1957 Chevy 4x4 NAPCO conversion...

[the1ted]

I'm gonna use a Jeff Foxworthy approach here, "Your truck may not be a factory 4-wheel drive if...". The first clue that my truck I assumed to be a factory was an add on kit is the transmission cover plate (1st photo). As you can see it was a combination of torching and chiseling. Mercifully I did find a cover from AZ on eBay that was original factory NAPCO. (2nd photo) I have taken it for sandblast and powder coat. I will still need to assemble the shifter, linkage and mount to discover if it lines up.

[the1ted]

Finally, some progress to report. With help from local member gearhead72 we got the manifold on the motor, oiled it and and got 75lbs. of pressure. That's great. Next round we placed the pressure plate and clutch and got that all centered and snug. Today (Sunday) placed the blower and carbs on top of the manifold, then used the same cradle configuration (shown) to hike the 4-speed transmission up in the air outside for paint. Same color as t-case, Rustoleum Regal Red. Also did a couple of shots of the rear mounted fuel cell. Got it from LMC and the fit was nice but the welds lack a finished look-oh well. Wrote to customer service twice with no reply.

[dug224]

Ted: Lookin' nice. The engine does NOT look quite tall enough. Yikes. Coming together nicely. Dug

[the1ted]

Geez, it's been 11 months since I did anything or posted. Today finished getting the rear mount gas tank. What a relief moving that darn thing out of the cab! The odor, not to mention the danger, will not be missed. Trust me, don't try this alone. I had the help of a friend who is a lifetime machinist and car nut and we were perplexed at how to get this done in any easy fashion. The tank came without directions, but did include most mounting hardware and fittings.
First off you would HAVE to remove the bed to even consider this install, and in the end the tank filler neck and cap lands there anyways. I also would remove the rear axle and springs + exhaust because this is a bugger to handle and center.
I would definitely reccomend the soundproofing kit. It comes without anything cut to shape, but at least there is ample material. I placed the white backing against the brackets and drew the outline with magic marker-then trimmed them. I also added pieces up the side between the tank and frame for good measure.
As the finished pictures show, it looks great and now I can start reassembling some larger pieces, i.e. axles and springs + drivelines. Be aware that the bolt patterns on the flanges will collide with 2 standard holes in the frame-real pain in the butt! Thank God for the transmission jack-got it cheap from Craig's List.

[bajabob]

Nice build, I know how easily one can be distracted by other "stuff".... stay at it man !!!!

[the1ted]

Here is a pic from the World of Wheels car show we had here-probably about 1988. It is simply amazing how blinded you can be by lots of chrome and a slick paint job. What lies underneath matters so much more. Even the motor had a crack in the oil galley that had been repaired with epoxy-got it from a 'buddy'!

[bajabob]

what is the latest on this ???

[the1ted]

bajabob-I am just now getting back in the garage and this is on the top of the list. I lost 1/2 of the day to insulin shock-got home with lunch and should have eaten first. Oh well... Thanks for the 'spark'!

[bajabob]

ok good, as long as something is getting done, we can all relax !!!! lol !!!!

I saw your pics of the tranny cover and I am concerned that I missed the boat on this one. I did a conversion and I might not have the bracket for the shift linkage far enough forward !!!! Dang it !!!!

[dug224]

Welcome back Ted Zep!

[Zane M]

Any updates??

[the1ted]

Nothing new with exception of having run into the bed where it was sitting under the carport ! The box & tailgate survived, but the fenders were trashed. I had a second bed with original factory fenders-so it worked out ok there.

[bajabob]

Lets get back on this deal !!! Ok mine as well, ordered some new parts and looking at the clutch parts I will need to stab it !!!

[the1ted]

Thanks for the 'push'. I had to have my clutch built and also ready to stab the trans. I chromed the clutch arm to build it up after some wear where it pivots on the ball on the bell housing. Next I have to cut the exhaust and re-route it around the rear mounted gas tank-it never ends!

[bajabob]

What clutch and pressure plate did you go with ??? I have to buy all new parts since mine did not come with any of that stuff???

[the1ted]

I honestly don't know-the pressure plate was in stock at the drive line place I go to and they built the clutch from scratch. It's all bolted up now with the hogs head covering it, but I did make out a serial no. 10163 on the pressure plate, but no maker's name. I would check out LMC Truck http://www.lmctruck.com/ for a start in searching.

[the1ted]

The pressure plate had the serial no. 10163-no other info.

[quest]

Originally Posted by the1ted

Finally, some progress to report. With help from local member gearhead72 we got the manifold on the motor, oiled it and and got 75lbs. of pressure. That's great. Next round we placed the pressure plate and clutch and got that all centered and snug. Today (Sunday) placed the blower and carbs on top of the manifold, then used the same cradle configuration (shown) to hike the 4-speed transmission up in the air outside for paint. Same color as t-case, Rustoleum Regal Red. Also did a couple of shots of the rear mounted fuel cell. Got it from LMC and the fit was nice but the welds lack a finished look-oh well. Wrote to customer service twice with no reply.

A blown V8 in a 4x4... and with an SM420....? is it just for show then?

[Purcell69]

Excuse me while I lust for a bit. This is going to be beautiful!

-Joe

[dug224]

T1T: Where'd you go? Need and update or at least a picture of your truck sitting in your shop!!! dug

[bajabob]

Ted
Any updates ??? I have gotten back on my project and should up soon ???