VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Trucks and Vans '55 second series pickup

Could a '55 second series pickup (the one that outwardly looked like a '54) be ordered with the 265 engine?


CDP

......NO......

Hi CDP,

Unless I am mistaken, the 1955 Chevy pickups that looked like the 1954 were called the “First Series”. Those trucks were available only with 6 cylinder engines. Most models had the 235 inline 6. There was a 261 cubic inch inline 6 available as an option in some of the heavy duty chassis.

1955 first series specs

The 265 V8 was available in the second series.

1955 Second Series Specs

yes, I intended the question to relate to the '55 first series.

Thx to both responders

That is what I understood.

Other than its open driveshaft, what other from-the-factory items clearly identify a first series '55 (the one that outwardly looks like a '54?). Asked another way, what clearly differentiates a '54 from a first series '55?

Hood side emblems say Chevrolet and 3100 on 55 1st where 54 was only 3100. There was also some grille painting differences. Leaf springs different for open driveshaft...probably more but there are subtle differences between the tow years.

All grilles AND bumpers I've seen, whether on a '54 or a 1st series '55, were painted (not chromed) beige

Lots with chrome grilles & bumpers out there but those all seem to be rods

My truck had the chrome grille. The aftermarket grilles have too much chromed. The bottom bar is painted body color. The 54 55 1st difference is in the accent color on the inner bars.

Deluxe equipment option number 393 included a chrome grille, front bumper and hub caps.

Is bottom grille bar painted body color on the '54 or first series '55 or both, please

Was that chrome optional on a '54 or a first series '55 or both, please

The answer to both of the last two questions is "both". You could get chrome grille on both 54 and 55 1st and the bottom bar was painted body color on both years from factory. The nose, the upper bar, and the center bar were the only chromes pieces of a factory chrome grille.

DOUBLE JEOPARDY:

When signing in on the forum page, you are greeted by a rolling montage of wonderful vintage Chevrolets. One is a gorgeous blue 1954 or first series '55 pickup. Does anything there clearly identify it as a '54 or first series '55 (your answer does not have to be in the form of a question)


CDP

Below is the photo in question.

Cheers, Dean

That is a 55 1st by the hood side emblems and a perfect example of the correct chrome grille treatment.

If it was a '54 (instead of '55 first series) what side emblems (or location/placement) would it be wearing, please

54 had a hood side emblem the same as 53 that only said 3100. The 55 1st series has the one you may be able to see that says Chevrolet and a smaller 3100. 3100 being the half ton trucks. Obviously a 3/4 ton had 3600 and so on.

Have seen 54s with a 3rd style of hood side emblem . . . just CHEVROLET lettered.

Perhaps those were purchased from the after-market when the vehicle's correct, original badges had been irretrievably lost to age and weather (?)

Or someone put an earlier hood on it which would make the front badge wrong as well?

'54 and first series '55 dash and gauge cluster seem unique.

Second series '55 has the V-shape that lasted into '56/ '57/'58/ & '59 pickups. Have I got that correct?

Correct