The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk 41 Chevy COE, Hacking or Improving?

I just finished an easy restoration of a 53 Dodge Oltman. Picked up my next project, a 1941 Chevy COE.

I need serious opinions on this - All my vehicles, when finished, must be driveable - I am very anti-trailer-queen.

However, this 41 needs alot of work, but I love the lines. If I restore it as original, my understanding is that I will have a truck that has 90 HP, will go 45MPH, and will explode if I actually try & use it for anything.

I want to save the frame & driveline in storage, and put a 1.5 ton frame & diesel driveline under it. A/C. Comforts.

First and foremost, do nothing (and get rid of nothing) that would keep a "next owner" from turning it back to original.

I am NOT interested in yet another car-carrier, throw in a 350 or 454 conversion. I want to make a true, real work truck out of it. (My 53 Dodge Oltman van carries all my tools while getting the attention of everyone)

Thoughts?

Welcome to the Stovebolt.

Go for it. Don't let someone else decide how you are going to enjoy your truck!

The engine lasted this long no need for it to explode now. depending on whether or not the engines been changed you may get too 105 hp. Some of the trucks had mechanical governors to keep them at 45mph or so but these can be removed just remember the braking systems are not up too todays standards. If you make the changes diesel etc the next owner would proably buy it because of the work you've done rather than because they want to change it back. Build it the way You like it.

Michael,

Not to be a booger or anything (I'm just asking a question here) but are you trully seeking our input or are you merely looking for validation of your already arrived at decision? Seems to me you've already chosen a path here.

Just to echo my friend and neighbor (sort of), kb3csw, these old Stovebolts forged a legacy of dependability and ruggedness doing a hard day's work without "blowing up." Personally, I still use my '49 around the farm and make regular runs out on the big road with the original (but rebuilt) splasher 235 and it has yet to "blow up."

Does it keep up with regular traffic? No, of course not. But the originality of the truck (including it's slowness and degree of difficulty to operate as compared to modern vehicles) is the charm and attraction that draws *me* to these vehicles and I adjust my way of living appropriately -- For example, I plan enough time to get places at 45 MPH instead of 70. I allow more distance between me and the vehicle in front of me because I know my brakes aren't anti-lock and I don't drive it like I do my daily driver.

If that's what you like about working with an old truck, fine. Leave it original. If you don't, then by all means modify it as you see fit. Just be careful with using sweeping generalizations that may not be accurate to validate your decision.

As far as keeping the original drivetrain after you move the sheetmetal over to a modern drive train -- don't bother. The mods you'll probably have to make to mount the cab and sheet metal to a modern frame will most likely alter them beyond the point where it's feasible to return them to the original frame down the road. You'd probably be better off making the parts available to somebody who's trying to preserve their original truck. That, and you might be able to recoup a few dollars to put towards your project.

And by the way, as a working truck, my '49 would probably get laughed at by judges anywhere, let alone at Hershey or Carlisle. But I have been known to trailer it on occasion.

Regards,
John

John, that question/comment is more than fair.

Looking for answers or validation? I guess both. If I received a bundle of replys stating "don't destroy the great old truck, you heathen" or other such negatives, I would take the truck I just purchased and list it for sale on eBay.

If I do the project, I plan on replacing everything under the cab with a Detroit Diesel/Allison transmission that will work hard & last forever. Again, however, if it was considered blasphemous to do so, I would not do the project at all.

I believe it is a beautiful truck, but it is far too big of a conversation piece to just store in the garage & look at - I need something I can use daily. (Don't tell me "buy a new truck then", as I've always built my rides")

Don't know if I explained it well, but thats where I am coming from. Thanks for all the input

Mike,
Thanks for the good response!

If you were going the usual "slap a 350/454 with a TH350" in it, then I would say "don't destroy that great old truck you heathen!"

But a Detroit/Allison combo.... hmmmmm.... a few of us have remarked in the past that it would be cool if someone did something like that (I'm partial to Cummins, myself). Actually, your idea is starting to sound pretty cool. You have my blessing, then (for whatever THAT's worth...)

Be sure to take lots of pictures as you go along, and keep a journal, so we can make a feature project out of it for the Tech Tips section!

Regards,
John

Hi Michael,

Speaking as a fully paid-up heathen, I see no reason why a "true, real work truck" can't do its true real work with a 454 and also burn rubber when you're in the mood. I say rod the crap out of it and scare yourself witless!

But hey. Do what you want. It's your truck, not the next owner's. Good luck with the project.

Christian