International 60’s Cab on F-550 Frame

[Jayyork_97]

Hey all,
This is my first post on Expedition Portal. Long time stalker, first time poster. One of my all time dream trucks is a 1967-68 IH 1200 or 1300 4x4.

When I move into a new place with a shop in the next couple of years, I would like to build an IH from the ground up, nut and bolt, to my specific needs/wants. (Big emphasis on wants)

The long term goal for the truck is to have something like anolder forest service road truck, brush truck, for tackling roughterrain and literally having that “go-anywhere” look. However,the goal down the road is to have a few acres and a workinghobby farm. This got me thinking about the super singleconversions some fire departments are doing to their F-550’s. I. thought this would be great, since the older frames will mostlikely need attention and a F-550 would make a slick frame swap with a lot of aftermarket support. This way, I could have a flatbed and load the truck down with whatever I want on whatever terrain and not worry about making it out. I want to make this a multi-purpose, do everything truck that I can repair when needed and be simple, but reliable enough to work hard and be driven daily. Here are my current plans I’m working out for when this build will go down:

67-68 Cab
05-10 F-450/F-550 4x4 Frame with factory 4:88’s
Built DT360 (350-400 HP, 800-900 LB FT)
FSO-6406 6 Speed Overdrive
Atlas Transfer Case
Flatbed of some sort with boxes to carry tools
20x11 Buckstop Steel Wheels
335/80/20 Goodyear G275 41” Tires

The one thing I’m concerned about is that the cab will look too narrow with this wide track front end. Has anybody ever done a swap similar to this? If so, I’d love to see some pictures. I know this will be some fab work and will be a pricy build, but it’scheaper and a whole lot cooler than buying a new truck.

Attached are a few pics I’ve gathered from online of both IH trucks and the F-550 Single Conversion.

 

[shortbus4x4]

Fender flares! I also think you will need a bigger transfercase than an Atlas with that much torque, tire size and ability to carry heavy loads. I have a few old International Loadstars and some 60s Travelalls. I love your idea.

 

[Jayyork_97]

Hey shortbus, thanks for the reply. Fender flares for sure, 99.9% sure they’ll be made by me when the time comes as I can’t find anything out there! I’ve been looking for some with no luck. And I hate to hear that about the Atlas. I don’t have much real world experience with them, I’ll have to look into the transfer case idea some more. I was under the impression the Atlas was tough as nails indestructible. Another thought I had was an NP205 with a doubler, but I’d probably be in the same boat as far as torque output. Any suggestions? Also, sounds like you have good taste in vehicles!

 

[shortbus4x4]

Look for a NV271 from a 2000s Chevy C4500/5500. They are divorce mount aluminum case chain drive transfercase that are pretty tough. And they have the front output on the drivers side to match the Ford F550 front axle.

 

[mog]

I seconded the fender flares. You of course will not find something off-the-shelf, but look at other vehicle options that might work. I needed to add about 1.5" of flares on the front of my C4500 due to running super singles and found that stock Jeep YJ flares would work perfectly (combining the front and rear sets). So perhaps you might have the same luck with another vehicle. The old FJ40 rear flares look like they might have the same rear profile as the International? And of course, some 'built' old-school metal 'flairs' (as in stylish) would be awesome. If you feel the cab looks too 'narrow' just add some running boards to fill out the width. My C4500 has those and I've wondered how I have lived without them on other 'large' trucks. Running boards and a 60s cab would go great together. If you end up going with the NV271 and need measurements, let me know. I'm looking forward to your build.

 

[shortbus4x4]

Look up 1966ih on YouTube for some big axle, big tire flares on a 1966 International pickup.

 

[Jayyork_97]

Thanks shortbus, I'll do that! Looks like the NV273 from the Topkick/Kodiak's is Electronic Shift. May try to frankenstein a TC blended it and NV271 from a F-550 to keep it manual shift. The less wires in this pig, the better!

Mog, thanks for the info! Unfortunately, it'll be a good 5 years or more before this finished build is on here. Your truck is way cool! Love that 8.1, my brother had one and I loved the torque.

 

[Jayyork_97]

Look up 1966ih on YouTube for some big axle, big tire flares on a 1966 International pickup.

WOW! That's a lot of flare. I wonder if about half that width would still reasonably cover my setup. We will find out eventually!

 

[shortbus4x4]

Quad 4x4 out of Montana has a kit to convert a NV271 to divorce mount. I've heard it's a bit different from the NV273 divorce mount in the C4500/5500 as far as the mounting holes and such go, but have not actually seen one in person.

 

[Jayyork_97]

I really appreciate all your input today! NV271 might just be the ticket since it'll already be on the donor frame.

 

[nitro_rat]

Those Internationals have a much wider body than a Ford/Chevy 1/2 ton. I bet it's a pretty good fit. I bet someone can put a tape on one to find out for sure...