A great increase in truck rebuilding is now occurring throughout the country. Though most enthusiasts build a fun truck with numerous modifications and drive them daily, some require their vehicle to be as detailed as they were when new. For those involved in restoring their truck to this exact originality, the following data should be of interest. 

• The 1954-56 steering wheels are the same and have their horn button on the same level with the outer ring. This changed during 1957-59. The horn button is about 3 inches deeper in this wheel making the steering column also a shorter length. This was to help protect the driver from hitting the steering column during a major wreck. 

• The bed planks were not varnished or given a related finish to show off the wood grain. Trucks were produced for work and the planks were normally painted black on the 1955 and earlier. After this, they were body color or black. This better protects the wood. 

• The bed planks have not been oak since the late 1930’s. From then to the newer GM step pickups, the wood is hard yellow pine. 

• The front fenders on 1955-57 Chevrolets are interchangeable, however, a slight difference does exist. Due to a different grill in 1957, it was necessary for GM to stamp an approx. 2″ square dimple in the inner fender edge. This dimple can be filled if placed on the 1955-56 Chevrolet. 

• The 1955-59 Chevrolet front bumper has the same stamping, however, only the 1958-59 has two quarter inch holes in the middle. This allows for attaching the new front license plate bracket used these two years. 

• Deluxe side trim was not used on 1960-72 step beds. The add-on rear fenders did not relate to full length trim as used on fleetsides. (One exception is the 1960-61 GMC stepside. On the rare, more deluxe models, cab and front fender only came with horizontal trim like the fleetside.) 

• During 1962-72 the deluxe fleetside trim was bright anodized aluminum rather than the stainless steel in 1959-61. This newer trim had been adopted throughout the automotive industry and saved in production costs. 

• The famous Chevrolet high pressure 235 engine was used between 1954 and 1962. It’s big brother, with some larger internal parts, was the 261 engine. A low pressure Chevrolet 235 was available on larger trucks only between 1941 and 1953. This earlier 235 has little in common with it’s later 235 relative. 

• The “wrap around” windshield, popular throughout the automotive industry, was used by GM from 1955-63. Modified cab and doors in 1964 changed this design to a more flat, slightly curved windshield. 

• Rear bumpers were an option on most new stepside trucks. When this item was not ordered with the new pickup, the license plate bracket was on the left side and protected by the bed. The license was only at the center with a factory installed bumper.