1953 International Harvester

R112 Pickup truck

6 - Cyl.

Manual

197996

Clear

Gasoline

I bought this 1953 International R112 a few months ago. It had been in storage and not registered for at least 20 years. I got it running by 1) changing all fluids, 2) rebuilding or replacing brakes (including hoses, wheel cylinders, and master cylinder, turning drums, & new shoes in rear), 3) cleaning out gas tank to bare metal, 4) rewiring entire car (except headlights in front clip - wire in good condition), 5) getting all stock gauges to work (ammeter, fuel level, temperature, oil pressure - only gauge that doesn't work is recently purchased new temperature gauge), 6) new mechanical fuel pump, 7) rebuilt carburetor (Holley single barrel), 8) rebuilt starter, 9) replaced plugs, points, condenser, and coil (converted to 12 volts with alternator), and 10) installed new 12 volt battery. I had alternator checked out and it is performing normally. Engine starts right up and runs great. I have driven truck about 300 miles in the last few weeks with no problems. Installed used Michellin tires, but plenty of good rubber / tread on stock 16" wheels. Engine is stock, numbers matching Silver Diamond 220. I cleaned up the interior by removing seat and wire brushing surface rust and repainting floor, giving entire interior a good scrub, and installing new door panels. Back rest of seat is in good condition, but seat cover had dried out and cracked and needs to be replaced (my local interior guy quoted me $145 for seat bottom). Installed new glass in doors (not vent glass). Body has a few dents / dings / scrapes (but not many), but does have some rust in usual spot on bottom rear of cab (both sides - see picture), and along bottom of tailgate. Entire frame and underbody has surface rust, but I have not observed any areas where there is a serious issue that couldn't be wire brushed off or sand blasted. There were deep scratches in paint on drivers side front fender that showed rust. I stripped paint (about 4 coats) and sheet metal is in very good condition. Hood and front grill ornaments were removed by prior owner. The transmission is the 4-speed granny T-98 transmission (no syncros in 1st) and shifts with no problems. Clutch works fine. Had some clutch release bearing noise when first started up, but seems to have gone away with some use. Truck does not have exhaust smoke, has some tappet noise at idle due to solid lifters, and may use some oil (not sure of history of engine), and does not leak oil onto floor. This truck likes to cruise about 48 to 52 miles per / hour (will go faster, but just seems to like that speed). If your looking for something to drive locally, this truck would work great, but if you're looking for a freeway cruiser this is probably not for you (unless you are going to make some changes). Pickup is currently registered in my name and had a headlight / brake inspection to attain current registration. I currently use this pickup as my daily driver and have had no problems. Runs cool, even in the southern California summer weather. I have put quite a bit of money and time to make this a reliable driver. It has a very good body for an old truck (no dents on back or top of cab). Someone could drive this as is or make it nicer without too much problem. The bad: 1) above mentioned rust, 2) above mentioned seat and no cab floor mat, 3) missing one interior door handle, 4) missing one windsheld wiper arm, 5) no heater, 6) bee bee spots on windshield and one back glass (not bad, but they are there), 7) all window and door rubber and glass channel need to be replaced 8) a little loose steering (I have adjusted steering box), 9) I have a front bumper, but it has a pretty good bend and rip in it that needs to be repaired and 10) missing drivers side vent window handle (broken off) . This truck is nice for its age, but it is 58 years old and appears to be all original. Please ask questions if there is something I have not covered sufficiently.