1952-59 Ford New to the group: 53 Customline 2dr i6

Hey all! Christy here. Just purchased a 53 Ford Customline 2dr with an inline 6 yesterday. It needs a starter, but otherwise runs & drives. Can't wait to learn more about the car, since I'm pretty much starting fresh on this one knowledge wise.

 

Very cool!

 

Love it!

 

Thanks :thumbsup: I can't wait to tear into it.

 

So I've been digging around and found some threads from previous sales of this exact car. Looks like I was mislead on the car perhaps... Looks like it may actually be a Mainline. Does anyone know how to distinguish between a mainline and a custom line? Thanks in advance.

Edit: Think I found my answer and it may well indeed be a Mainline, since it has no chrome inserts on the sides or in the windshield molding.

 

Not as easy as one might think, especially as the cars age and lose some of their unique parts. The VIN codes are shared between the Mainline and Customline. I think the only real differences were some wheel covers that were only on Customlines and Crestlines, and badging. Maybe some different stainless too, I think the Customlines had stainless around the windows and some Mainlines did not.

For the most part, they are identical, and as far as value is concerned there really isn't a difference.

 

Not concerned with value (maybe I should be lol) but mostly just didn't want to be "that guy [well, girl]" who says she has this but really has that.

 

welcome from southern illinois. wish my doors closed as evenly as yours appear to. but thats another project

 

Welcome from Piedmont SC. Good looking car.

 

Thanks!

Clips I'll be sure to follow your build!

 

As Eckoofgecko said the Customline had chrome around the windscreen, it also had chrome strips along the midline of the fenders with a strip with the word Customline embossed in it. With your car painted flat black, if it had been a Customline the general trend is to remove the side strips and fill the holes. The mainline was an entry level vehicle. But at thend of the day what you have looks great as it is and should just be enjoyed.
If you want to know what the car was from the factory list it's Vin plate ID here and I am sure we could decipher it. All that is is needed is the four letter code - in 55 it would be something like U5RG.
Regards

 

Thanks Rick. The code is A3UG, which from what I can decipher from searches can be a Customline or a Mainline, haha, so I may never really know. However I did find posts from one of the previous owners on another forum that he states it is a Mainline. I guess I'll just call it a 53 Ford.

 

Check the plate inside drivers door if the number is 70A its a Mainline two door sedan.

 

Welcome from SoCal. Doesn't look like you need to do much to it but DRIVE!

 

Well, needs a starter to do that LOL but other than that it's ready to rock. From here on out it's just about making it "mine"... oh and a V8 swap is in it's future... Must. have. v8.

 

Welcome. I have a 53 mainline as well. Good lookin car you have there.

 

By your vin it started life as a 53 6 cyl out of Louisville.
Mainlines were 70A Mainline Tudor or 72C Mainline Business Coupe.
Tudor Customlines were 70B.
The V8 is a great improvement. YBlocks bolt straight in and late model fit easily with minor modifications.
Either way you have a great car to start with.

 

congrats on the buy. looking forward to see the progress. Nothing like the feeling of starting it up and taking it around town, good luck!

 

Welcome from San Diego. I've seen that car before too and I think you are right about it being labeled as a Maineline, but who really cares when you are going to make it your own custom any way. I know this group will prove useful for you.

 

Welcome from another So Cal'er. Nice looking car, love the two-doors. Here are the codes for 53 Mainline & Customline.

70A-Mainline Tudor Sedan
70B-Customline Tudor Sedan
72B-Customline Club Coupe
72C-Mainline Business Coupe

 

Welcome from WI! Look forward to progress pics!

 

Welcome from N. Florida! Nice ride!

 

with 2 or 3 strong guys from here, you should be able to push start and drive it. dont shut it off til you get home again.

 

Chopd, where in Florida?

dwaynerz - I had the guys there, but I live in a townhome and just afraid once I got it in the parking spot it'd be stuck there. The "neighborhood nazis" probably wouldn't like me installing the starter there lol.

 

have same strong guys push it back to parking spot.

as far as the neighborhood nazi's go, i think i would just start work on it, and when they complain, tell them this will be the last project you work on, but since its apart you have to finish it. give them a smile and a wink and they should leave you alone.

 

Haha, what if it's the crazy old lady?

 

have your 3 strong guy freinds smile and wink at her instead. that should keep her distracted until starter gets changed

 

Haha!

 

Welcome aboard from the Carolina Lowcountry. That's a sweet lookin' ride girl. I'd put a starter in and ride for a while, nothing wrong with a "buzzin' half dozen" and some Mellow Tones.


Cheers,
Jim

 

hey welcome! from Tacoma, Wa.!