Projects Newbie just shook hands on a 53 Chieftain

Great to hear there are more 53 chieftain guys out there.
Congratulations and you're going to love that car.
I have a 53 Chieftain Canadian and although it doesnt look exactly the same as your's it is a Chieftain.
Mine is not stock by any means with a 10 bolt posi, 300 hp small block and 700R4 trans however the steering and brakes are origional with a couple of changes.

I have lowered spindles from Fat Man Fabrications and the brakes were just re done to use a dual master cylinder with no power assist.
The brake hoses and lines have definatly been replaced and the master is a 1970 Mustang Disc/Drum master.

I got a master cylinder bracket from ECI Hot Rod components and the job was really quite easy.
Its still frame mounted and if a big block 60's Dodge can stop with manual drum brakes so can I.
The brake cylinder components and assorted parts are still on Rock Auto and I find the part numbers there and either order them from there or cross them at my local auto parts store.

I find a lot of parts for my car by searching 53 Chev as Pontiac stuff is harder to find but I always have to verify the part numbers.

I'll check back here and am looking forward to more pictures of your restoration