The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Help with a VIN (cont.)

Tomcoe,
Moving over from the General Discussion group.
I did get my ID plate off, cleaned up and found all the numbers. It is a "late" 46 COE, 2 ton, 158" W.B. and built in Oakland, CA in April.

What am I going to do with the truck? Well, I have a '41 3/4 ton pickup that I am still working on. I didn't really need another project....but I have really gotten to liking the look of the COEs. I have been keeping an eye out for several years. When I saw this one out on eBay. It was one of the straigher COEs I have seen, it was one of the least rusted COEs I have seen and it was in Iowa. Oh my gosh!

I am planning on restoring it back to original condition. I may see if I can locate a hoist sometime to put under a flatbed for the bed. For now it is going to take up space in the back of my father's barn. Keeping it out of the elements.

It is in really pretty good condition. The guy who sold it to me said it had been running three years ago and supposedly the engine was free. However, after I got it home and tried to hand crank the engine it would not budge. It appears the rear left brake must be stuck also since the back wheels just drag and don't turn.

I think I will see if I can get the rear wheels off and take a look at the rear drums just to see if I can free something up there so it can be 'rolled' around instead of having to pick it up to move it.

But overall I am pretty happy with the purchase. I will keep my eyes out for a few parts now and then. I see I am missing the top horizontal grill piece and a few of the verticles from the driver's side. Also missing the floor panels in the cab that go under your feet on both sides. But otherwise everything else looks pretty complete.

I will have to get some pictures out there for all to see.

Here is the link to the photos.

http://community.webshots.com/photo/2223473880061479077akMdZW

Hey ChevMan,

I'm glad you ended up with it. Did you see my "heres my art deco COEs" thread. I am up to my eyes in COEs, and don't need any more, but it is a good feeling and I still seem to be looking.

I didn't really get a chance to see this truck in person. It was only about 100 miles from me but I didn't know it was there. I have had a guy who is in to old tractors that has been finding them. It all started when I bought 2 from him. When he was trailering one down to me, somebody stopped him and told him about another, and then another, and so the cycle continued. As he kept finding these old cabovers, I just couldn't say no. To make a long story shorter, if possible, I had to take a "yes dear" break for a couple of weeks and that is when my contact sold this one to Ed, and then to you...so I just missed it (financially) by about 2 weeks.

I am glad you ended up with it. I am going to be getting another COE (#5) but it is really more of a parts truck and I may be able to help you with some of your grill pieces...we'll see. I found another little old tow truck not far from me (41 COE) and I need to see if they'll sell it also. It is pretty complete and the shortest of the wheel bases...looks more like a tractor truck wheelbase.

I was thinking that I could send you a picture and a template in the mail of the floor boards. They are just plywood with a couple of simple metal pieces screwed to them and some insulation it looks like. With a template it should be easy to make.

Good luck with the engine and break in getting them free.

Tom

Good pics! You were posting pics while I was composing the last reply. Whatcha gonna name it?

Hey chevman, That trailer had a full load. Nice looking truck. I really liked the photos.

John

Nice truck chevman. Welcome to the COE Fraternity. I remember seeing it on ebay.

Chevman, very cool truck. Make sure you get yourself a set of clutch head screw drivers and plenty of wd40 or your brand of choice-I had pretty good results with that Krioil stuff, and you will be ready for a long fun journey. I am far from any kind of pro, but if I can help in anyway let me know. Bill

Tomcoe,
I appreciate any help I can get! When you get time and want to send me a pattern that would be great, my email is [email protected].

A short wheelbase wrecker COE!! how cool!

John,
Yes that was about all we wanted to put on that trailer. Fortunately we only had to go a few miles on that trailer.

Bill,
I checked out your pictures of your '46 2-ton, that is a NICE truck!
Great job on the restore!

Thanks, it was a ton of fun to do and I hope you have blast with your project too! Keep us posted on your progress.

Hey Chevman, get it rollin yet? What gave you the indication the motor wasn't free?