COE 1941 Ford COE build

Build thread here to get it out of the INtro thread..

The COE was named Buford by my buddy Mike that went with me to get it. Despite my wife's initial dislike, it looks like the name will stick. (and it's got FORD in it!).

The intent is a unique daily driver that will replace my aging Dodge Dakota. It will also be a tow vehicle and need to make NH to Florida runs with 3000 lbs in tow. I still question if I can make a 70 year old cab tolerable for drives like that. We'll see. Originally, I was thinking a hauler that could carry Jeeps like the '57 in my avatar and maybe the boat on its back, but I've tossed that plan as I just can't see a 2 ton truck as a daily driver. "Zipping around town" doesn't seem to go along with those specs.

It's truly an open slate right now and the next year will probably be used to get some ideas on that "slate".

Early thoughts are:
Donor 4x4 F-150 or Dakota underneath. Reasonable V8 power at a minumim, maybe more but must be DD friendly.
Maybe chop the top a bit, but don't ruin the view from the cab.
Extended cab or 4 door.
Tossing around engine placement.. It seems the original location is the right spot, but floor area is a concern also.
Pickup bed 6.5 feet.
Lowered, but not dragging on the ground. I'm guessing I can do this w/o bagging it.
Headlights "flush" mounted. maybe a pair of 1940 Ford sedan units?
No bumpers. Thinking about something behind the apron for crashes. Hoping, of course, that I NEVER use it.
Taillights "hidden". I'm not sure what's used here, but I've seen them on motorcycles where you can't even tell they are lights until they are turned on.


Any and all input is appreciated. Here are a few pics... Like I said, it's rough! A rotisserie of some sort and media blasting will be first to see what's left. I'm new to this level of work so please feel free to chime in.

thanks,

Rick


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What should I find for a drivetrain in this 41 COE? Are there numbers on the flathead engine, trans, body somewhere?

thanks,

Rick

 

is that the one that was listed on cl in CT?? tried to talk my old man into it, he's been drooling over cabovers for a while now.

 

Yes.

 

Are you kidding me!? What are the chances?!

It's Mike (aka NH Jeep Junkie). Are you still in Hudson?

 

congrats! I love em! If I may put my two cents in, I love them built on a dually ch***is. they are a heavy truck so they look great built that way!

 

I'd look at a Dodge ***mings ch***is for powertrain.

Love that truck -- keep us posted!

 

Please post a build thread so I can follow along. I've been in a depressed state since selling my '48 COE.

Frank

 

No way! Yup, I'm still in Hudson. I saw your build pics... Your Dodge is really sweet..

 

Thanks! I've actually been wondering how heavy? Does anyone know what the COE body weighs?

 

I would say that the body weighs 5 to 600 pounds at the most.....

 

I was watching that one too. Looked like a really good deal!

Can't wait to see the build start. How are the floors & cab corners?

Subscribed

 

Forgot to mention: Wetskier, you should join the COE group here, lots of good action going on there:


COE's (Cab Over Engine)

Any and all Cab Over Engine enthusiasts, builders, or owners... Use this place as a source to talk shop, building techniques, and sharing your COE experiences unique to the COE Truck.

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/group.php?groupid=333




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Welcome to the HAMB! Someday I hope to have an oval grilled Ford COE. You don't see many in New England, I'll be following your build.

 

Man, I let one of those get away from me one time. I'll be watching your build. That looks like a great start there. Welcome to the HAMB and by the way don't say Jeep too loud around here. For some reason it tends to get people riled up

 

So cool man looks great

 

Signed up! Thanks. The cab corners seem decent. Floor? The fenders are pretty beat. There's rot where they attach and down low in the apron.

 

I'll say Willys, thanks! Excellent quote, BTW!! "You tell Milner I aim to blow his a$$ right off the road".

 

MOved over to COE board...

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...discussionid=22907&gmid=394022#gmessage394022

 

Cleaned out the floor a bit, still seeing all good in the floors. No surprises. Flathead turns over using the starter. Aren't 6v systems far more amps than 12v?

 

Nice find. I'll be watching your progress.

 

Got the flathead V8 to turn over, but no spark. What's next? Looks like a magneto or something like it on the front of the motor that the plug wires all go to. First aid for that??? thanks!

 

Not sure I have the ignition "turned on" either... there's a start ****on on the dash that cranks the motor... Is there a switch also to turn the ignition on? Key in column appears to be frozen. And there is also a frozen switch on the column support I don't know what it's supposed to be.

 

The key needs to be on and so does the switch on the column support

 

Thanks for the info! I'll try to free both of them. Any idea which way is "on" for both the key and the switch?

 

Sorry my rememberer is working that well. You could ask that over on the Ford Barn, I'm sure someone over there would be able to answer

 

Any one got a favorite recipe for unsticking stuck ignition switches?

thanks

 

Hot wire !

 

hotwire, I like that.

This 1941 is negative ground, right??

 

You should be able to look at the ground on the battery, (the lead that attaches to the frame, or engine,) look for the + or the - . - NEGETIVE, + POSITIVE