Originally Posted by tclederman
1954 Panel with bright metal (stainless steel) front and rear fender molding.

blue/white two-tone 1954 Panel with fender moldings

red/white two-tone 19545 Panel with fender moldings

Also, most likely, the need for copper and nickel during the Korean Conflict (War) was the main reason for minimal bright metal on trucks in 52-53? During that time, nickel shortages caused Canadian nickels to be made with chromium plated steel.

Those are all drawings from the art department, which I have found to be not-exactly-accurate on any number of vehicle makes and models over the years. (Ever seen one of those Ram's-head hood ornaments in the flesh?) The few photos I've seen of '54 DeLuxe panels didn't appear to have ever had the trim.

I'm perfectly willing to admit if I'm wrong, I just haven't seen any physical evidence that the trim was brought back with the return of chrome and stainless in '54.

Last edited by GMCpanel; 03/10/2012 7:29 PM.
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1954 GMC De Luxe COE