58 and 57 Frames the same

[BadDaddy]

Ok, I'm brand new to this site. 30+ years ago I saw a 1958 1/2 Napco 4x4 shortbed at a car show and knew I had to have one. Now my 15 years old son and I are going to build one as a father and son project. The budget doesn't allow purchasing a complete truck so we're starting with a bunch of parts I acquired from a guy that was also going to build one. My question is this: The body pieces that I got are from a 58 but the guy thinks the frame is from a 57. I see a difference in the specification manuals of about three inches measured from the center of the front wheel to the edge of the bumper (57 being shorter.) Is the 57 frame actually shorter and if so is this only an issue in regard to mounting a bumper? Thanks for the help. John

[OrrieG]

You are correct, longer frame was required to push the bumper mount out to miss the longer fenders and extended grille surround. Here is a photo of my 59 in that area.

[Hblee]

It's a shame you're not building a lwb. I have a 58 lwb original NAPCO frame that is really nice.

[BadDaddy]

Still learning a lot about these trucks.

HBlee - are the frames on a NAPCO truck different than the 2wd? More beefy? I assumed the NAPCO parts were just direct bolt-ons to the 2wd frames.

[Hblee]

Nope the frames are the same except a factory built 4wd (RPO 690) would have the holes in the crossmember for the transfer case mount and have holes in the passenger side frame rail for the transfer case shifter bracket. It's nothing though that you couldn't figure out yourself.

I'm learning myself. Back in November I ran across a 58 GMC lwb frame with all of the NAPCO running gear. I've been scouring the internet looking for information. So far the Stovebolt Forum and NAPCO Owner's websites have provided a lot of information. There are a few NAPCO guys on here too that have been helpful.

[BadDaddy]

Thanks for the information guys! I'll post pictures as the project takes shape.

[dwcsr]

I see a few issues you may run into, frames from 55 second up to 59 all have a serial number or Vin on the frame. It needs to match the cab tag if the cab doesn't have a tag you need a title for the frame so you don't run into building a truck that can't be titled or was reported stolen under the vin you used. The reason I say it needs to match the cab is because usually if the tag is there no on has used the vin. then you get a bonded title for 1957 or 8 which ever your doing. If the tag is missing its a good chance the vin is in use. if none of the above is available title or tag and you build it from part you need to record all the parts used and title as a composite vehicle built in 2015. inspected as a 2015 and emission checked as 2015.

Before you build anything title it in your name. You don't want to be one of the guys that build a truck and forfeited it back to the owner for free.

[BadDaddy]

Great advice thanks.