My '55 was originaly a V8, vin # VH255L021XXX. V for V8, H2 for 3100, 55 for the year, and L for Los Angeles. And the vin plate is spot welded to the upper door jamb. And no V on frame. Probably not very many V8 pickups built in 1955?

'55 2nd series 3100 "Red Ryder" http://s1348.photobucket.com/user/c...&_suid=13893932572500736492512997429