1965 International Travelall Panel Build

[PNW EXPLR]

Well just waiting on parts now...

 

[MazeVX]

The clean tag really shines!
Don't you want to spray over the primer?
Even though some of them are permanent resistant, primer has the tendency to look crap after a short time.
I forgot... You probably do that after machining for the bearing right?

 

[PNW EXPLR]

The clean tag really shines!
Don't you want to spray over the primer?
Even though some of them are permanent resistant, primer has the tendency to look crap after a short time.
I forgot... You probably do that after machining for the bearing right?

I may spray a ceramic engine clear over it. Like the NV4500 I had built, many of the NP transfer cases came from the factory with a similar red coating.
Here is the new transmission. The case is a brand new unit, red from the factory.

 

[SkunkedGorilla]

I may spray a ceramic engine clear over it. Like the NV4500 I had built, many of the NP transfer cases came from the factory with a similar red coating.
Here is the new transmission. The case is a brand new unit, red from the factory.
View attachment 247611

Looking really pretty

 

[PNW EXPLR]

Looking really pretty

I don't know about "pretty" but "new" or "factory" is my goal.
My instinct was to just spray everything black, But I want to be able to identify leaks early.

 

[PNW EXPLR]

FANTASTIC!!! BEAUTIFUL BUILD!!!

It really warms my heart because in the mid 70's when I was "exploring" (aka: looking for good point breaks) in Central America, i met up with this HOOLIGAN from Chicago or Detroit in Nicaragua... And he was driving a "3 door Comb Binder". Holy shit! We ended up spending about a year...GOING DEEP!!!

One trip we got to this pristine beach, set up camp, enjoyed about a week of bliss... Then this MACKEN storm comes in. We were all "prepped" for the storm... But it took us over a week to get back to paved roads because of all the downed trees. Luckily he had a chainsaw! (that I bought off of him before he was "forced" by his father to go back to Yale Law school)!

The funniest thing was that he got this dummies hand and had it gripping on of the rear door windows... AND nobody EVER tried to break into his truck!

Hey Joaquin! Thanks man. I am also stoked on it.

I actually have a vision of it with a roof rack with my 9'6" performance epoxy stick and my canoe, traveling down the west coast hitting the breaks and maybe getting back down into Baja. Was born and raised in San Diego, and my father lived in Rosario Beach. Spent a lot of time down there was a teenager, surfing, sneaking drinks, and just hanging on the beach. Been a long time. Miss Puerto Nuevo, oh the fresh lobster! You took me back Bro!

 

[PNW EXPLR]

It was nice to finally get some decent weather to work in.
Pulled the real International axle at got the 14 bolt mocked up. I need to order new leaf spring brackets which will allow me to eliminate the 5" lift block that I am using to find ride height.






But, here she is sitting on 37's all the way around.

 

[shortbus4x4]

I keep smashing the like button but it's only letting me do it once. AWESOME looking.

 

[PNW EXPLR]

I keep smashing the like button but it's only letting me do it once. AWESOME looking.

Thanks Bro.
On a side note, I found a guy local that is buying all of the International parts I am removing. Super excited that the international drive train will put life in another IH rig.

 

[MrWilsonWJ]

Looking better by the day! That thing is gonna be awesome when up and going, really going to turn heads on the trail. I'm only down the road so give me shout if you ever need a hand.

What are you running for springs and shocks? And about how much lift will you have on it?

 

[PNW EXPLR]

Looking better by the day! That thing is gonna be awesome when up and going, really going to turn heads on the trail. I'm only down the road so give me shout if you ever need a hand.

What are you running for springs and shocks? And about how much lift will you have on it?

Hoping to repurpose a set of Fox 2.0 shock I have on hand. Right now I am running Chevy Suburban 1/2 ton leafs. Once it’s built I will have a full set of Alcan leafs made.
As far as lift goes…..not to sure…guessing about 5” in the front and 4” in the rear. I will say it’s big! I will try to get a pic with me next to it for a perspective.

