The Stovebolt Site Forums Welcome! Welcome Centre Do It Yourself (DITY) Gallery 1955 Napco Chevrolet shortbox - "Mater's Cousin" (updates)

Hi, I am new to the forum. I stumbled across it a few months ago and figured I'd give it a shot!
My name is Frank L. VanderBroek and I live in Madrid, Iowa.
I have always loved 55 56 57 Chevy cars, same for old trucks, and 4x4’s! This vehicle tied all three categories together for me!
First spotted this truck about ten years ago. Thought to myself, someone’s got a nice project. Drove by same place a couple days later and it was gone. Did not give it any more thought. Jump forward to a year and a half ago, and a call on my cell phone from a friend told me to get to a certain location NOW. Wasn’t doing anything, figured, what the heck, and met up with him. We walked into a large fenced in car storage area. Walked halfway down about six rows of cars, and stopped in front of this truck. Told my buddy, hey, I remember this! He looked at me and told me the owner wanted to sell it. I figured, great, here comes a price I can’t afford. But I asked anyway, how much? He quoted me a price that I could simply, no way, crazy if I did, not resist. Called another buddy up that had a truck and trailer and said, get here now! He asked, what for and I said, you’ll see when you get here. He showed up! Cash and title was exchanged, and, as I call the truck, “Mater’s cousin” had a new home.
I knew the truck was a four wheel drive and had manual lock outs, but absolutely had no idea what I was about to uncover. After cleaning out the box of many extra parts, garbage, and a few unidentifiable items (two of which were moving) I moved on to cleaning out the cab. After another big pile of debris, I noticed the two shift levers, one each side of the transmission shifter. I thought, wow! Immediately crawled under the front of the truck, looked at the front axle, rubbed some dirt and grease away, and found a Napco casting, and a Napco tag. Fantastic! Flipped the transfer case over (which had been sitting in the box of the truck) and found a second Napco tag. Anybody ever do a happy dance?
After much cleaning, the truck appeared as in these photos.
Finally got truck in my shop, and made sure motor was free, transmission worked in all gears, and the clutch was not stuck. Time to make the motor run. An oil change, spark plugs, plug wires, cap, rotor, points, coil, and some research to discover the motor was a 1966 283. Some fresh gas, turn the key, hit the starter button, timing adjustment, and the motor came to life with a belch, smoothed out, and purred like a content kitten. Fantastic! After getting it to move, next project was to get it to stop. After tearing down to check brakes, I figured out why transfer case was in box of truck. Front axle was a 3.90 gear. Someone previously had changed the rear axle to a 4.56. That meant I had to find another rear axle, but needed it to stop anyway. Rebuilt all wheel cylinders, replaced master cylinder, bled brakes, and was rewarded with a nice, strong brake pedal.
Bored with mechanical fixing, changed my sights to cosmetic repair. Stripped and repainted the grill, painted the rear bumper, installed seat (all swap meet finds) and decided to put in a poor man’s floor in the box, and box sides simply because I like the look .
Now was time for lights. Kinda improvised here, as the tail lights are trailer lights that look similar to what was original with home made brackets. Front driving lights are actually after market backup lights with a filament change. Not correct, I know, but all lights work. Will correct as I get parts.
This effert thus far got me to my first car show in Madrid, Iowa.
Lots and lots of lookers, lots and lots of questions, and one main question: What the hell is Napco? Kinda like telling your child the same bedtime story a hundred times in one night. I had lots and lots of fun!
Currently the truck sits as is .
I have found the correct rear end, and my efforts are going to be focused on getting all mechanical as close to correct as I can. I’ve had several projects over the years, but me and Mater’s cousin have become extremely great friends.
Mater's Cousin told me he would like to make a bunch of new friends. Any and all are welcome! Here's a picture of me and Mater's Cousin. Thanks for letting me share!

Frank L. VanderBroek

Stranger, welcome to the Bolt. I'm glad I stopped in the welcome center tonight. Thats a nice story for the Gallery. Thanks for the picture trail. Yep, I'd say your and cousin Mater are meant for each other.......aren't you glad you had your cell phone on

There are a few Napco guys around. Just ask your questions in the most appropiate forum and you'll get results. See ya around the garage.

