53 Manhattan accessories

[fljags95]

where can i find a list of what accessories were added to the manhattan? Dan

[joefrazer]

KF issued sales accessory bulletins that detailed what was available year to year. They also, early on, issued full color, multiple page publications that detailed the lineup. For 1953, accessory bulletins are scarce. I have a few and here's what comes to mind:
- Hydramatic transmission
- Two tone paint
- Tinted glass
- Gas door guard
- Gas door lock
- Trunk light
- Under hood light
- Map light (used in lieu of the cigar lighter)
- Rear seat cigar lighter
- Rear seat speaker
- Curb feelers
- Outside sun visor
- Left and right side outside mirrors
- Vent shades (mounted at door tops)
- Radio
- Clock
- Overdrive (if equipped with standard transmission)
- White wall tires
- 7.10x15 tire size upgrade (I have a dealer invoice from a distributor with this shown...for 8 bucks!)
- Heater
- Power steering (Dragon model)
- Backup lamps
- Left door post mounted spotlight
- Windshield washer kit (vacuum fed)
- Exhaust pipe tip
There's probably a few more...anyone else have a few?

[montefrazer]

Fog lights
Hand held spot light
Rear window wiper
Various Kaiser branded creams and polishes available from the dealer

[superk226]

'Kiddie Locks' were also available. These mounted on rear quarter panels and when in the locked position they prevented the rear doors from being opened from the inside of the car.

[fljags95]

Thanks guys, now i can determine what was standard on the car and what was considered an accessory. Dan

[Fid]

Hydramatic, radio and vent shades were definitely options that were not standard on '53 Kaiser Manhattans, but you saw them on a lot of them. From what I recall, the Manhattan had the wide rub moulding around the bottom whereas the Carolina had none and the Deluxe had the thin strip.  Also the Manhattan  had bamboo vinyl interior and chrome strips on the door panels as standard equipment. A lot of them, but not all, were tutoned.

[ben-tex]

"Fake" wire wheels or wheel discs. Also I guess real wire wheels as well.