The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Tell me about your COE's, will ya?

So,
I drive my 1 ton everyday, and its not restored, just repaired. I've been thinking lately that it would be great if I restored my next truck, before I start driving it. Then what could go wrong? Hahaha.

I'm more than a little curious about the COEs. More capacity, more bed length, blah, blah, blah.

What I am curious about, is driving, and getting parts. I would think that in general, they share most things with the other Big Bolts, other than manifolds, carbs, and other assorted stuff.

I am also curious as to the height of cab above the frame (where the bed would be). Overall height as well.

Also, height of the bed. I can't see it being lower than my one ton, and its high enough at 42".

Also, do you sit straight ahead in the cab? Or do you have to put your legs at a funny angle to clear the engine.

Anybody put a bunch of miles on one of these and care to comment?

I would think, that with the lower rear end, it would still be comfortable to cruise at 45mph? I don't generally go any faster than that anyway.

Educate me!

Anyone near me wanna swing by for show and tell?

Oh, and a really dumb question: How the heck do you get at the engine?

I have two COE's, both projects. The first is a '51 Chevy I bought as body donor parts for a crazy custom I want to build. It is disassembled and waiting for that day when I have time to build it. Engine access is through the floor.

The second is a '47 Advance Design Chevy 5-window. You access the motor through the floor and there is no real odd positioning required to sit in it, at least not for an average height guy like me.

Neither of mine are drivers so I can't comment much on that kind of thing.

Also both mine are conceived as hot rods so I've basically ignored the original motors and manifolds and that kind of thing.

Cab overs real purpose was to meet length laws. Every state had different length laws. And trucks got shorter to gain more cubes and stay within length laws. FHWA laws http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/freight/sw/index.htm have now made cabovers almost obsolete except for city deliveries. Cab overs are still pretty much the standard in Europe because of all the tight places. I drove cabovers for over 30 years and they are not comfortable. But the tilt cabs were easy to work on.

I did drive a peterbuilt COE for about a year for a guy. I hauled on average 45,000 pounds. without the weight. they are a little bouncy being so short. Now, the other fact is that I own a 53 GMC COE which is much smaller in overall size. but, It is the same when it comes to driving just because the short frame. Now, If you buy one that is a Med or Long chassis they are more stable and it sounds like this is what you are looking for with a long bed. They are nice being that you sit higher than a reg. truck. They have a cool factor as there are not many around. and the ones you see are highly modified by a engine swap and the cabs have been extended for space or they make it a crew cab. but, it is up to you what you want.

My truck is a factory deluxe cab. being a short chassis called a tractor model. I will have a bed installed and have it set up to pull a 5th wheel or a standard trailer.

either way you go. They are Major Cool. and everyone will stop to take a look at a COE over a standard cab.

When was the last time you were at a car show and one was there?

Mr. Lang.

Here's the specs from the 1946 booklet for a 2 ton.

From the ground to the top of the cab is 91 inches. From the frame to the top of the cab is 62&15/16 inches. From the ground to the top of the frame it shows 28 & 1/8 inches. ( I guess that wouldn't be the height of the bed which would be above the frame!)

Should be a lot of fun if you get one of these. You're right! 45 mph is 'race track' speed.
Cheers, Geo.

Here are several sets of photos of my COE. Thanks to Grigg, it has been to one truck show, so far.

Okay, thanks guys.

Whatever I end up doing for my next truck, will of course depend on what I can find for sale, and how complete it is. Oh, and how cheap too.

I've actually been driving '47-'55 G.M. COE's for the past 25, or so years. Owned close to 30 of them, & driven around 5, or 6 of them on the road. Put a few thousand miles, on a '52 GMC 450 series COE, & even more miles, on a '51 Chevy COE (a few trips to Virgina Beach, Va., back in the early '90's). Speed, won't be a factor, 45-60 mph will be tops, depending on the rear axle, & how it's geared. It was alot of fun to me, but of course, I was alittle younger then(20's, & 30's). I've got my '52 GMC COE in the Swapmeet section now.