Will it run after 40+ years? 1941 Ford COE abandoned in the desert first start

Today on will it run we have a 1941 ford COE. That’s cab over engine. She’s been abandoned for longer than I’ve been alive. Can me and my dad get er goin big boys we’ll find out mhmm. Ford 1 ton dually hasn’t ran will it run first start old cars classic cars old trucks theetravisb gets it fired off today . Restoration revival resurrection working on old cars today square bodies old Chevy ford dodges all of em.
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theetravisb.com
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Time stamps
0:00 walk around
6:57 cleaning / vacuuming
8:23 engine checking
12:47 retrieving nut
14:46 engine reassembly
15:44 pre start engine check
20:26 will it run?
buy the same tools dad and me use in our videos!
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3 ton low profile floor jack: amzn.to/3fqQJSB
6 ton jack stands: amzn.to/3NzCoQ9
compression gauge/ tester: amzn.to/3DVvB04
4 way lug wrench: amzn.to/3DzuYI5
the 1 man starter switch: amzn.to/3T3A0m3
CAT battery jumper/ tire airer upper: amzn.to/3FJFgs0
car trailer chain binders: amzn.to/3UnUjLT
12volt fuel pump: amzn.to/3UpS6iS
little blue funnel: amzn.to/3FHRnWd
the marvelous marvel mystery oil: amzn.to/3Ualfze
5/16 rubber fuel line: amzn.to/3fAV8SH
10ft retractable test leads: amzn.to/3Nwsgrk
classic car engine oil! yes 15-40 diesel oil: amzn.to/3Wujnms
yer basic volt multimeter: amzn.to/3Tilze1
brakleen aka bug killer, oil cleaner, carb spray: amzn.to/3NvMf9y
vise grips: amzn.to/3U1ennu
channel locks: amzn.to/3zFX57n
drum brake removers: amzn.to/3zGz0NI

[@theetravisb]

Hey! If you like American made shirts. Check out my merch . I got 3 cool designs for ya. theetravisb.com Have an old vehicle you want to sell? Email me at [e-mail]

[@brunowilimek2046]

I am a mechanic at a Ford dealership. Years ago I was replacing the intake manifold gaskets for an oil leak on a 1991 Econoline van. The owner was sitting in his wheelchair in the van as I worked on it rather than getting out as he was more comfortable there. I was missing one of the small nuts upon re-assembly and on startup it was obvious where it ended up in one of the cylinders. Luckily I was able to tell which cylinder by the misfire in it and retrieve it with my magnet. I replaced the damaged spark plug and it ran for many years with no issues. Seeing your nut retrieval reminded me of it.

[@theetravisb]

Wow you lucked out getting that. Thanks for sharing

[@antoniopmorra5109]

Do a full restoration on the truck !!!!!

[@olddogg60]

Yes! Restore! 😊

[@damama8095]

I agree!!

[@supereliptic]

Between this and the international you’ve got a pair of potentially really sweet rides there. I mean, I know your trying to do it on the cheap but if it was me, I’d pick one and consider getting new glass for the windows, sourcing a new dial cluster and control surfaces and putting a new interior into one of them.

[@Green-ader]

No

[@jeffrykopis5468]

Guys who say this are never willing to pay for it.

[@georgestringam689]

I'm an old-school mechanic, worked in the repair business for 50 years and still cannot seem to get enough. You're doing good. Lots of quirks on those flatheads...

[@dannyflores4096]

I'm an old school mechanic and I love restoration projects like this...keep up the good work buddy

[@theetravisb]

Thank you

[@richardbenson4048]

As one who grew up with flat head Fords I just love this stuff. Hope some one bless this old girl with a refurbishment and then shows her off. Thanks for a stirring a lot of good memories.

[@theetravisb]

Thank you for watching Richard 👍🏻

[@rayscrafield2106]

Travis, I watch a lot of videos and have to say, I really enjoy watching you and your Dad. I'm envious of you both. Please keep up the great work.

[@theetravisb]

Thank you we are glad you enjoy.

[@user-eg3yv3xr7s]

What I like best about your videos is that you somehow find all these cool old vehicles, AND YOU BRING THEM BACK TO LIFE !!!!!!!!!

[@wastelander89]

Also thank u for responding to every comment I left .it makes me.feel a part of the community of this channel

[@theetravisb]

Good! Thank you for watchin 👍🏻

[@jimh3362]

Anxiously awaiting part 2. Rebuild/clean the carb. Auxiliary fuel tank. Run, idle, then work on radiator.

