New to the forum and new to building vehicles. I have some experience with my CJ5 but for the most part I am no mechanic or fabricator. At 49 I'm getting a late start on something that I really think I'm going to enjoy. I purchased this 1941 Chevy COE with 9256 original miles. It was a water tender for the Gualala Township Fire Department. She has a 3 speed manual ******, two speed rear end, and an inline six. The wheel base is 135.5" which makes it a 1.5 ton. The water tank will be given away or s****ped and from there I have a lot of homework to do. I have been doing a ton of research and pretty sure I'm going to find a donor ch***is and just keep the cab. However I've also considered just swapping out the motor and axles keeping the original frame. I'm all ears on the pro's and con's of these ideas. I want to extend the cab into a crew and put an angled car carrier deck on her. My donor idea for right now is a Dodge 350 ***mins dually, though I see a lot of these conversions with 350 Chevy power trains. I'm a diesel guy though so I doubt I'll go that direction. I want the engine mid mounted and think the frame will be stretched 6-9 additional feet. My main question is; is there a market for the original frame and drive train? if you can steer me to a web site that may deal in original equipment I'd appreciate it. I really like the wheels but doubt they'll work with modern axles. Input on this is appreciated too. I get her home next weekend, any and all advise is encouraged and welcomed.
Welcome to the H.A.M.B. looks like you have a great project to start with. Be sure to search for other COE threads like this one http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...-picture-thread.219018/page-176#post-10493291 There are several builds posted here as well. Keep everyone updated on your progress. As well as some COE groups
Great looking cab and sheet metal...what a find! With the red paint and siren, I'm guessing a Fire Truck in a former life....which would explain the great condition.
Join us over at the COE social forum. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/social-forums/coes-cab-over-engine.283/
That's a good looking truck. As Steve said come and join us on the COE forum its a good bunch of COE'ers
what a awesome truck you found! I am doing a similar era GMC right now. on a dodge 2500 ch***is I stretched the ch***is 30" to move the engine behind the cab.
Looks like a great start. I prefer mounting the body on a late model ch***is. The 41 body is fairly narrow (narrower than my 47-54),so you want to find a donor that will keep the tires under the front fenders. The second choice is cut and widen the front fenders to fit the ch***is. The ***mings diesel is a great choice and if I were to do mine over, it would most definitely have a diesel in it. There have been some really nice COE's done here and you'll get lots of ideas and many questions answered just going through the threads. Look forward to watching your progress. Good luck and enjoy the build. Look here. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/can-we-start-a-coe-picture-thread.219018/
http://swingshiftshuffle.blogspot.com/2011/12/first-film-batmobile.html http://www.oldchevytrucks.com/Showcase/1946_COE_Marlow.php That critter would be a blast as a stock resto. Right now it has a history...Why take it away?
Any updates? I am using a P30 Ch***is from a motorhome. There are several options depending on what you want to do. Duallie ch***is are good choice as well.
Great solid project to work with. All the hard bits are there. HAMB member is doing one now with G-series van steering and C30 ch***is from memory, IFS and dually? I did a search but can't find it. Another had a Ford COE project with ***mins that he sold.
I was just getting ready to post the update on my '55 Chevy 1 1/2 ton truck when I ran across your thread. My truck has an original 235 and I restored it that way because of the history of it. The g***er it hauls weighs exactly 3,000# and the truck handles it well. It will run interstate speeds but with twin straight stacks it gets loud as hell above 60 mph. I only say this because the original drivetrains in these are cool themselves and can be made to run. Your truck looks like a solid old truck, it will be nice however you make it, but, I think a Duramax diesel is the way to go there. Keep it all Chevy!
I have a 42 GMC coe and used a 75 chevy dually ch***is with a 1 ton astro stearing box , working out good . I have just taken all my fab apart and painting and putting it back together . Site is 42 gmc coe bike hauler . Good luck and keep us posted .
Hey Joyflea, could you perhaps explain why the Astro van steering works well, and post a picture if you have one? I bought a '77 Chevy 1 ton to use as the basis for either my '39 or my '40 Chevy COE, but the steering has always been the hang-up for getting started. Also, Where are you locating the engine?
I have a build thread under 42 GMC coe bike hauler , the reason I used the van box is it's made to sit upright . The van box was the same bolt pattern as the pu , so I had to due is cut out that part of the frame and turn it upright and weld it in . Be sure to get all the parts from spindle to spindle . I had to shorten part of it . All the photos are on the thread . Be glad to help , Blue .
Try the Stovebolt forum, at http://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=postlist&Board=16&page=1
Hey folks, I forgot all about this thread when I moved over to the COE section of the site. I've made some progress but not a whole lot. If you'd like to follow it click here: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/my-1941-chevy-coe-project.933822/ I know there are some pure stock guys here. My truck will be anything but stock when completed. Thanks, Steve
The Jalopy Journal
