57 4x4

[HuggerCST]

What's a 57 chevy 4x4(original) worth? I talked to an old high school buddy last night and he told me that he would sell his. I remember seeing it in his barn years ago,(mid 80's) and it hasn't moved since. I can't remember much about it, but he said that he thinks that it is all original, except for the step bed, which is from a '67-72. It was running and driving back when they parked it there, but had a whine in the front axle. I know that being a 4x4 would make it valuable, and it may be more of a project than I want right now, but I am just curious how valuable they are. Also, he said that it's all time 4 wheel drive??? I feel like I could get it for less than $1000, but didn't know if it was really worth it. I'm supposed to go look at it in the next week or so. I'll try to get some pics when I go. Thanks

[DennyB]

It all depends on its condition and also if its a "NAPCO" 4x4.
NAPCOs carry more value and the Napco chassis alone could be worth near the asking price.

http://www.napco4x4.org

[HuggerCST]

How can I tell if it's a NAPCO?

[DennyB]

Theres info in th link I posted.

Heres some:
====================================================
Q: What does Napco stand for?
A: North Western Auto Parts Company

Q: How do I know if it is a 3/4 ton, or a 1 ton frame I am looking at?
A: A 3/4 ton frame in appearance is the same as a 1/2 ton frame with a hump just above the rear axle.
The 1 ton frame is straight and flat above the rear axle on the top of the frame.

Q: How do I know if it is a 1/2 ton Napco front axle verses 3/4 or 1 ton?
A: The 1/2 ton front axle differential cover will have 2 protrusions top and bottom on the cover.
The 3/4 and 1 ton covers are completely round and appears like a W-W-2 army helmet.

Q: Why does 1 Napco truck have a 2 lever transfercase, and another have 1 lever?
A: Depending on the year of the conversion, the 2 lever transfercase was a Rockwell unit used on 1955 2nd series and ealier
while the 1956 and later used the Spicer single lever transfercase.

Q: How do I identify the year of an outer axle?
A: If the outer axle has a snap ring groove at the end of it, this would identify it as 1957 and later.
The outer axle without the snap ring groove and with spurs protruding before the splines would indicate 1956 and earlier.
==========================================================

Here is more info including a 56 Napco Ad:

http://my.execpc.com/~jfox/napcohistory.html

I hope this helps some.

[extd56]

The front axle will usually have Napco stamped on it on the drivers side front. It also has the steering arm behind the axle, not in front. Hope this helps, I have a 57 Napco. It will also have a divorced transfer case on it

[HuggerCST]

Thanks for the info. I'll post some pics when I can.

[rico_bob]

Buy it before "the chrusher" gets a hold of it!! My 2 cents worth. rico_bob

[ljbear]

Napco's also have a very round differential, somewhat like a 3/4 Eaton from 67-72 would have. Here's a picture, also notice on the right side near the ubolts you can actually see the NAPCO in the casting as extd56 noted. If it's all there a Napco Chassis is between $1500 and $2500

[HuggerCST]

Here are the pics. It does have rear steer and a divorced transfer. Most of the body is shot, but the cab looks pretty good. It is a 3100 with a hump in the frame above the rear axle, but I can't read NAPCO on the front axle. The frame looks pitted, but not rusted out anywhere that I can see.

[chevy283]

looks rusted and old has to be original

[ljbear]

That's a Napco

[extd56]

Looks like it has been sitting for a long time.

[HuggerCST]

Since it is a 3100 NAPCO with the hump in the frame above the rear axle, I assume it is a 3/4 ton??? It has a shortbed also. I am planning to buy it. I haven't decided what I'll do with it just yet, but I just can't pass it up. I assume that body parts won't be easy to find, but I have a neighbor that has a 57, so I'll check with him.

[ljbear]

3100 is a 1/2 ton, 3200 is 3/4 ton. The hump in the frame is on both. Like the later trucks, 6 lug is 1/2 and 8 is 3/4 ton. All the sheet metal is available aftermarket, just like the 67/72, so if what you have is fixable try for the patch panels first. Good sheet metal is getting more difficult to find, but it's out there.

[HuggerCST]

Originally Posted by ljbear

3100 is a 1/2 ton, 3200 is 3/4 ton. The hump in the frame is on both. Like the later trucks, 6 lug is 1/2 and 8 is 3/4 ton. All the sheet metal is available aftermarket, just like the 67/72, so if what you have is fixable try for the patch panels first. Good sheet metal is getting more difficult to find, but it's out there.

