1958 4WD 1/2 Ton Questions - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

RShaips · 01-14-2014, 06:41 PM

I saw a truck today that looked to be an original 1958 4WD. Looks to be all there, same owner for 35 years and says it's an original 4WD. What year did GM start making them instead of NAPCO? What do you think it is worth in this condition? Pretty rough shape but he did say the motor was replaced with a 235 from a car, that should run if messed with. Left front axle and front driveshaft is out. I would appreciate some feedback, last thing I need but I think I am going to buy it. Thanks

OrrieG · 01-14-2014, 08:26 PM

1955 was the first year NAPCO supplied the 4wd conversion parts for installation on the assembly line. 1960 was the first year GM started making their own Chevy and GMC 4wd trucks. Look carefully "NAPCO" should be cast into the front axle. The transfer case is independently mounted behind the transmission and connected with a short driveline. The front drive line is LONG. If there is no NAPCO casting and the transfer case in mated to the transmission then it is a later upgrade. NAPCO4x4.org has lots of infor on specifically identifying the parts. Parts are expensive so the value of a damaged NAPCO drivetrain is usually a negative.

RShaips · 01-14-2014, 11:14 PM

Thanks for the info.
I am going to look at it again, but I am almost 100% sure its an original truck.

Sam03 · 01-15-2014, 12:23 PM

Very cool! BUY IT!!!!!

**buggy5872** · 01-15-2014, 01:39 PM

That is a line built NAPCO. The gvw tag for a line built is 5600 and one that was converted at the dealer is 5000. You could still order the kit and have the dealer instal it on a truck they had on the lot. The factory line built trucks are more rare and bring bigger dollars. Are the drive shaft and axle with the truck? If not the axle is not easy to find and expensive if you can find one. Drive shaft can be made for about 250 bucks.

RShaips · 01-15-2014, 02:30 PM

Hey thanks for the info on the GVW. I knew it was the real deal when I first checked it out.Yes he has the driveshaft and axle.Not sure what I will do with it, restore it or flip it but I couldn't pass it up! Anyway it should be in my shop with my 72 Jimmy and 70 Super Bee by the end of the week.

**Dan in Pasadena** · 01-15-2014, 02:40 PM

Just my $.02 but I'd cherry that truck out. It's somewhat unique and will only get more so.

RShaips · 01-15-2014, 03:05 PM

Yea I know. I probably will but the body is ROUGH! The cab isn't that rusty but the owner cut down tree branch and dropped it on the cab, hood and windshield, lots of dents. I have owned many old trucks but not an old 4WD like this one.

OrrieG · 01-15-2014, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buggy5872

That is a line built NAPCO. The gvw tag for a line built is 5600 and one that was converted at the dealer is 5000.

Good to know...

**G&R's57GMC** · 01-16-2014, 02:16 AM

Here's some inspiration for ya, my '57 GMC.

RShaips · 01-16-2014, 09:25 AM

Nice truck! It would look nice all restored next to my Jimmy! I should be getting it today. I do have a question about the 4WD shifter. There is only one shifter, and I can't hardly read the diagram on the dash. Does it have a 4H 4L N 2WD. It does not have locking hubs, so is it always engaged? Thanks

**buggy5872** · 01-16-2014, 03:21 PM

4 low is with the shifter the whole way forward and then as you pull it back you hit neutral then 2wd then 4 high. Not sure on the hubs. I have only seen the ones with the manual hubs. I do know there were some with a bolt on plate where the hub would be. Not sure if it would be full time or if there is a way to unlock them like backing up with the transfercase is in 2wd......

**buggy5872** · 01-16-2014, 03:26 PM

I justent over to the napco site and it looks like yours probably has a drive flange that locks the axle to the hub so it will always be locked in turning the front end. There are still hubs available for the axle that let you un lock it.

OrrieG · 01-16-2014, 05:38 PM

Or they might be the vintage Selectros like these:

RShaips · 01-16-2014, 08:24 PM

Well I got it home and power washed it inside and out and got it into my shop.
I did get the broken parts in the front end also. Not a pretty sight. I knew that the front axle or something was broken because the driveshaft was out. He told me he had the parts. Anyway where do you think I will find one of these? It might be repairable? My son is a machinist but It will have to be welded and re machined and I am not sure that is possible.There is no locking hubs on the axles although on the dash it says equipped with Dualmatic locking hubs. It almost looks like there are extra holes to maybe stick a lever into and turn it. I will take a pic tomorrow. This was his wife's grandpas truck and he bought it in the 70's. He is 90 years old and still going strong. Anyway the truck is awesome! Just have to get it running first!