[@anthonyhill503]

He said yank on this crank...🤣I love COE's and MMO Don't be hard on yourself .. we've all made these stupid mistakes. Great Video

[@daviduglem3213]

"And another thing" so nice to see you working with your dad. My father was a damn good mechanic and help me all through high school and after with a lot of cars I bought. I wish you were still around. I'd give anything for another afternoon working on putting a clutch in the old Studebaker. Dave

[@theetravisb]

Sounds like a good man. Thank you for sharing. I Don’t know where I’d be without my dad .

[@Bimmerguy88]

Freaking FANTASTIC job bro! Hearing that old girl cough and bark and come right back to life after such a long time? That was priceless! I had never heard one until now! SO COOL!

[@metric4710]

Really like your relaxed style. No hyping or yelling etc. Rgrds from Finland

[@darrenclawson1984]

You guys are SO SO cool Just love the way you problem solve the issues and don’t give up … . This is such a refreshing change to the way the world is today .. keep up the superb work …

[@theetravisb]

Thank you Darren

[@flatworm00]

Those old engines were the best.

[@MrEferrell]

The engine is from a '49-'53 model. '32-'48 had the distributor center front running direct off the cam.

[@landenschooler6726]

Also the coolent outlets are at the front of the heads, so yes this is a 1949-53 engine.

[@michaelolsen2348]

I love how those COE trucks are making a comeback. There's tons of videos on here about people saving them. I would love to see that thing restored. Those desert vehicles are so much better looking than our SC ones....and especially NJ ones when I lived there. All were rotted. The problem in SC is that we got clay dirt. Clay is soft when it rains, so cars sink up to the frame and rot. My truck didn't even sit a year and it was sunk about 3". My bro in laws Roadrunner was up to the frame in clay. It was so rotted that he had to replace the whole K frame.

[@robertlacob8831]

Strictly Amazing Travis! Hard to believe someone abandoned that great truck years ago. It sounded real good to me. That would be a sweet project vehicle as that could be a good hauler for other antiques!

[@oldschool1993]

BASICS- #1 if it turns, lube cylinders and check compression. If you can get 70-80# compression it will run - if no compression- stop there and decide if you want to tear it down. #2- check spark- if you have compression then you need spark #3 check fuel- if you have spark and compression and fuel, it will run. Have a little gas can you can hang up and run the line direct to carb for gravity feed . Also have a bottle of fuel with a hole in the cap that you can squirt fuel into the carb at a steady rate to keep it running.

[@josephdougherty2399]

I wouldn't worry too much about compression being that low after such a long nap....even if you have to use some giddy-up-go juice to get it to fire....the rings are probably a bit stuck... Just keep her running and the varnish will break break free...and compression should improve

[@daviduglem3213]

One suggestion my friend. Continued to do the will it runs and the older vehicles. I see so many KZbinrs that try to branch out into race cars and a million other things and I quit watching there videos . Now granted that's only me one person but there are hundreds of thousands of like mines out there that are turned off by shining up videos or special racing videos anything off the will it run and the old time machinery. Another suggestion let people know what size the motors are what year they were produced and approximately horsepower and torque ratings. Like I said my advice is free and worth what you paid for it lol. Thanks for the entertainment and a good content Dave.

[@theetravisb]

Thank you for the feedback. I will stick to it. I am not into race cars and big performance stuff anyway. I have more good content planned for you thanks for watching

[@normsweet1710]

The “ 2 speed rear axle” is shifted via a lever mounted next to the shifter for the trans. Trace it back to the rear end then you’ll know which one it is. My Dads 39 Ford dump truck had a 2speed rear end shifted via a lever in the cab

[@josephdougherty2399]

I had a 62 GMC stock and grain truck with GMC 350 V6.. it also had a 2 speed rear but operated via a little electric motor with a worm drive to shift it up and down.. button was on the shifter lever you popped up for high and down for low.

[@gordonstroup882]

@Joseph Dougherty , yup, but 21 years passed between the C.O.E. and your dad's truck. A lot of things changed in those 21 years. Great story, though. I've driven all kinds of trucks over the years, but never one with a twin stick like the old C.O.E. I think that it would be fun though.

[@danbentsen]

Thanks for tip on distilled water in radiator. Good watch video.

