Re: Loadmaster '47 COE
 

Looking good! My truck is a 54 which is the first year for one piece windshields. I hope that doesn't affect the price of them. :lol:

Re: Loadmaster '47 COE
 

This truck is bad as hell, I friggin luv it. Dieslewrencher if your referring to the windshield itself literally, the cost for that is 4 to 5 times the split windshield, so say 4-500 bucks. Other than that price isn't dictated up or down because of 54 and 55.1 series AD's IMO.

Re: Loadmaster '47 COE
 

Thanks all for the compliments,

All right last update for a bit. These are the final things I got completed on my last home trip. All previous shots where completed in 19 days while on vacation, actually it made for a good stress releasing vacation as living and working in Shenyang China can be a chore at times. Anyway still planning on next trips work.
OK, so got as far as I could on the interior, spray bombed the firewall and stuffed it all back in the corner.
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...E/DSCI0412.jpg
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...DSCI0413-1.jpg
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...E/DSCI0421.jpg
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...E/DSCI0416.jpg
Rob

Re: Loadmaster '47 COE
 

OK, just so my project doesn't fall into complete never never land. I have made some minor progress. I bought a donor: 2003 Silverado ext. cab, 4.8/auto. 146XXX miles. Actually it's a really good truck with no damage and runs good. I think I can make at least 1/2 my money (5K for the truck) back on parts after I get what I need.
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...COE/truck3.jpg
This gives you an idea of where I'm trying to go with this project.
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...ithtrailer.png
Rob

Re: Loadmaster '47 COE
 

looks awesome! id just leave it a reg cab, saves a ton of work and keeps the patina! lookin forward for more

Re: Loadmaster '47 COE
 

Yeah, I agree on the regular cab thing. I was just playing around with paint to see what I could do. Also the stacks will probably not happen. With the 4.8 I should be OK for a small 5th wheel. More often then not it would be a car trailer as I race the FFR.
Rob

Re: Loadmaster '47 COE
 

Here is some inspiration for you Rob.

Re: Loadmaster '47 COE
 

Yep, that's the look I'm after. Got any contacts on the owner? I would like some details and pictures of engine placement etc.
Rob

Re: Loadmaster '47 COE
 

will be sick man. I can't you how bad I want to do a COE and a suburban. I have a dodge camper with dually rear end that I think would would work for a COE. I gotta measure track width, but I was thinking about making it a flatbed. Seen an amazing 54' GMC COE on CL for like 5k, see pics. This would be an awesome build.

Re: Loadmaster '47 COE
 

Yea, I've seen that recently. That's not really a bad price if it's as solid as it looks. For that one I would probably just keep the chassis and just swap out the drain train and maybe go IFS. The issue I ran into was cost of shipping and mine already had an extended frame using some "C" channel. That thing looks like a guy could drive it home.
Rob

Re: Loadmaster '47 COE
 

rob, no doubt man. That GMC looks like a driver. I can't get over how nice it looks and that grille is off the hook. Endless possibilities with these. what are you plans with your donor truck? you using frame and driveline or do you have another frame in mind? Sorry if I missed it.

Re: Loadmaster '47 COE
 

Yep, plans are to use the chassis complete, but move the engine and tranny back a couple of feet to make it a mid-engine. I will try to use as much of the donor parts as I can and sell off the body, interior, bumpers etc. It has the dirve by wire throttle and cable shifted tranny so those things will help for going to mid-engine. It also has R&P steering which should make steering hook up a little easier. Right now it's just planning and stocking up on parts as I'm working in China until late next year.
Rob

Re: Loadmaster '47 COE
 

dang, I couldn't handle being away that long. Especially with fam and awesome projects waiting. The drive by wire is a good feature and score no doubt. Have you found some other guys using these frames? Couple feet back, sounds rather large of move. dunno though, don't have one in front of me to measure off of.

Re: Loadmaster '47 COE
 

subscribed.....been thinking about one of these for a couple of years now.

Re: Loadmaster '47 COE
 

Yes, a move to China is not something to be taken lightly, luckily my wife was able to join me and has found a job teaching at an international school. I have been here 2 1/2 years now and have about 1 year left. I do get 1 or 2 home trips per year so it's doable. On the plus side the money is great.
Now back to the important stuff, no I haven't found details on anyone using this chassis but the track is right and a few other details of the donor seem to fit well into the final goal of the truck. As far as the engine setback, the goal is the front of the engine under the rear of the cab with the intake flipped 180 degrees so the TB will be at tranny side. This should allow the front of the intake to sit behind the seat. I will fab up a low mount alternator set up so everything forward of the valve covers will be under the seat. This should leave me with a drive shaft around 20 to 24 inches. That sounds short until you see my FFR Cobra drive shaft, it's 8 inches center to center of of the "U" joints. Anyway, I've got lots of details worked out on paper and have used a tape measure once or twice. I've also done a few EFI swaps and some chassis stuff in the past. If there a major roadblock to this project I haven't found it yet.
Rob

Re: Loadmaster '47 COE
 

Rob,
Have you tried towing anything with the 03? I believe the 4.8 was only good for about 4500 lbs towing. You would probably be ok with the car trailer and cobra but I am not sure about a 5th wheel. If you stay away from hills you might be ok.
Shane

Re: Loadmaster '47 COE
 

Ha , have I towed with?.... I haven't even seen it in person yet. I found it on E-bay, it was close to my house, so I called and had my brother -in law (also a car guy) check it out. The pictures on the web were crap and no one bid on it. I called the guy after the inspection, made a low ball offer and left it at that. Auction closes and 3 days later he calls and we do the deal. All the paperwork is in good order and it runs out good. I've got a lot of pictures from different views.
Shane, as far as towing a 5th wheel goes, I would agree with you in it is a bit much to ask of a 4.8L. After I get it on the road and work out the bugs for a couple of years then I will look at upgrading to a 6.2L or better. Because the LS series engines use the same basic block a swap should be a non issue. Of course the tranny and rear will also need to be addressed, but that stuff is still a coulpe of years away.
Rob

