International 53

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Old Iron

Well-known member
Joined
May 19, 2011
Messages
15,253
Location
Willard Mo.
A customer came over with a 53 International L120 and a 5 lug Dakota frame and wants us to swap chassis.
We're gonna install a LS with a 4L60e tranny and a Ford 8.8 rear end for him.
The ole truck is a long bed and is in pretty good shape.
First we removed the old chassis, set the cab on it in the correct place and proceeded to butcher ah I mean modify the rear portion of the chassis where the kick up is.
It was either cut the bottom of the bed out and raise it or do this to the chassis. The bottom of these beds are all steel and spot welded in that's why the decision was made to modify the rear section.

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Nice job OI. I really like Internationals up to about 49, I think their designs looked amazing. Then they must have shot their design crew cuz everything they produced till they stopped in the early 80's looked like crap.
 
Thanks
Here's a little bit of info worth remembering, the customers glass guy said the windshield on this 53 is the same as a Scout. Don't know the year but, will find out.
 
Thanks
Here's a little bit of info worth remembering, the customers glass guy said the windshield on this 53 is the same as a Scout. Don't know the year but, will find out.

If you believe this part listing, it claims same windshield for Travelall, Travelette, and Pickup from 1950-69. Although 69 Travelalls and trucks definitely have a different windshield. As far as Scout, just from looking at photos I'd be inclined not to put much stock in that one.
 
OI, I'm watching you on this one as I am secretly build a '56 International with a nephew. He inherited it in pieces and then got his Grandmothers Dodge car. We've changed plans a few times now and one of the issues is downsizing the hump over the rear-end. I'm going to keep watching you.
 

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I'll get ya some more pics today when we pull the bed off to finish drilling the holes for the suspension. We're gonna have to c notch the frame too.
 
Got more done to the chassis

Small C-notch was needed

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Front frame horns and core support

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OI, I'm watching you on this one as I am secretly build a '56 International with a nephew. He inherited it in pieces and then got his Grandmothers Dodge car. We've changed plans a few times now and one of the issues is downsizing the hump over the rear-end. I'm going to keep watching you.

Is that a Dodge bed?
 
No it's an International

Here's some more picks of today's progress.

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