OldIHC

I've been storing a 1953 R-112 Series for a few years now waiting to save up the funds for restoration. Something always happens to deplete the fund (I know this is a familiar story!). After a few years of this (used to be VERY active on this website), I finally decided that the only way forward that will work for me is to find a running vehicle and do a "running" restoration, keeping it drivable as long as possible while restoring parts, spending a little each month.

While I had learned to drive on a '53 R-110 and had been planning to restore one, I came across a running 1940 D-2 1/2-ton (113") pickup on eBay and fell in love with it. In fact, I'm still working out how to get it from Leyden, MA to Madison, WI for a reasonable amount (anyone going this way? LOL)

And while I had driven an R-Series for over 11 years, so I knew the truck VERY well, I know very little about the D-Series, so I'm counting (hopefully!) on your help with this restoration, the intent of which is to restore to stock wherever possible, but adjust where necessary too. It won't be a "every little nut and bolt HAS to be period correct) restoration, but it needs to look right.

I will post a pic or two of "Cornelius" shortly. Just happy to be back in the IHC world

John (Jupes) Hansen

Some photos:

It's wonderful!
Since it's so nice, I doubt you will need much help?
I've owned about eight D Series. I'll be glad to tell you what I know.

That's a very nice truck you found John, and it's great to hear from you again!

Dean

Thanks guys - here's what I know so far:

- Body - the front fenders have bondo that is starting to break up, and the bed floor is shot, but the frame is very solid and clean.

- Brakes are functional but need re-bleeding badly - some of the wheel cylinders have been replaced and the MC has been rebuilt.

- Engine runs, but it is unknown as to whether it has been rebuilt (will check compression when it arrives). The valve seats have not been hardened, so the previous owner has been using Gunk lead additive. Plugs, wires, cap, rotor have been replaced.

- Shocks, springs, king pins, etc. are all original and will have to be assessed.

- Gauges work, but senders need to be replaced.

- Wiring has been replaced on the truck.

- The original 4.18 gears have been replaced - he is not sure what the replacement ratio was, but speedometer is approx. 5 mph fast now.

- A VW gas tank was installed to replace the original tank that had gotten rusty. I was able to purchase a replacement D-Series tank along with the truck, but will need the gas tank sending unit.

Plan of action is to perform complete mechanical assessment to see what needs replacing/rebuilding right away, and what can wait. I have a feeling that the shocks will need rebuilding and that the king pins will need replacing.

Nice Truck, I have a 37 just like it, same colors.

Good luck

--George

Beautiful truck !

Very nice truck! I also have a 37, same colors too. I am doing a rolling restoration also. -Stickman207

Glad to hear someone else is doing a rolling resto on a D-Series Any lessons learned to pass along?

Mike, I Really enjoyed the thread- and , the "Restoring Cornelius" web journal!
Beautiful truck and a beautiful display of restoration work, info, and photos!
Truly inspiring!!