OldIHC

This is the story of one man’s quest for the ultimate factory built pickup…………

January. Iowa. -30 degrees, clear, inside because outside is just too darned cold for words.

Last night the weatherman showed a neat trick on t.v. – he went outside with a big pan of boiling water, threw it in the air, and it froze before it hit the ground. I thought it was bogus, so tried it…… it works!!!!

What’s this in the paper? ’68 IH 1300 4×4, needs work, $300, or best offer…. Hmmmmmm

Called, got directions – 125 miles distant.

Got out early next a.m., packed known – good distributor, battery, master cylinder, electric fuel pump, carburetor, spare gas and spare tires into “Ethel”, the trusty ’70 IH 1200, and off we go, son and I, intrepid travellers with cardboard covering the radiator so we’ll have some heat. Temp warmed up to 28 and the blizzard began in earnest – about three inches to the hour, and coming down sideways, leaving foot – tall drifts everywhere an obstacle blocks the wind.

Made ten mile before the fun began, found a familiar Dodge on the roadside, local boy in trouble due to owning junk. Couldn’t make the Dodge run for love, nor trying, so gave him a ride into the next town – his friend wasn’t there, so backtrack towards home to drop him safely at his house, because IH folks just don’t leave a guy in trouble.

Made the miles well, no traffic, only fools and officials out in this mess.

Found the barn first, then saw the house. Man said I should have brought a trailer, hasn’t been run in five years, as is evidenced by the brand new tires being sunk into the ground a full 8″ all the way ’round.

Asked him what his best offer had been, he said $300. Asked him if this was real cash, or just some words, he said he’d seen no greenbacks.
Showed him a brand new, crisp $100 bill, told him that he was looking at reality, and he took it gladly.

Now the work begins….

Swapped carbs, battery, and distributor without even trying the oldies, hooked the fuel pump, ran my 15 feet of hose to a spare can in the bed.
The engine cranked and fired after a few seconds, every bearing and lifter in it making music. I could tell it was going to need a total overhaul, but was willing to take the risk of the drive home.

Colder again, and near dark. Everything is stiff and unwilling – the transfer case won’t shift and the hubs refuse to lock, so have to pull it out of the holes with the other truck, then off we go!

Cripes! No heater and the cab is drafty as an old barn! Good thing I’ve got my Carhartts on and two layers under them!

Guys, I drove that truck home, 125 miles after dark, in 25 below zero weather.

Found the cam bearings in the oil pan the next day!

It’s all just a matter of how bad you want it.

I’d sure like hear other stories of the smiles and pain of your experiences in finding your trucks and getting them home. I have a feeling that I’m not the only fool out here who dirves them home, no matter what.

Blessings and Binderlove,

Jim

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