The Stovebolt Site Forums Welcome! Welcome Centre Do It Yourself (DITY) Gallery 1949 COE 5400 Wrecker

I recently purchased this 1949 Chevrolet COE 5400 5-window with a Holmes 515E Wrecker. I have been trying to purchase this
truck for about 5 years and I finally got it. It is a bone stock, well used truck that worked every road in-between Silver City and Quemado, NM
from 1956, when they purchased it, until the mid 90's. It then sat beside their Garage until a few weeks ago when I bought it.

I'm now in the process of tearing it down. The cab mounts are shot of course and the cab corners will need replaced. Like all projects, the more I get into it the more problems I will find. The cab will probably be removed to get it all done right. I've got the correct front bumper and I'm not sure what I'll do with the rear. The wrecker is going to need a gear or two and some bed rail repair. Not going to get carried away with making it 'purdy' -form follows function for this one.

http://sdrv.ms/19ULDEW

love to see the pics, but just get "Sorry, something went wrong"

Bill

darn. I'm at another computer and I can get 'em. anybody else?

I can see them. Got to love that yellow!! What color will you use? Leave it like it is....which would be nice, or doll it up just a "tat".
When I saw the pics I was thinking "big Bertha" what YOU gonna name it...uh, I mean him...or her! You gotta have a name. Maybe Big "Toe".

Just kidding, have fun and keep the pics coming.

Works for me. Good pick Goob.

Dennis

color ? whoa. haven't thought that far ahead. I can't wait for it to roll, stop, steer and have a heart beat.

Big "Toe" is kinda funny. I'm sure somebody will come up with something that sticks

That one is awesome, nice find! What did you end up buying it for, if you don't mind me asking? Really cool, i look forward to seeing it done.

NICE!

I suppose I paid 60 cents a pound or so...didn't matter, had to have it. I've been looking for a COE for E V E R. The Wrecker was a bonus. I see you found a very nice one as well, congratulations.

Do you have any parts sources for things like cab mounts, updraft carb, floor panel fasteners and fiddly bits ?

Hi!

That's a great project! Looks like it's all there! Good luck!

Lisa (coegirl)

Goob -- Welcome to Stovebolt. As I've heard my Texican friends say, "It's okay you weren't born here, you got here as quick as you could... " Peggy just made me sit down and read your Gallery submission ... COOL! What a great truck! Change NOTHING! It'll be great. Heck, it IS great! Neat truck and neat story!

Keep asking questions. With guys like Spanky around, you get it figured out and the parts you need lickety split.

M-35 bobber? Too cool! Peggy and I have an M-817 (non bobber). FMV's are way cool. Are you on Steelsoldiers.com? If not, it's a site sort of like ours (just a disussion forum, though -- none of the good content like our Gallery or TechTips though ) Lots of good info for the Big Green Iron.

Welcome aboard,
John

Thanks John,

I find myself snooping around on here almost every day. You guys are doing a great job and I think it's the best resource out there.
I'm realizing these COE's and 515 Holmes Wreckers are far and few between for replacement parts. You know how it goes, I'll
probably end up with a couple more trucks in the process.


MV's are way cool and I did spend some time on Steelsoldiers to gather information. Once you 'bob' em, they're almost practical. I drive mine every day. The worst thing about M35's is the exhaust dumping out right in front of the passenger windshield. I ran my exhaust all the way out the back and the only noise I hear is the engine fan. The next thing is at 13,500# they weigh too much for 140hp. Between losing 3000#'s
bobbing it and effectively changing the axle ratio to 4.10 with the 53 inch tires I can easily and quietly run down the hiway 55mph @1900rpm and get 13mpg. Consider the "COOL" factor on top of that and it's almost practical.


some pictures...
http://sdrv.ms/18N1G6z

What a neat truck!

Welcome to the forum/addiction.

-W