Posted 2005-05-31 11:11 AM (#713) Subject: ques for Mr Truck: 1971 International Laodstar
Posts: 15
Location: Great Falls Virginia
I have found a 1971 3-horse van (International Loadstar 1600)for sale. It has under 80,000 miles on it and looks to be in good shape as far and the chassis and box go - not rusted through anywhere, all wood in box is sound except window trim, floor is solid, cab interior is imaculate - original applstery is in perfect shape. Gas engine, electric ramp lift. The engine was blown last November - before that it was in regular use. The owner took it into an international repair place whos said it could run as much as 6,000 or 7,000 to rebuild the engine. The owner did not ask about the possibility of putting another engine in (the obvious thing to do), and the repair place did not offer, so they do not know how bad the engine is, though they did do a compression check and it appears all cylinders are the same, I just called Frank DiBella dealerhship - they have the same year and model truck on consignment, asking $10,000.
The van I am looking at is advertized at $1500, and I suspect I could talk them down.
Is putting a new (salvaged) engine in a reasonable option? I am also assuming it would be wise to replace all hoses and fuel lines, get a brake job.... anything lese that shopuld be done based on trucks age (tires look pretty good). Do you have any thoughts on internationals in general?
I realize that without seeing the truck this is hard to answer., but how much should we expect to put into a truck of this age to make it safe?
Posted 2005-05-31 5:56 PM (#714 - in reply to #713) Subject: RE: ques for Mr Truck: 1971 International Laodstar
Posts: 30
Location: Denver CO
Those were very popular farm trucks. Which engine? Most had 304 or 345 cu gas v-8's. And most had 5 speed manual with a 2 speed electric axle. The front axle is very wide and a little touchy on dirt road shoulders. But go out in the farm country and ask Coops and even Napa stores about a rebuilt engine. You should see quite a few of these trucks still in use on farms.The brakes on those 2-ton trucks can last 100,000 miles. My neighbor and I used to buy these kind of trucks that were moving vans and cut the van bodies off and tow 33' hay trailers with them. But yes, replacing hoses, belts, vacum lines maybe rubber brake lines. These old trucks are easy to work on. Kind of loose steering though, but they were the top truck in their day. But look for the rebuilt engine, which should be less than $2000.
Posted 2005-06-01 3:22 PM (#715 - in reply to #713) Subject: RE: ques for Mr Truck: 1971 International Laodstar
Posts: 15
Location: Great Falls Virginia
Thanks for your reply. The truck has a 304 engine. I am hoping the existing engine can be repaired, but if not we have found rebuilt engines for $1800. I don't know why the original garage said $6,000 - $7,000 - either they did not want the job, or thought they had a sucker, I guess.
We have decided to buy the truck - I got it for $1000! At that price, even if it never runs, I could use the box for storage, and it would be a deal!
Posted 2005-06-01 6:54 PM (#717 - in reply to #713) Subject: RE: ques for Mr Truck: 1971 International Laodstar
Posts: 727
Location: sc
Originally written by walkergirl on 2005-06-01 4:22 PM
Thanks for your reply. The truck has a 304 engine. I am hoping the existing engine can be repaired, but if not we have found rebuilt engines for $1800. I don't know why the original garage said $6,000 - $7,000 - either they did not want the job, or thought they had a sucker, I guess. We have decided to buy the truck - I got it for $1000! At that price, even if it never runs, I could use the box for storage, and it would be a deal!
Posted 2005-06-14 1:11 PM (#718 - in reply to #713) Subject: RE: ques for Mr Truck: 1971 International Laodstar
Posts: 15
Location: Great Falls Virginia
Still hunting for someone to work on 'Vanna'. We drove her to the farm last weekend. Burned about 2 qts of oil going about 10 miles: 5 miles per qt, not oo bad . I have been calling shops listed as 'authorized' International dealers: but they cannot use NAPA or other parts because of the warantee, and seem to doubt they can gett he parts needed from International, so I am in a bit of a bind. I have been firing off emails to every truck servicer int he area I can find.
Posted 2005-06-14 1:36 PM (#719 - in reply to #713) Subject: RE: ques for Mr Truck: 1971 International Laodstar
Posts: 30
Location: Denver CO
If you go threw an International Dealer, it's going to be expensive. A farm shop or your trusted local mechanic should be able to do it. Old engines aren't as electronicly complex and relitive easy to install. You should be able to get a rebuilt engine from Napa to drop in. It will have it's own warranty.
Posted 2005-06-16 12:44 PM (#720 - in reply to #713) Subject: RE: ques for Mr Truck: 1971 International Laodstar
Posts: 15
Location: Great Falls Virginia
Finally found 2 garages willing to take a peek at her, though one guy said up front that he will most likely recommend a re-manufactured engine instead of trying to salvage the one she has (without even seeing it).
It's funny, because alot of guys who do their own engine work say it should be a piece of cake, but not many commercial garages want to go near the thing! I guess they want to stick with jobs they know they can finish quickly and easily.
ques for Mr Truck: 1971 International Laodstar