Thanks for the warm welcome,and nice comments! I had an great deal of help from my daughter, as the best use I have found for computer is a boat ancher! ha ha! but i r bein lernt!I spoke the words n she did the typing,pics, and post. (LOVE HER) Doing this on my own, hunt n peck! I am much better with wrenches! Thanks and hope to type to you again!
Stranger

great to read a story about another happy chevvy owner you will get great support from here im in australia and enjoy the site

Thanks for the nice comments! My computer skills are rather weak, I'm much better with wrenches! Just posted this afternoon and was really surprised and pleased at number of lookers! You are my second with a comment and win the long distance award!Had to look thrice at your location! WOW! Will definatly use this site to my full advantage as computer skill improves!
Stranger

Nice story and a great truck. I do my own paint and body work but honestly I like the patina on your truck. I've always told myself if I find a neat patina look I wouldn't change it. Welcome

Thanks for looking and commenting! Yeah, i really like "Maters Cousin" weathered looks! Gonna have to stay that way till the more important mechanical items are fixed. When time comes, debating wether to just clear coat as is or a two tone of medium gray body and roof top with a light gray band at side n rear windows, and rims. Thats the plan for now. Decisions,decisions! Or shoul I state "DREAMS"
Stranger

Love your truck Frank. Welcome to the Bolt. You really have a keeper there. You make me jealous. ;-)

Hey Builder,

Thank you for the compliment! Honestly, not trying to make anyone jealous! I have admired a great collection of Bolts here at the Stovebolt site! All years and in all conditions, from just got home and needs completely gone through to better than showroom finished! I am simply, extreamly happy, to be accepted as part of the group of like minded people who all have the same goal of keeping these old trucks alive! Daily drivers, factory correct restored, hot rodded, show, or hobbie. I love em all!

What a great find ! She looks like a 4x4 should look, and a rare beast for sure. Nice to have you on the Bolt.

Hey all,

I guess it is a good time, as any, for an update on my truck! Maters Cousin has been waiting patiently, as I have been looking for, collecting/gathering, and refurbishing parts. Also, at the same time, researching and cataloging any information I can find or am told about this particular truck! I have come across information that is common, unusual, and a raised eyebrow or two!

As of right now, the truck is in the shop, with about half of a "New" wiring harness getting installed. The wiring, when I got the truck, was at best a mess! After much cutting , rerouting, and splicing, I managed to get 85% of everything to work, but was always worried about a failure in the system, and it looked terrible. I salvaged a used wiring harness from a parts truck that was in very good condition, then asked my son-in law for a helping hand! My trucks harness was removed and then proceeded with checking and cleaning of all connections, adding new wire when needed, and mending of old wires at a few places, the "new rebuilt" harness is finding its way into the truck! Hopefully, everything will work, be safer, and look nicer!

Other tasks completed are:

1. California heater/defroster rebuilt and painted

2. Inner cab stripped and painted

3. Cab floor repaired and painted with spray in bedliner

4. Gas tank installed

5. Headliner installed

6. Step sides and tailgate sand blasted, straightened, primed

7. All drill holes in box, cab, doors, fenders, welded shut (Previous owners run amuck with drillgun?)

8. Located and obtained all "green" glass

9. Still trying to locate some NAPCO drivetrain items, and chrome emblems

I'm glad I did not set a completion date, as I enjoy driving and showing Maters Cousin during the summer, and try to complete projects in a fashion as to not create a long period of down time. I keep the truck going and the truck keeps me going!

Till next time,

Hey All,

Its been awhile, so time, for another update! What a summer it has been and Maters Cousin came together nicely. The interior recieved a great refreshining that included a complete dismantle of the gauge cluster/speedometer unit. Complete cleaning check or replace gauges as needed and reassembly. The seat recieved new upholstery. A restored "California heater/defroster" found its way into the truck. Last for the interior, the door insides got treated to a two tone paint, and new weather strips.

The correct rearend (3.90 gear) was installed after a complete tear down and replacement of gaskets, seals, brakes and bearings. Then the Rockwell transfer case was installed and new u-joints in all three driveshafts. Add, to the mix, four new shocks.

I opted for a new wiring harness, and after completion of installation, everything that was meant to work did! Even the lighter, and the dome, glovebox, turn signal lights! Best of all......NO SMOKE!!!!

Last, the rims, recieved a sandblasting, primer and paint. Even the spare.

This was as far as I planned to go at thi time and allowed me to make the Madrid Labor Day Car Show and the Kansas City Missouri Stovebolt Reunion of which my original goal was set for! Mission accomplished.

This winters plans include: New carpet for the interior, pull, and tear down engine, mainly for gaskets and what ever else that needs replaced. Replace all glass with green glass. Start body work and prep for paint. Hopefully, Maters Cousin, will be ready to roll down the road again in the spring. Kansas city is approaching fast.