Since my 55.1 3100 is was not original I have sniffed around a lot trying to find the truth. I don't know for certain if I've found the truth but I am satisfied with my conclusions based on deductive reasoning and viewing of black and white factory pictures.
I don't think any of the 3600 and larger 55.1 trucks were different from 54 mechanically except for the 261 engine and related parts.
There are conflicting "facts" out there about the grille colors for 3100 between the years. Another thing which I think may produce errors is the true fact that a lot of folks with a 54 model think they have a 55.1 and vice versa. I do know I've viewed a lot of black and white factory pictures and can tell the bottom pan was not chromed on any of them and the background color is very light or white on the 54s and very dark or black on the 55.1s.
The closest thing to fact about the chrome grilles I have found is in a parts book printed in late 1955. The grille on the 1954-55 trucks was not sold as a complete replacement assembly but in pieces. It shows 4 replacement parts available as chrome: The top bar, vertical center nose, and the left and right hand center bars. There is no reference to the parking lamp panels and the lower grille bar being available in chrome.
I know one fellow who said this about the painted 3100 grille:
"I sold an unmolested 55 1st series truck a few years ago. The truck was painted the original green. The outer portion of the grill was green & the inner portion [ behind the double lip] was waldorf white AKA eggshell. Only the 2 wings & the lower baffle got the white inner highlight. The top bar was all green [ with white lettering ] 2 middle wings were green from the double lip forward. Lower baffle was green from the double lip forward. Nose cone was all green [ no white at all on this piece at all ] Park light surrounds were all green."
Did he really have a 55.1 is my question. Was it actually original is the other.
Now I know another guy with an "original" 55.1 chrome grille. It has the black background on the nose and center bars. The bottom pan and parklights are body color.
Eventually I decided there is no such thing as absolute facts. My 55.1 grille now has white header, nose and center bars, with flat black background. Bottom pan, parklight ends and bumper filler panel are body color. I honestly believe this would have been correct from the 55.1 factory. If not so be it. I like it.
