Cab Over Trucks are great looking classics of the past that aren’t that common to see on the open road. This 1952 Chevrolet is a bit of a hot rod with its modern drive-train and chassis. Packing a 5.3 Vortec V8 and a modern braking system, this Chevy COE has more “scoot” and “stop” than it did in 1952. All of the charming looks and modern power of this Chevy can be yours for $31,995. Check it out here on eBay out of Columbus, Ohio.
Despite the heavily weathered exterior, the interior is a night and day difference. A modern bench seat has been installed surely offering some comfort, as well as a tilt steering column. A bright metallic green has been sprayed in the cab almost making you believe that you are looking at another truck entirely. New carpet has been installed, nearly hiding the engine cover.
Removing the engine cover shows that the 5.3 Vortec V8 is a nice fit, and surely puts a smile on your face when you hit the gas. A Chevrolet S10 chassis was used for this build and the seller mentions the use of power brakes with disks up front. If this is the case, maintenance would certainly be easy and affordable. The wheels have a classic appeal, but also feature some modern flare with their big sizing. Likely quite easy to drive compared to its factory components, I would even be willing to bet that this thing is a blast to drive!
Despite its weathered looks, this old truck appears to be rock solid. The bed has been borrowed from a regular pick up, and the frame is an S10 unit that has been lengthened by 2 feet. Although laid out in this configuration, this truck has a cool appearance, and is likely still a useful modern day classic. A couple of old motorcycles or bicycles would look great in the bed of this truck, or you could simply use it as a classic hauler for whatever you please. With interesting looks, modern power, and comfort, do you think this truck is worth this $31,995 asking price?
This is an unusual setup, as most of these cabovers were made into modern rolloff haulers. The pickup box looks odd with this cab, and I doubt any were ever equipped this way originally, however a search on images shows plenty of custom jobs like this. It’s done up right, but should really be finished. It looks terrible as is, lazy door handles and all.
I’m with you. Make it look like a new truck. Maybe add some wood stakes to the box.
Hi Rube. I guess that anyone who knows me knows that I frown upon taking a cab from an already rare truck and dropping it onto a modern chassis. That said, I also understand why it is done: The styling is great but the ride of a stock one and the cruising speed are grounds for a major case of road rage. I’ve seen lots of COE cabs dropped onto a 1 1/2 ton chassis, which the owners run and enjoy immensely. The end result looks close to what the original looked like, with some modern refinements. Personally, dropping a cab like this onto a half ton is pretty much overkill; it’s way out of proportion…
Sorry, you can’t do the patina thing And have bling wheels. Paint it & put a little taller tire on it.
I wish someone would run a hopped up Duramax and 3/4 ton chassis on this vintage! I know engine bay space is scarce on these which is probably why you don’t see it done.
This one I would leave alone looks wise and do what you’re thinking.
https://orlando.craigslist.org/cto/d/antique-1954-chevy-tow-truck/6414115036.html
I agree, that would be an AWESOME tow truck!! Especially equipped with the 4×4 set up like a 2015 model. Ha!! With all the modern amenities. Then it would be a great daily, or one hell of a actual work truck. Ha!
$32k for this??……..are they nuts?? I paid $33k OUT THE DOOR (tax, title and license) for my brand new 2016 Chevy Silverado LS double cab short bed 4×4 pickup truck in late 2016. It stickered for just under $45k. I got $14k off sticker. LOADED WITH OPTIONS. Which would you rather drive?
errr.. Maybe you’re on the wrong site.
lol
if you’re serious about your question. I’d much rather drive the ’52. If I needed a daily driver, “maybe” your ’16
Chuck those horrible wheels in the bin and stick a set of 20″ Detroit steelies on it. I’d daily drive the thing.
http://detroitsteelwheel.com/
Not sure about 20’s but I definately agree with the Detroit steelies for sure! “Daily drive”……..not so much!
I hope this “Patina” fad ends soon….
I love this, but I’d ditch the wheels for steelies and fix the lazy door handles.
I bet the smile on your face is traded for terror once you reach a curve…
Cool body style though, very art-deco!
I have to paint it..and finish the vehicle in areas where you got lazy.
Soooo…10k?
Patina = Paint And Tin is Not Acceptable
Not done very well at all. I guess you have to start somewhere (on the price). You never know, there may be someone out there that just has to have this. Now if they were asking $8700.00 it may be more realistic!
Um? Why? Perfect for a horror flick.
Someone call the janitor, somebody threw op on the door panels!
Way too much money asking price for what it is! An S-10 Frame? Why? They’re too flimsy for the small pickup body they came from the Factory with so why use it on this? Not heavy duty enough for me Thanks
Um, why is there overspray on engine cover? no paint on inside door and panels look like my kid made em, glass is busted, brake pedal shows welding, how big are the front spacers behing the wheels? how long will the wood inner fenders last? is the frame boxed and strengthened? i think this is someone’s idea of a get rich quick scheme, under 10k for sure imo
Throw together for big bucks, the patina looks like trash to me.
Hopefully the Patina craze ends soon! Love the COE’s but the wheels and stance along with yearning for a paint job does nothing for it!
I’ve seen more than one COE rig set up as a car hauler, I like that better than this setup. Get the right wheels, a good paint job and take your car out for a ride.
This Vehicle is somewhat nice as it sits but in actuality, it is only JYJ ( junkyard junk) well put together but surely not worth the price not even close.The only extraordinarily piece of this is the cab while it has been mistreated with ungodly green paint.
When I saw the picture of this truck, I could hardly wait to read the comments, as I expected you didn’t dis-appoint with all the negativety. I was also sure someone would say something about ruining a rare piece of automotive history, that’s a bunch B.S. Surprised no comment, bad mouthing SBC, that’s usually a standard one, along with should have restored it. All you have to say is Patina, and you can start a riot, maybe we need a standard definition for patina, probably write a book on that. The guy with the new truck, is for sure on the wrong site, he doesn’t get it period. Good build – bad build , from picture’s – Quien Sabe! I know its all about personal opinion, but sometimes I wish there was a back story about the person making the statement, like maybe his bio, and what gives him any credibility. Obviously NO WAY, because it all comes down to your opinion , even if you don’t know your butt from third base. That’s my opinion!
I think the negativity lies in the obvious (at least for me) attempt to blatantly over value the truck at the hand of this dealer. It’s like the old saying “an insult to (the car community) our intelligence. Don’t try to push this thing off as something that it is not!
I believe the fit and finish of the box interior also deserves the “UnGodly” description. I believe a 3rd grader could have as good carpentry skills.
I would bet “a blast to drive” would only last to the first corner. Would have thought it would be much more fitting to be on a 3/4 or 1 ton chassis but either way it sure is better than it going to the crusher.
Make it lower to be (even more) useless …
If this photo attaches…this is the way to go. Modern chassis, Duramax/Allison combo sleeper/hauler. This one is not really a COE but really well made. From near Morden Manitoba area. Saw it this September at the big Garden City show in Winnipeg.