1952 versus 1951

[Roadmaster49]

Was reading Jack's book today.  Was there a change to the length of the trunk/rear quarters for the "true" 1952 Kaisers?  It seems to imply there was.

[rialto]

They were different but not in length. The 51 line and 52 Virginian had exterior trunk lid hinges and a prop rod to hold the lid open .Real 52s had interior countersprung hinges. The lid would stay up by itself. Hatchback hinges were unique to hatchbacks and didn't change. The bottom of the quarter panel was molded differently to match the new shape of the real 52 bumper. This bottom piece was seperate but welded on. 51 to 55 cars have the same basic frame and wheelbase.

[Fid]

The "real" (or late) '52 Kaisers have the trunk hinges on the outside too. It's the '53s that don't

[rialto]

Whoops    Thats right.  How did I miss that one?

[kaiserfrazerlibrary]

I still don't see it.  The reference is on pages 109-110 and notes that Howard Darrin proposed extending the quarter panels to increase useable trunk space.  However, it also states that the company's inability to turn a profit in 1949 and 1950 meant that a less ambitious program was required.  The effect of a longer car was tried through changes to the bumper and grille as well as the new tail lights that could be seen from the sides just as easy as from the rear.  At no place does it state that the 1952 Kaiser (regular type, not Virginians) got bigger quarter panels themselves. 

[Roadmaster49]

Would have to grab the book again.  The passage you refer to is what I was thinking of.  That's why I said "imply". I just wanted to make sure I understood what differences if any there were from 1951 to 1952, except cosmetic.  It appears there were no changes.