Bruce Michaels' 1951 Chevy 3600 NAPCO Conversion

06 February 2006 Update

From Bruce:

          Here's an update of the '51 NAPCO. I'm having to put it back together since I'll be moving. I haven't added the flag to the firewall yet. It is farther along than it ever was though.

• Replaced cab back panel.
• Engine reinstalled.
• Front clip reinstalled.
• Inside engine compartment (no flag yet).
• Inside cab -- Ididit steering column, 2002 Silverado seats (with seatbelts).
• CHROME!!

          More later.

Bruce

          Don't forget Bruce's web page -- it has a lot more pictures of it. ~~ Editor

February 1 2004 Update

From Bruce: 

          After working diligently on the links for The Stovebolt Page, Bruce got to work on his web site for his '51 NAPCO. Great show. You need to see it.

          Plus, Bruce's American-pride "paint job" is included in the Stovebolt Page Tech Tips. Also, a bit of a bummer -- "I painted the flag on there myself. It took a lot of work. But I have some sad news too. Three weeks ago I had an accident and the truck went up in a fire. I was in tears for days. The flag is totally gone. But the truck is fixable. I was at about 80% finished before the fire and now I'm back to about 50% complete (with a LOT of cleanup).

    "And I do have to tell you the flag "WILL" be back!! And now that I've had practice at applying it, it should even come out better the second time around.

          And when he "does it over," Bruce will give us a few more step-by-step instructions and images for the Tech Tip page!

          Thanks Bruce ... great job!

October 1 2004 Update

From Bruce:

          Hey fellow Stovebolters! Here's an update to my '51 for the Gallery.

Specs:

• USAF ID number A-913
• 1951Chevy short bed (fully boxed frame and hand-fabricated crossmembers)
• Chevy 383 stroker, est 450 hp/500ft lbs torque
• Turbo 400/NP 205 transfer case (drivers side front output)
• NAPCO 3/4-ton under carriage (built specifically for Chevy Advance Design trucks)
• 4.57 gearing
• 1949 GMC five window cab (SSSSHHHH don't tell anybody!!)

Bruce

22 August 03

From Bruce:

Hi

          My truck was an old Air Force Truck. I bought it in 1999.  I converted it to 4 X 4 with 3/4-ton NAPCO parts. 

          I hope to be finished in a couple years.

          My web page has a lot more pictures of it.

Bruce