Seeing some "light" on my '56 F-100 project and now returning to my C.O.E. project, a 1939 (1938?) ford C.O.E., 1979 GMC running gear, C6 and 460 Lincoln (?) engine. Anxious to exchange information with other C.O.E. enthusiasts.

First order of business is to identify with certainty what I actually have?

The truck was variously represented as a 1938 and a 1939 and bears the VIN number, 99T77096, Mod. T7.

The engine is blue in color, stickers on it say, "460 "B" (2CVR) EGR/AIR CATALYST, 460 CID and conforms ....to U.S.E.P.A...Applicable to 1977 models D7VE-9C455-FA," Manifold casting (bet. Screws, "6M21"; the transmission seems to have an aluminum casting bearing the embossed number #9Z561027 just forward of tailpiece.

Any advice as to what I actually have would be appreciated and would aid my further efforts.

Bill

 

My original post sought info on my engine/transmission combination. Subsequent research seems to corroborate the anecdotal information I have but I lack confidence in my reasoning which follows:

From stickers on my engine, "...conforms ....to U.S.E.P.A...Applicable to 1977 models D7VE-9C455-FA," Manifold casting (bet. Screws, "6M21"

<http://www.erareplicas.com/engines.htm>

FE Casting Number Breakdown Charts

Decade of Manufacture:

• D = 1970

Year of Decade
The year of the decade is determined by adding a number (0-9) to the letter of the decade. Example: C6 would be 1966, D0 would be 1970, D1 would be 1971.

Car Line/ Manufacture Codes

• V = Lincoln (61 - current)

Engineering Departments

• E = Engine

Does this mean that my engine is an FE? Is it different from the "385" types mentioned elsewhere on the web?

If this analysis is correct, that leaves me with the transmission ID.

Bill

 

It's part of the 385 family, not an FE. It's with the same family with the 429. The FE family was up to a 428, such as the famous 428 Cobra Jets used in the late '60's. Looks like you have a '77 year engine there, not sure on the specs though. However they were probably pretty detuned due to smog requirements.
The trans year can be narrowed down by getting some casting numbers off the trans, or better yet, if there is a tag or numbers stamped into the trans that will give more info.
As a note, the system Ford uses (C5, D1, etc) does not show when the part was made, but rather what year the part was engineered for. So a part with a C8 could have been made for years after, but it was first engineered for use in '68.

 

Thanks to 46fordtruck (Gary), for the info...my C6 transmission appears to have an aluminum casting bearing the embossed (cast) number #9Z561027 just forward of tailpiece. It has a yoke vs. a splined shaft protruding. Any idea where I can research that casting number to identify its vintage, model and specs?

Still seeking definitive info on the model year for my truck PO called it a 1939, previous advertiser called it a 1938. Original runner gear gone so if it follows car developments 1938 would have mechanical brakes 1939 hydraulic. I have heard that the grill or radiator caps differ but do not know how. The title shows, "VIN number, 99T77096, Mod. T7",

Bill

 

Sounds Interesting....I am currently gathering parts for a similar project
I have a complete circa 47 cab and a 78 Ford vintage motor home chasiss with a 460 that looks like it will fit.
The serial number reads 69 9T 121XXXX Model number 69 1 W
The past owner is still looking for the title so I am not sure what year it is...
Keep us posted as to your progress

 

That's the number from your cab? It's a '46 year cab. The 6 is the last number of the year (6=46, 7='47)

 

I like the idea of a motor home chassis. I bought mine as a project vehicle. Not sure why the PO chose the 79 GMC axles & steering which I beleve were from a 1 T van. The engine was moved about 10" back and lowered I presume to avoid the stock "dog house" intrusion into the cab. The carburetor top sits below the floor level, (but not by much) and between the seats. A frame has been fabricated to produce a tilt cab now operated by a small hydraulic pump. This combination has created some problems with radiator size and mounting, brake pedal to booster (?) fitting. My ability to concieve of and fabricate solutions lacks imagination and skill so I think about it more than doing it. The PO said he mimicked and improved on a vehicle that was in a show here several years ago. Lacking innovativeness, my post seeks solutions others have used or concieved. A previous poster mention a C.O.E. forum on Yahoo and a web site to identify whether my cab is 1938 or 1939 but Has not yet replied with particulars. Excuse the bloviating but no one else to talk C.O.E.'s with. I also have a 1941 GMC C.O.E. that started life as a K18 C military 2 x 4.

Bill

 

Bill, I will try and get you the identificaion information you need this weekend. I am out of town, and won't have access to any of my resources until this weekend. I will post what I can to help you pinpoint the year of your COE.

 

Need info, I have a 39 ford pickup that I'm getting parts together for I have a 460 out of a 76 F-250 that I was thinking of using for my 39 I have the motor and tranny but can't seem to get any info on if this truck motor is different than a car motor and if it is worth building for a street rod. I would like to supercharge or turbo this motor but I've heard different stories between a 460 out of a truck as too a car 460. I heard that this is a tall block and not worth building any info would be greatly appreciated. I would also like some info on ordering a frame with a narrowed rearend and a ford rack and pinion steering.
Thanks Jr

 

Hi Jr,

I can't be of much help. I acquired mt 1939 C.O.E. in its state as described earlier. I feel reasonably certain my 1977 is a Lincoln block but my research does not suggest any substantial difference between car and truck. My memory is that the flathead truck blocks were sought after because they supposedly have heavier castings and therefore could better withstand the increased stress from "hopping it up". My feedback from the 385 Forum, was. "It's a 77 460 which could easily have come out of a Lincoln. It could've come out of a 2WD Ford truck as well but since it was originally a catalyst equipped vehicle it was most likely a car. There weren't a lot of large Ford cars being equipped in 77 with the 460 other than the big Lincolns and I don't think the trucks were required to have cat convertors but I might be mistaken."

I really like the 39 Ford, but have no aspirations for an engine in my C.O.E. stronger than a smog free 460, mild cam, upsized carb/manifold, MSD ignition and headers. I think the 302/C4 in my 1950 F-1 is very driveable. I caution that age might be a factor in my opinions. I lust for an AOD transmission not more power. Aging I guess changes one from "stump pulling" to "cruising". Good luck, sure would like to see your results.

 

Thanks for getting back with me.
JR

 

It's interesting to read these posts about the Ford and GMC COE projects. I always thought they were very interesting vehicles. First COE I remember seeing as a kid was an old city transit, COE (GMC i think) with a box on the back. It was probably from the 40's.

Also have seen an older 40's/early 50's, COE, modded with newer BB, V8 , with a flatbed that the guy uses for hauling around custom rods, etc. It's a workhorse, still.

In my city.