Dr. Cranky Posted May 10, 2012 Share Posted May 10, 2012 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? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Austin T Posted May 10, 2012 Share Posted May 10, 2012 (edited) 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harry P. Posted May 10, 2012 Share Posted May 10, 2012 Cabovers are still popular in Europe, not so much anymore here in the states. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ARTEMIS1759 Posted May 10, 2012 Share Posted May 10, 2012 (edited) 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Cranky Posted May 10, 2012 Author Share Posted May 10, 2012 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chuck Most Posted May 10, 2012 Share Posted May 10, 2012 There was a guy out in Colorado casting the GMC '47-53 style cabover, I'm not sure if it is still available now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Johnny Posted May 11, 2012 Share Posted May 11, 2012 Cannon Ball! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Longbox55 Posted May 11, 2012 Share Posted May 11, 2012 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eshaver Posted May 11, 2012 Share Posted May 11, 2012 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Cranky Posted May 11, 2012 Author Share Posted May 11, 2012 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 . . . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Austin T Posted May 11, 2012 Share Posted May 11, 2012 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hotrod59f100 Posted May 11, 2012 Share Posted May 11, 2012 I think those are awesome trucks though I prefer the fords of that day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Pol Posted May 11, 2012 Share Posted May 11, 2012 I think it would make a great wheelstander John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moparmagiclives Posted May 11, 2012 Share Posted May 11, 2012 I love the those gm style trucks, but did any one see "Real Steal" how cool was that cab over??? International I think right ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hotrod59f100 Posted May 11, 2012 Share Posted May 11, 2012 (edited) Not to steal you post doc but Shane did you mean this truck ? Edited May 11, 2012 by hotrod59f100 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Cranky Posted May 11, 2012 Author Share Posted May 11, 2012 Thanks for posting that truck, Shane. It's very cool. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aaronw Posted May 11, 2012 Share Posted May 11, 2012 (edited) 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RancheroSteve Posted May 11, 2012 Share Posted May 11, 2012 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Cranky Posted May 11, 2012 Author Share Posted May 11, 2012 Thanks for the good information, Aaron. And Steve, I hope you get back to it soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Cranky Posted May 11, 2012 Author Share Posted May 11, 2012 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 . . . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moparmagiclives Posted May 11, 2012 Share Posted May 11, 2012 Not to steal you post doc but Shane did you mean this truck ? That's her, I love those footwell windows. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Cranky Posted May 11, 2012 Author Share Posted May 11, 2012 I like it too, and wonder how difficult it would be to scratch-build . . . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eshaver Posted May 11, 2012 Share Posted May 11, 2012 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Cranky Posted May 11, 2012 Author Share Posted May 11, 2012 Interesting information to mull over, Ed. Thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazyjim Posted May 11, 2012 Share Posted May 11, 2012 What is that Labatt's combo? I really like the look of it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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