE WS FS VM CL.. Key PU. 040

Galahad Green/Orchard Green 2-tone, Ultramatic, Heat, Radio w/pwr ant, whitewalls, trunk light, night mirror; what's CL?

There's a 95 on the build sheet--is that the trim code (green bedford cloth?); it's stamped either Jun or Jul 15, 1953. The 3rd letter after Ju is unclear.

This date does not jibe with the date stamped on the frame--under right rear door: see photo 1.
OS 8-17-53
Pack 326212-81.
122
I assume the 122 is the wheelbase. But if the frame was marked on 8-17-53 and the build sheet says Jun/Jul 15, 53, was the body built before the frame?

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