**buggy5872** · 01-16-2014, 09:28 PM

Give these guys a call. They probably have one. http://lugoparts.com/ Let me know if they can't help you. I might be able to come up with one. No promises though. Like I said they are pretty hard to come by and no telling if the someone I know would give up their spare.

lowrodderchev · 01-16-2014, 09:37 PM

Man I love the 55-59 4 wheel drives

RShaips · 01-16-2014, 10:46 PM

Thanks Buggy, I will do that tomorrow.

**special-K** · 01-17-2014, 12:18 AM

All I can say is I wish I had found that truck first! Great score

Quote:

Originally Posted by OrrieG

Or they might be the vintage Selectros like these:

Aren't those Dualmatics? The Selectros were knobs that turn (the whole thing was a knob). maybe both companies offered the same hubs.

RShaips · 02-01-2014, 04:04 PM

Buggy5872,
I was unable to locate the part I needed from Lugo Parts.
He looked but did not have the one I need.
Let me know if you think your friend has one and if he will get rid of it?
Thanks

**buggy5872** · 02-03-2014, 10:30 AM

I sent you a PM

whitedog76 · 02-03-2014, 11:35 AM

Try these guys, they claim to have Napco parts.
http://www.nealstruckparts.com/

Someone here might be able to help.
http://napco4x4.org/forum/

These guys had an oddball Ford axle shaft I needed several years ago.
http://www.generaltruckparts.com/

Thes guys have alot of old military parts. The NAPCO axles were just military surplus parts.
http://www.boyceequipment.com/#

RShaips · 02-03-2014, 12:01 PM

Thanks Whitedog, I will try them later today.

RShaips · 02-04-2014, 04:19 PM

I don't even know what this part is called? I have looked everywhere for a diagram of the front end on this truck. If anybody knows where I can find one let me know. Thanks

OrrieG · 02-04-2014, 08:48 PM

Enclosed steering knuckle, early jeeps had them too.

01-14-2014, 06:41 PM	#1
RShaips Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Augusta Missouri Posts: 804	1958 4WD 1/2 Ton Questions I saw a truck today that looked to be an original 1958 4WD. Looks to be all there, same owner for 35 years and says it's an original 4WD. What year did GM start making them instead of NAPCO? What do you think it is worth in this condition? Pretty rough shape but he did say the motor was replaced with a 235 from a car, that should run if messed with. Left front axle and front driveshaft is out. I would appreciate some feedback, last thing I need but I think I am going to buy it. Thanks Attached Images

01-14-2014, 08:26 PM	#2
OrrieG Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 8,800	Re: 1958 4WD 1/2 Ton Questions 1955 was the first year NAPCO supplied the 4wd conversion parts for installation on the assembly line. 1960 was the first year GM started making their own Chevy and GMC 4wd trucks. Look carefully "NAPCO" should be cast into the front axle. The transfer case is independently mounted behind the transmission and connected with a short driveline. The front drive line is LONG. If there is no NAPCO casting and the transfer case in mated to the transmission then it is a later upgrade. NAPCO4x4.org has lots of infor on specifically identifying the parts. Parts are expensive so the value of a damaged NAPCO drivetrain is usually a negative. __________________ 1959 Chevy Short Fleetside w/ 74 4WD drive train (current project) OrrieG Build Thread 1964 Chevelle Malibu w/ 355-350TH (daily driver) Helpful AD and TF Manual Site Old Car Manual Project

01-14-2014, 11:14 PM	#3
RShaips Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Augusta Missouri Posts: 804	Re: 1958 4WD 1/2 Ton Questions Thanks for the info. I am going to look at it again, but I am almost 100% sure its an original truck.

01-15-2014, 12:23 PM	#4
Sam03 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Cross Creek FL Posts: 37	Re: 1958 4WD 1/2 Ton Questions Very cool! BUY IT!!!!!

01-15-2014, 01:39 PM	#5
buggy5872 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: North Beaver TWP PA Posts: 833	Re: 1958 4WD 1/2 Ton Questions That is a line built NAPCO. The gvw tag for a line built is 5600 and one that was converted at the dealer is 5000. You could still order the kit and have the dealer instal it on a truck they had on the lot. The factory line built trucks are more rare and bring bigger dollars. Are the drive shaft and axle with the truck? If not the axle is not easy to find and expensive if you can find one. Drive shaft can be made for about 250 bucks. __________________ ___________________________ 1959 Apache Short Fleetside, 1959 Apache NAPCO Long Stepside, 1957 3100 with 59 fleetside bed 1957 5700 LCF Crew Cab "Big Bertha",1959 GMC F370 1958 GMC 600, 1946 Chevy, 1959 Viking 60 LCF 1974 Elcamino SS, 1979 6500 GMC Tilt Bed Wrecker Big Bertha Build

01-15-2014, 02:30 PM	#6
RShaips Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Augusta Missouri Posts: 804	Re: 1958 4WD 1/2 Ton Questions Hey thanks for the info on the GVW. I knew it was the real deal when I first checked it out.Yes he has the driveshaft and axle.Not sure what I will do with it, restore it or flip it but I couldn't pass it up! Anyway it should be in my shop with my 72 Jimmy and 70 Super Bee by the end of the week.

