Re: Help with purchase selection

Posted by HH56 On 2016/1/25 11:18:26

If mechanically they are similar and both in good shape then I'm of the opinion the best interior would win. Finding original fabrics for both could be a challenge but the 22nd series I think has the edge for quality and just the overall look and how the interior went together. I don't believe the mostly painted plain looking dash of the 53 comes off quite as nicely as the more chromed and woodgrained 22nd series. Of course, both chrome and woodgrain are expensive to do if those are in poor condition.

IMO, the only real downside to the 22nd dash is the lack of lighting and identification on the controls if you plan to do any night driving.. If the light kit was installed over the buttons that alleviates part of the issue but the other is the instruments themselves. The Flite-Glo concept was interesting and worked in its time but if the luminescent paint has died or flaked off then even removing the UV filters over the bulbs and reverting to ordinary light can still result in dim instruments. Refinishing the gauges with new luminescent paint might be an option and some have done or are doing it. A few that have report the undertaking is tedious and time consuming. Some don't like the idiot lights but even with them, one thing in its favor is the 53 dash has good visible gauges and easy to find controls.

While the 50-54 regular Ultramatics are not too troublesome, if the 53 has one and it has been abused or worked on and shortcuts taken by someone not knowing the unit then that is an expensive repair. The normal driving range takeoff from stops with the Ultramatic can best be described as leisurely so that can be an issue for some. The engines are basically the same and share a lot of parts so a tossup there.

If the 53 has power steering and power brakes then maybe a bit easier to drive but that would be personal preference. If it does have power brakes then by all means one of my first suggestions --even with low miles-- is to have the unit gone thru by a reputable rebuilder. Too many have just started driving a car after the power brake unit had been sitting and now have tales to tell.