Shakedown Cruise

Today I went to DMV and got my license plate for the 56. It's been 8 months of on and off again rehab on the truck and getting the carburetor sorted out seemed to be the last major hurdle to taking the old Binder out on the highway for a shakedown and test drive. I installed a fire extinguisher in the cab and threw in the tool bag and fired up the mighty IH. The first 5 mile stretch to town is a winding canyon road and down hill to boot and all seemed good there. I cruised in town a bit in stop and go traffic and got a few thumbs up from tourists as I went by. I did an auto parts run and a lumber yard stop while I was at it so the truck earned its keep and then took the long way home over some country roads and back up the canyon, 40 miles in all. Every thing went well with no leaks or dragging brakes or other teething trouble. I had a big grin the whole way! I've been looking forward to this day for 8 months and while there is still a hundred little things to do I have a running truck on the road.
Thanks again to everybody here for contributing parts and information, I couldn't have done it without you!

Been there, done that, I know the feeling. I often spend more building an old vehicle than the price of something new. New does not have the smile-maker personality. This old shyte speaks to the driver with raw bumps and grinds.
I hope you enjoy your Binder for many years.

That's awesome! What a great feeling to know that your hard work paid off;. And it's back on the road!

Awesome is the word! My old nail is 67 years old now and if I had not made the decision a decade or so ago to keep it alive it would now be part of a sports stadium in China. It's much better in my shed!

Congrats Binder Mike!! that's gotta be a great feeling, all your hard work finally paying off!! I'm hoping to experience that same thing this year!
Good luck with it and safe travels

Thanks for sharing! Congratulations.

Pics!?

This past winter it was torn down to the bare frame and cab. I had pieces all over the place but I didn't take any "in progress" pics.I need to take some new ones In other locations now that it's mobile. I'll have to take my camera with me next time out The truck's a rustoration so the finish will stay as is and will get clear coated.

Looking good