[@user-eg3yv3xr7s]

Wow, if I were a mechanic, and this were my truck, I would do a full restore with a few update mods on this awesome old beast !

[@larryg.9187]

..... I had a '53 Customline Ford... the last year of flatheads... bought a rebuilt short block with hardened seats and valves, so it ran unleaded with no issue ... I miss the old Ford .....

[@alfredamantijr3908]

Big supper fan of your channel I like the work you and your dad does and the old trucks thanks keep up the good work

[@DaveRoss-hl3vj]

This is a 1940's semi, with a two stick transmission. The covers are for where the seats go, and real truckers back then used a steel bar with the tire wrench

[@turboeddude4849]

Gotta love that Marvelious Mysterious oil lmao

[@markthompson9032]

What a Fun Unique Vehicle to work on!

[@suleimanagil5733]

Old is gold

[@volvobrynk]

And taking the intake of a Flathead, is always good, because you can check if the valves moves, and can get it unstuck, because those buggers can be stuck shut, and make the engine not start. And sludge is normal, these engines had no filter, and was flushed out l, with gas or Karossene, and you change oil hot, pour in karosene, 2:1 with engine oil, and bump engine over, and dump again, and fill oil. And then drop pan regularly. And De-sludge. But get it running first, and then do it like a big maintenance after you got it rolling .

[@ElmoIsBold]

I would so LOVE to drive that monster to work and park it in that lot where all the other software engineers park for the day! (and thanks for the tool and supply list...)

[@paul9156c]

My dad restored a 1941 Ford Deluxe barn find, & in a rats, and ants nest, back to brand new showroom condition, all 100% original factory parts with a brand new factory engine, which was stored in a crate, preserved with Cosmoline grease, during World War 2, in Bombay, India. The amazing thing to me is he found all the parts necessary for the complete restoration, without a computer, before Amazon, and did it all as a pass-time hobby after work. I honestly thought it looked brand new when he finished. The two hour ride we took to LA after the restoration was completed, was a bit nerve racking, because the car never came with any seat belts, or turn signals in those days.

[@theetravisb]

That’s amazing determination. Thank you for sharing

[@billdyke9745]

That didn't fight too hard. 👍

[@theetravisb]

Yeah it wasn’t terrible. Good motor!

[@jonathankountz7097]

you have a lot of the floor pans there... that last bracket was to mount the generator to the top of the engine, that one piece of tin looks like it had a gas pedal on it

[@theetravisb]

Yes I ended up figuring that out later

[@williammatzek4660]

The old heavy duty trucks had 2 transmissions. A main transmission , the other transmission split the gears in main transmission.

[@ronaldcooper7609]

Pour a good dose of oil in the intake also.

[@stevemanuel8034]

It really becomes clear that the quality of materials used will stand the test of time.

[@antoniopmorra5109]

if it runs restore it and bring back a peice of history

[@robleary3353]

Love it!. Another bit of old kit ressucitated!. Nice one!.

[@damon2772nomad]

I liked and subscribed for your dedication...and because it was hilarious when you shocked the dog pee out of yourself 🤣

[@robertcandela266]

that gear shift to the right, is a two speed spliter at the axle. and the gear shift on the left goes to the transmission. I know this because I used to drive a beast like that! they ride so rough and loud!

[@steeliewheelies]

At least knew where the nut went and didn’t try to start the engine with it in there! Man these trucks look killer, things used to look so good back then.

[@theetravisb]

Yeah that would have been bad

[@redlinearroyo847]

I'm new and checking out this channel. I definetly wanna see more with this truck. it looks killer and throwing a flatbed with wooden rails would look nice on this truck

[@jirihamersky6152]

Nice and interesting video. Thanks.

[@theetravisb]

Thank you for watching

[@JHACbiz]

pretty cool rig....get it going down the road.

[@richardcline1337]

Looking forward to seeing this old girl fixed up, repaired and back on the road.

[@vavfw374]

I'd give my left walnut for that truck! That'd make the coolest pickup! I did the same thing dropping a nut down the carb on my brothers 51 Studebaker. He called me " Numbnuts " for a yr after ! 😖😞🤪

[@FJB8885]

Very cool. 🇺🇸

[@OmarDenarzi]

Thank you so much my buddy Travis for making such beautiful videos, Really appreciate the effort that you put into these videos, And I hope you do more with such COE american trucks, It would be tremendously popular since your videos are full of knowledge and useful informations and they are in such a fun way that the viewer can't be bored at all, So I would be tremendously grateful if you took into consideration making more videos on such beautiful stuff, Plus you got a lot of great videos on regular pick up trucks that it won't make any difference if you added some more COE beauty's.

