Barn Find 1958 Chevrolet 3600 NAPCO 4X4 Conversion

Description

A 1957 promotional film by Chevrolet showed two of its new pickup trucks climbing Pikes Peak in Colorado. What made the film compelling was instead of driving the famous Pikes Peak Highway the trucks went off road right from the base of the mountain to the summit over 14,000 feet above sea level. These were no ordinary Chevy trucks. Instead, they featured a four-wheel drive conversion by NAPCO. Manufacturers did not offer four-wheel drive trucks at the time; Chevrolet launching the K Series 4x4s in 1960. But NAPCO (Northwestern Auto Parts Company) of Minneapolis, Minnesota, sold $995 kits that added the front axle, transfer case, and drive shafts. Shipped in a crate weighing 1,410 pounds, the kit could be easily installed by an owner or a dealer in as little as three hours. 

This 1958 Chevrolet 3600 3/4 ton pickup with NAPCO Powr-Pak 4X4 conversion is a near-twin to the two trucks featured in the Chevy promotional film. It’s a “barn find” discovered in original condition in Montana, preserved by the arid climate of the High Plains. This time capsule Chevy 4x4 truck can be a solid platform for restoration, or to enjoy with its time worn patina.  

Highlights 

• “Barn Find” original-condition 1958 Chevrolet 3600 “Task Force” pickup from Montana 

• Rare NAPCO Powr-Pak Conversion (estimated less then 2000 produced) 

• Spicer manual transfer case  

• 235 cu-in inline “Thriftmaster Six” engine producing 145 horsepower 

• Three-speed manual transmission 

• Finished in 703A Oriental Green paint 

• The chassis number (3E58W105009) decodes as: 

  • 3E – 3600 Series 

  • 58 – 1958 model year 

  • W – Willow Run, Michigan, final assembly plant 

  • 105009 – Sequential production number 

Features 

• Part-time four-wheel drive 

• Rear step bumper 

• Bed-mounted spare tire  

• Driver’s-side exterior rear-view mirror  

• Vent windows  

• Step-side bed  

• Wood plank bed floor  

• Dual sun visors  

• Body-color dashboard  

• Crank windows  

Known Imperfections 

• This 1958 Chevrolet 3600 NAPCO 4X4 Conversion is in generally good condition for a “barn find” with the patina and imperfections that come with age. It is mechanically sound, but it is to be assumed that it will require additional mechanical attention before being driven safely on open roads. The speedometer is inoperable, and the true mileage is unknown. 

Included 

• Three rims that are believed to be original 

Ownership History 

The consignor acquired this 1958 Chevrolet 3600 NAPCO 4X4 Conversion as a Montana barn find in 2016. The brakes have been repaired and the truck has been driven locally around 20-50 miles.