Hello, Samantha,
Welcome to Stovebolt.com
I bought my 1954 Chevrolet Suburban in 1971. It also had a 3-speed column shift, which was standard equipment on 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton trucks in 1954 (the four speed transmission was optional equipment). The 4-speed was standard equipment on 1-ton and larger 1954 trucks.
My Suburban was rusting away in 1971 but it was my main vehicle for several years. It sat and rusted from 1979-1994. I did not start a 9-year restoration until 1995.
Be patient and keep at it.
In case you have not found these, here are some 1954 Chevrolet Truck manuals are online:
1954 Chevrolet Truck Shop Manual 1954 Chevrolet Truck Operator's Manual 1954 Chevrolet Truck Specifications "Manual"/booklet
