The 6"-on-center holes would be for the "CHEVROLET" emblem.
I'm wondering when the division was between "early" and "late" '49 as relates to the addition of the series number. The '49 Engineering Features booklet, originally printed on 1/31/49, mentions the addition of the series number plates. The '49 specs from the resto pack, printed 5/16/49, show the number plates (
see here ). The '49 data book, printed 7/1/49, also shows the number plates.
Thadley's truck was produced in July of '49 (he posted the serial number in another thread a while back). I'd think it would/should have had the series number plate, but I guess the hood with no other holes doesn't lie (unless it's not the original hood). Perhaps some assembly plants didn't bother with them.
