1954 Chevy....

[tiddlar]

So, I found a gem long story short found a girl, she's a mechanic at a body shop. Owner could not pay so he gave title. My problem is that it's a 54.. I want the 47-53 grill... Would that be hard to change? Also, don't know how I would feel about it, it's not the real thing you know? And also are the front fenders the same?

[torchlight]

Front fenders are different, not sure if anything else on the front end is also, other than the grille obviously. If the 54 is in good shape and a good deal, you should consider picking it up and making it into the truck you want. Maybe save the original fenders and grille in storage if possible.

Also remember the dash is different, just FYI. And bedsides and tailgate. Good to know in case your plan would be to present it as a 47-53 when it's all done.

[nvrdone]

From many articles I've seen, the early style - 47 to 53 - clip will fit the 54 style cab. Check youtube or custom classic trucks for pictures. I think it looks good with the 1 piece windshield

[tiddlar]

Originally Posted by torchlight

Front fenders are different, not sure if anything else on the front end is also, other than the grille obviously. If the 54 is in good shape and a good deal, you should consider picking it up and making it into the truck you want. Maybe save the original fenders and grille in storage if possible.

Also remember the dash is different, just FYI. And bedsides and tailgate. Good to know in case your plan would be to present it as a 47-53 when it's all done.

How different are the fenders? What's different about them.. Been googling for an hour now..

[Hogger54]

'54 Not the real thing?!?....

[tiddlar]

Originally Posted by Hogger54

'54 Not the real thing?!?....

The real thing as the real thug that I wanted. It's like getting a duck and dressing up like a lion... Is it a lion...?? Lol... I'm gonna see if the shop will even sell it.. Then if the price is right...

[Ricos54]

54 cab and 54 frame with 47-53 front clip went on no problem. I wanted to buy a 47-53 but now that I have the 54 I would not want it any other way. Plus I love the solid windshield



Also 47-53 complete bed just make sure you get the 47-53 splash apron's




One thing about the 54 the dash hole for the steering wheel is in the middle the 47-53 is off to the right one thing makes me glad I ended up with the 54

[tiddlar]

Originally Posted by Ricos54

54 cab and 54 frame with 47-53 front clip went on no problem. I wanted to buy a 47-53 but now that I have the 54 I would not want it any other way. Plus I love the solid windshield



Also 47-53 complete bed just make sure you get the 47-53 splash apron's




One thing about the 54 the dash hole for the steering wheel is in the middle the 47-53 is off to the right one thing makes me glad I ended up with the 54

She looks stunning Rico! The windshield.... Yea I'm not going to lie... Looks modernistic... I hope to get there someday....

[Ricos54]

Originally Posted by tiddlar

She looks stunning Rico! The windshield.... Yea I'm not going to lie... Looks modernistic... I hope to get there someday....

I'm glad you like it, also you can put bucket seats in. I cut the entire bench frame out and brace it under the cab

[curmudgeon]

I have both a '52 and '54 and for a 1.5 year model run (54-55.1) there are a surprising amount of changes as Ricos54 shows. If you just like the look of the earlier grill and want to swap that on, as pointed out the fenders are different and you need the eariler hood latch panel as well. Unlike the '54 all these parts are readily available. The '54 hood latch panel is not repro'd so you should be able to sell it easily and well as the fenders/grill. (or keep everything to convert back if you decide to sell the truck).

However, you are dressing your duck up as a goose (rather than lion) and if you like that look better, that's great. Lots of folks like the look of the 1 piece windshield, I'm considering spending big bucks myself to put the 1 piece in my '52. But if you are concerned about originality, everyone will see your truck as a '54 with an earlier grill. Even if you change the bed, the dash is different, I even had to buy a specific '54 radio that mounts under the speaker grill.

[tiddlar]

Duck to goose that's what I wanted to say . Sounds like of have to spend money to change the front end

[tiddlar]

Well talked to the guy, he's had it for 20 years, said all the body work and motor rebuilt 20 years ago. He said it's a gmc.... My friend who sent me a picture of the front end and it looks like the 54 bull nose. Am I missing something here? Wish I could load pics but it jist sends me to past a URL.

[Hogger54]

If it's a '54 GMC, then it should have a grill similar to a '47-'53 Chev. Unless someone did a conversion in the past. But it's pretty hard to say without pictures.

[tiddlar]

Originally Posted by Hogger54

If it's a '54 GMC, then it should have a grill similar to a '47-'53 Chev. Unless someone did a conversion in the past. But it's pretty hard to say without pictures.

its definitely a 54 chevy grill no question about it, he must be confused. Well keep on hunting because hes not letting it go.