Hello from Mesa, AZ I just purchased a 1950 Chevrolet C.O.E. I believe it to be a model 5703. It currently has a nice stake bed with diamond plate deck. The bed is on two LARGE hydraulic cylinders. I does not currently dump. Will have to check that out. The truck sure looks complete and it last ran in a 2021 Christmas parade. Body seems straight, paint is maroon. Not so sure its original. Interior was painted baby blue. I'd like to change that some day. What tells the original color of the truck?
Anyway, its currently in Tucson and I'm going down from Mesa this weekend to try and get it running. I have arranged for a flat deck trailer to haul it home.
A few questions, with the 235 6 and that granny tranny, I bet it has a low top speed? Any suggestions how to improve the top speed? I understand it has some power brake system. Has anyone added power steering to replace the "Armstrong" Steering? Any suggested improvements to the truck and engine (I saw an HEI on a six in another photo)
Is there a specific forum or other sites you guys can recommend to me that specializes or discusses these C.O.E.'s besides here? (Would be nice if there was a forum for the medium duty trucks including C.O.E's Look forward to participating and asking lots of questions! Marty Mesa, AZ
Last edited by Peggy M; 07/07/20236:37 PM. Reason: added more info to the title
Welcome, the Welcome Center is not visited by very many of our members. Your questions would be welcomed in the Big Bolts Forum. Scroll down the list of various forums and you will find it. I’m jealous, that is a very nice COE.
Martin '62 Chevy C-10 Stepside Shortbed (Restomod in progress) '47 Chevy 3100 5 Window (long term project) ‘65 Chevy Biscayne (Emily) ‘39 Dodge Business Coupe (Clarence) “I fought the law and the law won" now I are a retired one! Support those brave men/women who stand the "Thin Blue Line"! Hug a cop! USAF 1965-1969 Weather Observation Tech (I got paid to look at the clouds)
Like Martin said, your COE is really nice!!! If it ran that recently, the odds of minimal work needed to get it going again are outstanding.
The forum for Big Bolts is the perfect starting place for COE overall questions.
Since you have a host of questions about your COE, aside form the Big Bolts forum, post specific questions in the appropriate separate forums (engine, drivetrain, etc.) to get the best answers and help on the topics.
Looking forward to reading and participating in more of your posts in the future.
~ Dan 1951 Chevy 3 window 3100 Follow this story in the DITY Gallery "My Grandpa Carl's Truck and How it Became Mine" 1966 Chevelle (Wife's Hot Rod) | 2013 Chevy Silverado (Current daily driver) US Army MSG Retired (1977-1998) | Com Fac Maint Lead Tech Retired (1998-2021)
Welcome to the ‘bolt. Your truck is awesome and as both previous welcomer’s have stated, the Big Bolt forum is right up your alley. Good luck with your new project!
Phil Moderator, The Engine Shop, Interiors and Project Journals
1952 Chevrolet 3100, Three on the Tree, 4:11 torque tube Updated to: ‘59 235 w/hydraulic lifters, 12v w/alternator, HEI, PCV and Power front Disc Brakes Project Journals Stovebolt Gallery Forum
- Restoring the Big Trucks -- What to expect when tackling a medium duty truck -- By John Milliman - Bed -- Hoist Background -- Restoring your bigger truck's dump bed? Here's some background info -- By 53moneypit - Bed -- How I Built a Flat Bed (with utility box) -- Step-by-step with some help from Stovebolts R Us -- by Irwin Arnstein - Bendix Multi-Vac Brake Booster Overhaul - Wonder what to do with your rugged-looking hydrovac? -- By Bob Burgoyne - Firebolt - Restoring and Equipping -- For the fire probies among us, this should get you started. - P-30 Diesel / Driveline Swap -- Diesel upgrades for your Big Bolt aren't as hard as you think -- by Grigg Mullen - Rear axles (Two Speed) for larger trucks -- Caring for that special axle -- By Tony Pascarella - Wheels and Tires for Advance Design Big Bolts -- Whooo! Lots of information and expanding -- By Grigg Mullen III
I think a lot of your questions about "armstrong steering," the 235, granny tranny, improving top speed, ... well, all your questions can be covered here. Be sure to hit The Shops area in the forums. A different forum for each area: from engine to interiors.
Give it a go!
~ Peggy M 1949 Chevrolet 3804 "Charlie" - The Stovebolt Flagship In the Gallery || In the Gallery Forum "I didn't see this one coming. I don't see much of anything coming. :-O"
Marty, I also live in Mesa, my 1950 COE is at my cabin and shop near Prescott. I am pretty familiar with the characteristics of these beasts as I did a off frame restoration of mine. One issue you may need to address is the type of wheels you have. Hard to be sure from your pictures but you may have the dreaded Firestone RH-5 wheels, which are especially dangerous. Not all split rims are this dangerous and you should read about this issue in the Tech Tips as well as do a search on this forum regarding this issue. In the meantime, keep your tires aired up and if you need to fill them use precaution.
For Kent's "beast," see his truck in the link on his signature line. Good story. Kent's been with us a nice, long time!
Last edited by Peggy M; 07/07/20236:35 PM.
~ Peggy M 1949 Chevrolet 3804 "Charlie" - The Stovebolt Flagship In the Gallery || In the Gallery Forum "I didn't see this one coming. I don't see much of anything coming. :-O"
Marty, I also live in Mesa, my 1950 COE is at my cabin and shop near Prescott. I am pretty familiar with the characteristics of these beasts as I did a off frame restoration of mine. One issue you may need to address is the type of wheels you have. Hard to be sure from your pictures but you may have the dreaded Firestone RH-5 wheels, which are especially dangerous. Not all split rims are this dangerous and you should read about this issue in the Tech Tips as well as do a search on this forum regarding this issue. In the meantime, keep your tires aired up and if you need to fill them use precaution.
If you need advice this site is the best!
Kent
Hi Kent! I hope you would be up for a visit! (When the weather warms up. I would love to see your truck and chat with you. I have a couple of threads going in the BIG BOLT forum below. I hope you will chime in and follow. You could be a wealth of information for me and others Marty
Welcome, Marty. If I could go back in time I would have a COE. I have had my 54 3100 for over 40 years and back then I knew nothing about the COE. If you need parts this place may help.
Last edited by WE b OLD; 12/06/20229:41 AM.
Ron, The Computer Greek I love therefore I am. 1954 3100 Chevy truck In the Gallery 2017 Buick Encore See more pix 1960 MGA Roadster Sold 7/18/2017
As you can see from his signature line, Marty has more info in Big Bolts (as you all suggested). Plus, he's got some neat pictures of his COE in that link, too.
Last edited by Peggy M; 07/10/20232:07 PM.
~ Peggy M 1949 Chevrolet 3804 "Charlie" - The Stovebolt Flagship In the Gallery || In the Gallery Forum "I didn't see this one coming. I don't see much of anything coming. :-O"
Welcome on board, If I were 20 years younger I would have one of those. Good catch. I saw one at a show I am guessing the was put on a regular truck chassis because it had 15-inch wheels and tires, maybe 16s. I don't think there is better site than this, but might check, The H A M B.
Last edited by WE b OLD; 07/22/20231:39 PM.
Ron, The Computer Greek I love therefore I am. 1954 3100 Chevy truck In the Gallery 2017 Buick Encore See more pix 1960 MGA Roadster Sold 7/18/2017
