Posted by Don in Missouri [108.162.221.88] on Thursday, April 14, 2016 at 12:16:09 :
In Reply to: Only 19,900! posted by Dan (NH) [108.162.219.144] on Thursday, April 14, 2016 at 08:17:30 :
I don't think the value is affected by whether the 4x4 was installed at the factory or a dealer, but since these trucks were built in distinctly different ways, I think it is neat to trace the history as accurately as possible.
I don't think this was a factory built truck. Rather, the NAPCO Power Pak was probably installed by a dealer. This would be consistent with many of the other features on this well-optioned truck. I think I see bolts attaching the crossmember where the transfercase hangs. My 59 has rivets holding the transfercase crossmember in place. I interpret this as a sign between factory built and dealer added 4x4.
Jim Allen's book says that the NAPCO Power Pak was a dealer installed kit up through '59, but was also installed at the factory in '57-'59 only. While you could get a V-8 GMC NAPCO, Chevy only built 6 cylinder trucks with 4x4 at the factory. If you wanted 4x4 and a V-8 in a Chevy you had to have a dealer put 4x4 on a 2WD V-8 truck.
I am guessing the NAPCO Power Pak badge may also be a sign of a dealer installed kit. My truck does not have any sign of badging apart from the instruction decal on the dash.
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