Hi to all, I just started a project it is a 52 3100 short bed,it is gonna be semi street-rod but look as stock as possible. My question is what will inter change between 52 & 54 trucks,I 'm going to look at a 54 for some parts and just needed some insight.Are the cabs able to be swapped ?frames? I know they have different front clips. Also will newer camaro rears work in this build?I'm using a 4-link suspension. Thanks Matt
54 Chevy I bought what I thought was a 1954 chevy truck, only to find out that it is 1953 or older with a 1954 cab and front clip. After some research, the frame is different from 53 to 54, as 54 the frame over the axel does not have as much of an arch on 54 as 53 and older do, that is why the 54 box is 2" deeper. Yes the cab and front clip will bolt right in as I own one. Sorry I do not have a picture to post, but will work on getting one soon. Dan
2 more Chevy owners! Rats~ just when the GMC owners were starting to take over... Well, let me just say WELCOME! You've come to the right place for advice! While you wait for a response, I'd suggest a stroll back through the archives. Lots of posts about anything you'd ever need to know about these rigs! Do a search, you'll see what I mean! Do post pictures! We L-O-V-E pictures!
54's & 55.1's Are JUST Different Enough To put a serious hurt on yer wallet when you're looking for the trim bits . As mentioned , the frames are diferent . As you're building a Hot Rod , simply take your time and always : measure THRICE before cutting once WELCOME ! .
There are differences, some subtle, some major! 54 and 55.1 have curved single windshields, pre 54's were two-piece. The dash is completely different between them, so none of the dash pieces are interchangable. The bed was totally redesigned in '54, so the bed sides and tailgate are not interchangable. As Nate mentioned, the trim on the hood and front fenders, as well as the grille are vastly different, requiring different tooling and thus, while the front fenders and hood fit, major metal work would be required to accept emblems and grille. Just a few, but there are more. Ken
54's Thanks for the replies! The 54 part truck isn't going to pan out too much$ for too little usable parts.Here in Pa anything thats been sitting around outside is kinda rough. But I'm still looking for as much vintage steel to use on her before going to reproduction parts.
54s 54s came from the showroom with 235 fully pressured six's for the first time. And 390:1 rear gear instead of the 411 gears in the earlier ADs with the babbit pounding 216's adored by most of the AD owners in this forum. The dash is different and makes finding radios difficult to fit the factory slot. The tailgate on a "54 will fit a stepside Chevy bed all the way through '87 i believe. Jim
Yabbutt ; The 1954 235 is a one year only engine that's impossible to find parts for .... I don't think many here are overly fond of the Babbit Pounding 216's . Good for farm use or show rigs , otherwise scrap it out for the full pressure '55 ~ '64 235 or better yet , a romping , stomping 261 ! yes , I know they stopped installing the 235 in the 1963 model year but I also know they made them until 1964 at least , maybe longer as it was the # 1 engine back in the day .