OK, thanks, that helps. I didn't realize the sheetmetal was available aftermarket. It's all repairable if you REALLY wanted to repair it, but some of it probably isn't worth the amount of work that it would take to repair it. One more question; Aren't the step beds the same from 55 to 66?

[ljbear]

Yep, step beds are the same

[Smokie55]

Actually the step beds ar ethe same from 55-87. the things that changed were the rear fenders and the steps. Oh and possibly the bumpers. but the box is the same.

BTW, aftermarket sheet metal is worth about 3 times what a 67=72 are worth. new Doors alone run about 500 each and front fenders run about 350-450. But don't be discouraged. Many swap meets and ebay have good panels that can be patched really easy. Patche panels are available for all the troube areas.

If you get it and fix it up even to a driver condition it will bring as much as 2-3 times what a regular truck will in the same shape. Not quite as muchas a fiberglass bedded Cameo. Still a very cool and rare truck to say the least.

If you can get it cheap, go for it. If you decide in a year or so that it's to much work. then you can always sell it for a profit (to me )

Good luck, save that rare classic.

[HuggerCST]

Originally Posted by Smokie55

Actually the step beds ar ethe same from 55-87. the things that changed were the rear fenders and the steps. Oh and possibly the bumpers. but the box is the same.

BTW, aftermarket sheet metal is worth about 3 times what a 67=72 are worth. new Doors alone run about 500 each and front fenders run about 350-450. But don't be discouraged. Many swap meets and ebay have good panels that can be patched really easy. Patche panels are available for all the troube areas.

If you get it and fix it up even to a driver condition it will bring as much as 2-3 times what a regular truck will in the same shape. Not quite as muchas a fiberglass bedded Cameo. Still a very cool and rare truck to say the least.

If you can get it cheap, go for it. If you decide in a year or so that it's to much work. then you can always sell it for a profit (to me )

Good luck, save that rare classic.

What about the rear fenders? Are they the same 55 to 65?
I'm not going to say that I won't sell it one day, because I already have too many irons in the fire, but my Dad has taken an interest in it, so I may fix it up for him.(when, I don't know ) Thanks.

[extd56]

The rear fenders are the same from 55-66

[HuggerCST]

I thought they were, just wasn't sure. I'd love to have the fenders & door that you have for sale, but shipping would kill that deal. I have an 85 bed in pretty good shape, and a '70 bed in pretty good shape, but I'll look for a whole bed first to keep from having to weld & redrill the fender bolt holes.

[extd56]

I have wanted a car trailer from Texas, the one with a steel floor and ramps that came out the back but like you the distance is a killer. Maybe if I can find a killer deal on a trailer I will get out that way.

[Smokie55]

Now this is just my opinion, but in the past when ever I showed interest in a truck like that. You know in a field or barn. then I don't jump on it and leave it. Within 6 months to a year it will be gone. Even though the owner has had it for like 25-30 years in the same spot. It's like once they get it on there mind to actually sell it. Who ever the next person is with cash is going home with it. Just from my experience. So I say if it is a decent deal and you an store it. Go for it. That is a rare jewel and they are only going to get harder to come by. If any barn car/truck will gain in value just sitting left alone. that will be the kind to have. Even if you buy it and leave it in storage for another 5 years. it will be worth more than you have in it. that is a plus.

Good Luck,
Will

[HuggerCST]

Originally Posted by Smokie55

Now this is just my opinion, but in the past when ever I showed interest in a truck like that. You know in a field or barn. then I don't jump on it and leave it. Within 6 months to a year it will be gone. Even though the owner has had it for like 25-30 years in the same spot. It's like once they get it on there mind to actually sell it. Who ever the next person is with cash is going home with it. Just from my experience. So I say if it is a decent deal and you an store it. Go for it. That is a rare jewel and they are only going to get harder to come by. If any barn car/truck will gain in value just sitting left alone. that will be the kind to have. Even if you buy it and leave it in storage for another 5 years. it will be worth more than you have in it. that is a plus.

Good Luck,
Will

I know exactly what you mean. It's happened to me too many times, and I will probably go get it tomorrow because I don't want it to get away. The bad thing is that I don't have a good place to store it, but plan to build a shed for it.

[chevy283]

i thought that 3100 1/2 and 3200 long bed 1/2 3600 3/4

[MJN]

chevy283 is correct