So I was looking online for a local 4x4 club and came across the term NAPCO. Northwestern Auto Parts Company (NAPCO) of MN made conversion kits for a lot of trucks. They mainly got put on Chevy's from what I can find. They were a kit you could order and were installed in just a few hours with minor modification.



Info found here:
The Napco Owners Group


I'm sure some of you already knew about this but I found it fascinating.

I am picking up a '58 this weekend that is 4wd but I have not found out how to identify a NAPCO install...or is it being 4wd its own indication of the install?

 

Probably would be Napco. There was also Fabco, which is less likely, and Coleman, lesser yet. Marmon-Herrington was the Ford authorized converter, but something in the back of my head says they didn't do half tons as their relationship with Ford was winding down. Could also be a backyard conversion. Generally a conversion done by a company will have identifying badges showing their involvement. Stu

 

Thanks. When I get her home and slide under it do you know if there are tags or stampings to look for?

 

There'd be badges on the hood and dash, or screw holes showing were badges were located. If no badges it'll be hard to know if it's a dealer type conversion or back yard job because a donor vehicle could have given its Dana axle and NP transfer case. The only conversions that would be real easily identified would be a Coleman or M-H. Stu

 

Is being a 4x4 going to make finding steering and suspension parts and issue?