1952 early/late

[fatboylust]

From time to time as I am looking at various parts sources I see a reference to a part being applicable to either an "early" or "late" 52 vehicle. Is there a specific point in the production that differentiates the early models from the late models?

[52-fan]

The parts book will usually give a before or after a certain serial number for parts that have changed. The problem is that some parts like the 52 parklight lenses use the same number even though they were changed.

[52 Ragtop]

Yep, the park light lenses are either curved in the rear where they mount to the head light bucket, or flat. The nameplate "Commander" was also changed, the early was a rectangle emblem, the late was the script style.

Jim

[fatboylust]

So if I understand: the early/late is part specific for those parts that changed some time during the production run. My rear Commander emblem is the rectangle and the parking lights are the flat backed (have 3 flat-back lenses/w two buckets and one round back lens/w bucket assy) style. I'll have to wait until I get a Parts Book to know what is what. Thanks for the insight.

[rockne10]

And even earlier '52's still used the '51 headlight door and park lens.

[52-fan]

And even earlier '52's still used the '51 headlight door and park lens.

I didn't know that. I don't recall seeing one. Anyone have a picture?

[BRUCESTUDE]

Early '52s also had rubber door sill plates, the later had the aluminum ones. Other than the park lenses and the Commander script, I know of no other differences, except minor mechanical running changes.

[rockne10]

Anyone have a picture?

I can put the '51 headlights on any '52 and take a picture. The Chassis Catalog will tell you if a particular VIN would have been equipped with them from the factory.