The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk 55 in 54 dress?

Hello all. While looking for a ‘55.1 to buy I came upon a Craigslist Ad for a ‘55 that by all appearances is a ‘54 with ‘54 Hood emblems and torque tube drive but with a ‘55 build tag(H55N006310) and title. It looks original to me. Is this possible?

Brian

Do you have the link to the ad, or a pix of it? That may help a lot for the Stovebolt Collective to help you out.

Are you looking for a ‘55 series 1 or ‘55 series 2?
The truck in question could well be the former.
(Nice solid looking truck , btw)

Sorry , I reread- you clearly stated 55.1 .
Having clarified that, I am curious : what about the ‘55.1 makes desirable over a ‘54?

Thanks.

https://newjersey.craigslist.org/cto/d/verona-1955-chevy-3100/7590662507.html

The truck was made in 1954. The torque tube transmission and hood insignia is 1954.
You want to make sure the VIN tag code indicates 1954.
It can happen in some states that a new truck is titled in the year it is sold not the year it is made.
Be sure that the VIN tag and title agree before you spend any $$$.

Check out this Tech Tip.

Advance Design Spotting Guide

Understand that but the build/weight badge has the number stamped on it. H55᠁᠁.., so the question is, did some 55.1 escape the factory equipped as ‘54? If so, this 5309th one out of the plant is pretty deep into production with leftover parts!
Or the tag has been swapped, but it looks kosher to me.

Ribside,

The rivets attaching that data plate are NOT "kosher". They are new style regular pop-rivets. Not the originally used attaching rivets!!!

Also, just an observation, but look really closely at the pictures that are in this ad https://newjersey.craigslist.org/cto/d/verona-1955-chevy-3100/7590662507.html please. I see a significant amount of damage to the cab roof, other front end sheet metal and that the whole front end looks twisted/off-kilter. Just thinking "Buyer Beware" on your behalf.

Dan

If I'm right, the VIN tag is stamped by the manufacturer.
If the tag doesn't have H54 then either there was a tag swap or a cab swap.
Mr. Moderator, we may need to stop discussion until the OP can verify if it's legit.

Ah, they do look newish. I’m not interested in buying it but was trying to solve a mystery. I think it’s solved!

Thanks bouymaker for the note of concern on the thread.

As it stands, I think Ribside has been given some good responses to his questions on the advertised truck he is asking about. Maybe enough for him to make his own "adult" decision, but in the aspect of fairness, I am going to leave the thread open for further "ON-TOPIC" replies to his questions if he would like more feedback.

Ribside,

What say you??? Do you have enough info to make your decision, or would you like to hear more?

I can lock this conversation down from further discussion if you are good with where it is at.

Please advise.

Dan (Mod)

NOTE: It is highly recommended that you investigate the title and transfer of vehicles laws and regulations with your states DMV or similar such office prior to making a purchase of any vehicle from an unknown source. Especially any that may involve the possibility that the original data plate was either removed/reinstalled or substituted with a reproduction/restamped data plate. Each state has their own requirements for how vehicles (and their data plates) must be inspected/certified before they can be titled/licensed and it is in the buyers best interest to be fully aware of the legality (or not) of dealing with such vehicles.

I just informed the owner he got took when he bought it but the title DOES match the plate.
I am done with this conversation and won’t be pursuing the truck so you may close as needed. Thanks all.

Thanks for the reply Ribside.

Thread is locked so folks can see what was discussed.

Dan (Mod)