Hey Gang,

I just purchased a 1951 COE C6 (F6 - I've seen them referred to as both).

I'm a rookie when it comes to messing with restoring trucks so hang in there as this could be a while before you see me driving down the street. But for now I want to get it sealed up from the elements.

Weatherstripping. Can it be a basic D Channel around the edges of the doors? A general seal vs specifically labeled truck seal. I'm noticing how quickly things ad up when you order recreated parts. Does everyone end up broke with these old trucks or what?

A question I really have is the similarity between a '51 COE to the other '48-'52 series trucks. I see some sites that have shown parts such as weatherstripping seals for doors, windshield and rear window. All what I need. But they say its F1, or F1, F2, and F3.

So what about the medium and heavy duty trucks? What about COE's? Are they totally different and the F1 seals wont fit?

I'm lucky the windshield and back window are original and intact, but the seals are shot.

How do we know what correlates with these trucks?

Thanks
Marek

 

Welcome Marek! That's a fine looking truck and a handsome co-pilot as well. I'll let the COE crowd (Tinman and pweng1, among others) confirm - but, I believe that the front and rear glass is the same for '51. If you are eager, give the folks at Classic Haulers or Chuck's Trucks a call.

Whereabouts in MI are you? You passed the first test of picture posting, by the way.

DW

 

Great truck(and dog), Nice to see another COE!

As said, all of the rubber parts are the same as the pickup, except the door bottoms. Coe door seals are not available to my knowledge....so I plan to use the pickup ones and modify as necessary.

Post more pics of your truck if you can, always like to see COE's....

 

Welcome Marek to the world of few parts and info that comes with being a coe owner. I will tell you that F7 and F8 fenders and grill are the same as COEs. You have a good looking truck any chance of seeing more pics.

 

Thanks for the feedback guys. I am going to try and post a few more pics.

 

Northern Michigan, near Traverse City. Thanks for the response!

 

Another question. Widow makers. Definitely on the front wheels. 5 bolt, 20" wheels. I really would like to keep them, but anything called a window maker sounds like something not to mess around with. Can you be smart and safe about handling these things, or is it truly a buyer beware and swap out as soon as I can find replacements?

 

You will get lot's of opinions here on WM's.....some think they are more dangerous than Jack the Ripper. If you need new tires, I'd get rid of them.

However, your left front wheel looks like an early lock ring wheel to me...

 

Marek what are your plans for this truck a total restore or just fixing to drive? Are you looking to paint or change anything like brake systems.

 

Plans. Good question. I have zero intention of painting this thing. I was able to track down the son of the original owner. Is was in the well contracting business. Truck was lost in the late 70s after the owner's death. The son was thrilled to know someone has it and plans to get it running again.

I am a teacher, and can't wait for the day I get to pull up to school driving this thing. I plan to clean, replace as needed. Replace the bed and shorten it by about 4 feet (just past the frame end, which I will be keeping original). Maybe new cloth on the seats but even that is iffy. No windshield wipers, been reading on here about those. Brakes yes. 6v or 12v? Not sure. Wheels? Not sure. Always up for suggestions. Replace the cracked vent glass on doors, and replace all weatherstripping and seals.

I'm sure I will find more. Engine turns, haven't even tried a battery to it yet so no clue where I'm at with engine work. Best part is I'm just breaking ground on a new barn and house.

Thanks.

 

All the door parts are the same ,but the outer door seal is cut at the bottom ,all window rubber Gasket are the same door and window Mechanism are the same .the only thing that is Different is the driver Coe driver are cooler