In contrast to 1954-1955 Chevrolet trucks, the same year GMC had a position in the dash for an optional gauge. It was here that larger GMC's had a tachometer or vacuum gauge installed. The 1/2, 3/4 and 1 ton GMC's usually did not require these engine gauges and a blank-out plate is normally found there. An option here in these smaller trucks is a spring wind clock. It was produced by General Motors and installed at their GMC dealerships.
1954 GMC dash with clock installed (above)
To save production costs, GMC used the clock that was already on the 1953-1954
Chevrolet car. In this way, their investment was limited to a chrome adapter ring that fit in the opening that held the blank-out plate.
This chrome ring has recently been reproduced and is available from most full stocking dealers including Jim Carters Truck Parts. Restorable 1953-1954 Chevrolet car clocks are found at most any medium size automotive swap meet.
The following is from a 1954 GMC accessories catalog. Their wording tells the 1954 story in a full page ad.
