Taking something old and customizing it into something completely new is exactly what Legacy Classic Trucks did with its recent build of a classic Chevy 4×4. The team took a 1957 Chevy 3100 and converted it into a customized Napco 4×4.
“We’re honoring the tradition while taking the truck into the next century,” says Legacy Classic Trucks founder Winslow Bent. “This isn’t a restoration. Each Legacy Chevy Napco Conversion is completely rebuilt with all-new components.”
The foundation for the truck, which the company tabs the Legacy Napco, is a fully boxed 2×6-inch frame. Suspension duties were handled by Offroad Design, which uses custom Alcan leaf packs to retain some of that classic feel, but the modern twist are new front springs that, along with an ORD shackle-reversal kit, help provide 10 inches of travel. The rear Alcan leaf springs offer 11 inches of suspension travel. King 2.5 remote-reservoir shocks are employed up front, while 2.0-inch rear King shocks are used out back.
Another modernized feature is the addition of Dynatrac ProRock front and rear axles, with a Dana 44 used up front, though a ProRock 60 axle will be used for future custom builds, according to Legacy. Toyo Open Country R/T tires are fit on 16×7 steel wheels, though the standard 33s can be upgraded to 34-inch tires and heavy-duty Trailready HD17 headlock wheels.
For the engine, the ’57 Chevy will be powered by a modern Chevy 5.3L Vortec LC9 V-8, although there is the option to upgrade to the 6.2L LS3 V-8. There’s quite a few more additional add-ons and unique goodies on this build, and Legacy Classic Trucks expects to build quite a few more of these classic off-roaders in the future. Check out the below video, and for more information visit LegacyClassicTrucks.com.
LEGACY CLASSIC TRUCKS CHEVY NAPCO 4×4 CONVERSION SPECS
General
Vehicle: 1957 Chevy 3100 “Napco” 4×4
Owner: Winslow Bent, Legacy Classic Trucks
Stomping grounds: Jackson Hole, WY
Build time: 6 months
Drivetrain
Engine: 350-hp 5.3L all-aluminum Chevy LC9, Ron Davis Radiator, custom Borla Corvette C7 Dual-Mode Exhaust
Transmission: AX-15 5-speed manual
Transfer case: Advance Adapters Atlas II
Low range ratio: 4.3:1
Crawl ratio: 80:1
Front axle/differential: Dynatrac ProRock 44, Reid Racing knuckles, Warn premium hubs, Detroit Tru-Trac limited-slip, disc brakes, 4.11 gears
Rear axle/differential: Dynatrac ProRock 60, Detroit Tru-Trac limited-slip, disc brakes, 4.11 gears
Suspension
Front: 10 inches of travel, custom Alcan Springs, SOA conversion, ORD Shackle Reversal, King 2.5 12-inch-travel remote reservoir shocks, King Air-Bumps
Rear: 11 inches of travel, custom Alcan Springs, SOA conversion, King 2.0 14-inch-travel remote reservoir shocks, King Air-Bumps, Currie Antirock Sway Bar
Steering: PSC variable-ratio 2WD Saginaw gearbox, PSC pump, Legacy crossover steering linkage
Tires/Wheels
Tires: 285/70R17 Toyo Open Country R/T
Wheels: 17×8.5 Trailready Beadlock, Slim Ring
Miscellaneous
Cool stuff: 2×6-inch TCI frame, Horween Leather upholstery, Nardi Torino steering wheel, oak bed slats, Classic Instrument gauges, 20-gallon bed-mounted fuel tank, 900-Watt Focal K2 Power Speakers, 8-inch JL subs, Focal Amp, Retro-Sound Stereo, Vintage Air A/C