Ron, what would U do with this? COE thread.

OK, I found this and am probably jumping the gun but I am hoping to try and get this cab. Its stored at a home with the other cars I posted but belongs to a guy I have et a few times, according to the owner, who remembers me. I am having a hard time placing him, but hope it a positive recolection.

In any case, I called the owner of the cab who says its for sale. He didnt give me a price but he wants something i have as well.

So over the past couple of years I have been wanting to make a COE hauler project on a Dodge dually extended frame/ cummins, ect of some sort. If I grab thgis, I need a plan. Even if I dont, I now have the itch a agin to at least dream.

So that said, if I get it, I will need a Dodge diesel 2WD and then need more room. A sleeper cab or something else?

What do you fellas and gals think?

also, to Ron the COE guru, I again posted the addition to the other thread on here as I can see where I a heading with this.
Ron, I talked to the guy tonight. I will talk with him again tomorrow. Hes hot after a 392 HEMI composit block I have for mocking up motors into cars. I will see what I can do about getting the cab.

If I were to grab it, whats thebest platform for it? A cummins platform? and if so, I am guessing unlike the chevy counterpart, it can not be mocked up using a truck to extend the cab? I recall that the chevy cab be mated with a chevy truck to lenghten the cab. I believe that the Dodge can not and thus, thats why we see the sleeper sections attached to them?

If I get one, I want it to be a driver and will use it to haul the 38 or what ever other Rods I end up with. But I would need some room as this cab is small as compared to the chevy cab I still know of thats sitting out there. Not much room in it.

do you lower/ drop the floor for leg room or what your advise?

Dave

Dave

Posted By: RodStRace

Re: Ron, what would U do with this? COE thread. - 12/22/08 03:22 PM

Ron, I'd guess that you center the wheels first, then drop the body down until it hits, then lift an inch or so, then build mounts. The shifter and gas pedal are simple, cooling may need adjustment to fit the opening, and you want some decent access to the motor/trans.
The brakes will require remounting and making sure that the pedal ratio works.
How do you handle the steering? Lawfish's body looks like it already has a later model column.
I see the Rust primer build shot shows a forward-mount box and a couple joints to mate with the column.

Posted By: 73ChargerSE440

Re: Ron, what would U do with this? COE thread. - 12/22/08 03:27 PM

how do the frame rails on a 1-ton frame compare to the width of a standard frame?
new cab mounts?

Posted By: Mopar Ron

Re: Ron, what would U do with this? COE thread. - 12/22/08 04:20 PM

the frames from most newer trucks work out great, I haven't found one that wouldn/t work out somehow,
I have seen COEs on chevy 1 ton chassis and Dodge full size and Dakota chassis and even on an astrovan chassis. the astrovan chassis is great for building a COE PU style truck as it has 5 lug wheels a huge sway bar and 13" rotors and the steering box is mounted straight up so the steering column works out fantastic, it is a front subframe that unbolts form the astrovan and you just graph a rear frame to it and your ready to go.

the way I do mine is I crank down the front end to about ride height(or cut coils) and set the body and fenders on the frame where the steering box just misses the front fender and I mount the body low with about 3-4" to the fender and set it up on blocks of wood and then I start making body mounts.

most of the time I change the wheelwell opening as the stock opening is way to large (like around 43") and sometimes I remake the opening all together. I also widen most of the fenders 2-3" for better clearence because I like my COE's very low.
and making a column work, i have used mid 70's tilt columns but the newer FWD cars have very short columns and a nice ujoint, remember you sit much closer to the steering box so the column will be straighter up than in most trucks.

Like any other streetrod you have to fabricate things to make them work for you

Ron...

Posted By: 73ChargerSE440

Re: Ron, what would U do with this? COE thread. - 12/22/08 04:39 PM

Here is a 45 COE with a cummins work in progress

http://rides.webshots.com/album/104898540GiZaNR

Posted By: RUMBLON

Re: Ron, what would U do with this? COE thread. - 12/22/08 07:01 PM

Quote:

the frames from most newer trucks work out great, I haven't found one that wouldn/t work out somehow,
I have seen COEs on chevy 1 ton chassis and Dodge full size and Dakota chassis and even on an astrovan chassis. the astrovan chassis is great for building a COE PU style truck as it has 5 lug wheels a huge sway bar and 13" rotors and the steering box is mounted straight up so the steering column works out fantastic, it is a front subframe that unbolts form the astrovan and you just graph a rear frame to it and your ready to go.

the way I do mine is I crank down the front end to about ride height(or cut coils) and set the body and fenders on the frame where the steering box just misses the front fender and I mount the body low with about 3-4" to the fender and set it up on blocks of wood and then I start making body mounts.

most of the time I change the wheelwell opening as the stock opening is way to large (like around 43") and sometimes I remake the opening all together. I also widen most of the fenders 2-3" for better clearence because I like my COE's very low.
and making a column work, i have used mid 70's tilt columns but the newer FWD cars have very short columns and a nice ujoint, remember you sit much closer to the steering box so the column will be straighter up than in most trucks.

