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#36717 07/20/05 10:22 AM
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Anyone know the percentage of '54 Belairs that had power seat and power windows with the power glide? Thanks, Alan

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and power brakes and power steering?

Agrin


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1925 Superior K Roadster
1928 Convertible, Sport, Cabriolet
1933 Eagle, Coupe
1941 Master Deluxe 5-Passenger Coupe
1950 Styleline Deluxe 4-Door Sedan
1950 Styleline Deluxe Convertible
2002 Pontiac, Montana, Passenger Van
2014 Impala, 4-Door Sedan, White Diamond, LTZ
2017 Silverado, Double Cab, Z71, 4X4, White, Standard Bed, LTZ

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why this reply?

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I'm sure that our members that are in the "know" are researching an accurate answer for you. I also am interested as I was not aware of power seats in the 54 Chev.

Stay tuned!! dance

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Not only that, they also had "electric eye dimmer" for the headlights.

Agrin


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1925 Superior K Roadster
1928 Convertible, Sport, Cabriolet
1933 Eagle, Coupe
1941 Master Deluxe 5-Passenger Coupe
1950 Styleline Deluxe 4-Door Sedan
1950 Styleline Deluxe Convertible
2002 Pontiac, Montana, Passenger Van
2014 Impala, 4-Door Sedan, White Diamond, LTZ
2017 Silverado, Double Cab, Z71, 4X4, White, Standard Bed, LTZ

If you need a shoulder to cry on, pull off to the side of the road.
Death is the number 1 killer in the world.


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Look on Ebay now for this kit:

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Alan,

I don't know the percentage. I do know the those two options 'came together.' You apparently couldn't get power windows if you didn't get power seats..... and vice versa.

The 'four' power options (seats, windows, steering and brakes) would make a '54 quite rare indeed. I'd think in the .005 to 1.0% range.

You see, '53 was the first year Chevy had PS / PB and '54 was the first year Chevy had pwr windows and pwr seats.....

Some years ago I purchased a very original convertible that Ray (and I ????) were going to restore. Kinda got put off and it never did happen. I sold the car into Canada. It was completely restored to original, marvelous standards. And, get this, it subsequently burned to the ground in a 'garage fire.' Sad but true!!!!

Bill.

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I have never seen a percent break down of power seats and windows but it would be a very low number.The seat and window option #397 was available on 210 and Bel Air series only-and if I remember correctly front windows only.

My guess would be perhaps 1 out of 500 to 1000 cars...with a little over a million produced.

(1954 was the first year for power brakes)later an accessory Hydra-vac power brake booster was offered as an accessory for 1951-54 cars.


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I don't know how many Chevrolet dealers there were in 1954 but I would guess somewhere around 15,000. If I were making a guess I would think that everyone of them were "encouraged" to purchase at least one for a demo that would be 1.5% And of course however many they planed to produce would be the number sold. 100% of those parts were shared with Pontiac so that would give them some flexability.


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There were about 5000-6000 Chevrolet dealerships in 1954.Many were small town dealers that sold less than 50 cars a year.Usually were in areas where such luxeries were never wanted.I would venture to guess that the larger cities and more affluent areas is where the fancy cars were sold.The dealer I was employed at in 1954 sold about 1000 cars a year.I would guess that we delivered about 3 or 4 window/seat cars.Was more common to find the regional Chevrolet reps. and big shots to have a factory furnished cars so equipped.


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I don't think any of the 4 small town Chevy dealers I frequented in 53 and 54 sold the Chevrolet with those four options, anyone wanting that much luxury bought Buicks but mainly Caddys, Packards, or New Yorkers depending upon their traits.


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I thank you!

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Just so we have it clear in our minds. 1953 was first year for Hydraulic Steering Equipment, Option No. 324, and factory installed.

1954 was first year for Vacuum Power Brake, Option No. 412, and factory installed.

1954 was first year for Seat and Window Electrical Control Equipment, Option No. 397, and factory installed. (As mentioned before it was both not either or)

Agrin


RAY


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http://www.vccacolumbiariverregion.org/



1925 Superior K Roadster
1928 Convertible, Sport, Cabriolet
1933 Eagle, Coupe
1941 Master Deluxe 5-Passenger Coupe
1950 Styleline Deluxe 4-Door Sedan
1950 Styleline Deluxe Convertible
2002 Pontiac, Montana, Passenger Van
2014 Impala, 4-Door Sedan, White Diamond, LTZ
2017 Silverado, Double Cab, Z71, 4X4, White, Standard Bed, LTZ

If you need a shoulder to cry on, pull off to the side of the road.
Death is the number 1 killer in the world.


