Back again. 51 L120

Here we go again...

That truck looks like it's in great shape and a good place to start, nice to see you're back .

I will be watching you.

Thanks manicmechanic. Nikki, I need to be held accountable. I always regret selling them. I must finish and keep this one. I've never had one without budd rims so this lug pattern is new to me.

subscribed!

I am the picture of seller's remorse.
I have daily regret for giving my 1953 R120 to someone who said they were going to fix it up and drive it. Now it sits in an open field, neglected.
I admit that the "R" does not look like much on the trailer that hauled it away, but the person had the stuff to fix it.
If there is a next time, I can send the truck to recycling on my own.

I am the picture of seller's remorse.
I have daily regret for giving my 1953 R120 to someone who said they were going to fix it up and drive it. Now it sits in an open field, neglected.
I admit that the "R" does not look like much on the trailer that hauled it away, but the person had the stuff to fix it.
If there is a next time, I can send the truck to recycling on my own.

Is that a dakota frame?

The frame is the original R120 frame. This frame was in good condition when I got the truck back in the 1980s. It had developed a few minor, but, repairable cracks at the front. This is typical for these frames. I built a strengthening plate/brace to hold the Saginaw Power steering box. Because of the weight of the 6.9 V8 Diesel I added air springs to the suspension, both front and back. I put the front air springs directly under the engine mounts. This was for direct weight transfer to the front axle. When the engine mounts are not directly over the axle, the frame is forced into extreme flexing, from the "Z" angles, causing the frame to crack and break. This was typical of these old IH trucks.
I got 225,000 miles and 20 years on this frame and there was no cracking.
These Old IHC frames are easy to work with. I would never consider using a Non IH frame, unless I were building a new frame. these frame are a simple ladder design and easy to make.
I installed a 1990 Chevy/GM Van fuel tank in the frame rails, at the rear of this "R". A good trailer hitch is mandatory for added frame strengthening. Without this hitch or something else to add frame strength, the frame will twist and ultimately break along its length.
Another situation you might have is the deuteriation of the spring perches. I chuck the perches in my Southbend 16" lathe and drill out the perch pins. New pins are easy to make. I have two styles of pins. One is external thread, like the originals and the other style if internal threads for a bolt.
The better choice for an engine for these trucks is the Cummins "B" series. The 6bta, like a Dodge truck will fit without any surgery. I have a perfect Cummins 4bta for this L110. The Cummins 4bt looks lost in the engine cavity.
https://youtu.be/_U5M6eIQpZk

If you find loose rivets in the frame connections, you have, two choices. I have often removed the loose rivets. After reaming the holes to a precise 7/16" i installed grade 8 bolts and made sure the threads were not inside the connections. Another option is to heat the rivets to a bright red hot, with an oxygen and acetylene torch and reset the rivets. You will need a good ball-peen hammer and a backing dolly. The rivets get really tight as they cool.
Boxing these frames a a terrible idea.; This not to say boxing cannot be done, it is a job that should only be done by a person with experience, the right tools and skill.
The front center of the frame, under the radiator, where two pieces of frame come together in a "V" is a popular place for IH frame failure. The tabs often crack. This is one place that welding is a good idea.

If you find loose rivets in the frame connections, you have, two choices. I have often removed the loose rivets. After reaming the holes to a precise 7/16" i installed grade 8 bolts and made sure the threads were not inside the connections. Another option is to heat the rivets to a bright red hot, with an oxygen and acetylene torch and reset the rivets. You will need a good ball-peen hammer and a backing dolly. The rivets get really tight as they cool.
Boxing these frames a a terrible idea.; This not to say boxing cannot be done, it is a job that should only be done by a person with experience, the right tools and skill.
The front center of the frame, under the radiator, where two pieces of frame come together in a "V" is a popular place for IH frame failure. The tabs often crack. This is one place that welding is a good idea.

Nice tips.