Cab Over Glory

[Dr. Cranky]

I don't know what era these were most popular in, but I tell you seeing some of these beauties really make me wonder why they faded . . .

They also make great modeling subjects . . . right?

Are there extreme cases of these in the 30s and 40s?

[Austin T]

I think we can all agree that at one time we have wanted something like that car hauler.

Edited May 10, 2012 by Austin T

[Harry P.]

Cabovers are still popular in Europe, not so much anymore here in the states.

[ARTEMIS1759]

I love the advanced design Chevy COE's (47.5 to 53) don't like the 54 Chevy grille (4th pic). The other model is around a 46 (3rd pic).

Edited May 10, 2012 by ARTEMIS1759

[Dr. Cranky]

I have seen these as Diecasts in several scales (Maisto?) and I have to say I like them quite a bit. I know there are some resin ones out there for the 50 Chevy, etc . . .

I just love the rounded features. Maybe it's an acquired taste.

[Chuck Most]

There was a guy out in Colorado casting the GMC '47-53 style cabover, I'm not sure if it is still available now.

[Guest Johnny]

Cannon Ball!

[Longbox55]

Technically, those are not true "cabovers". GM called them Low Cab Forward, somewhat of an in between of a conventional and a true cabover. You get the short wheelbase and in city manueverability of the cabover, but the ease of routine maintainance (checking fluids, oil changes) of a conventional. I know GM produced those style trucks well into the '70s. As to whey they went away? I'm not really sure.

[Eshaver]

I dunno bout some of you , but working one some of them was well, like working on a Late model van. Driving one , say the 1950 Chevrolets were stuffy, cramped , and the ride was near sheer tourture in some cities . I can actually say I have worked on a couple and driven one of the Chevrolets . Even the 1963 COE G M C I was stuck with wasn't the most comfortable thing I ever drove either , especially since the steering wheel was always between my legs . Hey, try saying all those , "I gotta have one" after you've done a day in Houston traffic ................. Ed Shaver

[Dr. Cranky]

I believe you, Ed, I would have never thought they would be comfortable or pleasant to drive, but I must confess I really like the way they look . . .

[Austin T]

I believe you, Ed, I would have never thought they would be comfortable or pleasant to drive, but I must confess I really like the way they look . . .

x2,I saw an International custom at the local car cruise in last Friday in this style cab.

[hotrod59f100]

I think those are awesome trucks though I prefer the fords of that day.

[John Pol]

I think it would make a great wheelstander

John

[moparmagiclives]

I love the those gm style trucks, but did any one see "Real Steal" how cool was that cab over??? International I think right ?

[hotrod59f100]

Not to steal you post doc but Shane did you mean this truck ?

Edited May 11, 2012 by hotrod59f100

[Dr. Cranky]

Thanks for posting that truck, Shane. It's very cool.

[Aaronw]

The stubby conventional truck style cabovers like those posted start to show up in the mid 30s, but began to lose ground to tilt cab trucks when they started to appear in the late 50s. These also provided very short cab lengths, but with far better access for maintenace since the whole cab tilted out of the way.

Cab overs faded in the US due to relaxed overall length regulations. In their heyday cab overs allowed for longer trailers / combinations. They even had short frame mounted boxes on the tractor sort of like a sleeper but for cargo in addition to trailers to maximize allowable cargo space. These days cabovers provide a practical use for congested areas so you still find them in the medium duty delivery truck role, fire trucks etc, but the current laws in the US allow long conventional trucks with monster sleepers, pulling 53 foot trailers. In the past those long trucks would have been illegal in many states.

Conventioal trucks also usually ride better than cabovers which makes them more popular with long distance over the road truckers.

Edited May 11, 2012 by Aaronw

[RancheroSteve]

I've got a Mill City (?) resin '40 Ford cabover that I started years ago. Kind of a stalled project at this point -I should get back to it.

[Dr. Cranky]

Thanks for the good information, Aaron. And Steve, I hope you get back to it soon.

[Dr. Cranky]

I know these are not considered cab overs, but I am also enamored of these vehicles . . . most of which I imagine are extremely difficult to find. Not even in movie productions . . . like the dinosaurs they've disappeared forever . . . .

I found another great example of a cab over . . .

[moparmagiclives]

Not to steal you post doc but Shane did you mean this truck ?

That's her, I love those footwell windows.

[Dr. Cranky]

I like it too, and wonder how difficult it would be to scratch-build . . .

[Eshaver]

Virgil, I would say if ya had a spare 61-3 Ford Pick up cab, you probably could use it as a base . You would then stack the top over the fender area and go ut from there ............. Ed Shaver

[Dr. Cranky]

Interesting information to mull over, Ed. Thank you.

[crazyjim]

What is that Labatt's combo? I really like the look of it.