Re: Loadmaster '47 COE
 

hi rob nice job you are doing to the coe I have a 48 coe I got from Idaho ship to perth western Australia I a need some parts that are not on standard pickup [ hood hingers, hood latch , hood molding under chrome chev molding , radiator cover that is bolted to grill ] do you know of any one that can help me thanks tony

Re: Loadmaster '47 COE
 

Morning Tony, sorry I have no connections for extra COE parts yet. You may try Mothertrucker on the H.A.M.B. web sight Although I'm not sure if he has COE parts he does have a good reputation and may know who has the parts.
Good luck, Rob

Re: Loadmaster '47 COE
 

Love the cabover trucks! I have one underway as well. Must be tough to be so far away from your truck.

Re: Loadmaster '47 COE
 

Well you have to these things in perspective. The truck and other toys are just that....toys. The hard part is being away from the kids and grand kids. At some point in life we all have to make sacrifices, in my case it was a good career move and it has been a once in a life time adventurer, I've got to see thing that most won't have the opportunity to see, my wife have become closer and I've come to realize just how lucky are to be American citizens. I've been to 4 other countries sense starting on this assignment. OK, enough of this mumbo jumbo, yes, I miss the truck. I look at parts, web sights and think up new ideas for it daily. When I do get in the states I go full blast with all the free time I can get. The work you see is only 19 days worth. When I'm done with this deal , at the end of next year, I wont have to be rushed but will still hold a steady pace.
Nuff said.
Rob

Re: Loadmaster '47 COE
 

OK, so I'm playing with some ideas on paint. Please pick 2 and give reasons.
Thanks,
Rob
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...Multiviews.png

Re: Loadmaster '47 COE
 

While #7 is cool I am going with 1 or 4.

#1 Gives that cool custom Big Rig pickup style that really looks good on the COEs.

#4 Is more of a period correct Big Wrecker look and suits this truck very well.

Re: Loadmaster '47 COE
 

OK, just a few more.
Rob
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...0COE/Shoty.png

Re: Loadmaster '47 COE
 

you should rename this thread ''fun with photochop'' :D
8.2, make it a 10 foot bed

Re: Loadmaster '47 COE
 

My first vote is #7 because my dream/retirement project is to build a COE based RV/ motorcycle hauler along these lines. My second choice is #6 as it would make a great puller for a 5th wheel toy hauler which is the other option I am considering. Planning projects is almost as much fun as building them! And much cheaper!!

Re: Loadmaster '47 COE
 

I like quite a few of them, I def like 8 and 8.2 with fold down sides. I'm planning on doing one as a flat bed and maybe one with a long bed, both on air ride. but gotta one one first!! My friend just found one ruff but local to us and just found an amazing one out west, he might be shipping over east. it has drop dead patina. Like all your options there. I like the extended cab ideas, but I can't stand seeing another truck cut up for that. They def are rare to see, but maybe if I found a back half or an extremely beat up front, would I ever consider that.

Re: Loadmaster '47 COE
 

Love these Stubs! I'd pick #4... Just looks correct to me. Wrecker sides with flared running boards always appealed to me. Awesome build, subscribed!

Re: Loadmaster '47 COE
 

Choose WTF for sure!
Attachment 1205350

Re: Loadmaster '47 COE
 

very nice build, Im goinig with 8.1 .

Shawn

Re: Loadmaster '47 COE
 

Well that is a shorty for sure. Is that the same truck that used to red with with flames? I remember seeing one a few years ago and it stuck in my head. I think it was re-purchased by the original builder and he's redoing it. A little short for my taste but solid craftsmanship for sure. I think I have decided on 8.2 with the fold down sides. I was able to shoot home for a quick week for Christmas and take a good look at my donor. I think I did really good on picking it up for 5K and even though my wife says it's way to nice to tear apart, it was bought for a donor and that is what it will be used for. I'm thinking I will get home for 2 weeks in April, and live in the shop for at least a week of that time, so a good deal of work will get done then.
http://i562.photobucket.com/albums/s...%20COE/181.jpg
Rob

Re: Loadmaster '47 COE
 

Had a good look at the 47 COE and you have a really nice build there, I too like the standard cab with fold down sides, very useful. Cool build.

Re: Loadmaster '47 COE
 

your donor would be my best daily driver!!! hope you get back at it. I'm sure your itching.

Re: Loadmaster '47 COE
 

Yeah, it's nicer then anything I've ever had for a DD also, the '46 in the background is my daily, has been for 10 years now, so I am a firm believer that these things can be built as everyday transportation. I've also got a FFR Cobra for track days and nice weather days. The COE will fit into the mix and double as a tow vehicle for a yet to be had camper. My wife has the Mini Cooper but really likes the old stuff so I get a lot of leeway when playing with the car hobby.
Rob

Re: Loadmaster '47 COE
 

well you should be able to fetch a decent penny off of selling the body off. Thats cool your wife is into older stuff. Def makes life alot easier. I def need an older daily, I'm sick of 2x4 s10 with no balls. I wanna do up my 63 truck for a daily and keep all my AD trucks for cruisers.

Re: Loadmaster '47 COE
 

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?

Re: Loadmaster '47 COE
 

sorry - double post.

Re: Loadmaster '47 COE
 

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

Re: Loadmaster '47 COE
 

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.

Re: Loadmaster '47 COE
 

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.