The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk 1954 Chevy 3100 Grill

I am a big fan of the Grills on the 1947-1953 Chevy 3100s. I have the oportunity to buy a 1954. Would it be easy to put a 53 grill on a 54 or would it take a lot of modification?

The fenders on a '54 are a little different to allow room for the parking lights.

I believe swapping the grills is as easy as drilling a few holes, but to make it look right you need to change the fenders too.

Old Sub is right,,youll need to change the fenders. At the top corner of the grille the 47-53 is kinda squared off,,the 54 is rounded,,also theres an indent for the parking lights.
Possibly have to change the inner fenders too?
Marty

OH THE PAIN!!!

Someone wanting to bastardize a 54 into a 53!

Keep it as a 54. Don't ruin it!

You have the chance to have a truly unique truck there. Why would you want to make it look like everyone elses?

make it yours! If you wanna put a 47-53 grill in your 54.....GO FOR IT! They look better than the 54's anyway. (but thats just my opinion) You may have to change the fenders too though like earlier posts have said. Otherwise, it could be done with the current fenders, but youre gonna have to do some body work.

Other than the fenders and grill what are the major differences between a 53 and a 54?

54 box has squared off tops on the box sides. They are flat on top instead of like a 45 degree angle on the 47-53, the script on the tailgate is different, otherwise, The cab and hood are exactly the same. Plus little things like trim and dash of course are different on a 54

also see this description for differences from the Jim Carter catalog

http://www.oldchevytrucks.biz/catalog1/00004.htm

Differences in 1/2 ton models - 1954 and earlier:

Different frames.

Different beds.

Different windshields.

Different wiring systems (plastic coated in 1954).

Different front hood emblems.

Different rear lights and rear bumpers (cab models).

Different rear end ratios.

Different rear spring perches.

Different engine lubrication systems.

Different upholstery scheme and exterior paint options.

Different dash boards, gauge clusters, and radio.

More options and accessories in 1954.

I always wanted to build a hot rod using a '54/'55 1st series cab and the earlier grille.
I like the one piece curved windshield with the older grille. It's not like you can't put the original grille and fenders back on it if you wanted to...and it won't look like everyone elses either...
Here is an example from the member gallery.

I'm with Houston54 on this one, have a 53 and wish it was a 54 for several reasons.