1941 Chevrolet COE

Other

6 - Cyl.

Manual

14PRB1234

Gasoline

1941 Chevrolet COE 6 cylinder dump truck 11/21/11. I purchased this lovely, attention-getting, almost completely rust-free truck last May in the hopes that I'd be getting a garage and to replace another project car of mine that'd gotten too expensive to finish. The garage now isn't going to happen, and this truck really deserves to be well-kept in one, so sad time to let it go to someone better equipped and more capable of properly caring for it than I am. I want to say from the outset that someone without a proper way of storing this truck really should not buy it -- old vehicles like this need proper storage in order to remain in good shape, and for ease of maintenance. Additionally, maintaining this truck while not difficult does often require more muscle and sometimes much larger tools than for a 1/2 ton Chevy of the same vintage. I also want to request of the low-ballers, tire kickers, and the other non-serious prospects who so frequently populate eBay, please -- if you would -- spare us all the time waste. I know what this truck is worth to me, and I'll wait for a fair price for it. This COE came from a private sale down in North Carolina from someone who restored these old trucks and had all kinds of them sitting around in a garage. This was by far my favorite. This COE starts, idles, and runs well. It is driveable, and unexpectedly fun to drive (slowly), but it takes a lot of muscle and is a real handful. For that fairly considerable safety reason among others, I'm the only one I allow to drive it -- I won't allow joy-rides from prospective buyers of which there could be many (real or pretended) as it seems everyone and their brother AND their sister wants to try this thing out. As it did on me, this truck just tugs on people -- men and women alike. I've had women and men tail me home just to ask about it. Crazy. Brakes and parking brake work very well. While not perfectly mint or 100% rust free, I'm amazed at how rust-free the body is, I can find no active rust -- and generally having restored vehicles with professionals myself before, I'm very impressed with the overall condition of the interior, engine, and body. I've been under it, in it, and under the hood: it's in amazing condition for its age. It's obviously has never seen salt or severe weather exposure. I'm going to keep this ad simple because I've not had this truck for very long, know very little about its history, and because this truck especially does well at speaking for itself. Below is the bulk of what I know. Questions are encouraged. Details - The engine appears to be a later, improved 235ci engine from between 1958-1962 (determined from casting numbers). - Wheelbase is about 133". - I converted the engine (reversibly) from points to electronic ignition (Petronix Ignitor); new 12V coil. Timing is loosely dialed in at present and will need to be set exactly (can advise how to do this). Amazingly, the vacuum advance is working (the whole distributor rotates instead of an inner plate). - I put in the foundation of a 12V conversion (reversible): new 12V battery; rebuilt starter (still 6V); remanufactured 12V generator with new 12V regulator, ammeter indicates correctly; has separate mechanical engine temp gauge; New 12V headlights. But the rest of the electricals are unfinished and will require sorting out (very easy on this truck). - I had the brakes checked along with a brake fluid flush, replaced the air cleaner intake hose and checked its oil, and exhaust donut ring. - Four speed manual with reverse (lock out) and a two speed Eaton rear end for 8 speeds forward, 2 reverse. Transmission is non-synchromesh, so double-clutching is required on all gear changes. - Dump bed is in working order, and works off the transmission PTO. - This truck had been completely restored to a high standard in the past, don't know when. So it's an older restoration that'd been done to what I'd call "parade" quality level -- not an insanely high level show quality job. - Truck was sold to me with a claimed original mileage of around 38,000 original miles, and the working odometer indicates close to that (plus my minimal mileage). With so much restoration work done, there is no way for me to verify this mileage claim... but its appearance is consistent with a 70 year old vehicle having that mileage. If in fact the mileage is original, then the current mileage is under 39,000 (as listed). - The VIN is from the title given to me; I am unable to read the real VIN plate, so cannot verify the VIN. - The title also shows "1938" as the truck year, but that's not correct. From my best guess in comparing to others, the truck is a 1941 but actual year could differ slightly (I am not an expert on vintage trucks). - front indicator lamp housings (on top of headlight teardrop) are currently off because one indicator lens broke. I have all pieces, but I recommend redoing the teardrops to be without them unless going for absolute originality. Have a look at the photos below. If there's anything I've forgotten or am incorrect about, please let me know. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Detail photos has optional heater, but it's not connected. This shot is of behind the seat. Left rear corner where often rusted out; right corner in same condition. Original location for battery under seat -- is completely intact but missing cover. driver side footwell with floor board removed. upper left corner shows old rust damage that was cleaned up and left alone during restoration -- this is not recent rust as the paint is intact. Not sure why this wasn't just patched. passenger side footwell -- all clean. engine, of course. under front hood. note the bypassed heater. shot of transmission showing driveshaft and PTO shafts, as well as remote mount air cleaner. This ad is for a model with an even shorter wheelbase than mine, and mine is pretty short. Titleship: Clear Questions: Please ask any and all questions you have before the auction ends. Terms of Sale: Ending Early: I reserve the right to end auction early for a good reason (eg. because of a local sale). Payment: A $400 nonrefundable deposit is required within 48 hours of end of auction. This can be done via Paypal. This deposit *does* of course count towards purchase price of car. Balance is due within 7 calendar days of auction end. Payment can be Paypal with a percentage overhead to cover its fees, personal check with clearing time, bank or certified check, or gold or silver bullion. I will relist car and keep deposit if balance not paid with 7 calendar days. Shipment: Buyer is responsible for shipment costs of this vehicle. I can, at buyer's option, arrange all shipping within the continental USA. Vehicle Condition: Although very knowledgeable, I am not a professional mechanic or bodyman. I have stated the condition to the best of my ability, and will provide whatever materials I can to support my claims. Vehicle is being sold as-described by my word with no guarantees beyond my word, nor any warrantees. Professional inspections are encouraged if they can be done at my premises. Sale is final, no refunds unless there's been a gross oversight on my part. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- end of ad. On Nov-23-11 at 07:53:28 PST, seller added the following information: Regarding the model year, I want to stress that I'm uncertain of the exact year due to the title having the wrong model year and the underhood plate being illegible. One eBay user has helpfully pointed out that this COE shows signs of being a 1946 -- not a 1941. Please refer to the questions / answers section to see that conversation thread. On Nov-27-11 at 07:45:10 PST, seller added the following information: I verified the VIN # as "14PR-B 1234" which matches what's on the title. A friendly fellow eBay has decoded the VIN as follows: 14- built in Baltimore Maryland PR- 1946 second series (later in the year after the strike) 132 inch wheel base COE B - some trucks had a third letter, usually a month indication. Usually these are CA trucks however. Maybe second month after the strike? Not sure. 1234- 1,234th truck from that plant. So it's now for sure a 1946 -- not a 1941 as I'd guessed.