The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts 54 GMC COE

I saved a 54 GMC COE with a deluxe cab and chrome grille from the salvage yard last spring and wondered if anyone had a little more information about it? I am wondering how many of the GMC coe's were made and how many had the deluxe 5 window cab? Out of the blue someone spotted it from the road and is hounding me to buy it and not only am I not sure I want to sell it, I don't think he offered enough money. It's in good shape, a little cab corner rust, but thats about all the rust that it has. The engine is stuck, but I'm not sure that even matters. Any information you have is greatly appreciated.

http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/rcancona/Picture0307121033_1.jpg

You might try this question over in big bolts. What is it worth? Depends on condition and location. Bigger trucks not running, unrestored generally go for scrap value more or less. Parts not shared by smaller trucks can be difficult to locate adding to the challenge.

Got a px? Trucks out of the Rust Belt, are a lot easier to fix, should bring a $ premium.

I hope the picture works. Try this.

http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/rcancona/Picture0307121033_1.jpg

http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii506/rcancona/Picture0307121032_1.jpg

That is a beauty! Way to cool to scrap.I have no idea what the worth would be, 1500.,2500? Hopefully,some of the "BIG" bolters in here will chip in their professional opinion.

Roy

I am restoring a 1954/55 (Z-series) GMC 350 COE. It has a 270 engine and is a 3-window standard cab (a working class COE).

The original drive-train, brakes, and steering/suspension parts are now in good shape. All the sheet metal is ready to finish-coat paint.

Good luck with your restoration. Ask questions (Spanky is the COE expert).

And, you might want to consider joining the oldGMCtrucks.com discussion board.

I'll be contacting you via Private Message to set up a phone-call.

WOW !, That's a great Junk Yard find. That's a really good looking truck. I hope you decide to keep it, & restore it. I would have loved to have found that one. That Deluxe cab, with all that chrome, is an added bonus. Any interior pictures available.

That is a very nice COE and although there are no records of how many were built, there were not near as many COE as conventional cabs. There is really no established market on larger trucks because larger trucks are not for everyone. In order to get the most money for it, you need to wait for the special person who is looking for a COE. If you have doubts about selling it, keep in mind that once its sold, its gone forever.

That truck is a beauty. If it were mine, I wouldn't sell it. I have never seen one with the extra chrome under the headlights like that. Heres another one I would love to have. I think it is a deluxe cab too but does not have the extra chrome pieces.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/?cmd=ViewItem&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2648&item=260972503406&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT

Hey Bill,

I noticed on your link that the truck had been removed. I called the guy - he sold it for $2,900. Gives me a good idea on what mine's worth. Thought you'd like the FYI.

The COE Bill linked to was a "RARE" 450 series 3 ton,'54 model COE. The 450, & 470 series COE's are harder to find than the more common 350 series 2 ton COE's. The 450, & 470 series COE's have larger fenders, & steps, than the smaller 350 series COE's. They would be worth a tad more. And you noticed the '54/'55 450, & 470 COE's have the round park lights, & not the square park lights. Also they have separate wiper motors mounted above the windshield.

That's a cool COE. The other trucks in the background don't look so bad either!

DeLuxe GMC COE...quite the rare bird.

I forgot to mention, it have the factory radio in it as well.

Is the factory speaker and grille still kicking around? They tended to fall out of the headliner and disappear sometime before JFK was elected.

So rcancona, have you decided what you are going to do with your truck?

I'm inclined to keep it. I really hadn't thought of even selling it until I got that phone call. I know I won't sell it for what he offered. I think it will look pretty good up and running hauling one of my IH tractors around.

Good for you. Keep us posted on your progress. Can't wait to see see that great truck headed to a show. Take lots of pictures!

The grille surround? That was the '54 GMC front end design, used on at least 1/2 - 2-ton trucks. Standard trim trucks had it painted white with a chrome emblem, DeLuxe trucks got the chrome with painted emblem. The chrome grille was also available as an option without the whole DeLuxe package, if memory serves.

I just bought a 55 cab only COE for $1000; more than average rot. and spent $500 shipping it. I've seen others priced between $1500 -$3000. I would say $3000 is a fair price depending on rot.