I was searching 1951 ford truck and it popped up. Definitely a 48-52 Ford conventional cab, with the cowl cut off. It looks like there might be a radiator and air scoop behind the front wheel mud flap. What I don't understand is why someone would do that without any regard for styling, efficiency or driver comfort. Like Bob said, there can't be much for leg room in there.

 

I am thinking it's more about functionality than looks or comfort.
But without a front mounted engine in the conventional way
there should be leg room. Maybe not like a Caddy but enough
for a commercial truck. I been herding big rigs that was built
starting back in the 50's. Wasn't until prolly the 70's that operator
comfort was considered much. And in the 90's that OSHA
and MSHA really became involved. So back then ya lived with it or
got a different job.

 

My guess is that it has to do with the laws in some states back then regarding the overall length of the truck and trailer. This probably let them get 7 cars on the rig instead of 5 or 6.

 

Found this. I think it's the same truck

 

That is some machine. I guess they widened the stock Ford cab at least a foot? Note the two piece windshield. Horizontal diesel? I don't remember seeing one.

 

From: http://forums.aths.org/PrintTopic159337.aspx

 

That's pretty interesting. I've never heard of the "horizontal" diesel either. It like to see one, maybe its something like this;


You better hope your relief driver isn't claustrophobic. Wow, you sure couldn't get away with a sleeping bunk like that with todays DOT rules.


Bobby

 

Yeah, they were called "coffin cabs" by some drivers.......there were several variations of these trucks.

 

I wonder if any still exist?

 

Detroit and Cummings I know also pan caked there
diesels. I have seen buses with them as well as the
rear mounted 6-71s and Cummings. Am I spelling
that right? Prolly not. Anyone find the thread and
pics of the twin side by side flat motor Ford tractor?
It may be in this thread but I don't think I have enough
life left to look for it. One of the coolest threads here but
its getting so big. That twin flat engine set up is so cool.
They were behind the cab as well if I remember correct.

 

Is this what you are looking for?

March Military Campaign ? double the flathead fun | Hemmings Daily

 

Yes that is the one. There are pic's there I ain't seen before.
So cool, thanks.

From the site.

Cut and paist don't work for some reason so ya all
have to go look.


What makes the trucks so compelling is that whoever built them used two Ford flathead V-8s, mounted side-by-side on a removable tray, complete with their cooling, electrical and exhaust systems. The trucks needed both engines to haul their accompanying 60-foot-long supertrailers, chock full of parts for the B-24 bomber. - See more at: March Military Campaign ? double the flathead fun | Hemmings Daily

 

I saw a link the other day where GM also made a truck with twin side by side engines. There was also another truck maker that used two engines, one mounted in front of the others but with two separate drive lines to two separate axles.
I'll try an dig the links up


Bobby

 

If memory serves me right, the GMCs were two V6 blocks running direct connect, end to end with one oil pan. Sometime in the early 60s

Edit: Go link:http://www.enginelabs.com/news/a-loo...ix-v12-engine/

 

Ray,
Yea, GMC had the "twin six". It was a 705ci behemoth. They used them in the early 60's.
What I saw was different, it was very similar in appearance to the side by side twin engine Ford truck.


Here is some info on the other one I referred to;



The Eisenhauer Freighter ? A Unique Twin Engine Truck | The Old Motor


Bobby