NAPCO Conversion

[tristan]

I've been playing with the idea of buying a 56 or 57 GMC 2WD pickup and then picking up the parts to do a NAPCO conversion on it. They were kit installations anyway back in the day so I'd just be replicating an old and accepted practice. I'm particularly attracted to the idea of trying this with a truck with a Hydra-Matic if that is possible. Has anyone here attempted a NAPCO build?

[andrewmp6]

Might be easier if you can find a rolling frame or whole truck.And the trans shouldn't matter all napco trucks used a divorced t case so any 2wd trans works with one.The other option is a frame swap 73-87 4x4 and use a kit to bolt your body on it like http://www.e-zchassisswaps.com/kit.php?category=5

[franken]

I think you'll find that the parts (TC, front diff) are hard to come by, and that parts for the old TC and brake drums for the corporate diffs can't be found.
You might go to the NAPCO site and read more.
A divorced NP205 and later diffs can be located w/o too much trouble and parts are not an issue. Mounting the diffs could get interesting...

[special-K]

It's a great idea, and these were conversions, but if you don't have the truck why not just find a NAPCO? It's not like whole conversion assemblies are laying around. You'll most likely be buying a whole truck, whether it's a pats truck or driver...or restored. I know of original V8 automatic GMC NAPCOs (dream truck). Not sure if I recall any automatic Chevys

[tristan]

I really appreciate all of the ideas and suggestions. Maybe I'll just keep my eyes open for a NAPCO with a V8 and a Hydramatic. You can always dream....

[WhiteWhale]

maybe he will part

http://bakersfield.craigslist.org/cto/4819367145.html

[andrewmp6]

If you get bored something to watch on youtube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...czodnuWp1x6nk2 Its a guy slowly restoring a 57 gmc napco,But look around his channel he loves old trucks and stuff.

[farmallboy15]

http://bn.craigslist.org/cto/4741941151.html

[OrrieG]

Originally Posted by farmallboy15

http://bn.craigslist.org/cto/4741941151.html

tristan, if I was you I'd jump on this one. Price is fair for the NAPCO stuff and you get a running 270 and transmission too. OH is not far from PA

[52napco]

I have a 1952 5 window. Napco truck. My father bought it in 1964 at a local used car lot
I believe it was converted around 1954-55. It has drivers side tc and axle w a serial number
Of 0007 on both. It has been down for a frame off restore for 8-10 years and the above statement
Of parts is a huge dilemma for the early stuff. I need a few bearings and seals for mine and are impossible to find but they are way sexier with legit running gear IMO

[andrewmp6]

Yeah that guy on youtube restoring one has had problems finding parts for his napco a few times.I love and respect the early 4x4s but i rather frame swap and have something i can drive and not worry about finding parts when they wear out.Only way id have a real napco is as a show truck that don't see many miles a year.

[special-K]

I had a '71 C/30 NAPCO conversion back before the internet when you had to be more resourceful than most to restore an old vehicle. I managed to get in the loop through lots of calls and asking around, to find the parts I needed to rebuild all that. I decided to retire the truck once done, and only use up on the family place on the mountain...basically just firewood, plow the lane, and trips to town. Well, I had it over at a shop near here that does used truck bodies/outfitting. I had sold the utility bed, which he had removed, and it was waiting for us to find a single wheel contractor dump to install. My worries of wearing or breaking that drivetrain I put so much effort into restoring ended with it being stolen from there. I was stuck with just the plow blade laying at my house.

[franken]

More along the lines of just a conversion, but check out the parts for sale threads. There's a 4x4 roller thread and one w/ front and rear diffs.

['63GENIII]

My '57 Napco 3/4 ton was an awesome truck and I loved having the HO72 front and rear until the driver's side kingpin (along with part of the Birfield joint casting) sheared off on the freeway at around 70mph. I tried and tried to find another Napco axle but in the end used a corporate 10 bolt with 8 lugs (not nearly as cool looking as the HO). Having disc brakes and better reliability was one of the best things about driving that truck after that!
That said, there is something real cool about having that original Napco setup! Good luck finding your parts. I like seeing more people into those trucks.

[OrrieG]

Originally Posted by andrewmp6

Yeah that guy on youtube restoring one has had problems finding parts for his napco a few times.I love and respect the early 4x4s but i rather frame swap and have something i can drive and not worry about finding parts when they wear out.Only way id have a real napco is as a show truck that don't see many miles a year.

Good point, I had an issue with mine (74 drive train) in the Idaho boonies. Limped into nearest town with a parts store and got the brake parts I needed to fix it in the parking lot. If it was a NAPCO would have been a major PITA getting it 200 mile back home and finding parts.

[blm64Goat]

Hi, New here. Im kind of in a similar situation. 1951 chevy 3/4 ton that my son wants to make a 4x4. Do I want to go with a wagoneer frame or just use the running gear. I have a 77 chevy heavy half 4x4, 4 speed, complete truck but frame is shot. I know the 77s axels will be a little to wide, correct? Also I ve heard s-10 rolling chassis work. Input appreciated. Thanks.

[andrewmp6]

The s10 frame will work but it has a junky ifs 4x4 on it.I would go with the wagonner at least that has solid axles in it.

[franken]

S10 is 1/4 ton so why would anyone try to go tis route?
The way to go if you want to do something similar is take 3/4-1 ton diffs, a divorced NP205 and 2wd trans.
You can recreate the idea with modern toys.

[blm64Goat]

I'll have to keep researching a bit. I was hoping to use the original frame possibly with the wagoneer axels. We almost purchased a 1 ton bare frame but width came into play. I'd like to keep the tires under the body as much as possible. Didn't have a great feeling on the s-10 route. appreciating the feed back.

[andrewmp6]

If your heart set on the s10 frame you could solid axle swap it with some welding.A kit like this http://www.sky-manufacturing.com/cgi...=CHEVY-SAS-S10 It can use the wagonner axle and you need to weld on shock hoops and figure out the steering linkage.