Technical Spotted an Early 1955 Chevrolet Pickup

Took my first long bicycle ride today, a perfect day, old cars were out. Triumph TR3 rolled out of a garage being worked on, got p***ed by a '62 Corvette, then I spotted a faded green 1955 Chevy pickup in a driveway. Think I'll drive over tomorrow and see if it needs a new home. It would be a perfect daily driver for me right now. I had one in the early 1970's great little truck. To me they look better than the earlier AD trucks, are all things other than the body parts interchangeable? Just looked around and wonder after all these years is the 1954 the same as a First Series 1955?

Bob

 

@Mr48chev probably knows.

 

First or second series 55?

Pretty much everything is different between them. The 55 first series got an open driveline, so the engine, transmission, and rear end are about the same. The ch***is, suspension, etc is all completely different (except the front spindle/hub/brake is the same)

 

EARLY Series! The AD truck with the nice grille. I still have the paperwork from the one Dad bought new, plus the stuff from the one I had in the 1970's. I'll see what the story is on it tomorrow, I'm doing a slow inspection of stuff that could be for sale quick to fund it, that is a good thing. Bob

 

Wasn't the grille on the '54 painted and the 1st series '55 chromed?

 

I've seen them both ways, may be some Standard vs Deluxe version.

 

Yep...first series 1955 did have a few differences - the hood emblem is what I notice first.

 

Thanks, So there is a unique "Early '55" and a 1954 ??

 

I have a 54 in my shop now that a local family has owned since new. It has had a chrome grille in it as long as I remember, however the lower grille bar was painted. I’ve often wondered if the chrome was a replacement part some time earlier. On the other hand, my dad built me a 1st series 55 back in 75 that wore its original paint, and it came out with a painted grille.

 

Yes, there is a 54 and an early 55 that is the AD style and looks a lot like a 54. They both had a one piece windshield and the different grill from the earlier AD’s. One difference (I think) is that the first series 55 had an open driveline, whereas the 54 was still closed? I could be wrong on that...

 

I've always wondered if the early series 55 was 12 volt?

 

No. They were still 6volt.

 

You are correct. The 54 was closed driveline and the early 55 open. As someone said earlier, the frame on a 54/early55 was different than the 47-53. The rear rails had less kick up over the rear end and of course the bed sides were flat on top instead of angled. Pretty sure the tailgates were changed also.

 

I just got a early 55 pickup, will need some parts. if any one has parts p/m me. I also have a frame that has been equipt with a mii front end and a s10 rear end with coil over shocks for suspension. Rear end is s10 4 wheel drive, and this is for sale. P/M me for picts and info. Don

 

Yep 53/54 and the early 55 by itself - although hoods cane be changed. Early on left 55 on right.

 

^^^^ Thanks stillrunners, that is the first outward sign I've seen. This is a shot of my old truck back in 1976.

 

Early body