1953 Chevrolet COE Cab Over Engine Truck - One of the first ever modified

1953 Chevrolet 5700 COE (Cab Over Engine) 2 Ton Truck

Built in the early '90's, just as modified COE's were becoming a fad.

Well known truck across the U.S. and beyond, even then.

Featured on pages 120-121 of Tom Brownell's 1994 book: CHEVROLET PICKUP COLOR HISTORY

Aged 18 years under a tarp in southern California.

Re-build began Aug 29, 2012.

Very detailed records - some of the highlights:

7' 4" Tall ~ 91" Wheelbase ~ 12 1/2" Driveline.

Engine/Trans:

'70 Cadillac 472ci(7.7L) -375 hp-525 lb/ft Unknown miles.

Turbo 400 auto.

Suspension:

'73 Chevy 1/2 ton ~ '79 Chevy van steering box.

12 Bolt 3.07 limited slip rear axle ~ B&M Unimatic Shifter.

Scale weight: 4,200 Rear Axle: 1,600 (Front Axle: 2,600).

Power brakes - Power steering.

New Professionally rebuilt Rochester Quadrajet.

New Aluminum radiator. Original heater/defroster works.

New Front disc brakes with all new components, 2.5" dropped spindles / rotors /calipers / pads / bearings / flex lines / banjo bolts.

'67 Chrysler Tilt/Tel column. Original Guide traffic light viewer.

Red leather seat: '74 Eldorado.

New reproduction speedometer installed in 2013 - 6,000 trouble free miles since.

Original radio lights up only with new reproduction knobs - New reproduction Day/night mirror.

Prestolite high / low note horns from a'64 Dodge Polara.

'54 1/2 ton Bed & rear bumper ~ Model A taillights ~ Fulton visor 800 series.

8 New reproduction front park lamps - New rear bed rail LED running lights.

New Showwheels Streeter 18x8. Plus a spare Streeter wheel new in box.

New BF Goodrich Rugged Trail T/A - P275/70R18.

New Bilstein shocks.

New 17 gallon poly gas mounted to the rear under the bed.

Redo 2018:

New Urethane paint - Eastwood Matte Black with Red Black Cherry Super Metal Flake over hood, front fenders, visor and tailgate.

New Line-X coated running boards. New Chevrolet step pads.

New Chrome plating by Show Quality Metal Finishing in Seattle:

Chrome original front bumper - Grill bars - Hood grill bar - Hood hinges - Hood handles - Cab grab handles - Vent window visors - Inside windshield trim.

New Stainless hood center strip. NOS Chevrolet hood emblem.

New Green tinted glass all around and seals, professionally installed.

New chrome vent window frames and seals.

New door seals, headliner, door handles. Bear claw door latches.

New stake sides with new Chevrolet Service metal signs.

Has always been more of a "Rat Rod" by today's terminology. But has always turned heads - you cannot drive this any distance without returning smiles, waves, thumbs-up, and the occasional dance of joy. Everybody loves to take a picture of it, sometimes while you are driving down the road. It always draws a constant parade of onlookers at any show - be prepared to talk truck with young and old alike.

Also shown in Rod & Custom magazine reader's rides Dec 1993. On the cover & reader's rides Sport Truck Dec 1993. On the cover of Classic Trucks, Summer 1992. Inside Street Rodder Dec 1992, Good-Guys Pacific Northwest Nationals coverage. And others no doubt, its picture showed up on fridge magnets from China in the 1990's. It was later dubbed "Mr Shorty" and featured on a COE truck web site, even before they knew anything about it.

Left on the to do list for the truck, nothing really comes to mind. Just drive it and enjoy it.

The books and magazines mentioned will be included free with the truck.

Always garaged - and will remain garaged until your transport arrives.

FAQ's:

Where is the engine?

Under the floor in the correct COE placement.

What frame is under it?

Front half is original COE grafted to back half of '73 half ton.

This allows all the original super structure cab, fender, radiator and bumper mounts to remain.

'73 half ton front suspension is grafted to the COE frame.

How well does it ride & drive?

The ride is very comfy on coil springs up front. Posh Cadillac Eldorado leather seat adds to the comfort.

Drives very smooth with power steering and brakes. Turns on a dime with such a short wheelbase