When the 1954 Chevrolet deluxe pickup was introduced (about two months into the production year) they came with a different design arm rest not used before. It wasn’t even found on the assembly line produced standard 1954-55 pickups!
Because the door panels and painted interiors of this new deluxe cab had four color choices, GM realized they could not use the one color fits all arm rest that had been available since 1947.
Thus, the introduction of the plastic arm rest molded in the four colors with top pad. These matched the four color coordinated door panels.
Such a rare option or accessory! Unfortunately after several years in summer or winter temperature extremes the old formula plastic base cracked or otherwise began to deform. This leaves almost none in existence except those possibly found on back storage shelves at a GM dealership. Even a new in the box unit would now be about 60 years old!
The following is the top of a page from the 1955 Chevrolet Master Parts Catalog. These manuals were once sent to all Chevrolet Dealers each year. They show what is available that the dealer could buy from GM and their suggested retail price.
These may be reproduced by Jim Carter Truck Parts. Yes, we just bought the one in the photo, still in a GM box, to use as a pattern. Stay tuned.
