VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Commercial Vehicles 1951 GMC COE Tilt N Load

Hey, new to forum. Was looking to get a bit more information about a COE that got passed down to me in the family.

My father had a 1951 GMC COE. It was originally used as a fuel tanker for the Royal Canadian Air Force. 29k Miles on it.
It never saw any salt, and was always kept in immaculate shape, keeping it 100% rust free.
Before I was born my father purchased it and turned it into a project car of his own.
1990 P30 Chassis
Mid Engine 454
TH400 Transmission
Added an 18 foot Tilt n Load and a 8k lb hydraulic winch
It needs a small bit of interior work, but overall great shape. Runs, drives and has new breaks, lines, gaskets and everything.
Family kept it in a storage and I'd just love to know more about them.
Havent really decided if I will keep it or not as its quite a large vehicle, but I felt like sharing the truck with everyone and see if I could get some more information I didnt know about them.

Seems like a great place and just wanted to say hello to everyone on the forum.

I really like the COE's. If it was originally a diesel, it would have been a Detroit Diesel 6-71.

Welcome to Chatter
Nice truck, in my opinion well worth keeping at least for the sentimental value but as you say it is rather large so suitable storage could well be an issue.
Tony

Your COE started off as a "Rare" 450 series 3 ton, or 470 series 3 1/2 ton Heavy Duty small cab GMC COE. Most were the smaller 350 series 2 ton COE's. Yours has the smaller cab, as the 2 ton version, but larger fenders, and steps. Too bad it's not still original. It took me years to find one. I have a 1952 470 series COE, which is all original, with Factory air brakes. It was originally a Forestry truck with the Washington State Department of Agriculture. I had it delivered to me here in North Carolina. I just couldn't find any of these 450, or 470 series COE's on the East Coast, of the U.S. Check to see if the ID plate is still in the driver door jamb, or the GMC Parts ID tag, is still on the back of the glove box lid. you'll then know if it's a 450 series, or 470 series. Good luck with it. Very nice looking truck. I'd definitely keep it. You can always purchase a Car Port to keep it under. That's where I keep mine. I have two shops, but it won't fit in the door ways either one. I still have a 51 Chevy pickup my dad gave me when I was 12, and a 63 Impala SS that my Grandparents purchased new. I'll never sell either one of those, or my GMC COE.

i see this is an old thread but still worth a try. SPANKY, how common is a 1955 GMC COE 350 series? i cant seem to find anything on it. i have to go 1954 GMC to find anything.

A 55 1st series truck is basically a late 54 model. Anything you need to look up, is going to be the same as if it were a 54 model. Any pic.s ?