1952 International Harvester L-120

[Chili]

That is going to be pretty kick ass!

[Sean88gt]

I've always wanted to take something like that and fab up a crew cab. 2 cabs grafted would be pretty slick.

[NoClassic]

IH actually contracted another company to build extended and crew cab version of some of the later trucks. I dont really like them but interesting for sure.

[Sean88gt]

Originally Posted by NoClassic

IH actually contracted another company to build extended and crew cab version of some of the later trucks. I dont really like them but interesting for sure.

60s/70's, right? They have a definite Forestry Service feel to them.

[NoClassic]

I think you are right on the years for the crew cabs. The extended may have been in some of the even earlier ones.

We are likely going to move the cab some. I feel like a forward axle position is ok on lifted stuff but we may be at the extreme of what looks acceptable with the fender shape on this truck. The bent fender corner does make it looks worse but still I think its too much. Moving it would also help with the amount of front frame exposed which I dont really like. Opinions?

[jw33]

Yes on the move forward. It is close, but might as well do it right.

[NoClassic]

I had come to the same conclusion after looking at it more.

We will have to drill out the rivets and move the ford mid chassis/rear cab crossmember forward a few inches. The exhaust manifold will hit the firewall but just a small dimple should get it to clear.

I think I am going to lift the body another inch as well. I had the trans top plate off when fitting everything today. With it back on thing are tight enough that we will need to come up some more.

[NoClassic]

We have both been busy the last couple weekends so not much progress.

We did get the cab moved forward along with the mid chassis crossmember. Its still not perfectly centered but without major firewall modification its the best we can do. Still going to have to clearance for the exhaust manifold in this position.

This morning we got the bed on the chassis so we can start on its mounts. It is just resting on the frame in this image and needs to be leveled

[Cooter]

fucking dope

I love the utility body

[NoClassic]

Did not like it at first but its grown on me. I wish the boxes came off like on some of the newer ones. This thing was not fun to get up on to a chassis this tall.

[TX_Snake]

That is a a bad ass build.

[NoClassic]

I was able to get the front cab mounts made this evening.

A whole bunch of parts that we need forthe controls, firewall, and intercooler/radiator fabrication also showed up.

[Scott Mc]

The bed makes it! Very nice build.

[NoClassic]

The turbo outlet elbow showed up so I threw it on along with the stock downpipe. Surprisingly it fits really well which will save a good bit of exhaust fabrication time. I need to decide what to do about the exhaust outlet. I always thought stacks were stupid but with the utility body and the pipe run through one of the storage compartments with a short outlet on the box top it may be cool.

This weekend we will get the front body work mounts done and do the necessary mods to the floor pan for the new mount locations. going to drill some new holes in the pan crossmembers and sleeve them.

[NoClassic]

I got the front body mounts worked out and started on the intercooler, condenser, and radiator today.

The intercooler core is undersized but is the largest I could fit without spending a good amount on a custom unit or hacking up the inner fender liners for the OEM dodge. Unfortunately there was not enough room to fit the mechanical fan so one from a Taurus I have is going on. It does fit the radiator pretty well so that is good.

It also looks like we lucked out with the bed as the existing holes line up and allow us to use the long bolts and C-plates/clamps that held it to the IH chassis.

[NoClassic]

I finished up all of the heat exchanger mounting and pulled the cab last week to complete all of the metal work on it. I am not really happy with how far forward I had to push the intercooler but there was really no other option other than an air to water. I need to find a couple of the IH grill trim piece to cover the areas I had to cut out.

With the cab off I strengthened the firewall and mounted the hydroboost unit along with cutting the column and making its firewall support flange.

I also picked up a full set of the V code superduty leaf springs which we will be installing. Apparently they have a much softer spring rate and should bring the ride height down a bit. With how we had to mount the body I feel like its just too tall with the tires we are using.

[Z06killinsbf]

This is awesome and moving right along

[mstng86]

This is looking pretty damn beastly. I like it.

Was that old truck in the background in Forney recently. It looks a lot like a truck rolling around here.

[NoClassic]

I dont think my dad had any reason to be out that way with the truck. Chevy made a ton of the AD pickups so likely just another build.

[NoClassic]

I was away for work the past couple weeks so nothing was done on the truck. Yesterday I was able to finish the necessary changes to the floor for the new cab mount locations. Nothing worth getting images of but basically we just had to drill new holes in the cab crossbeams and sleeve them like the original locations.

I also finished up fitting and tacking in the half hemisphere for exhaust manifold clearance at the firewall.

Next the cab goes back on so we can compress the body mounts to check for final fitment. We will also work out the running board to chassis mounts at the same time.