The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts 1948 3 Ton GMC COE

So here is my introduction and the start of my build thread. I just picked up a 3 Ton 1948 GMC COE that is in pretty good shape. But honestly until its sandblasted I won’t know for sure. But first impressions are good. I am hunting for any resources that you guys can point me to in order to get this project underway this winter. I assume this will be a multiyear project so don’t assume I’m going to tackle it all at once. Plus I assume with life happening there will be sprints of work and lots of it sitting on the backburner. I have a pretty decent shop to work in so the only issue will be getting some of the required metal tools to do it properly. I’m not new to metal work and body work but I’ve never tackled anything this big. I normally fabricate for fun or to build motorbike parts that I want.

The Plan — So here is the plan and the part where you guys tell me I am crazy and help me decide what I should do and what I shouldn’t. The year and style of truck was chosen as a tribute to my father as that was when he was born, just a short drive from Dearborn, MI. He also likes the look of the Cab over “snub nose” or whatever you want to call it and is a diesel guy with a long trucking background. So outside of the sentimental attachment the cab it will be coming off of this thing and the work will start.

For starters the cab will have a large extension added to turn it into a MEGA “Crew / extended” cab. This has been done lots of times by other guys so this isn’t unusual. I’m thinking something similar to what TC Rods in Anderson, SC built for Hogtails Bar & Grill but maybe even longer. This not going to be a “daily driver” it will become my towing rig for when I hit the road for hours and days at a time. I want space to do it comfort and style. The plan right now is to track down a couple more doors off a regular GMC cab. I think the 47-53 cab doors were all the same profile and should be flat across the bottom for a good set of rear doors. I’ll just chop the back of the truck off and side that back.

Second, and here is where it gets crazy. I’d like to try and widen the cab of the truck and possibly raise the room line a couple inches. I’m 6’6” and my kids are creeping up on me so space is an issue. BUT I haven’t seen anyone try and widen a cab yet. Well except http://www.tommystrailers.com/bertha.htm but this isn’t the look I am going for. I am trying to figure out if I widen the cab a bit, narrow the fenders slightly and push the roof up a bit if the proportions will still look right. I’ve measured my current E350 and this new cab and the E350 is about 10” to 12” inches wider already. I need space to get three teenagers comfortably across the back.

As far as the engine goes it will probably be the Cummins 5.9 24V but I still have a buddy who is a diesel mechanic trying to convince me to use the International 7.3L out of my current ride because it is easier to get HP out of with programming and already gets great mileage. But I am afraid that its already got too many miles on it even if I rebuild the motor it currently have 680K kms.

HOTRDD, This is a very very good place for help in the pursue of the restoration of your GM truck, But it may not be the very best place to get all the help you want on customizing a truck to the extent you are going. My past experience has told me that Stovebolt guys, for the most part are for restoration & moderate upgrading of GM trucks to survive on to-days roads in to-days fast pace traffic. A great place to find sheet metal you may need for your build, & I'm sure you will get good ideas here. But you are going way beyond the boundaries of restoration. You may want to add to your list of resources, the jalopyjournal forum, The kustomizers you will find there will blow your mind. Especially the COE truck builders.
I am building a 1939 Chevy COE, ground up, all Kustom except my cab will stay all original, "on the outside only". Stovebolt & the journal are the only two places I go for help & inspiration on my build, as slow as it is going...
GOOD LUCK & Happy Building

Try the guys in the Stovebolt HiPo Shop Forum. Some pretty hard core customizers there.🛠

I originally posted this on the jalopyjournal forum but had the post removed because it was considered “Off Topic” and didn’t fit with the theme off the site. So I’m not sure I’m allowed to talk about big COE fabrication there.

Welcome to the Stovebolt!

I won't be much help, but I'm interested and will be following your build!

Have you thought about lowering the floor to gain some head room? That way the outside stays stock looking...

I really enjoyed watching Shane build his 1957 LCF into a RV trailer hauler...check his build out here, you might get some ideas!

https://www.stovebolt.com/gallery/kamerer%20shane%201957.html

Mike B

Start by going were it said, new to H.A.M.B. Introduce yourself. Start there & tell them about your build. You should be guided in the right direction. Or at least explained how the forum works & how to get around in it.

http://doughboy1947.blogspot.com/2013/10/readybegin.html

Here is a blog of a 47 Ford COE build that started in 2013. Lots of good photos with step by step explanation of his madness. This guy is building a pizza cooking COE truck from ground up. A huge truck & every part is hand made.
At the very bottom of the page "in red ink" you will be directed to the next up date page. starting at the bottom & working your way up to-date. Each page will have the same "in red ink" tabs to the next up date page.This is an extreme truck build, you will like it. It may take days or weeks to get through to the last up date of 2017. Take a few jumps through his up dates to get an idea of what you are getting your self into by reading his build. But the ideas & inspiration you will get will be well worth the time.
HAVE FUN

Mike B - Looked at lowering the floor but am afraid that the wind shield will be placed too high for regular sized drivers. I'm 6'6" so my proportions are a little bigger than most. I'll have to pull the seats out and throw a couple different seat in and then decide if the floor can go lower. But thanks for the idea, I hadn't considered it.

Read all of Shanes build of his 1957 LCF and its inspirational. Makes me wonder how many tools he had available and what his background was though.

47-54 GMC 450 series 3 ton, & 470 series 3 1/2 ton COE's are very "Rare" trucks. I own a 470 series 3 1/2 ton. Most you run across, are 350 series 2 ton COE's.

Yah according to the plate on my truck its a 1948 GMC 453

1948-1950 side doors were the same. Slight differences in later years.
https://www.stovebolt.com/techtips/...ign/Advance%20Design%20Spotting%20Guide/

Here is a special-body (non-GM-made) crew-cab that used special-made rear doors:
http://1954advance-design.com/Web%20images/1954-Crew-Cab.jpg

The fenders, and steps are larger on the 450, & 470 series COE's to accommodate the larger, wider front axles.

Hey HOTRDD, welcome to the forum.

I'm in Calgary and also starting work on a 1951 COE.

I sent you a private message, check it out,

Greg