Need a stylish car hauler? Here’s a truck that won’t even know you loaded a Camaro on its back end: this 1966 International Harvester RF190 is rated at 37,000 lbs (think how much hay it would hold!) The R series was launched in 1953, and that “f” in the model name means it has tandem rear axles. Listed here on facebook Marketplace for $8000, it’s ready to roll. Looks pretty good, too. Once you strike a deal, drive it home (slowly) from Medina, Ohio. We have JDC to thank for the tip – keep ’em coming, the more unusual the better!
A heavy-duty R-series could be had with diesel or gasoline engines; the base motor on the gas side of the ledger was IH’s new Red Diamond 372 cu. in. six cylinder. Larger displacement sixes were available – this one is equipped with an RD 450 cu. in. and a Holley carburetor, good for about 182 hp. But the top speed of around 55 mph wasn’t the attraction: this engine’s torque registers a tremendous 422 lb-ft at 1600 RPM. You can pull a house off its foundation! A two-speed rear axle was a common option; the RF was also occasionally optioned with 4WD. This gearbox is a five-speed manual. The seller notes that his truck runs, drives, and stops.
Truck cabs were finally evolving by the time the 1960s rolled around, with a modicum of attention devoted to comfort. The two individual seats are in decent condition, but we still don’t have bolsters or armrests. The instrument panel supplies several gauges and an ashtray, and hey – we have a PTO control here! That’s handy. The steering wheel and dash need attention, but the glass appears to be good, and all the handles, trim, and other accoutrements are present.
This truck has seen use but been well-maintained – it’s in good condition, with the addition of a roll bar behind the cab. The heavy truck market was International Harvester’s strong suit for many decades. Unfortunately, its foray into light-duty pickups was poorly managed, inflicting financial stress on a company that couldn’t absorb the blow. While we’ve lost the classic International Harvester truck line, the brand has survived in a marginal way as International Motors, enfolded into a division of Volkswagon. Appropriately, its primary products are medium and heavy duty trucks – the light truck line is long gone. Can you think of a way you would use this brawny hauler?
Reminds me of the cover on the Aerosmith album. 🎶 😎 🎸
Finally,,,settle in folks, yep, it’s 4am ramble time, but I’ll try and be brief,,yeah,,,when pigs fly. The 1st HD truck I drove,,,was a truck very similar to this, a tandem axle dump. I can’t see the rear suspension, but if a full “twin screw”, it may have that awful Hendrickson rubber pad, or springs. Either way, bring your kidney belt. The truck I drove had a 450 gas, and 5 and 3 sticks. In the dash pic, I think I see an air “hi/lo” by the shift knob,, indicating a possible RoadRanger. Twin screws didn’t have electric 2 speeds. I also see an axle interlock under the dash, but no maxi brakes, these still used the old band parking brake, so get ready to jump! We can’t see it, but probably has the old “wig-wag” low air signal usually on the ceiling. I see power steering, big plus, and may have a tilt bed, with that PTO, better yet. The 450 was simply INDESTRUCTIBLE,,,not the most powerful, but usually made it. On hot days with a load, these were very prone to vapor lock, so be ready to pee on the fuel pump,,,is what the lead man told me. :D
Great find, the Loadstar that replaced this truck couldn’t hold a candle to this, and more trucks, please.
This old International is awesome. The fact its still here and running and looking as good as it does is a true testament to just how well built they are. And it looks great to me too. I’d love to just run this through the gears. Folks like Howard, Stan, Geomechs, ( and anyone else whos ever driven for a living and I forgot, I sincerely apologize) can tell you how great it is just floating through the gears, timing each shift, using only your fingertips on the shift knob to “feel” the transmission slipping into next gear ( Clutch??? I don’t need no stinkin’ clutch!!!). It’s a great feeling. At least to a knucklehead like me. Michelle, once again, WOW!!! Thank you so much for all the fun well researched and written write ups you have posted here.
-Dave
Bet this’d have no problems hauling a 1938 Silver King 3 wheeled tractor home either, albeit at a casual pace.
The stuff of dreams. What a great find.
The silver would compliment the red truck rather nicely Nevadahalfrack!!!