Disclosure: This site may receive compensation when you click on some links and make purchases.

Restored 40 Years Ago: 1946 International Truck

At what point is a restoration no longer a restoration? This 1946 International K3 pickup was restored 40 years ago and now has some age-related wear. It’s neither original nor restored any more, but whatever it is I like it! It’s for sale here on eBay and is located in Archbold, Ohio. The buy it now price is $6,705 but the sellers are inviting lower offers.

Obviously this truck has been well-used in its lifetime and looks prepared for much more. I’m guessing that highway cruising would not be its forte, but short runs from the field to the local farmers’ market would be perfect. I suspect the box behind the cab is an owner addition but to me it just makes the truck more functional.

Panel lines look straight and while I’m not suggesting there is zero rust, it can’t be too bad based on these pictures.

Okay — the carpet would have to go on the day I picked it up if it were mine! You can actually get a reproduction of the original ribbed rubber floor covering here on eBay. Otherwise I’m fine with leaving the interior alone. The seller tells us that the lights and turn signals need work and that the brakes may need to be adjusted.

This original specification sheet from the Wisconsin Historical Society tells me that we are either looking at a 175 or 214 cubic inch L-head six cylinder engine which presumably runs well based on the truck description. Additionally, a lot of mechanical work was completed on the truck five years ago. Do any of you Barn Finds readers have a good use for an old farm truck like this one?

Comments

  1. Avatar Howard A Member

    Love the trucks, keep ’em comin’. Something not right here, as the this has a KB grill, which came out in ’47. The flattie was a good motor, probably saved many a GI’s lives, but not too highway friendly. If you are going to use it, an upgrade is in order, but I wouldn’t go nuts with some pro stock motor. A bigger IL 6 or small V8 and O/D trans ( no V6’s please) would drop right in. I’d leave everything else alone. Very cool truck. This is a ’46 K3 model, and one persons rendition of one, which naturally, I don’t care for.
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Harvester_K_and_KB_series#/media/File:International_K3_(Auto_classique_St-Lambert_VAQ_%2712).jpg

    Like 2
  2. Avatar Howard A Member

    HEY!! Old truck nuts, whasamatteryou, can’t comment on the neat KB corn binder, that’s ready to drive ? I’m disappointed with you! Interest is waning,,,,
    btw, the link is bogus, here it is, and “only” $6700, a deal by BF’s standards.
    https://www.ebay.com/itm/1946-International-Harvester-Other/183405693114?hash=item2ab3d4c8ba:g:fe0AAOSwUC1bVdvo

    Like 0
    • Avatar Howard A Member

      Oops, sorry Jamie, I mistakenly did the floor mat link. Thanks for featuring it.

      Like 1
  3. Avatar Ken

    Either this is a ’47 – ’49 KB3, or someone has put a KB hood and grille on a K3, which isn’t very likely. KBs have emblems located underneath the International hood emblem identifying the various models; they appear to be missing here. My uncle had a K5 and a KB5 on his wheat farm. They were absolutely indestructible, as were his three L-160s. He also had three Loadstar 1600s. The man was a big binder fan.

    Like 1
  4. Avatar geomechs Member

    This ad completely missed me. Just showed up in the inbox. Well, that’s par for the course; I’m usually the last one to know. However, now that I’m here, I’m going to say that this is powered by a 213 Green Diamond engine. There was an earlier version that powered the prewar light trucks. It also displaced 213 CID but the corners of the head were more rounded off and there was an impossible to get at frost plug right in the rear of the block. Either one won’t get you there very fast but it WILL–get you there. Probably a Warner T-9 transmission, the same as was behind a Ford V8. Funny how you put it behind a straight six and it doesn’t howl like a banshee.

    Nice truck for sure. Lots of fun times ahead with this one. I’d take a closer look at it but it’s too far away and my stable is full. I’m sure that someone else will have a good time with this one…

    Like 1
    • Avatar Howard A Member

      I’ve noticed the lineup here changes a lot, so maybe no one saw it.

      Like 0
  5. Avatar lowbusman

    I love mine!

    Like 2
    • Avatar lowbusman

      Yard Art

      Like 0

Leave A Comment

RULES: No profanity, politics, or personal attacks.

Become a member to add images to your comments.

*

Get new comment updates via email. Or subscribe without commenting.