Rick,
What makes you say it's an early 54 car? I'm not second guessing you, just trying to learn. It has the correct 54 only taillights, front shock orientation, bumper guards, stainless grille lip, hubcaps, headlight rings, dash, speedo, knobs and horn button. I also noticed that it has little terminal strips for the headlight wiring, on the inner fenders under the horns, that are different than my 53.
The only thing I felt might be out of place for a true 54 were fender badging and rubber door threshold covers, in lieu of aluminum. Perhaps that's it?
The other early 54 cars I've seen had 53 dashes. MarkH's car comes to mind.
Any help appreciated.