1954 Chevrolet Chevy COE Cabover Stubnose

1954 Chevrolet Other Pickups Description

1954 Chevrolet Chevy COE Cabover Stubnose

First of all the background on this truck. I purchased this from an older gentleman about 60 miles from where I live. He had this truck for many years. It was originally a grain truck for him. This guy then changed it over to what you see in the pics. He was really into old Chevy trucks (both pickups and bigger trucks) and used this to travelaround the area and haul other old trucks back to his farm. this truck was so cool I purchased it on the spot. The truck had been sitting for +/- five years, and he told me as part of the deal he would put in some fresh gas and a battery and I should just drive it home. I obviously took him up on this.

The Drive

At aprox the halfway point, 30 miles into the drive, going down a brick main street in a small townI hear a loud clunk and then a horrible rattle/vibration. The drive shaft had come out of the carrier, but I got it back in, and smacked the side of the carrier with a hammer so it can't come out again. Not my usual fix, but I don't drive '54 COEeveryday either. Another 10 miles or so, the right rear brake starts smoking from dragging a little. It did quit on its own, but I didn't drink the bottle of water I had just in case I needed it to put out a fire. It was 95 degrees that day and I was pretty thirsty. I finally made it home witheverything running and in tact. It was probably one of the most fun trips I've ever had, at least in hindsight. Every time I sell something on EBay I have several peopleask, (can I drive it to New York or Los Angeles etc.) please judge for yourself.

Now for the details on the truck. The drivetrain is a good running stock 70's vintage 350 engine and a turbo 400 transmission. It shifts well, engine stays cool, etc. The truck has power steering and power brakes. The power steering works very well, after my journey home I had to put two new wheel cylinders in right rear. Brakes are still spongy even after bleeding. I would say it needs either a master cylinder or a hydro-vac. The shifter for the trans needs to be adjusted. It stays in park and drives just fine, but the cable has a strain on it when in reverse and you have to hold it there. No problem what so ever with transmission. The body on this thing is awesome. It is 99.9% rust free. It has an old repair on driver side door where I would say the wind caught it. The front tip of the grill is pushed in, but another one comes with the truck. The seats came out of a motorhome, and are actually pretty comfortable. This is a wonderful project that you can drive as you restore, or just spend a couple days working on it and its a daily driver.

As I said, the brakes need some attention, along with the driveline. The tunnel over the engine needs finished, it lets a lot of heat in the cab! This is not a rollback. It is set up to mount an electric winch on the bed. The cables are still there. I'm sure I am leaving something out, but please just call Cort - 620-786-5172 with any questions, as I am sometimes slow to reply to eBay questions.

One other thing about this truck and old Chevy'sin general. I learned recently, Chevrolet used the engine serial# on the titles. No big deal until you sell one to another state and the title dosent match door tag. I have the original title for this truck, that came with it when I bought. I also had a highway patrol inspection and have titled it under my name with the vin plate number. I am awaiting title from the state, and may be another week or two. So-you will get two titles for this truck, both clean and clear.