IHC 1949 KB5 update - slightly OT

I have been focused on getting my 1949 KB5 road worthy, and have been absent from here for awhile. Thought I would share a little of the progress.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8o2HGMymS24

Lots going on, but thought you guys might enjoy a little OT of a small, but important progress video!

It's off topic since it's not a tractor - but comes back around to being on topic if it makes us all jealous.

Love those old trucks.

Cool!

Thumbs up !

thanks guys, I am pleased so far. Goal is to get her drivable for the August show in Portersville Pa. I would love to driver her there, but will settle to trailer her. 35 mile trip, and I need to get the antique plates for her. Brakes today, and work on the bed tomorrow. Clutch was totally shattered, but I found a rebuilt set, pressure plate and disk, just need to grit my teeth and pay the price for it!

JR, I thought I might slide in under the OT police, because she's an IHC...... :wink:

I consider it on topic. It is IHC without a question. If it was a Diamond T it would be a little iffyer.

There is a KB-5 with a stake bed on a sale a few hours south of me. I emailed the auctioneer for more info, but not reply back. I should try and call him pretty soon. I think the auction is at the end of the month. I'm not sure if it is a runner/driver, stuck, restored, or what. I assume it isn't restored because there are no pictures, but you never know.

Progress on the flat bed part:

Link to the whole story: http://oldihc.org/truck-talk/k-and-...ress-pictures-1945-kb5-flatbed-rebuild#p69664

Picture of today's progress:

Take the time, drill the holes for galvanized carriage bolts. If you have Menard's out there they sell them more reasonable than anybody. You will have to throw a few out per bag (at least on the 5/16 or 1/4) but they are still cheaper than Fastenal.

Is that bed getting a gooseneck hitch? Can you put a hitch in far enough with the bed? It is kind of a PITA to have a loading ramp to get a tractor on and off. I would like to have the option of pulling my regular trailer with the truck. Just a though...mostly asking you about feasability before I get in to a new project.

I am not putting a hitch on the truck for the following reasons: I am keeping it original and it has a flathead 6 in it, that puts out all of a whopping 93 HP. Top speed in this old girl even with the 2 speed rear end is around 45 -50 max. This has the hydrovac power brakes, but it has a 6 volt system, and modifying a trailer to take 6 volts is a pain, and 12 volts on this old girl just isn't in the cards. All the guages are 6 volt, and there are ways to make it happen, I just don't want to spend time/money on that part of it. Also, no synchromesh tranny. It's been years since I had to double clutch, guess I'll see if I still know how. :wink:

Of the local shows I go to (all within 70 miles or less), they all have loading docks/ramps, so when I use this, that is not an issue. If I take a tractor to a distant show (or one without a loading bank/doc), it will be on my regular trailer.

I am not saying you can't make this work, but plan on at least an engine tranny swap if you plan to tow with it. Some guys have made real machines out of these, the GVW on them is 17,500.......they are built like a tank. All depends upon what you want to do and how much you want to invest. IMHO.

That's what I wanted to hear. Thanks! If you take it to a show I see no reason to ever take your tractor off the truck!