Loadmaster '47 COE

[macksimus]

just found this build thread and subscribed. I have a GMC COE project in the works and the most useful thing you've said is that the cabs are largely the same as the other cabs across the AD range. So that means we can steal the stainless windshield and side window trim off a non COE model right?

[macksimus]

sorry - double post.

[47 Fasttoys]

You are correct, pretty much everything behind the the fire wall, above the floor and above the lower part of the doors is the same. As a matter, of fact you could take a standard cab door and with a bit of work on the lower section turn it into a COE door. All the inside stuff on the doors is the same. For the grill area I think the grill is he same as the ones used on the 1 1/2 and up standard cabs. Lucky for me, all my body parts are in very good shape with only minor dents. I've looked at your build and it looks like a cool project. Any updates?
Rob

[Billys68SS]

I really like the COE trucks as well. I've been keeping an eye out for one for a long time for a toy hauler. Chevy or GMC is preferred, but I'd take a Ford as well. I love the 50's Ford truck style.

[Wybrow]

I like any of the number 8 variations. Something about the wood slatting is appealing to me. Ultimately, I love COE's in pretty much any variation, so I have faith this one will be no different.

[macksimus]

Originally Posted by 47 Fasttoys

You are correct, pretty much everything behind the the fire wall, above the floor and above the lower part of the doors is the same. As a matter, of fact you could take a standard cab door and with a bit of work on the lower section turn it into a COE door. All the inside stuff on the doors is the same. For the grill area I think the grill is he same as the ones used on the 1 1/2 and up standard cabs. Lucky for me, all my body parts are in very good shape with only minor dents. I've looked at your build and it looks like a cool project. Any updates?
Rob

Fantastic news as I really want to get the stainless side window and windshield trim for my truck.
Started writing some more on my build thread tonight but brain is fried so will continue tomorrow.

[47 Fasttoys]

Hi all,
OK, so this April's plan is set. I've got 2 weeks home and 1 week of that is truck stuff only. Although most does not involve direct truck work it all needs to be done to support the truck.
Step 1: buy and install a 2 post lift (not the the ideal install in a 8 foot garage, but it can be done).
Step 2: remove bed and front clip from donor (put that lift to work right away). Step 3: build cart for cab of donor.
Step 4: remove cab, install on cart.
Step 5 and 6 are dependent on time but include:
Step 5. build cart for engine and trans at installed height and angle (living access for mounting cross members),
Step 6. set chassis at final ride height and start modifying rear of cab for engine placement. '47 cab is already on a cart at final ride height and angle.
All body parts are in great condition and will be for sale as they are removed.
Sound like enough to do in a week?
Rob

[99 to Life]

welcome back, good luck with your list. sounds busy and fun.

[mud.man.rj]

Git er done, sounds like a lot to do in a short time, good luck, keep us in the loop, pics i mean.

[Dieselwrencher]

I hope you can get more done than I can on my vacations. Good luck!

[47 Fasttoys]

I'm back. The home trip was a success, I ended up getting 12 days of solid shop time in. I made a lot of progress, completed the list and then some. I will start uploading updates and pictures tonight after work. I can say this: A lift in the shop is worth every penny and the late model chassis is the best I have ever seen as far as fit and and location of major components and steering hook-up. All this will be shown in daily updates (12) starting tonight. It looks like a lot of you guys have made a lot of progress in the last 2 weeks and I have a lot of reading to catch up on (no internet at home).
Rob

[47 Fasttoys]

Lift day: I thought I would include some info on the lift as I installed it on the first day home and it has been of major help. I bought a Derek Weaver 2 post 9K lift. I installed this in my shop which only has 8' ceilings. This went very well with only 1 minor modification to the roof, I cut out a small section to allow the post to go closer to the wall (4/12 pitch). The beams are heavy but using the engine hoist made it manageable. I then tested the lift with some other toys and made some minor adjustments. Doing it myself it took about 12 hours. The hardest part was drilling the 12, 5 inch deep lag bolt holes with a 1/2" hammer drill. My palms where sore for 2 days. Of course with only 8' ceilings I am limited on how high I can lift stuff, but It should work out well for most of the COE build and I do intend on raising the roof another 6' in the future. The little teardrop is homemade and is used to haul track tires and gear behind the Cobra.





Rob

[99 to Life]

cant wait to see some updates. lift looks good, I'm sure most all of us wish we had one.

[Kim57]

Wish I had room for a lift.
Looks good.
Kim

[47 Fasttoys]

OK, so most of this is tear down of the donor but we do get to the '47 so standby. I started by removing the bed, I also had to build a rolling cart for it as it will stay in the shop until I sell it later.



Rob

[_Ogre]

i feel your pain dealing with 8 ft ceilings, my 50x50 shop has the same though i do have an 18ft hay loft overhead.

but i have to ask... where's the hitch on the cobra for the teardrop? in the trunk from the look of the tongue?

[47 Fasttoys]

Yes, there is a hitch. I built a 2X2 cross brace which bolts between the quick jacks (see the 3 holes in each), to that there is small plate which mounts a normal 1 7/8" ball. I've towed over 2 thousand miles with that set-up and it works great. The only concern I have is what will I do when something big breaks (like the engine). If that happens then it maybe rollback time. Now on the other hand it looks like bed of the COE will end up around 11 foot. Lets see here...from nose to rear tires on the Cobra is 10 1/2 foot.....you see where this going.
Rob

[47 Fasttoys]

OK, so with the bed off it was time to address the cab, after doing some measuring it looked like with the radiator support out of the way the cab could be lifted and the chassis rolled away. The cab removal and stripping the wiring harness from the engine/trans took 2 days.
All kinds of connections to figure out.



It all cleared with 1/2 inch above the cab and 1/4 inch above the bumper cap on the way out.

Now I have a solid donor chassis to work with, a good running drive train and a solid body. How hard could this be?
Rob

[ghettoluxury]

Looks like you have a very nice foundation to start from.

[99 to Life]

man that lift came in handy. again your donor is better than my daily!!! Keep the pics coming.

[ibanezer]

Subscribed. Looks like this will turn out cool...

[Dieselwrencher]

Nice progress! One of my buddys said he used his cherry picker to put up his hoist and I thought it was sketch. Have any better pic of how you hooked it to the hoist? Your donor truck does look super clean too.

[47 Fasttoys]

Actually i do Deisel, I will upload some later tonight when I get home.
Rob

[47 Fasttoys]

Alright Diesel, this may clear it up a little. It was a little tricky to get the column off the lift once it was upright but overall it worked good.


Rob

[47 Fasttoys]

Now with the chassis free it was time to pull the engine and trans. Once again the lift works great for this also.


Once I had it free I went ahead and swapped the oil pad for the F-body pan. I did this for ground clearance as it will be mid-mounted. I also flipped the valve covers and intake, also needed for mid-engine clearance. Engine is good and clean inside.



The PS will also be relocated to the lower passenger side (current AC location) to make the front of the engine as low profile as possible. The plan is to stick that part under the seat.

I then started on the engine cart, the idea is to set the engine at proper ride height and angle so I can roll it to the back of the cab and start the cab mods.
That is a condensed version of my first of two weeks of work, I'll start tomorrow on next week and finally I will bring the COE back into the game.

Rob