So to make a long story short we spotted a 51 F4 Coleman 4x4 on a sale bill about a half hour from home base. Pics were sent to Stu and a 2 week conversation followed. Thursday was sale day and Stu had made the trip to SD with the trailer in tow. Stu had come to his senses about 2 hours after we arrived at the sale. He said he was out. My son wanted to leave but I couldn't bring myself to leave without knowing what the unicorn would sell for. Well, we found out because I had the last bid. It was a great day for Ryan and myself and its always good to see Stu. I have been wondering if his plan all along was just to put me in a position to pull the trigger and bag the unicorn myself. Only Stu knows the truth. He will probably deny it was a ploy to let me take the shot. Pictures will follow as soon as my I T guy gets them loaded into photobucket. Stu will probably add some also. Thanks for making the turn and burn Stu, had a great time and more great memories!

 

The word was "Ambivelance". I had run hot and cold on the truck since Mark spotted it. He and Ryan had visited it twice before the sale date and sent tons of pictures of the body and mechanicals. It's one of the straightest real working trucks I've seen. So I was hot and planned to attend the auction and haul it home.

But ambivelance set in again. I've read everything I could find online on Colemans, not really much out there, and asked Chuck and another fellow I've come to know a few questions. And Josh was no help, he'd have sent a transporter to buy the whole sale bill.

My ambivalence was rooted in the reality that I've got two M-Hs in process, and others waiting, that need attention. Add to that the strong interest that was being paid by the bidders to a 1956 Power Wagon, similar to mine that still needs a few key pieces, convinced me that I should focus on what I've got rather than add to the inventory.

So no longer ambivalent I told Mark and Ryan I was not a bidder. And to his strong credit Mark raised his hand. When Mark flinched at $500, 15 y.o. Ryan raised his hand for dad. I'll defer to them if they want to admit sale price.

Feeding off Mark's comment above, they are the correct ones to have saved this incredibly rare truck. They have many shared years ahead to research and sort out this one-of-one Coleman F-4. I'm glad I could be there to help, and thank the guys for a fun couple of days. Stu

 

Wow, that looks like a herd of unicorns. Glad you found the right one to follow one of you home and that both are pleased with the outcome.

 

Congrats, it sounds like it was a happening! We await pix.

 

What a great score! It sound like you had a great time.
I would be interested in what you paid, but it is none of my business either.

 

Very cool!
It sounds like a fun time was had by all!


Stu, I like you description of your ambivalence. I often tell people that I'm "Passionately Ambivalent"


The truck looks awesome!
Bobby

 

Yeah, sometimes it gives me whiplash!

The auction did yield a near perfect 5 Star Extra driver's side door (lock/arm rest/etc) and a good looking flathead radiator. Total spent $34.60. The door has no rust, no dents outside or in, window mechanism works good, and the door handle is straight. With Meadow Green patina.

Mark and Ryan can describe their multiple 19.5" wheel and tire scores. First thing I heard out of Mark as I was walking to the back of the property was "I got dibs on the 71410". It's bad when guys start talking in Budd part numbers to ME! A 71410 is the unobtainium 19.5" single.

And Ryan, give the number again off the 19.5" Power Wagon single and I'll give you models and applicable years.

Then finally, Mark and Ryan can describe the adventure we had removing the non-correct headache board flatbed. Might it be, when the bed is flipped, they'll have the truck for free and be money to the good? Bet so. Jody will be so proud of her boys. Stu

 

What a field of dreams you Guys found. I too would
have tried to buy the all.

 

I think I know where that is, living where I have (Brookings, and now Le Mars) I think I've seen that row of trucks before. But can you enlighten me as to what being a Coleman means? I'm not familiar with that model/designation/etc. Doesn't look like it's from the Coleman outdoor company.

Thanks,
Jim

 

It's a 4WD conversion.

 

Correct..Coleman was the company that converted the truck to four wheel drive. I am on my daughter's kindle so this will be short as I am fat fingering the crap out of this thing. Stu is correct about the 71410. Ryan spotted it and I called dibs. Had to buy a stack of used tires just to get the wheel. Rolling them to the van was no fun. After we won the bid on the Coleman the conversation shifted gears to what now? We decided on two trips. First the bed as it was not secure. Then switch to my truck and trailer for the f4. When the dude picked up that bed with a forklift and just about shoved it into the back of the cab I about dove in to save the cab. That was a close call. We got the flatbed to its temporary home, switched rigs and went back for the f4. Onlookers thought my trailer was to small but we showed them. A load like that makes you wish you had better trailer tires. The sale was west of Chester sd. Needless to say the price was cheap. But keep in mind if the axle is hurt or the t case, then it's a donor truck. It didn't make any odd noises while loading or unloading so I think we are safe. More pics to follow when I get them loaded up. And thanks for all the kind words.

 

Sounds like a really fun outing! That is a really cool couple of rows of trucks!! Seen a couple Colemans out here. A 51 f3 flareside for sale coulda, woulda,shoulda bought. Hindsight 20/20

 

This below April, 1998, article in Four Wheeler Magazine gives nice history. Written by Jim Allen, himself an FTE member. The article focuses on a Chevy 3600, but the dealer installed Coleman conversion was adaptable to all truck brands. The Chevy in the article has the large wheel covers with Dayton style rims while Mark's truck has the Budd style mounting. Stu

April 1998 Rare Rigs - Four Wheeler Magazine

 

A couple pics that made me scratch my head. Stu found another pos coleman for sale and the pics matched up.
rear leaf spring hangers different and pushed out
block of wood mount for transfer case to x member
the huge front hub
the cab

 

Nice read on that Chev Colman Stu. Thanks