 

[DintDobbs]

@PNW EXPLR That huge monster of a truck is only running 1/2-ton springs? I'd have thought at least 3/4-tons, may be even 1-tons if you're going to load up with gear/passengers/build the interior. Just a thought - you know your truck better than I!

Truly a magnificent piece though, looks epic! Hope it runs as nice as at looks - I'm sure you'll catch eyes everywhere with that beaut!

 

[PNW EXPLR]

@PNW EXPLR That huge monster of a truck is only running 1/2-ton springs? I'd have thought at least 3/4-tons, may be even 1-tons if you're going to load up with gear/passengers/build the interior. Just a thought - you know your truck better than I!

Truly a magnificent piece though, looks epic! Hope it runs as nice as at looks - I'm sure you'll catch eyes everywhere with that beaut!

I appreciate the concern for sure. The plan is to get it all swapped and running, plus get a few miles on it. Then I will get Alcan Springs made specifically for this rig. Those will require weighing the truck. So many things will be changing, the fuel tank will go from a 14 gallon under the passenger floor to a 30 gallon somewhere under the center of the truck just infant on the rear axle. I will add a second battery, custom front bumper with a 10-12K winch, custom rear bumper.....blah blah blah. Point is, the weight is going to change, so I bought some cheap springs for mock up that will be replaced. I am planning the long game.
I sure hope it runs good too. Haven't even got to the engine upgrades yet!

 

[PNW EXPLR]

Gotta say, that is one good looking rear end!

What are your guys thoughts on adding a truss?

 

[DintDobbs]

@PNW EXPLR I saw your plan to get custom springs; just thought the temporary setup might do better with some thing stiffer.

If you're gonna wheel her on rocks, or ever expect to drag the diff, do the truss. It's cheaper than breaking an axle, getting towed out, and getting a new axle. And much more convenient! Only issue is, it might get hung up once in a while.

 

[PNW EXPLR]

@PNW EXPLR I saw your plan to get custom springs; just thought the temporary setup might do better with some thing stiffer.

If you're gonna wheel her on rocks, or ever expect to drag the diff, do the truss. It's cheaper than breaking an axle, getting towed out, and getting a new axle. And much more convenient! Only issue is, it might get hung up once in a while.

I am mostly concerned with ride height. I want to be as low as possible (center of gravity) while allowing enough clearance for the 38-39" tires that I am sure will someday find their way on the rig. Alcan is able to make some super flexy springs packs so I am focused more on droop than compression. I am sure that once the 8.1 is in place the front leafs will be begging for help.

I already did the 13 bolt shave on the 14 bolt center section, that gained me an inch. I think you are right, a mini truss would be cheap insurance.

 

[DintDobbs]

Custom spring packs are the best way to go. Only you know exactly what you will need; some things can only be known by trial and error (or you get it right the first time!). If you're planning on going to even bigger tires in the future, no measurement can predict where it might scrub while flexing under load. Just give her an extra 2-3" to be safe, ha ha!

 

[PNW EXPLR]

More good weather means more progress.

Pulled the original T-case and prepped the engine compartment to be ready to pull the ol' IH 304 ci.




Did a bit of measuring on the IH frame rails to determine what direction I will be going for the GM 8.1 engine mount/cross member as well. A little wider then a square body.

 

[PNW EXPLR]

LOL CAD! Concrete Aided Design!

Dood! you are doing a KILLER job!

When it comes to designing your roof rack... Think about 5/8" chromoly tubing and make an oversized 60's era "stretcher basket" design. There is all kinds of mesh suppliers (like McNICHOLS | Perforated Metal, Wire Mesh, Bar, Plank, Fiberglass Grating)

Look to the commercial rack producers for upright supports!

Keep up the good work!!!

I have given some thought to a rooftop basket. I agree that it will have to have a vintage feel. I will be using the same concept with the bumpers. Old school truck bumper vibe with a galvanized or silver powder coat.

 

[PNW EXPLR]

Today I spent an hour or so modifying the rear leaf spring hangers. Still need to go get 10' of 1/4"x6" flat plate to build the outriggers and frame reenforcement plate.


Here is the factory one the it will replace. You will notice that there is a cross member there so it should be pretty strong.