With the introduction of the new Cameo in 1955, GM added their most deluxe features as standard equipment. This “Boulevard Pickup” was to stand out above all others.
The following relates to the appearance of the wheel coverings on this special vehicle.
1955 Wheel Cover
The wheel covers were not like that on the more standard pickup. To save tooling costs on this limited production model, GM used the wheel cover on the 1955 Chevrolet Belair car. Both vehicles had 15” wheels so the top of the line car wheel cover was chosen for the new Cameo.
1956 Wheel Cover
The same procedure occurred in 1956. The Cameo carried the 1956 Chevrolet Belair full wheel cover, not the same design as 1955.
1957-58 Hub Cap and Trim Ring
The big change in Cameo wheel trim occurred with the 1957 model. This was the first year for the 14” wheels on the passenger car. The Belair cover was no longer a fit for the Cameo 15” wheels. GM’s answer was to chrome the standard white ½ ton hub cap. To add more to the appearance, a Cameo trim ring was created to cover the outer edge of the wheel.
GMC Suburban Carrier
The 1955 year was the first for factory installed whitewall tires in both the Cameo and GMC Suburban Carrier Pickup. It made an excellent combination with the wheel trim. This is another major change in the GMC Suburbans looking less than work trucks. The 15” wheels remained the same during the four years of the Suburban Carrier production. GMC just chromed the small standard hub cap. No wheel ring was used as standard equipment, however the wheel was given a contrasting light color.