NEWEST PROJECT Super-rare 1956 INTERNATIONAL 4X4

This weekend was delivery day for the newest project in the E-tek Restoration shop. This one will appeal to a different audience in some respects because, even though it's still "general restoration", it's also a rare truck - and a 4 wheel drive truck - to boot.

When people think about "Restorable 4x4 truck", what's the first things that comes to mind? For me it's gotta be a Dodge Powerwagon.  But what's even MORE COOL and MORE RARE than a Dodge Powerwagon? 

Why its a 1956 INTERNATIONAL HARVESTER 4x4 

 - of course!

The IH, as the brand is best know, was deleivered to the E-tek compoound in great style. On a massive flatdeck rig, the truck, and a spare box where delivered.

 But even with the Skid-steer, moving a heavy 4x4 rig - with 4 flats - along with an extra box - was not the easiest move I've ever made!

 

Unfortunately, EVERY piece of glass had been broken - and  much of the shattered material had landed inside the cab  - which had to be cleaned up as job one. Lucky for me, I actually talked my son Colt into helping - if only briefly!

As any restorer knows, sometimes the initial cleanup can be one of the funnest parts of a build, sometimes becoming somewhat of an archealogical expedition:

A good omen? In removing the seat, I was almost certain every bolt would snap off in it's body mount - bit instead, EVERY bolt came out cleanly - with only a little WD40 to help them along.

Delivery "Crew" and owners: The Sinclairs