[@mikego18753]

Very enjoyable vid. Thanks.(uk)

[@theetravisb]

Thank you for watching !

[@charlenem7395]

I can't wait for the next update!

[@buddyboy7235]

The thing you said was some sort of strap is a mount for the generator on to a flathead.

[@tresfingeros]

Don't feel to bad, your not the first to have dropped a nut down the intake and you won't be the last. Ask me how I know 😳😂😂 I worked with my dad restoring classic cars or building restomods . Enjoy that time together. I cherish every moment dad and I had together. 👍

[@theetravisb]

I definitely do.

[@theetravisb]

And thank you for watching

[@patdennis3751]

The square end on that lug wrench is not for a breaker bar. It fits the inner lugnuts on the rear duals.

[@ryanhodges7101]

I really enjoyed the video man! Take care.

[@theetravisb]

Thank you for watching

[@rickyunderhill9446]

You did a great job make it run

[@user-bj6oz6nq7f]

I just told my girlfriend were fixing to watch the jeepers creepers truck 👍 it does definitely remind me of it some

[@johnfranklin5277]

Love your channel, enjoy every minute. Yes, when you put the generator back in place, reminded me when I had the original engine in my 58 cadillac rebuilt in 2011, 1st and hopefully last time, my parents bought it in 1960, when I picked up the car, the entire AC system was in the trunk! Doesn't matter that it quit working in the early 70s, it was all in place, and being rare because of the large price it cost in 1958, upped the coolness factor at car shows. Also, if I should ever decide to have it repaired, the guys don't have to guess how it all was in place! I took it back, said hey, you took the ac system off , you have to put it all back like it was. They did.

[@geoffreyb3337]

❤the cab overs

[@outlawflyer7868]

Use a spray bottle to spray fuel down the carb. Can't wait to see her run. Also, use wd40 to wipe down the truck. that will get rid of the oxidation.

[@chrisjarvis4449]

next time you drop something down the intake try a vacuum pump and some tubing . if you can get the tubing [1/8" line] up to the dropped part the vacuum will hold it to the end of the tubing just like a magnet .and if you don't have a pump pull a car up next to what your working on and hook the tubing up to a vacuum port on the car and suck away . that is if you have a roll of tubing

[@dickritchie2596]

They called those grills 'jail bars' back in the day.

[@Goomer]

Great Truck

[@CorollaMAD97]

More on this please so awesome

[@pappyruse2842]

It reminds me of the wrecker in the movie wrong turn !!!

[@thqp]

Would love to see a follow up on this truck if you guys still have it around

[@aussiechique798]

That bracket you picked up before is the generator bracket that has a later model engine it should have a crab distributor it could be a 53 or 4 engine with the modern style distributor

[@billh3-21]

That's why they made Shop towels lol.

[@sadiescott3331]

Rust and smoke the heater broke door just blew away

[@richardhoar3864]

Looks very much like my 1935 Ford two door , I had to just as your doing to make it run , I was 12 years old and it took me a year before I could drive away , dropped a nut down the manifold and used a flexible magnet and found the nut , very lucky I was . Can't wait to hear it run ..😁🐻

[@Mike-hr6jz]

Those old flatheads had a problem rusting in the water jacket and running water down into the crank case so when you flush it you have to be careful not to disturb too much trust and create the problem you can go on line read about the problem and some of the fixes they give.

[@andresruizvillaescusa94]

Yeeeeah!! Go Go Caithlyn

[@tracylemme1375]

A couple of notes about the oldFord. There was no ignition lock. Only a switch mounted on the steering column support, and a steering lock on the same bracket. The cover looking piece is part of the engine cover or “doghouse”. It is made of two sides and center cover which is made to be easily removed.

[@theetravisb]

Thanks for the info !

[@wrx248]

The front reminds me of a locust grasshopper.

[@rclamb04]

Might make a nice roll back for future projects.