Like any other streetrod you have to fabricate things to make them work for you Ron...

WHAT YOU TALKING ABOUT WILLIS? OK, I thought that an ASTRO VAN meant chebbie????

Did dodge make an astro van as well, ????

Dave

Posted By: RUMBLON

Re: Ron, what would U do with this? COE thread. - 12/22/08 07:05 PM

HUMM, how about a COEDURANGO!!!!!

DAVE

Posted By: Mopar Ron

Re: Ron, what would U do with this? COE thread. - 12/22/08 07:45 PM

Dave it all depends on what you want to do with the truck when its done.
if it going to be a car hauler or tow rig you need to build it on a larger chassis like the dodge turbo diesel chassis
or 1 ton GM chassis'

and yes a Astrovan is a chevy, they work great if you were building a COE pu and wanted something a little smaller.
this two tone coe below is built on a dodge dakota chassis and the green one is on a fullsize dodge, I think he said it was a 1976 chassis

and I like the way the guy made the crewcab chevy

it sounds like you want a car hauler crewcab or sleeper COE
so I would go with a turbo diesel chassis and build from there. Ron....

and you might want to check out some more cool trucks here:
http://public.fotki.com/wackydave/cars_-_various_themes/trucks_and_pickups/coe_trucks/

http://public.fotki.com/wackydave/cars_-_various_themes/trucks_and_pickups/ramp_trucks__car_haulers/

Posted By: Mopar Ron

Re: Ron, what would U do with this? COE thread. - 12/22/08 08:04 PM

here a few more Ideas

or how about a COE panal truck

Posted By: bohmer2

Re: Ron, what would U do with this? COE thread. - 12/22/08 08:32 PM

I vote COE Panel. That thing is smooth looking and very unique to say the least.

Posted By: 73ChargerSE440

Re: Ron, what would U do with this? COE thread. - 12/22/08 10:21 PM

Hey Ron I checked out he other links of COE's

This one looks familiar

Attached picture 4895348-42COE1.jpg

Posted By: RUMBLON

Re: Ron, what would U do with this? COE thread. - 12/23/08 12:21 AM

I would really like a COE diesel hauler to be totally honest and something with some length to it, like a crew cab, ect. Something to haul the family to a show with the 38 on back of it or pick up cars,and so forth.

However, I feel that with my limited mechanical skills, a COE truck on a Dakota or full size truck/ gas would be best for my first try. As I have stated before. I have the shop and some equipment and love doing the body and paint, but I am NO mechanic and live in the middle of no where and only see friends when they want free parts. So I am on my own. But I found a diesel in the link below and it looks like more work that I can do without spending a ton to someone for help or someone elses knowledge and work.

I GET TOTALLY LOST when talking about moving an engine to behind the cab, ect. I dont know diesels either, as I only change the oil in both of my trucks 2005 diesel dually and 95) as they have not needed any labor and the 05 is under warranty.

Now if I lived close to a guy like Ron, then I know where I would spend my time and $$$$.

So maybe a mid 90s or so gas truck chassis is where I should use this cab if I get it. The first car I ever built was my 70 cuda vert. That was not a wise decision and this diesel hauler idea sounds like I would end up with a non finished truck in my yard for years.

I hate to admit it, but knowing ones limitations is key.

So, Ron, if I do the truck on a gas powered chassis, then I can geep the engine where it is and is there any reason to shoot for a mid 90s truck as opposed to a late 80s, ect. They are about the same as far as things go? I would just be interested in A.C and power items , like brakes, ect.

Now, my next question. do I fab a bed, or use parts from various trucks, if one does go with a hauler, where do you find a slid bed and other oddball items like that?

Thanks for all the info.

Dave

a ford hauler on a cummins chassis
link http://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/displayalbum.php?albumid=32741

its alos on here as well/ http://www.dieseltruckresource.com/dev/member.php?u=25553

Posted By: Mopar Ron

Re: Ron, what would U do with this? COE thread. - 12/23/08 12:24 AM

Quote:

Hey Ron I checked out he other links of COE's

This one looks familiar

and the sad end to it

Posted By: Mopar Ron

Re: Ron, what would U do with this? COE thread. - 12/23/08 12:43 AM

Dave I have only built one COE with the engine in the front location and I hated the lack of room in the cab and it was hard to get to the engine to do work on it, with the engine moved behind the cab made things so much better.
if the cab was mounded fairly high on the chassis you might be able to make one work...

I know nothing about diesels either so the next 2 COE are going to be 440 powered and the clubcab coe will go on a diesel chassis in about a year or two.

alot of this custom stuff requires fabrication and welding skills to get things done, it is best to learn how to do it or get a friend that can help you out.

to bad you weren't closer, I would be happy to help you out,
Jonsgotademon comes over once in awhile and is learning some of this stuff so he can get his stuff done

Posted By: RUMBLON

Re: Ron, what would U do with this? COE thread. - 12/23/08 01:16 AM

Ron, that was your old COE burned up in a fire???
Tragic.

was it sold to someone else when it burned or still in your hands?

