COE 1940 coe

I have a 1940 COE just picked it up someone had tack welded a 1 Ton Chevy crossmember. I want to install in the original frame has anyone done this and do you have some photos .

 

I believe kscarguy here is using the stock frame with an 1980s C30 front crossmember. Ask him about the details.

 

Yep...mine runs a stock frame with a 1987 cross member. I notched the frame on the bottom and set the cross member into the notch to lower then entire ch***is. This gave me the ride height I wanted without using drop spindles or air bags. I also Z-d my frame behind the cab, to raise the back section back up. I detached the stock truck steering box from the center link, installed a second idler arm and connected a car steering box to the center link with a 1-ton 4x4 drag link. The car box is mounted inside the frame and aligns nicely with the steering column. My COE rides, drives and steers great. But was a lot of work. Not for the amateur to attempt.

In your case, I suggest that you just put the cross member directly under the stock frame and get a good ride height out of it by using dropped spindles. The stock GM diagonal support gussets will not fit inside the frame and will need to be modified or just replaced with welded in gussets. The biggest issue to beware of is the steering linkage. You need to maintain the correct geometry. The simplest solution to maintain this geometry is to graft the front frame section off a GM truck (use the part in front of the cross-member) and splice it to the Ford frame. Align everything on the bottom of the frame rails. Steering is always tricky. I've not seen the van box used, so I cannot comment on it.

Once more piece of advice...move the centerline of the front wheels forward of the centerline of the wheel wells. 1/4"-1/2" looks decent. The worst thing ever is to get the wheels located behind Center...

 

I'm not sure what a C30 looks like, but A P30 frame has identical rails as your 1940 Chevy COE frame.
I picked up a 1980 Chevy stepvan (bread truck) frame to set my 1939 Chevy COE cab on & the frames are identical. So if you really want to use the original frame rails, a P30 front suspension should fit. The only difference I found was that the steering box is outside the frame rails. But since the step vans are so wide, the column is farther to the left of the steering box, so they come with a short U jointed extension to match up to the column in the van. You will need that extension to bring it closer to match up to your column. But you will save a hole lot of work if you find a complete rolling P30 frame. Your cab & cab perches will set right on the frame & bolt right up & everything will hookup. Wheels will center in the fenders nicely. You will want everything from the dash forward of the stepvan. It has the hydro boost master cylinder that fits nice & close to the firewall, taking up little room under your short hood. You will have everything you need if you get the firewall/dash with the steering column & brake peddle. I don't know when the P30 frame was first built, but I think it is still used today in 1 & 2 ton vans & I hear they also can be found in some motor homes.
My project is a little harder because I am not using the cab purch, I built a hinged sub frame, & my cab sets about 6" lower/closer to the frame. I'm doing a tilt cab.
But a complete rolling P30 frame will give you power steering, power disc brakes, everything you will want.