1953 ih r100

This truck is mostly done but I thought I might share some of the old build photos and such.

This first series shows the truck as I found it in the NE GA woods 2 years ago. Totally original, missing tailgate and passenger side glass.

The engine was seized and the frame was rusted in two under the metal bed (fertilizer bags left in the back). So I decided a frame and engine swap was in order. Got a donor truck (S10) and a 350/350 combo from a 77 C10. Tore em down.

The tear down continued...

So the frame was clean and ready to be united with the engine and tranny...
I had to shorten the driveshaft and modify the crossmember slightly. I used S10V8's engine mounts and headers. Easy install.

Next it was time to bring the IH sheetmetal into place. I did all this myself with aid of an engine hoist. I made simple body mounts out of 1.5 inch square tube and plate. Used a truck mudflap as a rubber body bushings.

Plumbing and wiring and all that PITA stuff was next. Took a while. When it was all over I got to finally add personality. Wrench doorhandles and gas pedal. Mustang seats and genuine imitation ostrich door panels. I used the S10 coumn and pedal assembly as well as brake booster and master cylinder. 1961 Studebaker hubcap air cleaner and 1972 Brockway semi stacks. Chevrolet tailgate.

Ive shown it and won some trophies. It runs good and is fun to drive. My first Rat Rod build. It was overall pretty easy. Thanks for looking at my junk...lol

Im currently looking into adding a front bumper and a homemade visor. Stay tuned.

Very Nice.
Torchie.

Looks good. Some of my folks live up there in the mountains ,near Helen.

Just went to a show up there. Got Best Ratrod! I love Helen

Very cool, i like it. Thanks for sharing. How long did the whole project take you?

-Chris

About 6 months taking my time. I love ratrodding. I didnt clean or paint anything just make it cool and functional. I did a ground up resto on a 71 F100 and it took me 6 years and $10000. I did this one in 6 months for about $2000 and $1000 of that was tires wheels and a new radiator!

Neat truck! Those old Binders are so ugly they're cute! [cl

Very nice. Bet it gets a lot of looks!

Great build! Turned out sweet!

When I go to shows I always notice all the "do not touch" signs and the folks guarding their cars like they were the tomb of the unknown soldier. I respect that, I have a nice truck that I watch after too and I know what paint costs. But when I set the old binder out there and put up my "please touch" signs and watch the kids crawl in and get their pictures made it makes me smile. And theres nothing quite like being the star attraction at a show with $100000 cars everywhere. One time I parked next to a 1954 Mercedes 300SL gullwing. Seven figures?

I whipped up a visor from a 1967 Ford Tailgate, a little bit or road sign and some steel rod. I think it came out ok. Thoughts?

Thats a really cool idea with the visor, looks good.

-Chris

That will keep them confused!