Providing some updates on my 1950 Chevy COE project.
Firstly, I opted to "restomod" the truck. The ultimate goal is to be a flatbed car hauler (or haul whatever is needed). It's meant to be a usable driver not a "show" truck.
Drivetrain came from a 1994 C3500HD truck. It was well maintained and had 140K miles on it. I have used the 454/4L80E engine out of the truck, mounted behind the cab, and under the deck which will be hydraulically actuated for servicing the drivetrain and assisting in loading the vehicles.
I have used the Dana 80 differential (with disc brakes) with relocated spring perches. I took the front sway bar from the 3500HD and relocated it to the Dana 80 differential.
I have added shock absorbers to all 4 corners and a steering stabilizer.
I have swapped in the front spindles onto the original COE axle. I had to source the steering arms from a a rear steer truck. (steering behind the front axle) to make the conversion simpler. I followed what Grigg had started, Ed Pruss had also lent suggestions/ideas and part numbers for the steering arms. I did have to mill the COE axle where the spindles mate up to the COE axle, just a bit.
I plan to use the steering box from a 1978 Dodge W300. this box hangs on the side of the frame in a cradle. The pitman arm hangs vertically. I will have to fabricate a drag link.
I was able to reuse the COE tie Rod and Tie rod ends. I did have to open up the drag link hole in the steering arm a bit with a readily available reamer. This will allow using a COE tie rod end on one end of the drag link. I plan to use a Dodge tie rod end on the pitman side of the drag link.
I am using the Hydroboost brake system from the 3500HD in the same position as the original brake master cylinder was located. I machined a bracket for it.
Currently, all fabrication is done on on the COE chassis (with the exception of the steering box/drag link). I am doing final assembly of the drive train now. So at least I can see progress and get that second wind!
Wheel choices are up in the air. Since the COE had 38" tall tires and the wheels/tires from the 3500HD were much shorter, I decided to look for some 22.5" RV Alcoa wheels. I did find a set, but using them in a DUALIE configuration in the back would make them stick out too far. I found a nice set of Semi Super Singles that have a 5" offset and look like they will tuck under the bed nicely. Getting ready to machine wheel adapters to test this conglomeration.
Cab is at a friend's house getting body worked and painted after I blasted it using a heavy duty pressure washer along with one of those cheap sand blasting attachment. it worked OK; saved me a bunch of money. But had to sand off the surface rust. But cheaper and easier to do than mechanically sanding off the paint.
Planned color scheme is to go back to its original color of Seacrest Green on the cab and doors, and black on the fenders, front bumper, cab steps and bed deck.
I got turned into to the City of Mesa for having an inoperable vehicle in the driveway so while the cab is at paint, I will get as far as I can on the chassis, which I was able to move into my air conditioned garage. (I live in Mesa, AZ just outside of Phoenix, a necessity for me!) When the cab comes back from paint, I will assemble it as far as possible and then marry the cab back to its chassis.
I am documenting progress on in my Google Photo's album. Its a mish/mash of pictures and some of the parts I have used and their part numbers for future reference. I save all receipts. When the truck is done, I will try to make a project book listing the parts and part numbers (and vehicles they came off of) for future reference.
See the ALBUM HERE.This Journey started in November of 2022. I am retired so I have more time to work on it. Like all Hot Rod projects, they take a lot of planning, time and money.
If there are questions, post them
here in this thread and I will TRY and answer them. As with all Hot Rod projects, things are fluid and can and DO change. While I feel I have somewhat of a handle on things, I always get bit!
Marty
