Chevrolet went to rubber seal sometime between 1955/56-1959.

The Best Gasket rubber seal (55/56-62) is at the link I posted above (part number 4519S):
http://www.bestgasket.com/pop_up_picture.asp?PartNumber=4519S

The Best Gasket rope seal (all years) for Chevrolet sixes is (part number 6100):
http://www.bestgasket.com/pop_up_picture.asp?PartNumber=6100

The Best Gasket GMC rope seal (1937-1962) is "rope" (part number 5144):
http://www.bestgasket.com/pop_up_picture.asp?PartNumber=5144

Tim
1954Advance-Design.com
1954 3106 Carryall Suburban
1954 3104 5-window pickup w/Hydra-Matic
The 216 and early 235 engines are not "splash oilers" -- this is a splash oiler.