There is always something appealing about larger vintage trucks, especial the cab over engine variamts. This 1946 Chevrolet COE is currently for sale with a current bid of $4,400 with the reserve not yet met. It does not have a title, so it will be sold with a bill of sale only. The truck is currently located in Clarksville, Georgia. To view more information and place a bid, you can do that here on eBay.
The very little information listed about the truck includes the fact that the inline six cylinder engine is seized. They do not list if it is a 3.5 liter or 3.7 liter, which were the options for engine sizes in this truck. That would be connected to a three speed manual transmission. It was part of a range of trucks known as the AK series. According to the listing, this truck is a short frame version.
Inside the truck, there is surface rust all throughout the floor boards, but otherwise, it isn’t in that bad of condition. The seller does make a note that there is some rust building up near the inside of the cab where the windshield wipers are located. You can see that the glass all seems to be there and in good condition. Another note they make is that the original split rims do come with the truck.
This truck has so much potential. It would be really cool to swap a diesel engine in it and maybe make it a camper of some sort that can also tow a track toy. If you were looking for any newer chassis cab truck, depending on your budget, it might be fun to invest in this. It will take plenty of work to get it on the road but it won’t take long to get it there, and when it does, it will turn heads no matter where it goes.
Keepers creepers😠
I’ve seen trucks like these come to shows with a stake deck and an antique tractor in the back. Really great trucks, they were. I would hate to see something this complete have to give up its cab so someone could mount it on another Dodge Cummins (yawn!!!) chassis.
Looks like newer tubeless tires on the front. The frame has been fish-plated, so it had some heavy use. GVW is 16k, but likely licensed for more. It likely has the 235 engine. These were not offered with a three speed transmission. This truck has a four speed transmission with an Eaton 1350 two speed rear axle (vacuum shift on dash). I own a ’50 Ford F-6 COE with the 254 engine and a 4+2 drivetrain, it too has a fish-plated frame with a GVW rating of 16k but was licensed at 22k.
What is a fish plated frame?
Extra pieces of steel positioned to increase the strength of the members supported.
It’s a term borrowed from the railroads. It’s also used universally to describe a type of frame patch. It is usually a plate of steel slightly taller and thicker than the frame itself and bolted to the outside of the frame rail. There are cut outs for spring saddles etc. They usually extend from the rear of the front spring to the rear of the frame, depending on the application.
Hmm, I never heard that term either, but am familiar with the process. We called them “gussets”.
Also, that’s not a good way to repair a cracked frame rail. The frame cracked on my Western Star, and the repair was a piece of channel iron to fit inside the frame rail, bolt it, and weld the crack. I’ve seen frames with gussets crack again.
Me and my dad have always wanted one of these cab overs to make a flatbed tow truck for our 1946 chevy drag pickup. We wanted something to haul the drag truck to the strip and to put the whole thing into car shows and parades and such. I wish this was closer also because I would love to have it.
Sorry geomechs I’d be that guy with the cumins and a five speed. I would however keep the rest the same. I might change rear axle gear ratios if the need came but with the five speed also means an over drive gear. That old six banger in there couldn’t get this truck out of its own way, so no thanks I’d also take out a few leaves and soften the ride a bit. I’d shorten the wheel base down more to fit an 8’ one ton truck box that I would modify to look period correct. Now you could put a camper in the back or you could haul a holiday trailer. This would never be my daily driver but it would be my RV hauler.
I have nothing against keeping the chassis mostly intact. Some mods actually make the machine more streetable. The thing that bothers me is those guys who lift the cab off and put it on a 3/4 ton or 1-ton chassis. They scrap the original chassis and there is no chance of ever seeing the truck in its original livery. If you like Cummins that’s fine. Myself, after working on hundreds of them over the years, would prefer to work on something else. They’re becoming the SBC of the diesel world. Of course taking a 24 valve engine, and changing the injection pump to a P-7100 might be an adventure worth the time.
The world doesn’t need another rodded out car hauler. An Airstream-like period camper on the back would look nice.
Mike, I was thinking of a home-built camper inspired by the Beverly Hillbillies…a truly rustic RV.
I just can’t get enough of these trucks either restored or in original condition. For me I have no trouble cruising down the road at 45. I’m in no hurry to get where I’m going. And these sure give a lot of thumbs up. Of course there are those who are in too much of a hurry and give some other digit up…
Hey pal, your pictures make a strong argument( again with the cab lights) to keep it original, and we go over this and over this every time these come up. It all depends what you want to do with it. You want to lollygag willy-nilly down the back roads, weaving from one line to the other,( these did not track well) arm out the window, windshield open catching bugs ( these windshields crank open), retirement in full swing, original is the way to go, but for anything else, it should at least be able to do the speed limit, and bring it safely to a halt, as well, neither of which the original will do, an update is in order. I always thought these trucks looked like they were smiling,,,after just winning the war.
I have to agree I like original but if this was turned into a car hauler (which would look great IMO) I think you’d have to seriously consider a frame/drivetrain upgrade to make it safe and usable. Never done one but I’ve seen a couple before. Properly done they look incredible but it depends on the craftsmanship of whoever does it.
Great looking truck!! It would make a good car carrier!!!
Luv these trucks!
Can’t get enough of them either.
Anyone know some production numbers for these?
Can’t be that many made.
allô what your email i like info for coe thank you