3200 Napco 1/2 ton Conversion

[bajabob]

Tired of lurkin around here and was talked into posting up some photos of my project. Lots of talented people here and thanks for keeping it going.

This is my 1956 3200 Napco "upfit". My dad is to blame for this addiction and this was his truck that he drug around hopin to finish one day. My plan is to complete what he was not able to. My son is a big part of this project and is now into old trucks as well.

My initial plan was to keep the classic looks but to update the drive train with all modern stuff. After I stumbled onto the "NAPCO" stuff, my plan kinda of went sideways.

I scored a complete set of Napco axles, transfer case, leaf springs, drive shafts, pretty much everything I need to "upfit" my two wheel drive truck to four wheel drive, just like they would have done back in 56'.

I have traded the I6 for a 283 that will go ol skool style similar to what a guy back then might have done.

I dig the custom stuff most guys are doing here and hope you all don't mind something a little more conservative.
thanks
bb

[63 & 64 Bowties]

Welcome to the forum BB. Looks like a neat project and ya got all the pieces there.

[JML55]

Welcome, i'll be watching, i think you have a cool project.

[OrrieG]

Hey, I appreciate that you are keeping it stock. If I had it to do over I would have looked harder for a NAPCO set up when I did my conversion in the 80's. But there was no internet then and I modeled mine after a couple of mid 70's running gear conversions I saw around here. 283 is my favorite engine, you can make them scream with a little work. This will be one I am watching.

[bajabob]

Orrieg
Your build was one of the first I went through when I started hanging around here. Very nice truck. Mine will not be a serious 4x4, as in taking it out and breakin stuff, but I wouldn't mind doing some jeep trails in the area.

After I fitted everything up, its tear down time, sand blasting and off to get powder coated.

[Kabwe]

Looking great, I'm glad you decided to share pics.

[OrrieG]

Looking at the frame I never realized how long the front driveline was on those.

[bajabob]

Orrieg
The 3/4 tons are even longer, I guessing because the crossmember is set back further in the frame.

How's your build coming along ???

It stopped raining finally so I am on way outside to get some stuff done.

[OrrieG]

[QUOTE=bajabob;3786120]Orrieg
How's your build coming along ???
QUOTE]

Stalled, still to cold to fiberglas or paint. I have also downsized and moved my office and work has picked up so I have been working 7 days a week to try and get back ahead financially and unpacking. I think it might get busy enough that I can start hiring instead of 18 months of layoffs. It was hard I went from 11 to just my self from mid 08 to 11/09. I have been cleaning, buffing and planning so when I do get back to it I am just unpacking and assembling. When it get warmer I am going to get the cab interior painted so I can get it back on the frame and start assembling the interior stuff.

[Kim57]

There's nothing wrong with stock. Just keep the pics coming.
Kim

[blackdiesel]

It don't look brand new to me. it wasn't that good in 56.

[bajabob]

OrrieG
I agree with you on the eye protection as you can feel those wire pieces flying off all the time, and I try to be a good example for my number one son but if you have kids you know how much dad knows....

[OrrieG]

Originally Posted by bajabob

OrrieG
I agree with you on the eye protection as you can feel those wire pieces flying off all the time, and I try to be a good example for my number one son but if you have kids you know how much dad knows....

I didn't think I needed a full face shield with my table saw until I embedded a piece of wood in my cheek right below the goggle and my eye. Yeah I know about kids and grandkids, I've got one now that decided smoking is cool at 16. I buried my mom last year after 20 years of cancer and emphysema but what do I know???

[Dan in Pasadena]

Originally Posted by bajabob

OrrieG
I agree with you on the eye protection as you can feel those wire pieces flying off all the time, and I try to be a good example for my number one son but if you have kids you know how much dad knows....

Week before last - two days off work for getting a piece of rusty metal in my cornea. I was wire wheeling a small part off my '46 and had my reading glasses on. "Aw, it'll only take a second to do this, I don't need my safety glasses". Yup, took a second ... and two days of REAL pain and a week of steroid eye drops. NEVER again.

[Thealien]

Great build! I like it!

[chevyrestoguy]

Awesome! I love the look of a stock NAPCO. What's the color going to be?

[55dude]

did napco trucks come in deluxe cab in 55',56'? "wet blasting" is real common in structural steel industry for example stripping a bridge or barge where waterways are a concern. works great.

[OrrieG]

It could be added by the dealer (or buyer for that matter) to any model. It is feasible that someone had the Napco setup added to a custom cab.

[bajabob]

Lots going on, will try to post up some pics later today. Not sure on the color yet ?? A little torn on this subject as it has to be right from the get go. Not very creative when it comes to colors, but I know it when I see it on someone elses ride. Any suggestions ??? I am trying to stay with the orignal look/work truck/idea.

Couple of questions:
Has anyone here used the Poly Ride material between the leaf springs ??? Mine are completely disassembled after they were powder coated. I would like to try and protect the finish ???
Second, is a hydroboost brake upgrade possible with stock drum brakes ???

Thanks

[bajabob]

Ok the second part was a dumb question, as I soon found several kits for a booster set up even for the drum/drum that I have. I would rather go with disc but I do not think I can change out the drums on the Napco axles.

[bajabob]

Here's the latest. I love powder coating !!!!

The old and then the new !!!

[bajabob]

Here's whats going on at the body shop, would be further along if the patch panels would show up. More blasting this weekend on bed parts and hopefully some new parts in the mail next week ??? Now I just need to nail down a color....

[bajabob]

Update:
Things were moving along nicely and I was amazed by the progress things were getting done....... Then, what appeared to be a great cab to build from has set me back some.
I knew about and planned for the usual suspects, cab corners and steps, but when I decided to replace the outer cowling panel, what I found was somewhat disappointing. On top of that my body guy chopped up my door before he discovered that the lower door patch panel did not match up to the stock door....... I know, I know..... wha wha wha.... I have seen much worse cabs here... I just thought I dodged the bullit..... Nice try...

I did pickup some additional parts this weekend and I hope to get back on track with this....

[Walts_restoration]

looking good.

[Davetopay]

Love me some NAPCO!