The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts 1953 Chevy 5100 COE

Hey all, I’m sure this has been talked about and I’ll go and search the site for historical conversation. So I want to update the wheels and tires on my 53 COE I just purchased. I’m in no rush as I live in Virginia and right need to drive to Missouri to get it. What’s a good solution for the 10 lug rear and a 5 lug front? Alcoa? S

I’ve found what I was looking for.

Thank you all

That's a cool truck. I'm curious about the spider web pattern on the door. Do you know what the truck was used for in its former life?

Nice COE. Looks like someone added about 2, to 2 1/2 feet, to the wheelbase ? 5100 series trucks are originally 110in. wheelbase trucks.

So after so further conversation with the person I purchased the COE from I come to find out that the original length of 110. This is what he tells me and I don’t really understand so maybe you all could help me.


Ok, walked back and did some measuring on the COE.. From the cab to back of frame, looks like about 125/126ish.. I would say the truck was originally a 110 wheelbase and had an up-fitter stretch early in it's life of 30 inches so current wheelbase is about 140. The axle sits 91 from the back of the cab to center of the axel.

So, what is your intended use?

Ed

In reading your post I’m somewhat confused about your measurements. The proper way to measure wheel base is center of front hub to center of rear hub. That measurement will tell us if the w/b has been modified. Measurements from cab to the rear edge of the frame are irrelevant. Frame modifications were very common during the lifetime of a working truck. Cool old COE to get you started on your adventure.

Hay Ed, I’m not really sure just yet. I haven’t picked it up yet as I’m in Virginia and the COE is in Independance MO. I’m thinking spring before I get there. But in the mean time I’ve been doing some planning. I’m most likely going to build a pickup box on the back like most guys do. Your thoughts?

S

It’ll definitely be an adventure but definitely one I’m looking forward to. I’ve restored many 3100 5 windows and a 48 burb but nothing this big. Any tips you have to share?

Scott

47-55.1 Chevrolet COEs were available in only three wheelbases. 5100 series, which were 110in., 5400 series, which were 134in. wheelbase, and the 5700 series COEs, which were 158in., wheelbase. The majority of them were 5700 series. The least produced of all of the series were the 5100 series COEs. I've owned thirty of them the last 35 years, and 22 of them were 5700 series trucks. Three were 5400 series, and only two were 5100 series. The other three GM COEs, I've owned were GMC COEs.