This coupled with other unconfirmed data would suggest 54 3100's were 2nd lowest AD production at 170,000 units. Only 55-1 being really low production. I might be wrong be makes sense and more info that Ive see ever. I still believe plastic wires and other technological improvements really helped them survive longer than other years. I have also heard that the one piece windshield and cab weatherstrip in 54's kept water out longer adding to mix of factors. Saw another 54 recently but a suburban.
I lumped everything together to kinda/sorta support the 170,000 number above.. Always open for correction.
May add the decline in production and sales may have been reason
the ADs were replaced by TFs;
Still think there are more surviving 54's than all previous years
May 1 1947 - Dec. 31 1947 335,343 units
1948 389,690
1949 383,543
1950 494,573
1951 426,115
1952 387,423
1953 361,833
1954 325,515
1955 first series ? (lumped in with 54's?)
1954:
170,824 units produced had GVW's of 5,000 lbs. or less.
64,599 units produced had a GVW rating of 5,001 & 10,000 lbs. "
http://www.1954advance-design.com/A-...CVA-11-55.html