On a trip to the hardware store, we came across this International Harvester KB-2 in a nearby parking lot. The new owner discovered it in Billings, Montana and it looks like they found themselves a gem. It was part of the Larson Brothers Overhead Door Company fleet and is still wearing the hand-painted lettering most likely applied back in the fifties. It should make for a great project, let’s just hope they leave that patina alone!
The owner was nowhere to be found, so we didn’t get a chance to ask any questions, but the truck appears to have been well kept for an old work truck. It has lots of dents and dings, but we couldn’t find any serious rust. This being a midsized truck on a trailer, it was hard to see much of the interior, but from what we could see it looked like someone might have already done some work inside.
We would love to come across a truck like this, as it would make a good rig to go out barn finding in. We would get it safe to drive, treat any rust, and enjoy it. This sighting left us wanting to know more about its history and if the previous owner has any more like it tucked away in their barn. If you know more about the Larson Brothers or this truck we would love to hear about it, so please share!
We did some digging and found the listing for this truck still on craigslist. Wow, someone beat us to one heck of a deal. The seller was asking $2k and they claimed that it is all original with no cancerous rust. It was last licensed in 1963 and is not currently not running, but it shouldn’t take much to get it going again. Take a look at the ad here: http://billings.craigslist.org/cto/4082172283.html
Don’t bother contacting them though because this one is already parked safely in the new owner’s garage! Hopefully they will see this and chime in about their new find. We approve!
~ wow Jesse! a day late, a dollar short. i’m crying in my beer.
now that is nice a old truck. the new owner is going to have fun with this. great find
Please mister or misses new owner, keep the lettering on the doors.
Dang! …it’s missing a hubcap! …that’s a deal-breaker!! :)
You had more choices of American makers in ’48 than today if you were in the market for a pickup. GMC, Chevy, Ford, Dodge, International, and Studebaker. Others? There was an International dealer in my village when I was growing up, located at a family-run service station. The family also sold English Fords. Their station was just down the hill from another service station selling Ramblers!
Nice find. You still find the odd gem nowadays. It will be a nice restoration project. I wish the owner luck.
Great truck and a good deal! Exactly what I am looking for for swap meets. An International is at the top of the list. Arrrrrrgh!