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1957 NAPCO done -thanks for the help

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by donsz, Feb 8, 2013.

  1. donsz
    Joined: Nov 23, 2010
    Posts: 253

    donsz
    Member

    I've only been on this board for a year or two maybe, but I have gotten some great help on some very sticky problems. I appreciated the advice that was some patiently and graciously provided. I thought I would provide some pictures as a way of saying thanks (because everybody likes pictures).

    The truck is a 1957 Chevy that I converted to a NAPCO (dealer 4WD conversion). It is a 3 speed-first gear synchro trans with overdrive and front & rear 3:38 gears. The engine is a slightly modified 283. I did everything myself, including the body-work, cutting, fabrications, painting, engine, etc. I never welded before or painted before. I just wanted the satisfaction of doing it myself. I learned that, in addition to the welding and painting, that I didn't know as much as I thought, but tried to learn it as best as I could. This board has been part of my education.

    There are a lot of great vehicles on this board, that can make a person humble very quickly. This was my first attempt, and I know I can do better next time. However, the truck was supposed to be a daily driver and I am happy with it. Thanks again for all the help.
    don
     

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  2. ididntdoit1960
    Joined: Dec 13, 2011
    Posts: 1,344

    ididntdoit1960
    Member
    from Western MA

    Nice truck! - Love the big back window - Where did you find the NAPCO stuff? It seems most people that want an early 4x4 do a frame swap - cool to see one go "factory"
     
  3. Boones
    Joined: Mar 4, 2001
    Posts: 9,691

    Boones
    Member
    from Kent, Wa

    great success for a first time attempt. it looks like it turned out nice. Love the NAPCO 4x4 from back in the day.
     
  4. pumpman
    Joined: Dec 6, 2010
    Posts: 2,674

    pumpman
    Member

    Man, you did a great job and should be very proud of that truck and yourself. So, so much for pats on the back what's you next project? :)
     
  5. sololobo
    Joined: Aug 23, 2006
    Posts: 8,421

    sololobo
    Member

    Very nice bro, the truck is gorgeous. The 57 is about as cool as it gets. I have a friend with a 57 Suburban with the NAPCO set up, it came from the Colorado Park Service. Enjoy the fruits of your labor. ~sololobo~
     
  6. Very cool truck! The fog lights are a nice touch.
     
  7. traffic61
    Joined: Jun 15, 2009
    Posts: 1,558

    traffic61
    Member
    from Owasso, OK

    Beautifully done.
     
  8. Sweepspear
    Joined: May 17, 2010
    Posts: 292

    Sweepspear
    Member

    Well done! That is a great looking truck!
     
  9. Swiss50chevy
    Joined: Apr 30, 2009
    Posts: 561

    Swiss50chevy
    Member

    Great job


    Posted from the TJJ App for iPhone & iPad
     
  10. lawman
    Joined: Sep 19, 2006
    Posts: 2,665

    lawman
    Member

    Well done !!!
     
  11. 283john
    Joined: Nov 17, 2008
    Posts: 1,065

    283john
    Member

    I'd a went straight black-wall on the tires but still a mean looking pick-up. Great job!
     
  12. joe--h
    Joined: May 15, 2012
    Posts: 48

    joe--h
    Member
    from New Mexico

    Looks great. What are the seats & console out of? Need something for my truck too. Joe H
     
  13. Beautiful!
    What's next?
     
  14. 1952henry
    Joined: Jan 8, 2006
    Posts: 1,572

    1952henry
    Member

    Great job with the Napco. I have a 1952 Marmon Herrington Ford myself.
     
  15. Beautiful truck that was only possible with the hard work you put in to it. Congrats!
     
  16. donsz
    Joined: Nov 23, 2010
    Posts: 253

    donsz
    Member

    Thanks for the compliments. I got the NAPCO components from California and Arizona (Ebay purchases). I rebuilt every bearing, seal and gear. The seats are from a 2006 Audi. I resprayed them black and only wired the adjustment controls (no heated seats). I needed buckets because I wanted a floor shifter, and the newer OD trans just wouldn't get the shifter forward enough (no matter how I modified the mounting) with a bench seat.
     
  17. VoodooTwin
    Joined: Jul 13, 2011
    Posts: 3,453

    VoodooTwin
    Member
    from Noo Yawk

    Awesome truck! What's that cool looking tube thing on your dash next to the gauge cluster?
     
  18. randy
    Joined: Nov 15, 2003
    Posts: 684

    randy
    Member

    Hell of a first shot. nice.
     
  19. donsz
    Joined: Nov 23, 2010
    Posts: 253

    donsz
    Member

    The tube is the housing for the tach. It is made from exhaust tubing, shaped and welded into the dash. In retrospect I would make it smaller, but it would have meant cutting into the dash to make room for the tach internals. At the time I didn't have the nerve.
     
  20. Cerberus
    Joined: May 24, 2010
    Posts: 1,392

    Cerberus
    Member

    Congradulations! Turned out nice. What length bed...97"? How did you do the bed floor? Is your truck red or hugger orange? Looks great as a stepside 4x4!
     
  21. donsz
    Joined: Nov 23, 2010
    Posts: 253

    donsz
    Member

    It is Euro-Red (PPG). I bought the floor boards from Mar-K, after thinking about it, it was easier and actually cheaper. Buying the raw wood (oak) wasn't cheap. The extra I paid Mar-K was worth it. I put 6 coats of marine varnish and undercoated the under side. I think its a 102 or 104 inch bed. I know it is larger than the 8 ft bed. I like that size for my "Menards -Home Depot" trips.
     
  22. grapp
    Joined: Aug 16, 2008
    Posts: 457

    grapp
    Member

  23. c57heaven
    Joined: Feb 22, 2008
    Posts: 546

    c57heaven
    Member

    very nice. Good work.
     
  24. BAD PENNY
    Joined: Aug 22, 2011
    Posts: 1,251

    BAD PENNY
    Member
    from mass

    Man, that truck is Beautiful. Great job. Did you see the Feb. Hemmings ?? 1959 napco on the cover. My .02... stock rims w/ black wall tires
     
  25. servi53
    Joined: Jun 28, 2006
    Posts: 338

    servi53
    Member

    gorgeous 57, I'd like to find the stuff to do the same to my 56
     
  26. seatex
    Joined: Oct 24, 2006
    Posts: 2,671

    seatex
    Member

    Absolutely gorgeous! Great job man!
     
  27. Chevy55
    Joined: Nov 6, 2008
    Posts: 409

    Chevy55
    Member
    from Nebraska

    Great looking truck. Love that body style and the big back window is a bonus.
     
  28. Great truck -especially since it's a daily driver!
     
  29. Checkerwagon
    Joined: Jul 30, 2007
    Posts: 449

    Checkerwagon
    Member

    Fine job, in all ways Brother. I would be proud of that truck.

    All the best,
    Dale
    Cleveland OH
     
  30. USA Tires Sign Joe
    Joined: Aug 13, 2006
    Posts: 1,072

    USA Tires Sign Joe
    Member
    from Western NJ

    I love it! It looks great!
     

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