Hy DannySunkel, Welcome, the numbers on your identification plate have arrived there by two different methods, the "serial" number has been embossed into the plate, most likely in Canada before the truck was exported, the balance of the numbers have been stamped into the plate, most likely to conform to New Zealand identification standards. In Canada your serial number would decode as a 1947 Chevrolet 1 1/2 ton cab and chassis truck with a 137" wheelbase. If your front axle has a screw in eight sided cap that would confirm it. Maple leaf trucks were 2 1/2ton identified as a 16 series and 3ton identified as a 17 series, the 3 tons were powered by GMC engines, hope that helps.
GM produced metric speedos for export to countries that were metric When Canada switched to metric is not relevant to the exported vehicle, the target countries laws regarding imported vehicle compliance is the issue.
To date I have only seen 1 example of the metric version of each the 0-80 mph and the 0-90 mph Speedo
I own one of them that came from South America Even the odometer counts in in KM not miles I would like to collect more information about metric specific parts for my own interests -s
