I cant believe i finally got some pictures of my COE into my album, still dont know how but hey......future plans call for full Lexus drivetrain, DOHC V8, four speed auto and IRS/IFS. And thinking about a fifth wheel setup to tow a art deco style teardrop trailer. BUT, that all comes after my 56 Panel John

 

GEEZ, i even managed to add it to my avatar, i am ON fire John

 

John,
I looked in your albums and both trucks look really good. They seem to be in really solid shape. I don't think you could do much better than to have a panel and a COE. Well done.
jim

 

Thanks Jim, yeah for me at least it just doesnt get any better than that. The 56 is my ultimate truck and the COE isnt far behind. John

 

Just as a matter of interest, i think my COE has the wrong year bonnet (er i mean hood) fitted. Can anyone tell me if its a 51 or 52 and does anyone maybe have the front portion of a 49?. Could the front openings possibly be the same as a F1> John

 

From all the pics I have seen in the internet,It looks like you have the wrong hood.
If you want it to look like a 48-50 you would have to modify it.
maybe have someone from the us buy a really messed up 48-50 1/2 hood,cut the front openings and weld them on your hood

 

Thats why i was wondering if a F1 hood might be useable for the front openings, because i could get a damaged one here at a swap meet or whatever.
There was a VERY limited amount of 39 to 47 COEs sold in Australia but not any 49 onwards till maybe the 60s so no hope at all of ever finding a hood, so welding in the front part would be a nice option. John

 

As a 49 COE owner, a late model chassis swap is the best solution. Chevy is popular due to the IFS and easy to get one-ton for cheap. Super simple to lower, drop spindles, air bags, etc. Fords had the twin I-beam which is not so great, fairly good diesel engine choices if you go that route. Dodge have the great Cummins engine and IFS, but not much aftermarket support for lowered suspension components.

I used a GM 74 reg cab frame for mine, set up as a hot rod truck, not car hauler. I do have a custom 10 ft flatbed on the back and haul all kinds of junk on it.

Putting the old cab on late model frame is pretty easy, just make cab mounts at the height you want off the frame. Then hook up the steering, brakes and electrical. I know it sounds easy in writing, but my COE was really easy since I left the engine and trans in stock GM location. I put drop spindles and air bags on mine, and flipped the rearend on top of the leafs int he back. Someday plan to four link the rear and total airbags, but too much fun driving it around for now.

 

So the rumour s that you want to sell it are not true,
I hope you keep it

Seeya
Bill

 

Dang it!!! I have a inch that i can't quite scratch...stinking COE's!! I was even day dreaming the other day of stripping my 94 PS 3/4 ton and sticking a COE cab on it.

What have you people done to me!?

 

The 51-52 COE hoods are different in design than the 48-50 COE hoods, just like they're different on the conventional trucks and Panels.

The front and sides are different around the hood moldings. You'll need the front and both sides from a 48-50 hood to convert your 51-52 hood. You'll need to cutout and shorten the side air openings and replace the front.

The hood latch is also different in 1951-52 models and the 1948-50 models. I bet that you have the latch and upper piece with the FORD letters from a 52 model since they look almost the same as the 48-50.

The latch spring and assembly is on the hood in 51-52 models, but is on the piece with the FORD letters on the 48-50 models. The hood latch release handle is built into the 48-50 hood.

Your best solution is to find a correct 48-50 COE hood.

 

38chevy, I saw your truck in edgewood last year and cant tell you how jealous Iam. It looks like alot of fun.

wade

 

HI Bill, no of course its not true, working on it right now. LOL John

 

I found this and thought I would share. If you think you want a COE, watch this! There won't be any question that you want one when the video is over.
YouTube - COE Truck

There are other COE's too.

jim

 

Other than being a Ch***...cool vid!