I can’t go more than a couple days without finding a truck I like, it seems. This 1972 International pickup reminds me of that line from the Rolling Stones’ Far Away Eyes, “… she’s a little bleary, a little worse for wear ‘n tear”… but she runs, sort of. Located in Fall River Mills, California, this truck is advertised here on craigslist for $3850, and the seller is moving, so he’s probably price-flexible. Thanks to Tony Primo for the tip! The 1210 was one of a long line of light truck models launched by International as it attempted to gather market share from the Big Three. Year by year, those attempts were variously successful, but by the time the late 1960s rolled around, it was obvious that International was an also-ran. Styling was a factor: it took decades – not years – for the company to upgrade to curved door glass. But the Big Three were also faster to modernize pickup interiors, offering all the comforts of a sedan and several trim levels. International persisted with its boxy, rugged approach while the market was moving on.
A replacement 345 cu. in. V8 engine resides underhood. The engine is said to run well, but it suffers from “fuel delivery problems.” A new fuel pump box (Napa) is sitting in the passenger’s seat and the fuel tanks have been flushed, so apparently, a fix has been attempted. The gearbox is a Borg Warner three-speed automatic, and of course, this is a four-wheel-drive rig. The nomenclature tells us it’s a 3/4 ton: International assigned 1010 and 1110 to its half-ton, 1210 to the 3/4, 1310 to the one-ton, and so forth. This truck was built for hauling, not for speed, with just shy of 200 hp from the engine, but over 300 lb-ft of torque.
The interior is well-used. The dash has several cracks, the driver’s side door panel is in rough condition, the passenger’s side is missing altogether. No word whether the gauges or electrical items work. The seller will include an extra grille and front bumper, said to be in “good shape”.
Surface rust on the floor of the bed and the rear bumper should amount to nothing more than a weekend challenge – ok, maybe two weekends. The tailgate is back here, along with the aforementioned bumper, grille, and what looks like a radiator core. While International may have come in last in the sales derby of the 1970s, the 1210’s strong, simple lines are appealing today. Do you think this truck has enough merits to make a good restoration candidate?
Relatively rust free for an old IH. Sounds like you could easily drive it home for $3500, cheap IMHO for the work horse you’re getting, weekend warrior not a show truck.
Great price, should sell. I would fix the basic issues and drive this as is.
Would be a great plow vehicle, the guy who plows our mountain uses a old Jeep pickup, rusting to pieces. He wants another Jeep but the market has gotten too expensive to use a decent one for plowing. This 3/4 ton would be perfect for that.
I’ve never seen a fuel tank in the left front fender before, but here we are. The good news is there’s not just a fuel tank at your feet, but also one behind the seat? I’m not deriding it, just pointing out what I noticed. Looks like a solid truck, it would be fun to just get it running and drive it around as-is.
they used those 345’s for school bus motors for a long time – lots of low end torque but not a HP monster.it being a 4×4 this is a nice deal
this has vise grip garage written all over it
“BRING THE THUNDER!!!”.
I agree, and I’d bet Dollars for Donuts this would not give Derek any trouble making it home.
he was funny, havent seen ‘em ina while tho.
Some 1 might get a good truck/a good deal…
Like these as to their lines, size, interior and grunt.
Not so much for durability/non-hrd prts. Dont forget
when buyin ‘old’. Where did thhey sit in relation to
the others of the same era? In ’73 would U have
bought this or 1 of “The 3”? Nice’n big for a road
truck but 4WD (kinda big for Off Rd here back east).
Either way tempted to swap ina 12v & allison (the latter if no 4W).
Hey, who says curved window glass is an upgrade? Like touchscreen controls, newer is not necessarily better. Nice truck.
Being connected with an International dealer which has a sideline dealing with vintage IH truck parts, I deal with these things every day at work. Worked on lots while I was a mechanic, I might add. Some parts can be somewhat difficult to locate but not impossible. The aftermarket has definitely begun to step up to the plate, offering some sheet metal components. There’s also a lot of enthusiastic discussion groups out there with lots of information. I belong to 23 International Facebook groups myself.
I’ve set up some engine overhaul kits for the SV engines. Pistons can often be the achillies heel. There are some suppliers that specialize in custom pistons so that is a monkey off someone’s back.
I’m a little surprised that this truck is using a Borgwarner/Warner Gear transmission as I thought that IH had gone to Torqueflites in ’71. Nothing wrong with that as the Warner Gear transmissions were used for a lot of years.
Anyways, I wouldn’t be scared of taking a project like this one on. It’ll shine right up and run for many years to come.
Here’s a shot of a customer’s truck (a year older) just as he was finishing it up. Sure wouldn’t kick it off my driveway…
Your customers truck is absolutely beautiful Geomechs. The body and paint look amazing.
He put his heart and soul into that job. He was also having health issues. The night he got it going, he was approached at nearly every traffic signal. People asking if it was for sale. I think his intentions were to eventually sell it but I lost touch with him. He was a friend on FB but that avenue seems to have dried up…
David Frieburger needs .