You can’t really tell from the photo above, but this is a 1-ton, long-box truck! While not the ideal starting point for a cool street machine, this old International looks like a winner to me. It is from 1947 and was with the original owner for 70 years! It can be found here on eBay with a current bid of $3,900, the reserve hasn’t been met yet. Currently located in Eureka, Montana, there’s no information on where the truck spent most of its life, but hopefully, the seller has some details if desired. Let’s take a look at this awesome project and thanks to Ikey H. for the tip on this cool Binder!
As you can tell from the spark plug wires and coil, there have been a few things done to get this flathead six and running. According to the ad, the electrical system has been converted to 12-volts although the seller says the truck probably could use an entire re-wire. Besides the plug wires and coil, there is a new distributor cap and rotor, new fuel pump and the carburetor was rebuilt. It still needs a few little things like brake work, tires, etc., but it starts up and idles well.
The interior appears to be pretty much original and unmolested. You can see the unique ignition placement right in the center of the dash. The ad says the seat has been redone at some point and the springs are in good shape. The temperature, fuel, and amp. gauges all work. The headliner is gone, but that’s no big deal. The floors have only surface rust, which is a big plus! There are a few issues with the glass, but it doesn’t sound like anything major. The truck also features a crank-out windshield, but the crank mechanism is stuck.
Overall, this is a really nice truck that was built for work. However, you can tell from the photos (especially the bed) that this truck has been used, but not abused. It would make a great driver as-is or could certainly be a good candidate for restoration or customization. If this was your truck, which of those three routes would you take?
Nice Binder! It could come to my place. I would give it a good home and put it to work. Maybe some drive it and restoration along the way. That whoop-dee-doo on the floor of the bed is a common trait for a farm truck of old. A bone-jarring ride for sure but that’s why the top speed is 45. You wouldn’t want to go any faster or else you’ll be taking bites out of the steering wheel between bashing your head against the ceiling. Instruments look pretty straight. I just did up a set for a K7 and they turned out pretty well but they were a mile off-kilter when I started. Lighten up the suspension a bit but don’t hot rod it. Drive it and enjoy it; let someone actually know what original was. Well, maybe, if you really wanted to, drop in a newer, bigger Binder six like a BD 264, and a higher speed rear end. Something like this would be a lot of fun driving to the Big Box DIY store and watch the crowd gather around…
I agree with you Geomech about the ride and speed. I have a 41 Chevy 1/2 I bought before going to Viet Nam in 1970. I,m in need of a fender for it . I see your from Montana and was thinking about driving through their in a couple of years. Have a great day–take care and be careful.When this truck was made–they made truck to work.Its been proven many times and it is still ticking right along.
You done a great job on the instrument panel. What do you charge doing that?
Thanks for the compliment, Johnny. I’m not using this site to promote business (so moderators please forgive me) but I’ll go as far as tell you that restoring an instrument cluster varies from unit to unit. This particular one I donated to a historic coal mine society as part of the restoration of their ’41 Binder crew bus. It would generally run around $800 and that’s if you keep it stock 6V. They’re a lot of labor. I’ll admit that most guys can restore their own as the frames and facias require media blasting and painting which most gearheads can do as well as I can. The dials are the challenge (I use sign-making software to design mine) and I’m setting up to offer a decal kit (speedo/gauge faces and odometer numbers for D and K series) like you can get for Fords and Chevys through places like MAC’s. Still need some tweaking on this one as the speedo increments don’t quite line up. The gauge terminal insulators, currently made of laminated pressed paper, I make out of old computer cards. Much tougher and hold their shape better. Just cut ’em, drill ’em and file the slots out. I’m going to make an announcement on the International Binder Trucks page on FB when I’ve got the kits ready…
Excellent suggestions all, geomechs, and spot on.
My son wants one just as pretty as that for his 47 KB1. His is in the process of getting a Chevy 400, 700R4, and 9″ rearend.
We also have a KB2.
I love the look of these old girls, and hope it finds a good home.
Bob
That is drop dead gorgeous, geomechs………..kind like Betty Grable back in the day :)
Thanks, Mtn. It was actually a lot of fun to do although I was amazed at how long it took…
50 mph and up was in red for a reason,,, :)
I love it. I,d check out all the wiring,brakes. Fix it and replace the glass and enjoy it. I,d try to use as much as thei wiring as I could. Alot of this wire you get now is not copper. The connectors are soft metal and the bulbs–are worthless. Your sometimes better off going to a junk yard and buy parts. The CHINA MADE BULBS WITH THE SILVER END–THEY ARE JUNK. After I got everything checked out and safe to drive. I,d drive it. I,d also lift the floor where the emergent brake is and get that sealed off good with something flexible. To seal out noise and any smell. Its a really nice looking and in good condition truck. Thanks
Got to love the small back window and the fact that this truck exists at all!!! The interior looks clean and comfortable!! Getting it mechanically sound and driving the tires off it would be good enough for me!!!
This truck is a K series, which means it was built between 1941 and 1946. If it were a ‘47, it’d be a KB series, with chrome wings as part of the lower grille, KB badges on each side under the International hood emblems, and a more ornate hood ornament.
IH dealers had a habit of selling leftover inventory and titling it in the current year. My uncle had an L-160 titled as a 1953, which was when the R series debuted.
Long box is what this old carpenter is talking about! I Love it.