This thread has veered away from the original topic and into rebuilding a 1954 235 engine . . .

"Is there a good book you would recommend that gives good step by step on how to rebuild these?"
1954 Chevrolet Truck Shop Manual, Engine Chapter
If you do not have a Shop Manual, and you plan on keeping your truck, you should have a copy of the Shop Manual, which is available in reproduction/original on eBay and in reproduction any any of the vendors in the Links section here.

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.