The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts LCF distinguishing characteristics

Can you describe for me what makes a Big Bolt truck an LCF. Is it simply the position of the engine in relation to the axel and cab? What is the distinguishing characteristic that makes a Big Bolt truck a LCF? Compare an LCF with the COE. Did the LCF begin with the '55-'59 Task Force?

Prior to the Task Force they were COE - cab over engine or cab over. The COE was dropped for the Low Cab Forward (LCF), not a true cab over but not the long hood of the conventional. The LCF has a small "dog house" in the cab, remove the screws and pull the dog house for access to the rear of the engine and top of the tranny.

When I see the LCF I think it looks like its been smashed in the front and drove back a foot or two compared to the regular cab. The COE's alway looks to me like someone "chopped off" the front end.


I see a lot of LCF being advertised as COE's quite often......one over on Interstate right now that is listed like that. I'd tell the guy but I've had run ins with him before and he thinks he knows it all.

Patina54, you can see some LCF's in the gallery, Task Force. Also some Cannonball COE's in the prior years.

1954 Chevrolet Cab Over Engine COE
The engine is completely underneath the cab.
The radiator is under the hood.

Later LCF Low Cab Forward 1955 and later
The engine protrudes a little forward of the cab.
54/55st COE photos attached - I cannot find "underhood" photos (all you can see is the radiator).

Thanks for the descriptions and pictures. I just needed a Bolter to clear it up for me.

On Chevrolet 1939 - 1955.1 (COE) Cabover Engine models, the Cab is mounted completely over top (100%) of engine. On Chevrolet 1955.2 - 1959 (LCF) Low Cab Forward models, the Cab is mounted forward on the chassis, compared to the conventional models, of the same years, with engine 90% under hood. 1955 was indeed the first year of the Chevrolet LCF. Model run was 55-66. I've owned many, of both. Pictured below are a 53 COE, and 55 LCF, I used to own.

Tim, was that Crew Cab COE made by Chevrolet or by custom coach company?

Phil,

Spanky might know the answer.

However, that illustration is from a 1954 Chevrolet Truck GM/Chevrolet document. I’d guess that a GM factory made the cab/truck (but, I bet they did not make many of them).

Years ago we discussed it here and/or on the OldGMCtrucks discussion board. One member said the a big crew truck like that was useful in oil fields (drillers and maintenance crews).

Thanks Spanky. I'm reading and learning as fast as I can and trying to absorb the information given in the Forums and Tech Tips. Keeps me busy and up late.

Those Crew Cab Conversions were offered by the Dealerships, when prospective buyers needed extra from their purchases. They were not Factory Assembly Line Built. The Dealerships, would place the orders with Contracted Outside Companies. These Companies, along with other non Factory add-ons, would be listed, and pictured (as with the picture Tim shows) in The Cheverolet Silver Books, which listed all available equipment, and bodies, availble for you new Chevrolet Truck chassis. The picture below, is a 1954 Crew Cab Conversion, I found a friend of mine.

Thanks, Spanky

I am away from home and I could not remember if I got that photo from the
1954 Silver Book.

Spanky, That truck has a really short back. Would a fifth wheel be installed back there? I can't see what else such a short back would be good for.

I was going to ask the same thing--what that was used for.

It looks like the frame has been cut, axle moved forward, driveshaft angle looks severe, I doubt it came out of the factory in that configuration.

Frame has been altered on the Crewcab, I found my buddy. It was originally owned by a Railroad Company. I think it was Southern Railway.

Thanks Spanky and good call 78buckshot! It’s still a cool truck,