Has anyone built a late 40's early 50's COE with the crew cab? I've seen pictures and I am interested in a project like this. I think I could graft the cabs, but how do you fit the doors. I've heard that barn doors off panels might work. I don't have the project yet, but I am researching for a future build. I want to create a pickup style truck that could pull a fifth-wheel. I would like to use a newer ch***is and drive train with a diesel engine. It's an idea for retirement. I currently have a 1939 GMC COE that will be restore to original. It was my grandfather's and I want to keep it like it was when he had it.
Most guys use a second set of front doors, often modified to look like they are not just a set of front doors on the back, I can't think of any panel trucks whose rear doors will work as side doors (but if someone knows of this being done successfully, post a photo) a big factor would be what make and year of COE you start with. I've contemplated doing my 56 Mercury COE as a Crew Cab.
I've decided to build my 39 GMC instead of trying to find a newer cab. I was looking at the lines on the doors and I think doors off of a early forties pickups will match the lines. Now I just have to find those doors. I'm not in a big hurry. Still trying to get a shop done so I can start.
Yeah 39-46 look like they should work, if you could luck out and find some off of an old firetruck you'd be laughing!
I've seen some of those fire trucks on the internet. That would be sweet to find one. I live in Northern California and I have been driving by this place with a lot of old cars and trucks behind a fence. I see them from the freeway. The next time I go by I am going to pull off the freeway and see if the owner is friendly. Maybe I can find some useful material. I luck is with me I will have my shop finished before the year is over and I will begin tfeardown and start working on the cab. I figured I could start there and acquire a ch***is when I find one that suits me and am able to afford. I'm hoping to teach some college cl***es on the side in a few months to give me spending money for my projects. When the COE is finished I have a 36 chevy pickup that I want to build.
i have been thinking about your crew cab idea. I think to do it real nice would take 4 donor doors. Now hang in here with me ........... use a right front door and take a left door and cut the rear half of the window opening out weld it to the front of the right door opening to make a more or less a square window opening. Everything would line up as far as the body lines and the door would look like a factory door for the rear instead of a front door put in the back. Does this make sense? I can picture it in my head hard to put into words.-Donn-
If you are going to use a donor late model frame (Ch***is) why not look for a rolled pre-95 dodge 1 ton dually with a ***mins? This way you would have a safe late model ch***is the diesel engine and all you need to tow a 5th wheel. South of you in the LA area there has to be some in wrecking yards or even in the bay area? I bought a 85 Chevrolet 1 ton dually cab and ch***is w/o an engine or transmission for mine but by the time I get the engine and trans done I will be in it for as much money as I would have spent on a running unit with a bad body. Just a thought. -Donn-
Donn, I had been thinking of that idea for the doors. That just seems to most natural way to do it and make it look right. I don't want that angled look in the back when the doors are turned around. I'm glad you confirmed my thoughts weren't as wild as I imagined. I had considered a ***mins. My dad had one and it was a good running truck. I am feeling kind of strong on the duramax and allison combination. I am still working ideas through my head. I am saving every example I can find on my computer so I can thoroughly think everything through before I start. I'm also thinking of moving the engine back. If it sets behind the cab I might use a Pro Tech tool box with the bottom removed as the cover. That way it would look as natural as possible. This was my grandpa's truck and I want to do it right. I appreciate all of the experience and ideas all of you have to offer.
The reason I was suggesting the ***mins is pre-95 engines are simple in the fact that basicly they are a 1 wire hook ip. No computers to mess with and fully adjustable as to the horse power they put out. Take a look at some of the ***mins forums. I love the Duramax but would be lost in the maze of wires and computer stuff. I am also going with a behind the cab engine location. I am going to use a small aluminum sleeper as an engine cover. -Donn-
Take a look here for a extended cab pre 48 Ford COE might have some ideas for you http://rides.webshots.com/photo/1118945370053774336pKdQEw -Donn-
Donn, I've seen that album before. It's good to see all of the different ideas and methods. It will be a while before I decide on the ch***is and engine. My friend was telling me that California is getting ready to start a whole new set of smog laws for diesels. That may affect what I decide to do. I think a lot of the fun of this is looking at other rigs and deciding what path I will take with the project. I do know that I will keep a journal so I can share both the good and the not so good with everyone.
The Jalopy Journal
