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
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"
great success for a first time attempt. it looks like it turned out nice. Love the NAPCO 4x4 from back in the day.
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?
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~
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.
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.
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!
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.
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
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