1963 gmc b napco

[Peanutbutter]

Still playing catch up on projects that have been acquired the last couple of years, this one is fairly odd. Fits right in with my 1966 C 80 Napco.

[sweetk30]

nice unit .

and RARE wheel adapters

[Peanutbutter]

A few more pics.

[Bob B.]

I have seen those adapters on the front wheels. I think Dayton made them, they were used to mount a spoke type rim on a Budd style hub. Notice the truck has spokes on the rear, with those adapters it uses the same rims all the way around.

I have seen that type of locking hub before too, but no idea how they work.

Awesome truck!

[special-K]

Just what I like, an odd combo! I remember when you scored this one. Very very cool!

Those lockouts with levers are similar to Dualmatics on light trucks. Those only used two levers. I wonder if these are made by Dualmatic? You pull them up, flip around half a turn, and pop back in.

[Peanutbutter]

Good Morning, yes they are dual matics, strange they were only made 250 miles from here. Only the second set I've ever seen and that was of a pic on a LCF pole truck in Kansas. I've only had this B truck couple of months. You must be thinking of the 66 C80, I've had it 7 or 8 years, its got the big Warn hubs on it, they have the hole in the center for a grease zerk that screws into a 3inch nipple that screws into the stub axle to lube the knuckle. The smaller trucks with 6 hole buds do not have the hole in the center.

[C10 - C90 Bill]

Always liked that C-80.

On your B, is it a GMC 4000 or 5000?

I just about can't read it in the pictures.

[Peanutbutter]

in reference to post 4, I don't know who made them but their made in 6 hole budd and 10 hole budd. I've seen pics of 5 or 6 trucks that used the 6 hole adapters, mostly on fire trucks it seems. I had a flat the other day and didn't have a Dayton handy so I grabbed an Alcoa to see if it realy did fit. Apprently all the napco front axles are 6 or 10 hole budd but if you want Dayton on the rear you use the adapter on the front.

[Peanutbutter]

a few more pics.

[Bob B.]

Originally Posted by Peanutbutter

in reference to post 4, I don't know who made them but their made in 6 hole budd and 10 hole budd. I've seen pics of 5 or 6 trucks that used the 6 hole adapters, mostly on fire trucks it seems. I had a flat the other day and didn't have a Dayton handy so I grabbed an Alcoa to see if it realy did fit. Apprently all the napco front axles are 6 or 10 hole budd but if you want Dayton on the rear you use the adapter on the front.

I think some trucking companies back in the day used those adapters when they had Budds on their tractors and spokes on their trailers, that way they could interchange wheel/rims between them. Only needed one spare too.

BTW- I think the Coleman axles used a Dayton spoke type rim.

[Peanutbutter]

This is such a good looking B I thought I just had to post it. We drive by it 5 or 6 times a year, next time I'll stop by and get the bad news.

[Bob B.]

Wow, that is clean. Probably a 401 or 478.

[C10 - C90 Bill]

That is a nice looking truck.

Looks like it has Air Brakes too.

A '64 or '65 model.

[special-K]

You may have bought that NAPCO B this year but you showed pictures before when you spotted it or telling about trying/wanting to buy it. I think you spotted it on a trip. I distinctly remember that diamond shaped damage in the grille (or custom job ). You didn't see this truck a ways back and post about it? Maybe it was someone else. We were talking about finding the grille parts, or someone had them. I guess the third possibility is I am remembering a dream

[Peanutbutter]

you know, I think you're right, because I've been after that truck about 4 years ago. Know wonder it looked familiar, it must have been when it was sitting out in the field. I'm sure you could find it in one of my early posts. I wish my memory was that good.

[Bob B.]

A guy on the 60-66 GMC V-6 website just picked up a 4X4 B series dump. Same wheels:

https://6066gmcclub.com/showthread.php?t=50285

[special-K]

Originally Posted by Peanutbutter

you know, I think you're right, because I've been after that truck about 4 years ago. Know wonder it looked familiar, it must have been when it was sitting out in the field. I'm sure you could find it in one of my early posts. I wish my memory was that good.

I only remember stuff like this...vaguely!

Originally Posted by Bob B.

A guy on the 60-66 GMC V-6 website just picked up a 4X4 B series dump. Same wheels:

https://6066gmcclub.com/showthread.php?t=50285

I need to get back on there. Can't see picture w/o registering. Pretty sure I did but long ago.

[C10 - C90 Bill]

Tim, That site is gaining some in popularity. I was intending on inviting that guy over here, lol. It is a pretty cool find. Y'all are going to love the fully restored 6500 Tandem Dump as well.

[BobS]

Do you happen to know the axle ratio on the 63? Two-speed rear axle? Nice truck!

Bob

[Peanutbutter]

as near as I can tell right now both my C 80 and the GMC B have identical front axles. Both are 7.20 ratio and I'm in need of a ring and pinion for the C 80, mine has some bad spots on the pinion. The napco front axle gear uses a GM corp rear diff carrier, still trying to identify which one. They made a 11,000 15,000 and 17,000 lb diff, the tooth count is 5 and 36. The only thing I can tell you is the ring gear is 12 1/4 inchs in dia. and I'm fairly sure its the 15,000 lb carrier. there might also be a 13,500 lb carrier out there, another problem is the rear diffs used fine spline axles and the napco fronts used 10 spline so the side gears have to be changed.

[Peanutbutter]

Like to see this one follow me home but we're to far apart on money right now. 6v53 4 and a 4 trans with pretty good tin.

[C10 - C90 Bill]

I'm wondering if the engine was swapped in. By the Emblems it looks like it was originally a V-6 Gas.

The Sheet Metal on it does look good.

[Peanutbutter]

I'm betting its factory, a 6V53 is still a V6. I thought 6Vs were on the option list, I'll have to check that?

[Mike2]

Just curious if the front axle on any of these trucks is similar to the Napco axle in these pictures? If anybody has seen one or know what it is I am trying to identify it, thanks for any help.

[Rubbertiredtramp]

Originally Posted by Peanutbutter

Like to see this one follow me home but we're to far apart on money right now. 6v53 4 and a 4 trans with pretty good tin.

I read somewhere that it takes a real GMC man to appreciate the front of a B model. I guess I’m a GMC man, I think they are beautiful. I have always been facinated with taking a pickup cab, jacking it up and building a truck under it. I will say this though, I have driven B models, and not sure I would want to drive one coast to coast.