[@lonniesmith4208]

Cool 😎 truck

[@thunderdick6117]

No that is not a factory installed brake booster and yes power brakes have been around longer than people think Duesenberg had power brakes in their cars which were all built in 1927 even though there are different years of them they were all built in 27 and whatever year you purchased you deusenberg it would get labeled as such .

[@theetravisb]

That’s crazy I didn’t know they had it then

[@daveallen8824]

FYI - that is NOT the original engine - it from post 1948. You should be thankful - the dizzy setup on the earlier ones is a real pain.

[@volvobrynk]

That thing you found, with the socket and square is not an extension per-say. The rear wheels, are a dually set up. And has a set up, where outer rim is held on by a normal not,you use the same as all other Outer wheels. But the inner ones, is a threaded “do-hickey”, that has thread on both sides. And works like a stud for the outer and a nut for the inner. And therefore needs to be taken of with the “female” end, that is square. The is suppose to be a pipe/rod in the cab, that can apply the torque to loosen/tighten wheels. Same rod fits in the jack, if you still have that also. Nice truck and Keep up the good work!

[@theetravisb]

Interesting to know. Thank you for watching!

[@lorinewsom734]

Good call 🤙

[@CorineRodenburg]

i love it nice work and stay save

[@lylethurston784]

The second shifting lever is for a 2 speed rear end. (high and low) . The piece of equipment you thought was vac. It is a brake booster called a hydrovac. It does require vacuum to work.

[@MUN.A1988]

U r a talented man ..wish u successfulness always in every car u work on it..

[@theetravisb]

Thank you!

[@DependableAutoTruck]

yes i also need one for my 1966 brakes think called hydro boost

[@volvobrynk]

I believe that the oilfilter is a Lubfinder, an aftermarket big rig/fleet option, nice piece of kit.

[@ohkhitxitjyxiyxj1744]

Keep going man🔥

[@sulistiman]

be careful with the crank you don't want to bend push rods . you should go back the other deriction

[@tyharris9994]

Less rust on the frame than some 2022 Ford F150's I have seen on some other channels.

[@martinmorrison2415]

You took of the intake manifold because you positively knew a nut had fallen. What if there was a fallen nut from previous owner. Borescope is a good assurance no foreign objects in there before cranking.

[@arthurfox1629]

Very nice COE. It looks nothing like Jeepers Creepers which was a Chevrolet, and not as good looking as a Ford. People only associate it because to them it's just another old truck and to them they all look the same. Typical of non classic car or truck people. That brake booster is original equipment. The bracket probably broke at one point and someone did a hack job and welded it back on. Originally it would not have been welded to the frame, it would've been bolted or riveted on.

[@tracylemme1375]

The brake booster was called Hydrovac. And yes they were OE.

[@timsmith1589]

I need one of those trucks

[@Ignore_This_Account.]

Go to nelson nevada and restore one of the abandoned cars there.

[@markduncan6690]

Oh My Gosh!

[@ReaperRestorations]

dont be too mad at yourself. i dropped a pair of needle nosed pliers and a screwdriver down the intake on my 2012 Ram....dont ask how that happened. took forever to get them out!

[@Gracebeliever077]

6:45 Sounds like a Harry Potter potion. . . 8:51 I saw it! 10:00 You're welcome. . . 21:00 ... that'd be a yes.

[@wastelander89]

Just started watching this video it's awesome. You do such a great job with camera angles and editing and the sound is great. I also loved the 40s international ur working on. I can't wait for more international videos .😀also please if u ever come across old Chevy or.gmc please make.a video .I love gmc and chevy👍

[@user-eg3yv3xr7s]

I see the o.d. green on the engine, and that makes me wonder if, at some point in time, the truck was military.

[@harmonyasbury4150]

OMG THAT IS THE MOST JEEPERS CREEPERS LOOKIN TRUCK IVE EVER SEEN TRAVIS. love your videos!

[@theetravisb]

Thank you 🙂🙂

[@apimpnamedslickback2748]

The Creeper had a Chevy COE instead of a Ford.

[@mikaelabowen5781]

This is glorious!!! I can't believe how solid the metal is on a vehicle of that age - desert air is a lot kinder than the UK's damp air!! THis beauty is an absolute gem, please don't let her get customised or rodded, she's far too good. Out of curiosity, do you know if there is much in common with this lorry and the Brit Ford 7V of the same era? Those were the old Fords of my childhood.

[@theetravisb]

Thanks for watching. I don’t think it will be hot rodded. I am not sure if there is much in common