O.K. I'm going to test the waters here. I can't find a decent COE. However, I do have nice conventional cabs; an F600 and an F700. I cut up a die cast F100 model and created this thing you see here to see what I might be able to make from my conventional cabs. Keep in mind the fender openings will be larger and the fenders are taller than you see here. The grille opening would likely be filled with some kind of chrome bar "something or other". I widened the fender placement to go onto my new F550 stripped motorhome ch***is with 22.5" wheels, whose outside dimensions are 96". So it will be a large scaled truck. Other options might include the conventional 4-door shown in the last picture. I'm asking for your thoughts and ideas ??? Be nice even if you tell me I'm crazy or it's too ugly!
Using a pair of fenders for the grille shell is unique and with the right grille design could look good. I have a 47 dodge cab and the front clip from a Divco, that I thought about grafting together to make a custom COE. Kind of a COE version of the very rare Dodge Airflow trucks. Dodge in the 40s used their conventional cab, with special low profile fenders, so they didn't have to mess with fender cut-outs in the doors. I do like your idea of cutting up a diecast model to get ideas, a lot easier and cheaper than cutting up a real truck and not nearly as frustrating if it doesn't turn out. Another idea is to build your nose out of fibergl***, this opens up a whole new game of sculpting. Have fun brainstorming!
Steve - Great comments. I removed some real fenders and laid them on the ground, bottom to bottom. That's when I saw the big "bull nosed" concept and the larger old model COEs came to mind. Thanks for the input. -Bill
If you really want to get attention, make a divider in the opening that makes 2 kidney shaped openings and buy a BMW emblem off of Ebay and stick it on there. Tell everyone at the shows that it is a 43 model. LOL
Love your idea and imagination. Problem I see is in scale. Looking at your conventional cabs top of the front wheel. It is half way up the door, where your model shows it below the door. Would come down to ride height. You have a very nice ch***is that has a very wide front track width. I like the look of your model but it would need much wider fenders to fit that ch***is. In the end it will come down to proportions. Good luck.
Great comments, guys! Steve - I don't know anything about BMWs. Even though I might be able to pull off the idea of it being a BMW, I guess it would need a radial engine up front and a wing on top to p*** for a '43, wouldn't it?
Ok, I'll be a negative Nancy. I think you would be building a truck that if you had to sell it, would be a hard sell. That said, there is lots of potential and using the rear fenders for a grill is genius. Where are you and what are you looking for? I know of several COE cabs in Kansas City Area, is that too far to travel to get one?
When I'm building, I never think about sale value. If it turns out the way I want it, I'd never part with what I've made. Here is one that I stole from Willysbill's sight. Aftermarket coach built on a conventional Ford ch***is. They get awfully tall with the door swinging over the fender.
I'm not really digging it either, sorry. The fenders are too low making the hood huge. Just my opinion of course. Surely a COE cab can't be that hard to find? I know of a '56 Ford COE here, but its rough....
If the height doesn't bother you, then go for it. If you check out Ebay, they always have some early to mid 50's Ford COEs on there. Some fairly cheap.
Thanks for all the input. I still have time before getting real deep into this build. I've got lots of other things to finish and/or move to make room in the shop. I'm taking it all in.
Bill, dunno if you are on the FTE forum, but there is a link there to a '54 Ford COE for sale in MO ....and one of the members has access to a decent '56 COE cab in CA. PM me if you want.
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