COE 1941 Ford COE build

We are probably going to take our last ski runs this weekend then I'll pickle the boat.

 

I was wrong, just could not resist the 67 degree day in NH on Christmas... Unpickled the boat, got in a few ski runs and then re-pickled it... It was awesome..

In the meantime, I've repurposed 1 of the 2 Corvette hood latches for the COE hood. In cab hood release, baby! It works pretty slick and I didn't need to add more holes to the new panel I built to replace the Swiss Cheese that is my lower hood/grill, I'll need to soften the spring a bit since they are intended to push a big Corvette hood vertically and now it just needs to push a much smaller hood horizontally.

December 25th, 2015 in NH!

 

Your doing something right ! Blue

 

Lost track of this thread when the big "upgrade" went through. Its cool to see that you got the truck on the road. Are you still planning on using the sleeper?.

 

Great to see you here Oahu! Still planning on the Pete sleeper (and still have your artwork on my desktop!)... I've been going round and round about color schemes lately as I have hopes that there might be paint in my COE's future this year.. Originally, I was thinking medium-dark blue for the body and tan on the fenders, but there sure are some nice two tone paint jobs where the beltline to the fender is the second color. AlCDT did his this way....

 

If you have one, post a fairly recent side shot of the truck, I may be able to come up with some wheel and color ideas. Went back to the start of your thread; are you still thinking about the '40 Ford headlight setup? How about rear fenders?
Eli

 

Ugh, I need to get back out on the lake! I used to ski tournaments in the late 80's and early 90's. I used to be able to run a full course at 36 MPH and 32' off. Now I don't know if my chubby *** can get up on a slalom anymore!

 

I don't have any decent side shots handy, Eli. If the driveway is dry at some point I'll take some. I appreciate the offer! . We got our first snow today. My 40s headlight idea was squashed by my wife. She said "those original bullet shaped headlights are staying"... I'm running a flatbed right now, but still am leaning towards a tow-truck type bed like several on the board.

Here's a pic with the grill fixes nearly done..

 

No doubt that you should! 6 at 32 off is impressive!

 

No probs, just post when you can. Here's a thought; I was looking at the triple line on the beltline, how about continuing that on the sleeper? Maybe even continue on the the final bed side...hmmm. I also have an idea or two about the area below the bed. That could be some good storage area.

 

Great minds think alike!! I had considered the same thing about the beltline. If I didn't actually do that, I bet a talented guy could paint it on the sleeper.

These are on Ebay as 1940 COE head;lights... The stands are different than mine. Did Henry change them from 1940 to 1941?

 

For the bed, I'm thinking about stealing ideas from Tony..

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/salvaging-a-38-ford-coe.997878/page-7#post-9660791

 

How did I not see this pic from Tony before with the rear fenders in place??? It's fantastic..

 

Lol. When I checked out Tonys build, (very cool by the way) the bed he fabricated looked real familiar. I saw the picture of the old wrecker body that he used as a basis and had to go back in my old Photoshop files. I photoshopped that truck for HAMBer oldschoolantiqueauto a few years ago. This bed type would be perfect for your truck. If I remember correctly, I used '38 Chevy pickup rear fenders.

 

That's prety funny!!

Here's one that's along the right lines for the cab and sleeper. Although I think the sleeper is a bit tall. I like how the bottom of the sleeper is at the same level as the bottom of the door and the bottom of the bed.

 

Tony's fenders are 38/41 ford pu I gave him . I had cut the holes for 40 tail lights .
I agree , the sleeper is too high . Mine is the same height as the cab . Something like this .


Skier, you get your huck gun yet , of not pm me when you get ready and we will see what we can do . Blue

 

Thats a nice looking truck, (except for the A/C on top). I see what you mean about the lower level of the sleeper. When you post a side picture I'll experiment with it a bit. I'm guessing a foot or so off the bottom of the sleeper wouldn't be a big deal?

Joyflea, thanks for the info on the Ford fenders. I'll use that style on the photoshop.

 

The Peter built sleepers or almost the right height when lowered down on the frame since the sleeper sits up above the fuel tank on the big truck .

