The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk 57 Chevy 3600 NAPCO Parts

Hello All!

This is my first post on Stovebolt and, in fact, my first classic Chevy pickup.

I recently received a 1957 Chevy 3600 "big window" NAPCO 4x4 truck as a gift. It is absolutely 100% original with a 265 V8, 4 speed and original paint.

The truck has not run for 15 years and has been sitting in the CA desert. Luckily there is no rust anywhere an the truck. :yahoo:

I am trying to find out how to put tires on the truck. It has the original 17.5" split-rim wheels that require tubes on the rear with later model 16" wheels up front. I'd like to get a set of 17" wheels for the truck that dont require tubes. Any leads?

At some point I will have to address the brakes and locating components for the NAPCO axle seems nearly impossible. Where should I look for these components? Is there a NAPCO authority that I could contact?

Im looking forward to bringing this truck back to running/driving condition.

Thank you for all your input.

Erich
(714) 488-2100

have quite a bit of experience with the napco 4x4 systems... let me know what you are looking for and I might be able to help source some of the parts.

are they 17.5 split rims or 17"?? Or 17.5 regular wheels with tubes?? I always thought the .5" sizes were non-split rim varieties..

assuming your truck has 8 bolt wheels I would guess you options are 16", 16.5",17.5", 19.5"... all of these should be able to run newer tubeless tires.

http://napco4x4.org/forum/

I think your brake parts should be the same as 2wd. Have you found the Napco Owners Group, above?

The original rims on the truck would not have been split rims. They would be 8 lug in either 17.5" or 19.5". Tubeless tires will work on either, although many of the original bias ply tires either required tubes or had them added after a repair.

I have used both sizes. I could not find radials in the 17.5" size, just bias ply. Specialty Tires of America manufactures this size in a highway tread and a lugged tread.

19.5" are available as radials from many sources because they are a relatively common size for RV's and commercial trucks.

If you want to stay original, the 17.5" rims can still be found with some looking. The 19.5" ones are VERY hard to find.

The above tires are all expensive and choices are limited. If originality is not important, you can save money and have more choices by going with non-original rims.

One thing to keep in mind. These trucks are geared very low, hence a low top end. If you are buying replacement rims anyway, the larger you can go (even 18" versus 17") to get a larger tire profile will give you better top end if that is important to you.

Maybellene

thanks for all the feedback.

This being my first Chevy pickup, and a vintage one at that, there is lots to learn.

I have two 17.5" wheels on the rear with more modern 16" wheels up front. I believe the 17.5" wheels are original and correct for the truck. I was able to locate two replacement wheels from Lugo Parts for $75ea. Tires were located in Long Beach at Lucas Classic Tires for $275ea. including new tube and flap.

I was able to get the motor running but it smokes a little bit and water is leaking heavily from the rear freeze plugs. Not sure whether I am going to rebuild the motor or replace with period correct unit. The truck isnt an original V8 truck but does have the 4 speed trans. I am hoping to locate a 283 that runs well or has been recently rebuilt for cheap. Any leads in the SoCal area would be appreciated.

Next on my to-do list are the brakes. Ive heard the front brakes should be 2wd units. Once I get the hubs apart I will share what is found.

I did not see there was a NAPCO owners club link.

Thanks again for all the feedback.