1953 dash in a 1951?

[krinkov58]

Anybody know if a 1953 Super/Roadmaster dash will fit a 1950-52 Super or Roadmaster? I know the body for these model cars stayed pretty much the same from 50-52 and in 1954 it was redesigned from the frame up but what about 1953? From what I understand the 1953 Roadmasters were just Supers with the same 322 engine, an extra porthole and fancier trim for year. I'm just curious if the width for 1952 and 1953 50/70 series bodies were the same...

[raycow]

I believe the 53 body is the same as 50-52. One of the doors on my 52 is supposed to have come from a 53 (I didn't install it myself), and while it obviously has the wrong interior trim, it does appear to fit ok. A possible way to tell for sure would be to find someone with a Hollander and check the windshield glass.

Do you mind telling why you want to swap the dash? It looks like the job would be anything but easy.

Ray

[krinkov58]

I just like the lines of the '53 dash a little better...I think the last time I took the dash out of one of these cars it was a '52 and it was just a matter of disconnecting the gauges/bulbs/wiper switch, some Phillips screws had to come off up near the windshield, and some supports around the radio/hood release brackets had to get unbolted. If the tabs for the screws are in the same place and the holes for the support bolts are too (what are the chances) it should be an easy swap.

[raycow]

That's not nearly as bad as I thought. I was expecting the dash to be welded in. Thank you for educating me.

Ray

[krinkov58]

Nah it's not that big a deal, just make sure that you disconnected everything...I think I took the radio out beforehand, and all the knobs have to be removed too.