There was no VIN in terms of today's meaning.

There was a header-panel plate or a cowl plate (under the hood) with a Vehicle Serial Number (or Vehicle ID) and there was an engine serial number. Either one of the codes might have been used on the original title and/or registration.

Do you have an old title or registration?

http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/chevyresto/4206.htm

http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/shop/1942/42csm0003.htm

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.