A new video documents the rescue of an abandoned 1951 Chevy COE (Cab Over Engine) truck that was left to deteriorate for over five decades. To make the recovery even more difficult, the Chevy is located in a remote forest and is surrounded by trees. Clocking in at over an hour, the video chronicles all the effort needed to recover the COE from its forested resting place, but culminates in a satisfying success.
For those who may be unfamiliar, the Chevy COE is a classic “Cab Over Engine” truck, a design where the cab is positioned above the engine. This configuration allowed for a shorter overall length without compromising cargo space, making COEs popular for hauling heavy loads in the mid-20th century. Known for their distinctive, compact, and upright appearance, Chevy COE trucks are now sought-after by collectors and restorers.
In the video, we see a 1951 Chevy COE which, after decades of disuse, sat abandoned on a family property and was eventually swallowed by dense overgrowth and trees. The truck’s tires are sunk deep into the earth, and its brakes are locked up.
To recover the vehicle, the team must clear away the surrounding branches and dig out the dirt compacted around the tires before attempting to inflate the remnants of the original tires. The process proves anything but easy.
Equipped with tools like a chain hoist, winch, and shovels, the team methodically works to free the truck. At one point, they discover the front axle is buried beneath layers of earth, complicating their progress. Nevertheless, through patience and determination, they carefully jack up the truck, break it loose, and eventually drag it to safety.
As the recovery unfolds, the owner shares personal stories about the truck’s history. He fondly recalls how his father modified the pedals so his short-statured mother could operate it. The owner also hints at future restoration projects, mentioning another diesel truck on the property that needs attention.
After a grueling day-and-a-half of hard work, the team successfully loads the Chevy COE onto their trailer. They note that the truck still retains its original engine and transmission, making it a solid candidate for a full restoration.
Check out the full video right here:
Comments
It’s more a video of cutting down trees and clearing overgrown brush than looking at the Truck and understanding its condition.
Gotta love those old haulers.
Restoration? I bet it ends up with LS-derivative running gear while maintaining its time worn patina.
Well you know what, I would love to see it restored to 100% factory stock, as close as possible in 2025. What a lovely old monster.