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The car has power steering, seat and windows. No power brakes.

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Interesting, I have never seen that combination.

Agrin


RAY


Chevradioman
http://www.vccacolumbiariverregion.org/



1925 Superior K Roadster
1928 Convertible, Sport, Cabriolet
1933 Eagle, Coupe
1941 Master Deluxe 5-Passenger Coupe
1950 Styleline Deluxe 4-Door Sedan
1950 Styleline Deluxe Convertible
2002 Pontiac, Montana, Passenger Van
2014 Impala, 4-Door Sedan, White Diamond, LTZ
2017 Silverado, Double Cab, Z71, 4X4, White, Standard Bed, LTZ

If you need a shoulder to cry on, pull off to the side of the road.
Death is the number 1 killer in the world.


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Could the brakes have been converted back to non power long ago? I will have the car soon and look.

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Not likely. There are many components to the vacuum brake system. But, check under the left front fender or under the car for a vacuum tank. Look at the removable panel around the steering column. This is a special panel used with the vacuum brake.

Agrin


RAY


Chevradioman
http://www.vccacolumbiariverregion.org/



1925 Superior K Roadster
1928 Convertible, Sport, Cabriolet
1933 Eagle, Coupe
1941 Master Deluxe 5-Passenger Coupe
1950 Styleline Deluxe 4-Door Sedan
1950 Styleline Deluxe Convertible
2002 Pontiac, Montana, Passenger Van
2014 Impala, 4-Door Sedan, White Diamond, LTZ
2017 Silverado, Double Cab, Z71, 4X4, White, Standard Bed, LTZ

If you need a shoulder to cry on, pull off to the side of the road.
Death is the number 1 killer in the world.


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Hey Ray,

I think that 54 convertible we went out to Forest Grove to look at some years ago had seats and windows and steering but NOT PB. (I think that was you; maybe it was Joe.)

The guy who owned it was Bob Jones, as I recall. He had something to do with the 'parts store' right across the street from 'Forest Grove' at Pacific University.

Bill.

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Bill, we have looked at several 54 convertibles together, but I don't recall one at Forest Grove.


They say that memory is the first thing to go, and I can't remember the second thing.

Agrin


RAY


Chevradioman
http://www.vccacolumbiariverregion.org/



1925 Superior K Roadster
1928 Convertible, Sport, Cabriolet
1933 Eagle, Coupe
1941 Master Deluxe 5-Passenger Coupe
1950 Styleline Deluxe 4-Door Sedan
1950 Styleline Deluxe Convertible
2002 Pontiac, Montana, Passenger Van
2014 Impala, 4-Door Sedan, White Diamond, LTZ
2017 Silverado, Double Cab, Z71, 4X4, White, Standard Bed, LTZ

If you need a shoulder to cry on, pull off to the side of the road.
Death is the number 1 killer in the world.


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My Father who lives in Florida has a four door Bel Air with power seats, windows, brakes, steering, and powerglide. He has owned two other 54's with power steering and power glide (no other power options) and not brakes. One was a 210
John


John



1954 Belair Sport Coupe
1960 2 door Impala Hardtop 348/340HP 4spd
1962 2 door Impala Hardtop 409/409 4spd
1962 2 Door Biscayne Sedan 327/250 Auto
1977 Monza Mirage 305 4 Speed
1988 Celebrity Wagon
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Hey John 348.....

It sounds like your father has a car like I'm looking for....

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I'm looking for a 1954 Bel Air four door sedan - or - convertible.

I'd like a pretty nice car. Pretty much original/stock like. Although I'd be willing to 'listen' about a mechanically modified car. Not interested in any 'custom' body work.
Any chance???

Bill.

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Sorry Bill, My Dad is not one to part with things.
John


John



1954 Belair Sport Coupe
1960 2 door Impala Hardtop 348/340HP 4spd
1962 2 door Impala Hardtop 409/409 4spd
1962 2 Door Biscayne Sedan 327/250 Auto
1977 Monza Mirage 305 4 Speed
1988 Celebrity Wagon
2018 GMC Sierra 2500 HD Diesel
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This is a link to the car we just bought and paid for.

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[Linked Image from myedsel.com]

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Thanks for letting me know, John 348.....

Bill.

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Hey Alan,

Nice looking '54 Bel Air sedan!! Thanks for posting the pix!!

The Oldsmobile 'Fiesta-type' flipper wheel covers add a nice 'period' touch!!

Congrats on the purchase!!

Incidentally, the picture of your mom with the '54 Two-Ten is right out of the Fifties.....

Nice photo!!

Bill.

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