New from MD and new '53 project

[53farm]

Been reading regularly for awhile but just joined. Just bought a '53 Chevy long bed, running, and already converted to 12V. Will be bringing it home later this week. My father has always been into cars and I grew up hearing about and walking past his two '57 Bel Airs (one convertible and one 4 door sedan) and a '65 Pontiac Tempest convertible...unfortunately all of which don't run and have been tarped for all of my 31 years on this planet. Shameful.

Anyway, finally got a house and space of my own to keep stuff. Also have a running and driving all original '63 Chevy Bel Air 4 door sedan.

Been on a truck hunt for awhile and am psyched about this '53! It was built at the Baltimore plant, which is cool for me being a native Marylander. I thought I was all set of the whole lowered deal (which i still dig) but someone has put small (inch-ish if memory serves from a week ago) lift blocks under despite it being 2 wheel drive...which now has me thinking 4 wheel drive conversion! This is definitely out of current skill range to do it all myself but do have a friends that are competent professional mechanics/fab folks.

I've always had 4 wheel modern jeeps and this '53 in 4WD form would be bad ass I think! I realize it's a major project. Anyone done this? On this version of truck? I have done some reading on the NAPCO stuff, but a lot seems to be the tri-five stuff. Any thoughts on usable front axles/transfer cases? Id like to keep original frame and motor/trans (straight 6 and 4 speed on floor with granny gear) but am kinda just trying to brainstorm. First order of business will be fresh brakes and suspension links, get it running as good as i can, and drive it! It has the rear fenders with it but no bed sides or tailgate. I'm thinking flat bed for the short term, unless i find a bed at the right price.

Anyway, any thoughts on the 4WD thing on these trucks would be great! Thanks, and looking forward to learning more!
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