Thread: What do you think of this 53 IH

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I can't help it, I have a problem. I'm really thinking about pulling the trigger on this one, he says he'll take $1,250 for it. I'm thinking of putting it on a Dakota, S-10 or something frame and a 5.3 for power and driving it as it. https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...roduct_details

You might enjoy reading this tutorial that I wrote years ago for an Air Force Sergeant who was considering the Dakota/International swap. Last time I talked to him, it was a roller. A few other members have added things to the article over the years.....
http://www.crankshaftcoalition.com/wiki/Frame_swaps
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If you do and decide to go with the Dakota I have an 04 extended cab and I can take many measurements. Mine is a 4.7 auto 2 wheel drive and averages between 18 to 20 mpg on long trips. The stock seats suck so I installed a set of power seats from an 04 Durango, much more comfortable.

Seth, you've got the skill to work that into a highly functional truck...………………..but gotta say, that thing's uglier than a mud fence.

Lol, that's the one thing that has kept me from buying it for the last couple weeks LOL

Originally Posted by NTFDAY

If you do and decide to go with the Dakota I have an 04 extended cab and I can take many measurements. Mine is a 4.7 auto 2 wheel drive and averages between 18 to 20 mpg on long trips. The stock seats suck so I installed a set of power seats from an 04 Durango, much more comfortable.

Thanks, if I decide to go with it I think I will use a dakota frame.According to Tech's article and other people, they seem to be more happy with the way they turn out. I might take you up on your offer of measuring things up if I decide to do it, and I did some more thinking about it and I think I would leave the Dodge motor in because it would be easier and cheaper. You measuring things up would help a lot on me because our local salvage yard new owners won't let anybody go down there anymore, the employees will go down there and get the parts you need. He said too much stuff was getting wrecked, he was losing more money than he was making money people go down there.

Originally Posted by 53 Chevy5

Thanks, if I decide to go with it I think I will use a dakota frame.According to Tech's article and other people, they seem to be more happy with the way they turn out. I might take you up on your offer of measuring things up if I decide to do it, and I did some more thinking about it and I think I would leave the Dodge motor in because it would be easier and cheaper. You measuring things up would help a lot on me because our local salvage yard new owners won't let anybody go down there anymore, the employees will go down there and get the parts you need. He said too much stuff was getting wrecked, he was losing more money than he was making money people go down there.

If you go with the Dakota I'd use as much of as you can. The major draw back, at least to me, are the 6 lug wheels. I'd be happy to help any way I can.

Originally Posted by NTFDAY

The major draw back, at least to me, are the 6 lug wheels.

Why do you feel that 6-lug wheels would be a drawback?
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Originally Posted by techinspector1

Why do you feel that 6-lug wheels would be a drawback?
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The choice of aftermarket wheels is limited at best.

That truck is in pretty nice shape. Granted it isn't the most eye appealing but how many others do ya see around anymore? That thing would be so cool stuck on top of a ford diesel 4x4 chassis.

Originally Posted by 40FordDeluxe

That truck is in pretty nice shape. Granted it isn't the most eye appealing but how many others do ya see around anymore? That thing would be so cool stuck on top of a ford diesel 4x4 chassis.

Ouch, different strokes for different folks. That has always been a odd ball never looks good to me thing, any old pickup put on a 4x4 frame. It would probably affect the looks of this pickup very little though

I don't think it's ugly at all. It would be tough as nails up in the air on some big gnarley mudders.

OK revise that. The grill is hideous. Easy fix.

Picture the IH with a '56 Ford grille insert.
56 : 1956 : Ford Truck : F100

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Ahem.
Well it would appear I'm the odd one out here.
Have you lately looked at Studebaker trucks from around the same era?
They too are not the 'prettiest' of trucks.
But to me that is the very thing that makes them appealing.
International A and S series are like belly buttons; everyone's got one.
But an L series...who else has one of those?
Our sport/hobby, call it what you will; is all about individuality.
Who wants to follow the crowd?
I don't...never have, never will. And I think most on here are of a like mind.

I'd say if I was looking for another project I'd jump at it. Especially with Mr techinspector1's 'How To' guide.
Go for your life Seth.
You've well proved you are capable of building something bloody gorgeous.