01-15-2014, 02:40 PM	#7
Dan in Pasadena Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Glendora, CA Posts: 6,338	Re: 1958 4WD 1/2 Ton Questions Just my $.02 but I'd cherry that truck out. It's somewhat unique and will only get more so. __________________ '55 Big Window Shortbed, Drive-It-&-Work-On-It slid down the "slippery slope" to a Frame-Off Rodstoration! LQ4/4l85e/C4 IFS/Mustang 8.8 rearend w/3.73's Dan's '55 Big Window "Build" - Well, Kinda!

01-15-2014, 03:05 PM	#8
RShaips Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Augusta Missouri Posts: 804	Re: 1958 4WD 1/2 Ton Questions Yea I know. I probably will but the body is ROUGH! The cab isn't that rusty but the owner cut down tree branch and dropped it on the cab, hood and windshield, lots of dents. I have owned many old trucks but not an old 4WD like this one.

01-16-2014, 02:16 AM	#10
G&R's57GMC Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Shasta Lake, CA. Posts: 1,619	Re: 1958 4WD 1/2 Ton Questions Here's some inspiration for ya, my '57 GMC. Attached Images __________________ Glen & Jane's Rides ‘57 GMC NAPCO Long Bed V8 4 speed Bought 2008 7 other cars & trucks , 5 trailers '56 Chevy Long Bed I6, 4 speed Bought 1990 Sold 8.22.2020 ’56 GMC Suburban Pickup V8, 4 speed Hydramatic Bought 1996 Sold 10.11.2020 My Other Tinkerings http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...75#post8967275

01-16-2014, 09:25 AM	#11
RShaips Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Augusta Missouri Posts: 804	Re: 1958 4WD 1/2 Ton Questions Nice truck! It would look nice all restored next to my Jimmy! I should be getting it today. I do have a question about the 4WD shifter. There is only one shifter, and I can't hardly read the diagram on the dash. Does it have a 4H 4L N 2WD. It does not have locking hubs, so is it always engaged? Thanks Attached Images

01-16-2014, 03:21 PM	#12
buggy5872 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: North Beaver TWP PA Posts: 833	Re: 1958 4WD 1/2 Ton Questions 4 low is with the shifter the whole way forward and then as you pull it back you hit neutral then 2wd then 4 high. Not sure on the hubs. I have only seen the ones with the manual hubs. I do know there were some with a bolt on plate where the hub would be. Not sure if it would be full time or if there is a way to unlock them like backing up with the transfercase is in 2wd...... __________________ ___________________________ 1959 Apache Short Fleetside, 1959 Apache NAPCO Long Stepside, 1957 3100 with 59 fleetside bed 1957 5700 LCF Crew Cab "Big Bertha",1959 GMC F370 1958 GMC 600, 1946 Chevy, 1959 Viking 60 LCF 1974 Elcamino SS, 1979 6500 GMC Tilt Bed Wrecker Big Bertha Build

01-16-2014, 03:26 PM	#13
buggy5872 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: North Beaver TWP PA Posts: 833	Re: 1958 4WD 1/2 Ton Questions I justent over to the napco site and it looks like yours probably has a drive flange that locks the axle to the hub so it will always be locked in turning the front end. There are still hubs available for the axle that let you un lock it. __________________ ___________________________ 1959 Apache Short Fleetside, 1959 Apache NAPCO Long Stepside, 1957 3100 with 59 fleetside bed 1957 5700 LCF Crew Cab "Big Bertha",1959 GMC F370 1958 GMC 600, 1946 Chevy, 1959 Viking 60 LCF 1974 Elcamino SS, 1979 6500 GMC Tilt Bed Wrecker Big Bertha Build

01-16-2014, 05:38 PM	#14
OrrieG Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 8,800	Re: 1958 4WD 1/2 Ton Questions Or they might be the vintage Selectros like these: Attached Images __________________ 1959 Chevy Short Fleetside w/ 74 4WD drive train (current project) OrrieG Build Thread 1964 Chevelle Malibu w/ 355-350TH (daily driver) Helpful AD and TF Manual Site Old Car Manual Project

