1954 red headed stepchild?

[Joey_B]

Hi All,
I bought a '54 3100 truck recently and quickly becoming aware that this specific year seems to be the red headed stepchild? Please help me understand why they list parts "1947 - 1954" and when you select the part it says, "will fit 47-53" why not 54? Then there are parts that fit 55-59... I understand it was a transition year but how do I order parts? Ex. My dash looks like an AD model but the manuals posted shows the 54 with a smooth glove box cover, while the dash is completely different on a 55 the glove box cover looks like what I'm supposed to have... Used parts (or even new parts) are scarce where I live and I have to have them shipped and if not correct could cost me a small fortune in shipping back. I've tried using GM part numbers for reference but no one whose selling them online (i.e. Craigs or ebay) refers to them so I'm unsure they will fit. Very confusing. Can someone shed some light on this for me?
Thanks