How can I tell if this 56 GMC is an original NAPCO conversion? Looking at it tomorrow , missing a lot of stuff, but 4 Wheel drive appears to all be there from pictures, It has a SPICER tag with following info Serial 510?432 B/M 30012F Model 23. Picture attached
Is your question how to tell if the unit is a Napco unit? Or is your question how to tell a factory Napco truck from a dealer installed Napco truck?
Here is some info I got from www.napco4x4.org before buying my Napco: If it was a factory Napco, then they didn't put the Napco badges on the fenders. The transfer case would be riveted to the frame cross member, not bolted. And the GVW on the information plaque on the driver's side door would be higher than for a 2WD.
If it is a Napco, the tie rod will be behind the axle, not in front like on most of the later model 4WD stuff. And the word Napco will be cast into the axle, but if it's dirty you may not see it. The steering box will be in it's stock location inside the frame, not outside like some of the add on jobs I've seen. The transfer case will be a Spicer or Napco model 23, and should have a red information tag on it.
Haven't looked at it yet, All the front sheet metal is missing as well as the steering box. from the pictures. The serial number starts with a T upon closer inspection . Guessing the Spicer tag I have a picture of is from the transfer case and is a model 23, Everything looks to be on the passenger side , but cant tell about tie rod from pictures I have . Has 6 lug wheels , 4 speed transmission looks like
I might only consider this for parts: - The transfer case in cocked, not sure why.But it appears not mounted. - Are the u-bolts missing from the shackles on the front differential?
From the picture I get the impression the NAPCO components were just "laid in," but not installed. don
what you are seeing cocked, is the transmission sitting in there loose. A closer look, looks like might have been a factory install as the brackets strengthening the cross member are riveted in. But it is missing the transfer case shift shifter and linkage and that seems to be difficult to find. It has the 8 leaf rear and 7 leaf front springs. NAPCO cast into the front axle, riser blocks on rear springs. Could not get glove box open to check for decal and visor is missing.. Red Spicer model 23 tag on transfer case23 .But unfortunately the GVW tag is missing as well as the vin tag and with no vin number probably going to pass on it. It has a tag riveted to the door post that gives HP rating saying is a GMC, but no serial number or gvw.
