Hy Thirdcoast, I'm no expert on American numbers, but that sure looks like an engine number to me. The last two numbers I believe are the year the engine was built, so if the truck is a 54 as you said, that would seem to jive. If the truck is close to you, you could go and check the engine number. There is a machined surface just behind where the distributor enters the block, that is where the engine number should be stamped. If you can verify that the number stamped into the engine is the same as the number on the title, then there should be no problem, if however the engine number does not match the title, then you must ask your registering body what hoops have to be jumped through to transfer the vehicle into your name, good luck.
