1941 Ford COE

So I've got this truck,



I'm looking to put together a pick up bed for it. I've heard some of the aftermarket sheet metal is pretty bed. Anybody been down this path? Suggestions?

 

As long as that thing is, I think you're probably looking at a custom fabricated bed!

 

Come and join us in the COE social group on the HAMB

https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/social-forums/coes-cab-over-engine.283/

 

With the current 132 WB, the bed will need to be 10'6". I think that will look all wrong. Current plan is shorten the WB by 18" and have a 9' foot bed built. Planning on using '51 Ford fenders and 4 stake pockets to break up the bedsides.

 

I had the same issue, but managed to build a bed, using a Mid-Fifty tailgate and front. A local steel fabricator with a 10" brake did the sides and made the stake pockets. About $500.00.
I documented most of my build on FTE.
New member with a 1956 C-600 - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums (ford-trucks.com)
Regards, Mark

 

X2!

Nice looking COE!

I ended up with an 8' bed, but I'm running a Pete 36" sleeper also on a 140" wheelbase... I built mine bed by removing the side panels from a 2016 Ford F-150 aluminum bed and making my own wrecker style sides... For a pickup like you describe my thought is nothing that's stock will be quite right... I think a stock pickup bed might be too short for the height of the COE. Photoshop is your friend. As for shortening the frame.... maybe move the rear axle ahead and hack off frame from behind the axle? Might place the pickup bed fenders closer to where they'd be on a typical bed....

 

Nice work, do you have any photos of the finished product?

 

I have been pondering this for a few days, and I think a callout to photoshop guys is in order...
Proportions dictate a looong bed. Owing to the heavy suspension, wheelbase is your friend for a smooth ride and decent handling.
I would think a 9' or 10' bed with the fenders placed as far to the rear as possible, and let that determine wheelbase.
Another determining factor would be how much space you have for parking, both at home and in the real world.
Nice looking truck, and sure to different no matter what you do!

 

This is about an 18 inch shorter WB with a custom bed.

 

Great job @themoose . That's the idea I was trying to convey. Thanks!

 

Have you considered a flatbed or other utility type bed? The long pickup boxes just look wrong on a COE, IMO.
Looks like you have the engine up front, so you could make the wheel base as short as you want.

 

That's cool!! You even got the right fenders. Bed will be a smooth side. If you could put some running boards on there, I'd be perfect. In my mind the running boards will be attached to the bed, separate from the front boards.

 

Nice! That's what I'm shooting for.

 

Thanks for the photoshop call out, very helpful with my design ideas.

 

I was thinking flatbed for a while, but I can't get past all the exposed frame. This one has tubs to keep the bed low, still lots of frame. The tub sides are visible as well. Looks too much like a work truck for my liking.

 

If you make it short enough for a stock bed, they start to resemble a Hot Wheels creation;

 

perfect! any way you could put a 47 fender in there?

 

Something different, not a pickup bed. 39 GMC

 

Unique for sure

 

Might look something like this....

 

thanks for the update!
I think I like that curvy style better, but I can only find them in fiberglass.
I'll keep searching.

 

@FordF6

 

I think we have our winner. Of the three, this seems to be the best match with the front fenders.
Thanks again for your help.

 

Update, the bed is coming together thanks to Pro's Pick for the 9' creation.



These (48-53 Dodge) fenders should arrive shortly, hopefully, they mimic the fronts as closely as possible.

 

Good choice on the fenders!

 

Fenders arrived, I think they're about as good a match to the fronts as I'll find, short of having something fabricated ($$$$).

 

coming together, wheelbase shortened by 13"
running boards on the bed and less aggressive rear tires are next
paint soon