My '53 C500 build
 

Hello everyone. I'm in the process of mounting the cab of my '53 COE to my frame. I need the dimension between the rear bolt holes for the lower mounts for the dog bones. That would be the distance between the bolts with the brackets mounted to the outside of the stock frame. I am having to make new brackets and I need the correct distance between the bolts so the dog bones are at the correct angle when I'm done. I'll try to post a picture. Thanks, Ken.

http://members.cox.net/kennewman/coe...mounts%201.jpg

Would the distance be the same on a COE frame as on a regular cab F-250 or F-350 or -?- ??

It looks like the bottom holes in the cab are directly below the ones for a regular cab so I would say yes. It looks like 38" will work ok. That is what it is right now with the lumber holding it apart and the dog bones look ok to me?? The truck isn't parked on level ground so the cab is leaning to the right just a little.

Boy, get her all leveled out and I would say your there. You've got the cab sitting where you want it and you have the dogbones properly loaded with the rubber bumpers, build your new mounts to what you have.
Lookin Good!!

:-wink Hi - I believe most frames are 34 in. outside. Pretty sure my 56 coe is 34 so 38 is to wide. If your not in a big hurry I could measure my frame again just to be sure. By the way, what is the last letter in your coe's vin number? Is it an "H"? Will try to measure tomorrow after work.
Bye for now

Please do
 

Thanks guys. The last letter is an H. Does that mean it was built in Detroit? The bolts measure 38" right now with it on the wood.

:-winkHi Ken - I measured my stock coe frame tonight and it is indeed 34" outside. The top of the brackets bolted to the frame are flush with the top of the frame. If I am seeing your mounts right in your picture they look like pick-up mounts. The coe mounts were different as they were a wish bone style with two frame mounts. This is the best I can discribe them. Do you still have the original coe mounts? I do not know if the distance between the bushing centers are the same or not. My guess is they are the same. Hope this helps.
Thank you for the vin info. Yes, the "H" indicates Detroit Truck Plant. The reason I asked is I am under the impression that all 53 -56 Ford and Merc. coe's were built in Detroit but can't prove it. My 56 Merc. C-500 and another 56 Merc. C-700 that I know of were both Detroit built trucks. I only know of one other Merc. coe but have no info on it. Merc. coe's seem scarce. Have looked at a few Ford coe's, all Detroit trucks. Yours adds another check mark - Thanks again!!
If you click on photo thingy at bottom of my post you should get a pic of my coe.
Bye for now- Rod

Thank you Rod. You have a nice truck. Someday I'll get there. I got my COE as a body with doors, hood, and front end with fenders. That is all there was. It was sitting on a pallet with no frame or drivetrain. I bought the rear mounts off ebay not knowing what I would need. With the dimention you gave me I'll get something fabricated up. I need both hood latches and both lower running boards if you know anyone who has an extra set. The last picture I found on the internet and it is a nice Mercury COE. Sorry it's so big :-(

http://members.cox.net/kennewman/195...0and%20Dad.jpg

http://members.cox.net/kennewman/coe%20springs%208.jpg

http://members.cox.net/kennewman/coe%20springs%207.jpg

http://members.cox.net/kennewman/195...00TowTruck.jpg

:-winkHi again Ken - I like BIG pictures!! The Merc. tow truck is from around Calgary, Alta., Can. That is the 3rd. one I was talking about and that is all I know about it. The other one is from around Winnipeg, Man., Can. E-mailed him and got his vin number. It was for sale but don't know if it sold or not.
Finding any parts for these trucks in this area is about nil. The running board in my pic was about 70 percent gone, the right side was the same. I used old running boards I had laying around to redo them. I long for the days when trucks were trucks and cars were cars. That is why I'm trying to keep Old Ugly as original as I can although I have put a 5.9 Cummins with 5 and 4 trans in it. By useing a more modern frame and running gear you will have a more reliable driver and probably fewer head aches.
I have more pics in photobucket you can look at but I don't know how you would find them but I know other have. I really don't know a lot about this computer world.
Will try to take a pic of the rear mounts on Old Ugly on Sunday and try to post them for you. I'm in the salt mine Tues. to Sat.
Bye for now - Rod

Here's a decent cut that shows the difference between COE and regular cabs

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i1...ECabmounts.jpg

Hi ALBUQ F-1 :-drink My manual has the same drawing but I don't know how to copy and post. On page 113 in the Frame, Muffler & Springs section there is a pic of 53 - 56 coe frame and mounts. If you have same maybe you could copy and post.
Thank you - Rod

Thanks for the picture.

Here it is

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i1...abmounts-1.jpg

I see what you mean about wishbone link. I guess that helped the cab from moving front to rear. A guy just parted one out here locally on ebay. I wish I knew I needed them, I would have tried to buy them. I will probably end up using the conventional cab links and use something else to secure it front to rear. You guys are a big help. Thanks, Ken.

The front cab mounts hold it F - R, the dogbones allow some motionside-to-side as the frame flexes.