 

You're right, its very close... I took some measurements the other day so I can start working it in my brain, while it waits its turn to actually get worked on.. If I lower the height about 5 inches it will barely be taller than the cab. And as I mentioned in your thread, narrow it about 24 and it will be 1 inch wider than the beltline... I had originally thought wider, but I'm now thinking less is more..

A few current pics from today.. Grill slowly moving forward, gotta call Northern and ask about the steel center bar and the stainless center bar.. I have not seen a price, but suspect I better be sitting down when I ask about SS. Inside hood latch is in and working beautifully. No additional holes in my lower panel. The work is certainly not the expert level that many of you guys can create, but it's ok for my talents and I continue to learn..

 

Rick are you going to use the sleeper for storage or sleeping ? That looks like a nice sleeper . What is the length and is it going to raise with the bed ? How about some Pictures of the inside with the doors open . Blue

 

The sleeper will be the back seat area and I plan to cut the 41 cab wide enough to allow some front seat movement into the sleeper area also. It's a 36" sleeper and will sit on the same tilting subframe as the cab. The interior is gutted., However, when I got my donor bucket seats from a 2005 Mercury Montego, I also grabbed the matching rear seat from that donor and another one that was identical. I should have plenty of donor folding rear seats.. they are 60/40 but in the sleeper they'll probably be 40/60/40.

 

Rick I've been thinking about your sleeper and the belt line . If you look at doughboys site they made a die to do that same belt line . If you could get them to bend up one out of Al for you that would be long enough with 3/4 flange on each side you could bend it around the corners and rivet it on . Would look like factory . Blue

 

I ordered the replacement steel and SS grill center bars. The SS was $155.00 and the steel was $50. I almost didn't do it as I do have the damaged originals... but... The new SS cover does not have the tabs that fold over the steel like the original does. I'm guessing it gets gooped on??

Grill is almost complete. I'm a little torn on what to start next. I was planning on installing Barry's donor cowl section since the rot on the beltline stares you right in the face when you walk up to the truck, but there is also the sidegl*** to do and the sleeper...

The colors I was thinking of, Eli, are like these although the blue could be toned down a bit. Probably more like the color of the Ford oval on the wall behind the blue car.

 

I got to drive Buford a bit yesterday... I am happy to report, it's still a real freakin hoot!

"What year is that?",
"What is that?".
"Did it come that way, without a nose?".
"..A Corvette engine?".

 

"Without a nose?" lol those first drives are always the best.
Rick I'm happy to note that my Photoshop is finally back in shape as of yesterday. I'll get started on the work we talked about.

 

Thanks a mill, Eli.. I look forward to seeing your handiwork!

I am looking at the cowl section that Barry was kind enough to slice and send to me. I see the factory seams everywhere except at the outer, upper corners... There are lots of things going on there with the drip rail, A pillar, the cross member that's above the windshield and the small strip that fills the gap between this panel and the roof... Any helpful hints?

 

Thanks for the great grinder, Dad! It works fantastic with a buffing wheel for the COE's stainless grille trim.

 

The more I think about colors, the more I think it should be a flatter blue than the car above.... MOre like the leftmost swatch here:



Nearly done hooking up an Ebrake. Unfortunately, as cool as the 1941 ebrake handle was, I opted for a smaller unit that "folds" out of the way when not in use. I need to shorten one of the cables. Anyone using those slide-on, screw down barrel connectors on ebrakes? I've used them on throttles many times, but not ebrakes.

 

Well nobody is answering your question,
I used to do this on motorcycles, I used Bett's electrical crimp connectors (used the Bett's brand crimper also) and lead rosen (NOT acid!) core flux solder for extra insurance. Mind you this was motorcycles many moons ago, not something as heavy duty as a truck emergency brake. Just an avenue you could explore...please be safe!

 

Rick, here's a teaser on the sleeper. I think I have the proportions fairly close, but let me know if adjustments need to be made. Gonna experiment with the beltline next, maybe get it parallel to the bed. Got a coupla other ideas fermenting too. Eli