Wild 1948 Ford COE Makes One Killer Harley Hauler

Daily Slideshow: If you've got a sweet custom bike to haul, why not do it in style with a classic Ford COE?

By Brett Foote - February 12, 2019
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Dream Hauler
1 / 10
Shiny Workhorse
2 / 10
Comfy Duds
3 / 10
Tall Order
4 / 10
Taller Than Tall
5 / 10
Bedside Entertainment
6 / 10
Beautiful Yet Practical
7 / 10
Best buddies
8 / 10
Diverse Hauler
9 / 10
Welcome Trend
10 / 10

Dream Hauler

In our book, there aren't many vehicles on this earth cooler than an old-fashioned Ford cab-over-engine truck. COEs are also incredibly popular to hot rod these days, as they can be transformed into cool haulers that pack way more style and finesse than your typical big rig. And this amazing '48 Ford COE we found while perusing Mecum Auctions is a shining example of just how cool they can be. 

Shiny Workhorse

OK, so maybe this COE is a bit too nice to employ as a workhorse. As perfect as it is, it's probably better suited for car shows with that equally nice custom Harley on display in the bed. But the sheer effort that's been invested in this old commercial truck is absolutely mind-boggling. 

>>Join the conversation about this 1948 COE right here in Ford-trucks.com.

Comfy Duds

Obviously, this old Ford was designed from the start to match its Harley cargo. Both sport the same iconic H-D colors of orange and black, and that theme continues in the COE's cabin. A far cry from the simple original duds, this leather-trimmed cab looks plenty comfy for long trips on the highway. 

>>Join the conversation about this 1948 COE right here in Ford-trucks.com.

Tall Order

But as wild as this old Ford looks, its method of power is even wilder. The chromed-out powerplant under the tilt bed packs not one, but two roots-style blowers on top of the tallest intake manifold you'll ever see.  

>>Join the conversation about this 1948 COE right here in Ford-trucks.com.

Taller Than Tall

It's the kind of thing you might see on a '50s or '60s era custom, and it's every bit as ridiculous as you might think. But hey, nobody ever said having an engine taller than the average adult was really a bad thing, right? 

>>Join the conversation about this 1948 COE right here in Ford-trucks.com.

Bedside Entertainment

The bed of this hauler is obviously quite functional, but it's also adorned with lots of cool bits. Those mods include a massive stereo system guaranteed to keep you entertained while you're loading or unloading your two-wheeled cargo. 

>>Join the conversation about this 1948 COE right here in Ford-trucks.com.

Beautiful Yet Practical

One thing's for sure - you won't fail to turn a single head anywhere you take this big orange beauty. Sitting on an air ride suspension, it's capable of driving anywhere comfortably without scraping up all that beautiful paint/chrome, too. 

>>Join the conversation about this 1948 COE right here in Ford-trucks.com.

Best buddies

Ford and Harley-Davidson share a lot in common as two of America's most iconic manufacturers, and they've long enjoyed a fruitful relationship. However, this pairing just takes that relationship to a whole new level. 

>>Join the conversation about this 1948 COE right here in Ford-trucks.com.

Diverse Hauler

With a custom bed perfectly molded into the cab, this seamless build is a great example of just how diverse an old COE hot rod can be. Whether you're hauling tractors, cars, or motorcycles, these big round beauties are obviously up for the task. 

>>Join the conversation about this 1948 COE right here in Ford-trucks.com.

Welcome Trend

Without a doubt, the recent influx of COE builds is certainly our favorite trend in the custom vehicle world. And as awesome as this Harley-inspired '48 is, we can't wait to see what's in store in the near future!

>>Join the conversation about this 1948 COE right here in Ford-trucks.com.

For help with your maintenance and repair projects, please visit our How-to section in the forum.

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