1942 GMC COE: 2007 Recycling Project


 
Here ia a photo of an Army 4X4 GMC AFKX352 mobile repair shop with the body by Superior. There were 10 different shop variations of this truck in use during WWII, this was seen in Ogden Utah. Normally called Two-Ton Trucks, COE's were rated up to 25,000 lb GVW & run the tried & true 216 cid or 235 cid Stovebolt Chevrolet six cylinder engine. Most came with a 4 speed transmission & some came with the extra cost option of a 2 speed rear axle. Advantages of the COE design was greater cargo area for a given wheelbase, more maneuverable, & the high cab also gave drivers excellent visibility, a real plus in threading a truck city traffic. Also you could get a shorter truck if you used the same size bed as on regular truck or with a fifth wheel.
initial pictures...

1. 1942 GMC Model AFKX CABOVER DUAL REAR WHEELS and a 6x6.
ONE OF ONLY 1,900 BUILT, just prior to WW II -
BUILT TO SERVE AS MOBIL REPAIR SHOPS AND
ORDINANCE VANS FOR THE ARMY.
This one was Stored inside, solid, no rust! All original parts.
8 FT WIDE OVERALL, 19.6 FT LONG OVERALL, APPROX. 10 FT TALL,
OUTSIDE OF REAR TIRES 7 FEET, 4 INCHES WIDE...
Howard Hughes ended up with ten of these. They were used for
changing rooms on remote movie sets.

2. Rear...

 

 

 

 

3. side...

4. engine compartment...

5. seats...

6. inside, we think the original stove pipe was for the forge...

7. New Chassis and running gear arrives.
Now to remove the body and sandblast the frame, wheels, engine, tranny, rear end etc.
(Thru Nov 27, 2007 I will post new pictures whenever significant progress is made...)