My '54 started out it's life as a 5 window longbed 3600. It's now a short bed, but I got lucky. My mom's '54 5 window was short and she wanted a long one. So we just swapped. As far as I know, all of the aftermarket ones loose the stamping lines you are mentioning. I've always liked the '54 grille better myself, but no one(that I'm aware of) sells the aftermarket metal for them either. I also realized the grille isn't the only year specific part!(Cab interior,windshield,hood emblem,chassis,tailgate,etc.) My email is
dumphy180@hotmail.com If I can help you at all, I'd be more than willing. I just spent almost 3k having my '54 gauges rebuilt with 12volt stuff and set up to work with my 700R4 transmission. I originally wanted to restore mine to OEM specs, but (after driving it for 3 years with the gas tank inside the cab, rigid straight axels, leaf suspension, high gears and 4 wheel drum brakes)decided a functional truck is what I really wanted. I still want to keep the exterior mods to a minimum, but the power train is all updated with 4 wheel disc brakes to stop it. Check out my build thread below. P.S. my mom is looking for a longbed chassis.
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Mom's 1954 (TBI 5.7/700R4/14 bolt 4:10) 5 Chevrolet window 3/4 ton long bed Pick up
build thread ->
http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=228674
My 1954 (TPI 5.7/700R4/10 bolt 3:73) Chevrolet 5 window 1/2 ton short bed Pick up
build thread->
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...3&goto=newpost
1960 (400/T350/?) Apache 10 short/fleet side-big window
1973 (TPI 5.7/700R4/14 bolt 4:10 w DANA 60 front) Chevrolet Cheyenne 4X4
2013 (Vortec 5.3/6-speed 6L90 automatic) Sierra LT CREW CAB
Doing my part to warm the globe