53 Ford COE

[Bullitt]

I have been wanting to build this truck since the early 90's. the only problem was that there was not too many parts available to build it the way I wanted too. Some years later, many parts are available and I thought I would give it a go. I started the build in May 2008.
I did this so many times with MS paint.









Then I realized that this was the wrong direction. Time to pull out body #2.









I will start adding more pics showing the completion of the cab and what the truck looks like now.
Harry

[Thorsteenster]

Are you building another one?
Great use of a MP body.

[Bullitt]

It is the same one, but I thought I would post pics of the build here. It will just be a revised build thread for the body. I am thinking about making a crew cab version just to say I have done it and try to make it closer to 100%. The current version's hood is not spot on and it drives me crazy.

Harry

[Thorsteenster]

A crew cab would be sweet, and COE1 wouldn't be so lonely........

[Bullitt]

Originally Posted by Thorsteenster

A crew cab would be sweet, and COE1 wouldn't be so lonely........

A crew cab would be sweet, but I don't know what I would put it on. Maybe build another wrecker bed. We will just have to see.


Harry

[AZLIGHTNING]

I Look forward to more Pics, Great Build

[tc1cat]

After watching the trials and misfortunes of your 1st COE build, are you really sure you want to try another Anything wrong with your first build, is completely in your eyes. That build is outstanding!!

[FabOne]

Originally Posted by tc1cat

After watching the trials and misfortunes of your 1st COE build, are you really sure you want to try another Anything wrong with your first build, is completely in your eyes. That build is outstanding!!

I agree with tc1cat. Your builds have been awesome!

[Thorsteenster]

Boy am I newb to trucks, I just came to the realization COE is just an acronym for Cab Over Engine!

After seeing this buid thread on Scale I was thinking it was a Ford model lol.

[Tamiya Cowboy]

What a great build are you going to take us back threw the hole build I am hoping so.

[Bullitt]

Thanks all for the great comments. I am not ready to go through the build again, but I just wanted to show what it took to get the MP to what my truck looks like now. With it being a new forum, body shop section, and new members that I do not know, I thought I would introduce myself. These pics are only the highlights. On with the show...









For a while, it was going to be a vintage oilfield truck.



Then a day cab truck





Then the tow truck. I would still like to go back and build one like the last tow truck pic.














It even worked!

[Bullitt]

Then the times changed. I wanted to run the truck, but being on a reduced payscale because of the economy, I could do one of two things:
1) shelf it until the times turned around
2) sell everything but the cab and start in a new direction

I have always been a hot rod fan over everything else, so I chose door #2. The COE was renamed "the shop truck build".

New frame


new attitude




3/8" chop




The pickup bed




new color choice





tail lights

the start















Finally running


The green was to subtle for a hot rod, so something had to give.



interior pieces



Harry

[Bullitt]

Present day COE Hauler








I think that sums up over 2 years, not a lot of money, and having to go piece by piece.


Harry

[tc1cat]

Truck is awesome, Harry. I must have missed the final stages of the shop truck. The final rendition really looks good.
Still going to make a trailer for it to pull?

[Bullitt]

Originally Posted by tc1cat

Still going to make a trailer for it to pull?

Yes I am and I finally figured out what kind too. It will be a two-car trailer to haul my Datsun and what ever vintage racer I build later. It will be a lowboy gooseneck, with a walking beam setup, and a long dovetail. One car will ride on the dovetail and the other will ride on the flat deck in front of the axles. I will use Buggy Champ front tires for it as well. I do plan on making an enclosure up at the front, mainly so I can add a smoking unit or a sound unit because there is just not any room in the COE. I knew I should have made it a crew cab.


Harry

[Stuff]

nice to see how it has finished up!

for extra storage there is always tool cabinets! lol

id say if you had the cash that a whitebone trailer would be nice but i dont think he is exactly cheap lol.

[grumpygrady]

i really like this build
it shows that you don't have to stick to just one idea
and can use one chassis and or cab to make completely different trucks as your taste changes
very nice build

[Rogue]

Wow Harry, you're more indecisive than I am when it comes to picking a theme for a truck LOL

I gotta admit tho, i'm lovin the rat rod look. A old school parts runner at its best. Nice job.

[td9clyde]

looks great i missed the end of this lol even happens in real life 56 emblems on a 53 still looks awsome though i was thinkin about doin a 56 tandem truck

[SmallHaul]

Wow! Awesome truck! Each configuration looked great. The tow truck setup was very nicely done.