I just got a 41 Chevy Coe and I want to put it on a modern ch***is. I am looking at all options, have thought about going with fwd Cadillac, or motorhome, and maybe a box van. I am not positive what I will finally use the truck for but it will be either a flat bed or a ramp back for hauling my other vehicles. I would like advice and suggestions from others experience in their builds. Dave
I can't suggest a specific donor vehicle, but I can tell you some thoughts on the matter.. The issues are almost always the same, front wheel clearance at the fenders, and how to "simply" hook up steering column. For a car hauler, you want big brakes and strength...that suggest 1-ton. The problem with 1-ton stuff is a limited amount of wheel choices and a wide track width. For that reason I might suggest 3/4 ton stuff. That is still 8-lug, and has large brakes, but there are way more wheel choices. Then you could easily get wheels with more offset to help in the fender clearance issue. Also, if you put the engine behind the cab, then you will probably only need 1/2 ton springs. Anything else it just too stiff. Finally, 1/2 ton offers even better wheel choices, but not really suitable for a car hauler. You need to decide what you really want to do with your truck as part of the design. The second problem is connecting the column...most modern vehicles built with a "steering box" have it mounted on the outside of the frame. The COE steering column is far better aligned to a steering connection on the inside of the frame. This suggests a Rack and pinion setup since they are located on the inside of the frame. Even better, a front mounted rack and pinion, where the rack is in front of the cross member. That would help change the angle of the column inside the cab. Note that any factory vehicle with this setup with probably need the rack rotated to point upwards, except maybe for a van or RV.
I want to go fairly heavy so I can haul or tow with it. Do you know if there are any specific RVs that would have rack and pinion?
I chose a different route, I used straight frame rials from a medium duty truck and fabricated all my own air suspension componants. I don't have a real concise build thread on the net, but there is some info at justoldtrucks.com http://forums.justoldtrucks.com/1604/MEA-MAGNUM-OPUS-My-1947-Autocar-U-70-build?PageIndex=1 One thing to remember, nothing is going to fit perfectly! Some frames/suspensions may be better than others, but what works for one person may not be what you need.
Here is a link to a huge number of builds. (in picture form) The site owner is also a member of our COE group. http://coetrucks.atwebpages.com/index.3b.html
No Limit Brand rack and pinion kit on a GM front suspension. Seems like a really good solution. Not sure about the price.
ditto what the other guys said... Determine your intended use for the truck as the number one factor in ch***is selection. I chose a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 ch***is based on dimensions, that is was fully boxed already to accept the mid engine and 4x4. I also didn't intend to carry anything more than 1/2 ton capacities and wanted a more car like than truck like ride. However, using the Dodge rack and pinion steering was not without it's challenges. Without the generous help from members of this forum, it's possible it might not have happened. Take a look at my build thread for the details.
All great ideas and advice, thankyou! I want something heavier than a pickup, I either want to haul a vehicle on it behind it or both. I have a 41 Chevy pickup that is stock and its twin a46/7 Chevy pickup that is a street rod on a s10 frame. Both are painted identical, most people can not tell them apart, the wheels give them away. My first thought was to paint the COE exactly like the other 2, maybe drive to a show with all 3 of them, hauling one towing one on the trailer. Dave
For this, a 1 ton dually is minimum! If it were me, I'd look around for an F450 or F550 (or GM version) that was rolled or otherwise damaged and available at a reduced price.
Where are you located Homer41? I have the ch***is you need! A very clean '77 GM long box duallie. Too heavy for my project.
Check this thread out..... https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/what-ch***is-are-you-using-under-your-coes.881567/
What are your thoughts on this? I just saw a freightliner mt45 Stepvan for sale. Is there a possibility this might be a good donor? Dave
That seems like a large ch***is. I would only look at it IF it has a rack and pinion design, but if it is the outboard mounted steering box, I think you will have issues. The power steering reservoir might be mounted directly to the steering box. Also, if the front leaf springs are too long, they will hang out the front of your truck. Need to measure everything Just my 2 cents worth...
KS, I think he is talking about the Mercedes built Sprinter, not a medium duty. I don't know anything about them, other than being a Mercedes, parts are probably expensive.
Thanks, I was talking about the medium duty truck. that's why I am asking all of these questions, I want to learn from others mistakes and experience. I am in no rush as I have my 41plymouth torn in a gazillion pieces but starting to go back together. This truck I have is a big one it must be at least a 2 ton. I have no ***le, no data plates to let me know what it is. Dave
on the patch panels.... You said Chevy and my feeble brain translated that to ford... I do not know what's available for chevys. It's the 38-47 ford panels that have gone the way of the dodo.
Dave, the first and foremost dimension is track width, then frame height, along with steering box placement. I know of people that have altered solid front axle width, but unless you are a skilled welder and understand metallurgy, things can go wrong quickly. If the leaf springs stick out past the front bumper... I tried a"90 Isuzu NPR ch***is under my Autocar and it didn't fit well at all. Track width was too narrow, and with my particular ch***is, the wheels and tires were a funky size and hard to find. (15.5" rims)
Yup, track width and front frame configuration can be deal breakers. Would it be possible to keep your frame and update the suspension/brakes?
I thought about keeping the original frame but it is m***ive and also has an added on doubler which was put on to reinforce because it had a dump body and was a gravel hauler. Dave
Went to the truck today and took some measurements. At the rear of the cab the frame rails are 36" and have a big doubler that goes from the rear of the front springs all the way to the front of the rear springs. At the front of the front springs the frame is about 27 inches. It looks like about 84 inches from hub to hub on the front. About 74 inches to the fender outsides . About 80 to the outside of the tires. About 17 " from front spring shackle to center of front hub.Dave
Homer , my COE is the same body style as yours .cab conerscan be had from chevys of the forty’s . Body and front end fit 75 or so three late 80& one ton . Check my build tread .
Just found a possible donor cab and ch***is. 2001 Chevy cutaway van with a 8.1 vortec with 4L80E trans. 12000 gvw. It hit a moose but the entire drive train is good to go, 120K miles tires are 85%. Any thoughts on this for a donor?
Sounds like a worthy donor to me... Is the frame bent up? "hit a moose" is probably a normal thing up your way...
No frame damage that I know of, moose usually just bend sheetmetal and break gl***. My niece hit one last fall and totalled her subaru. With any luck I will go get it next week, about a 5 hour drive one way. I am guessing 4500# for the cab and chssis, what do you think? Dave
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