Also, where do you look for sleeper cabs, ect. Is there a website for osme of that stuff or slide beds, ect that you venture to?

Dave

Posted By: Mopar Ron

Re: Ron, what would U do with this? COE thread. - 12/23/08 02:07 AM

Yeah Dave that was my old COE

, the guy I sold it to was in the hospital with some brain tumors when the fires came through last year and he lost everything, his house,garage, the coe, a new fiberglass willys coupe some birds and cats. and then this year he lost his battle with the cancer.
RIP Don

sorry dave I dont know where to locate sleepers.
we have one here that my son bought for $500. but he is not going to use it. it is 5 ft deep and a full 7ft wide, it make the coe cab look small.
we tried to sell it a few times and no takers so I set it up in the back yard and use it for a shed for the T shirt stuff

Ron...

Posted By: RUMBLON

Re: Ron, what would U do with this? COE thread. - 12/23/08 03:50 AM

Quote:

Yeah Dave that was my old COE , the guy I sold it to was in the hospital with some brain tumors when the fires came through last year and he lost everything, his house,garage, the coe, a new fiberglass willys coupe some birds and cats. and then this year he lost his battle with the cancer.
RIP Don

sorry dave I dont know where to locate sleepers.
we have one here that my son bought for $500. but he is not going to use it. it is 5 ft deep and a full 7ft wide, it make the coe cab look small.
we tried to sell it a few times and no takers so I set it up in the back yard and use it for a shed for the T shirt stuff Ron...

WOW, make syou feel thankfull about like in general. RIP. That was a dreadfull year.

Guess what, the guy who has this COE cab know you, sees you at MATS each year. He also has a 41 or somethign like that sedan delivery 8K.

Have any pics of the sleeper? is it for sale now?

Dave

Posted By: Mopar Ron

Re: Ron, what would U do with this? COE thread. - 12/23/08 04:19 AM

no pics handy of the sleeper right now and its raining so I'll get some in a day or two and I'll find out if my son wants to sell it again. Ron...

Posted By: NoFrills

Re: Ron, what would U do with this? COE thread. - 12/23/08 01:18 PM

if you guys don't know much about diesels and still want one go for a 89-93 ram with a cummins they are still 100% mecanical motors ands need nothing more then 1 wire hooked up to the fuel shut off to run the 92 up auto trans ones have some electroics but they are just there to make make the trans work the best part is even if it has 500k on it they still run great or if you don't have much space instead of getting the 5.9 6 cylinder get a 3.9 4 they make almost the same horse power stock and could be found in alot of bread delivery trucks and stuff like that

Posted By: 73ChargerSE440

Re: Ron, what would U do with this? COE thread. - 12/23/08 02:23 PM

Thats sad about the COE Ron. Sorry

Posted By: AZ_A12_BEE

Re: Ron, what would U do with this? COE thread. - 12/24/08 02:32 AM

I would imagine mounting the motor behind the cab sure would lower the noise level in the cab.

Posted By: Webster

Re: Ron, what would U do with this? COE thread. - 12/24/08 03:59 AM

Quote:

Yeah Dave that was my old COE , the guy I sold it to was in the hospital with some brain tumors when the fires came through last year and he lost everything, his house,garage, the coe, a new fiberglass willys coupe some birds and cats. and then this year he lost his battle with the cancer.
RIP Don

sorry dave I dont know where to locate sleepers.
we have one here that my son bought for $500. but he is not going to use it. it is 5 ft deep and a full 7ft wide, it make the coe cab look small.
we tried to sell it a few times and no takers so I set it up in the back yard and use it for a shed for the T shirt stuff Ron...

Sad Story

may he Rest in Piece

Posted By: Mopar Ron

Re: Ron, what would U do with this? COE thread. - 12/24/08 04:34 AM

Quote:

Sad Story may he Rest in Piece

Don bought the COE around 4 years ago,he had the willys at the time and was not sure when he would get it done and he wanted something to drive till the willys was finished.
he drove that COE all over and everyday. I am glad that he enjoyed it the last years of his life and it was always nice to see him crusin' with the COE

keep on truckin' Don

Ron....

here's Don showing off our COE

Posted By: AeroMonte

Re: Ron, what would U do with this? COE thread. - 12/25/08 01:31 AM

Quote:

Also, where do you look for sleeper cabs, ect. Is there a website for osme of that stuff or slide beds, ect that you venture to?

Dave

Look for local truck salvage places or search the internet. A Peterbuilt 359 will have the type of sleeper your looking for. Since there is no market for sleepers you should be able to score an older one pretty cheap, and aluminum is down right now again.

Posted By: AeroMonte

Re: Ron, what would U do with this? COE thread. - 12/25/08 01:33 AM

There is a truck salvage place 1/8 of a mile from me. I'll check to see what they have if you want.

Ron, what would U do with this? COE thread.