01-16-2014, 08:24 PM	#15
RShaips Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Augusta Missouri Posts: 804	Re: 1958 4WD 1/2 Ton Questions Well I got it home and power washed it inside and out and got it into my shop. I did get the broken parts in the front end also. Not a pretty sight. I knew that the front axle or something was broken because the driveshaft was out. He told me he had the parts. Anyway where do you think I will find one of these? It might be repairable? My son is a machinist but It will have to be welded and re machined and I am not sure that is possible.There is no locking hubs on the axles although on the dash it says equipped with Dualmatic locking hubs. It almost looks like there are extra holes to maybe stick a lever into and turn it. I will take a pic tomorrow. This was his wife's grandpas truck and he bought it in the 70's. He is 90 years old and still going strong. Anyway the truck is awesome! Just have to get it running first! Attached Images

01-16-2014, 09:28 PM	#16
buggy5872 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: North Beaver TWP PA Posts: 833	Re: 1958 4WD 1/2 Ton Questions Give these guys a call. They probably have one. http://lugoparts.com/ Let me know if they can't help you. I might be able to come up with one. No promises though. Like I said they are pretty hard to come by and no telling if the someone I know would give up their spare. __________________ ___________________________ 1959 Apache Short Fleetside, 1959 Apache NAPCO Long Stepside, 1957 3100 with 59 fleetside bed 1957 5700 LCF Crew Cab "Big Bertha",1959 GMC F370 1958 GMC 600, 1946 Chevy, 1959 Viking 60 LCF 1974 Elcamino SS, 1979 6500 GMC Tilt Bed Wrecker Big Bertha Build



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01-16-2014, 09:37 PM	#17
lowrodderchev Registered User Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: visalia ca Posts: 1,480	Re: 1958 4WD 1/2 Ton Questions Man I love the 55-59 4 wheel drives __________________ my 57 chevy truck build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=601554

01-16-2014, 10:46 PM	#18
RShaips Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Augusta Missouri Posts: 804	Re: 1958 4WD 1/2 Ton Questions Thanks Buggy, I will do that tomorrow.

02-01-2014, 04:04 PM	#20
RShaips Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Augusta Missouri Posts: 804	Re: 1958 4WD 1/2 Ton Questions Buggy5872, I was unable to locate the part I needed from Lugo Parts. He looked but did not have the one I need. Let me know if you think your friend has one and if he will get rid of it? Thanks

02-03-2014, 10:30 AM	#21
buggy5872 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: North Beaver TWP PA Posts: 833	Re: 1958 4WD 1/2 Ton Questions I sent you a PM __________________ ___________________________ 1959 Apache Short Fleetside, 1959 Apache NAPCO Long Stepside, 1957 3100 with 59 fleetside bed 1957 5700 LCF Crew Cab "Big Bertha",1959 GMC F370 1958 GMC 600, 1946 Chevy, 1959 Viking 60 LCF 1974 Elcamino SS, 1979 6500 GMC Tilt Bed Wrecker Big Bertha Build

02-03-2014, 11:35 AM	#22
whitedog76 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Peoria, IL Posts: 1,450	Re: 1958 4WD 1/2 Ton Questions Try these guys, they claim to have Napco parts. http://www.nealstruckparts.com/ Someone here might be able to help. http://napco4x4.org/forum/ These guys had an oddball Ford axle shaft I needed several years ago. http://www.generaltruckparts.com/ Thes guys have alot of old military parts. The NAPCO axles were just military surplus parts. http://www.boyceequipment.com/#

02-03-2014, 12:01 PM	#23
RShaips Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Augusta Missouri Posts: 804	Re: 1958 4WD 1/2 Ton Questions Thanks Whitedog, I will try them later today.

02-04-2014, 04:19 PM	#24
RShaips Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Augusta Missouri Posts: 804	Re: 1958 4WD 1/2 Ton Questions I don't even know what this part is called? I have looked everywhere for a diagram of the front end on this truck. If anybody knows where I can find one let me know. Thanks

02-04-2014, 08:48 PM	#25
OrrieG Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 8,800	Re: 1958 4WD 1/2 Ton Questions Enclosed steering knuckle, early jeeps had them too. __________________ 1959 Chevy Short Fleetside w/ 74 4WD drive train (current project) OrrieG Build Thread 1964 Chevelle Malibu w/ 355-350TH (daily driver) Helpful AD and TF Manual Site Old Car Manual Project

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