Hello, danM.,

Welcome to Stovebolt.com

J54F017807 = Vehicle Serial Number
J = 3600
54 = 1954
F Flint, Michigan assembly plant/factory
01787-1000 = 787th truck out of that factory in 1954

http://www.1954advance-design.com/chev-specs/1954-t-ser.jpg

3835911 1953 Corvette (after 16 October) and 1954 truck 235

0636394F54X A = Engine Serial Number
06363954-1000
F = Flint plant
54 = 1954
XA = 3600

There are casting codes on the head, post them here if you want to ID the head (it might have been changed over the years).
http://www.1954advance-design.com/Web%20images/casting-code-photos/codes-ser-nums.html

Good luck with your truck. Ask future question in one of the other fora.

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.