got stupid one day a couple weeks ago and bought this 1953? GMC COE on impulse. didn't really think it thru at the time, not sure what I'm going to do with it yet but it's mine.. 2 speed diff, 471 with supercharger, factory sleeper. everything there and supposedly the 471 does run. searched everywhere on internet trying to find info on it but not much can be found.. can anyone ID the model number for me. I believe my friend said it has a 33,000 gvwr, it's huge! had to climb up two steps to look in the window. probably 9-10ft tall.
1953? Gmc coe
- Thread starter Johnco
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not sure when and if I will get around to building it. a friend gave me a 1 ton chevy rv frame with steering suspension and axles I could use but I also have a 96 f350 dually powerstroke I just parked when I got a newer truck. or I could just fix and use as is.. looked it over a bit and it wouldn't take much to get it on the road as is.. my problem is that it's so big and I have no room to park it at my shop because of all my other cars/projects. first I have to find a way to even get it home. also will need a big forklift or truck crane to get the cab off. I'm still in planning stage but wouldn't bother me if someone made me an offer I couldn't refuse.. I'd rather swap it for something interesting though. parking room wouldn't be a problem after its driving on swapped frame but with cab off, original frame, donor cab/bed, and donor frame all together getting the project started is going to take every bit of shop driveway, if I could find somewhere to park the 6-7 cars I have there now.. obviously I didn't think it all out until the day after I bought it, lol if I ever get to it, Im thinking about doing something like this maybe
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Dirtyrat
Got Fins?
COEs are just sweet, especially one that looks like its an extended cab..
I'd build that in a heartbeat and drive it all over!
I'd build that in a heartbeat and drive it all over!
Looks to be in real good shape. If it were mine I'd have to get rid of the 471. I can't take the noise or that they only make power when at wide open throttle. I have a friend that says a Detoit can smell a hill and starts slowing down before you can see it. I think it will make a great buid. Good look with it.
Country Misfit
I tell you... I get no respect!
I have bought stuff and then wondered the next day,why did I do that? Hope you find a good home for it,or find time to fix it.
oneeye
Well-known member
Sweet truck!
smallfoot
He's rockin' the "Nuttin Special"!
I could be wrong but I thought the coes still had the AD style fenders in those years....still a cool coe!
Todd
He's just one of them Rusty-Chainers!
It's a semi truck
Bamamav
Well-known member
Those old 2 stroke Detroit Diesel's are loud, especially with a straight pipe like that one has! Old drivers say you'd slam the door on your hand first thing in the morning so you'd be mad all day and keep the throttle wide open! And they came from the factory slobbering oil. If it quit leaking oil, it was either empty or fixing to blow up!
Even if it was a semi, it would still make a neat ramp or flatbed truck. I'd go with a Cummins from a Dodge pickup for power.
Even if it was a semi, it would still make a neat ramp or flatbed truck. I'd go with a Cummins from a Dodge pickup for power.
jcillch
Active member
That's not a COE! Well I guess it really is a Coe. Those trucks are referred to as "cannonball" trucks. GMC's first line of diesel semi road tractors... Worth a pile of change to the right people! Obviously the front sheet metal is totally different. I've seen one truck that used the regular Coe fenders on a cannonball, it was amazing! Really a neat hard to find truck.
Willowbilly3
A *real* tin magnet
American Historical Truck Society used to have a forum. If they still do that might be a good place to start. But it seems like you had to pay $30 to be a member before you could post to their classifieds.
shakey56
Well-known member
lowbudget50
Creators of all things awesome
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Cool truck for sure! Id Build it and cruise it.
21willys
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I was serious about being interested. And I can haul it.
21willys
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I've had a few driptroits and love them. My eagle tour bus had a 6v72 in it. For a big old bus it would scoot right down the highway while pulling a trailer. As for the noise, you either like it or HATE it. And believe it or not, it didn't leak or use a drop of oil. Only had 60k on it when I sold the bus.
