VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1949-1954 Truck model numbers and engines

The more research I do, the more confused I get so I'll post it her with the wizards. I have a 53 5 window pickup so how do I determine the model number? 31XX And which engine was std in this truck? I've found references to the 216 as well as the early insert 235 with the 15 bolt heads. I think the confusion factor may be that the specific model is not reported with the engine. Thanks for any help!

A 1953 1/2 ton pick-up woulld be a 3104 model...the 1/2 tons were the 3100 series. The 1953 1/2 ton, 3/4 ton. 1 ton and 1 1/2 ton trucks had a 216 engines. The 2 ton trucks had a 235 engine of the old dipper type. The only 1953 Chevrolet to have a full pressure 235 engine was the cars with POWER GLIDE. The stick shift cars had the 235 dipper engine and the sedan delivery had the 216 engine.
All 1954 vehicles had a 235 full pressure engine with a 261 being optional in the 2 ton trucks.

Thanks. What is the significance of the last two digits in the model number. I assume the 31 designates the 1/2 ton truck, but I've seen very little on the remaining numbers.
The 1953 2-ton truck engine you refered to was the dipper fed, low pressure engine with inserts??? Essentially a 216 with a higher deck height.

The 1949 235 was that last of the 216 high deck blocks. The 1950 and up 235 was a new block, used for 235 only, and had the low push rod cover. Was used in 1950-52 Power Glide cars and 1950-53 2 ton trucks, 1953 stcik shift cars (was optional on some 1 1/2 ton trucks). This engine had babbited rods, dippers. etc.
The block was updated for 19953 and used extra head bolts. The 1953 full pressure block was very simular in general except for oiling. The 1953 235 heads for both 235 engines interchanged.

The last two numbers in the model numbers indicated the type of truck. 3116 was a suburban, 3105 a panel, 3103 a chassis and cab, 3104 a pick-up, etc.

Thanks again. The information really helps.