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| | | | Joined: Mar 2016 Posts: 7 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Mar 2016 Posts: 7 | Is there any thing that makes one better than the other ( other than cosmetics)? is there any major mechanical differences? | | | | | Joined: Mar 2003 Posts: 1,132 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Mar 2003 Posts: 1,132 | 54 has a one piece curved windshield. 49 2 flat pieces with separate bar in the center. Maybe Tim Lederman will chime in or someone else with more kniwledge
me. I am sure there are more differences but I am not the expert.
Weeds | | | | | Joined: Nov 1995 Posts: 5,722 24601 | | 24601 Joined: Nov 1995 Posts: 5,722 | You're quite correct, Weeds -- we have a lot of people who use this site who are quite knowledgeable (and shouldn't be afraid to share). No one has exclusive expertise rights around here.  In the meantime, ykp53, check out our TechTip section (see the menu bar at the top of the page) -- several good articles there that might help you. Welcome to Stovebolt!
~ John A kid raised on Hotwheels, Matchbox and Tonka cannot be reasonably expected to own only one vehicle as an adult. 1949 Chevrolet 3804In the Legacy Gallery | In the Gallery Forum1973 IH 1310 Dump1963 Kaiser M38A12001 International/AmTran RE3000 "Skoolie"2014 Ford E-350 4x4 (Quigley) | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 | 1949 vs 1954
There are differences, but you can judge which is better.
You might assume that 1954 would have improvements over 1949?
1949 -vs-1954
low pressure, babbitted rods 216 (up through 1953) -vs- high pressure insert rod bearings 235
4.11 rear end (up through 1953) -vs- 3.90 rear end
huck brakes (up through 1950 in 3100s) -vs- bendix brakes
cloth-covered wiring (up through 1952) -vs- plastic-covered wiring
The 1954 bed/tail-gate is redesigned (and became the standard "step side" bed design for many years).
Many more color combinations in 1954 - interior and exterior.
As ykp53 noted: there were many cosmetic changes in 1954.
It seems odd that GM made the cosmetic changes, since major changes in design would show up a year later (in late 1955). | | | | | Joined: Jul 2010 Posts: 36 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Jul 2010 Posts: 36 | Only other main difference is the '49 has knee action shocks vs tube shocks. '49 has solid door glass & '54 has vent windows.
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2015 Posts: 273 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Feb 2015 Posts: 273 | Wasn't the bed deeper on the 54? Or was that 55?
Larry W.
1953 3800 Dually Flatbed
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 | The bed changed in 1954 - deeper with flat top rails. As posted above, the same bed dimensions were used from 1954 for many years forward. However, the bedsides in 1954 were "embossed" around the wheel wells - later years bedsides were flat. If you want the know many of the changes in 1954, this 1954 Engineering Features booklet provides B&W illustrations and descriptions. | | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,832 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,832 | Most of the custom/show truck builders like the one piece door glass of the 47-50. Also notice that most of the winners use the 3 window cab even though the 5 window cab is more popular with the street crowd.
Evan
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