1. IF the VIN number on the VIN plate which is on the door jamb, matches the title, you have no registration problems.
2. It is not a Factory Napco original truck. (at least the cab/VIN is not). 1957 was the first year for Factory Napco. Factory Chevy Napco's were only available with 6 cylinder. There were still plenty of aftermarket upfitters in business. Someone could have upfitted at a vendor or purchased a 3/4 T kit. Lots of funny things happened back then. But it's all semi-normal to the era.
3. It should have a GVW higher than a 2WD if it is Factory. Not if upfitted. Also GVW value would indicate 1/2 or 3/4 cab.
4. The frame number is NOT hidden. Driver side top of frame near steering box. Being a recessed stamp, it gets painted over many times and filled in. You will be taking a huge risk if you uncover that number. If you then "repaint" you may be in handcuffs, so forget that until after you get registered. Many of the old timers at DMV are gone so you may breeze thru. If they find a mismatch on frame it should not be the end of the world unless that number comes up stolen. Where I live, they don't even see the truck when registering, just the paper.
5. If cab has a ebrake lever near trans shifter, that may indicate 3/4 cab.
6. Another possible tell tale of a factory Napco and for 1/2-3/4 T is the leaf spring count.
7. I wouldn't worry about it IF IF IF the VIN plate number matches the title. If the VIN plate is sort of resistance welded (spot welded), NOT mig, it is highly unlikely that some flipper welded it. BUT I have owned many 55-59 trucks and never seen a welded one. If I saw a pic, I could make a better judgment. The 1957 passenger car Assembly Manual I saw online, shows VIN plate is spot welded on.
8. The AD Napco trucks were only on 3/4T and up. Except 55.1
9. If you are paying a Napco price, you will want to be sure that the running gear, xfer case, hubs, shifter and etc is all Napco correct and the rear diff is era correct. Lots of so called Napco's out there. A Napco is NOT just any 57 4X4. Make sure there is no funny business under there. The Napco emblem is available new so see if you can tell if it's original to the era or newish. Like a part number on back of casting.
10. Probably should not pay a huge price for this one. If your DMV has satellite offices run by private contractors, I would go there. More money, but not a Government lifer. (or see no. 12) From what I read about CA is: Hiway Patrol officer checks vehicle at your house after you apply for registration. Don't have to bring truck to them (antique =39 years or older). Don't need emissions for pre 1975 truck.
11. GM did try spot welding VIN plates several times. Some had "DD" on the plates (Delivery Date). When the dealer stamped the Date, they broke the weld. They stopped stamping those plates. Bye Bye welded plates, hello Rosette rivets. If you ever see a pop rivet...red flag.
12. The best advise in CA is: If you buy it in CA and register in CA, join AAA and they do EVERYTHING FOR YOU in 15 minutes. Coffee, doughnuts and TV are free.
