Projects Which truck is a better project: '50 International or '41 Chevy?

Hi all—OK, long post alert!

I have the opportunity to pick up a… pickup! We’re starting to clean up my grandparents’ old property, and he has a few old vehicles.

Several years ago, he gave me one of them—a 1950 International L-112. I started working on it, but had to move and give up my shop and moved the truck back to his property. It has sat on his trailer since, almost 10 years now probably. The Binder is in remarkably good shape last I saw it, and hopefully it still is. The cab and front end has no through rust (it was probably parked before salt was really used a lot). The frame has a lot of rust, but I don’t think any through-rust. The only problem is the question of the box and rear fenders. When I originally got it, he said they “were around”, but they were buried and we’d just get them later. I talked to him recently, and he doesn’t really even remember if they are around (he is getting up there). So, I don’t know the condition of the rear fenders or box. If they are at all like the cab, they might be in very good shape. The motor is likely locked up, and might even be toast—I think he originally mentioned loaning it to someone, and they tried to make it go too fast and the motor had a nasty rod knock.

Thanks to the internet, I’ve found all the original owner’s and factory service manuals and parts diagrams for the truck. The documentation is incredibly in-depth! I recently looked through a few old pictures I have of it when it was sitting in my shop before I started to take it apart, so I verified that it was like I remembered. But, I have to consider that the rear sheet metal may not exist, and the possibility that parts went missing during the move. I started tearing down the front clip, and I believe we removed the front fenders. I saw the truck at Christmas, and it seems like it is still in pretty decent shape but I didn’t really inspect it as I was just showing my wife the property. The shop I was using is still in the family, so there is a remote possibility that any parts that stayed behind are still there, but I can’t count on that.

He also has a 1941 Chevy pickup that’s been sitting in the weeds for many years (with a tree growing in to the headlight). It was running when parked, but apparently had a heck of a timing issue that was causing the exhaust manifold to glow. It should also be pretty much complete, but is far rougher than the Binder. I believe the rear box panels are mounted to a ’58 Apache on the property, as the truck was a county wrecker and didn’t have box sides, so the ’41 donated its parts. As I remember, they are very rusted up and would need a lot of repair. Other than lots of surface rust though, the sheet metal should be in good repair. I think the rear fenders and running boards are sitting on the back of the truck where it sits.

I’ve looked at a lot of pictures of the trucks, both in hot rod and restored form, and am really leaning towards the Binder. It’s not something you see every day, but I can’t help but think that the ’41 being older is something that really should be “saved”—maybe that it’s more of a classic or something. However, I like the looks of the Binder better. For some reason I just don’t really dig the front grille on the ’41, and don’t like the street rod versions where they remove the front bumper. However, I like the Binder in both hot rod and restored form. The Binder would probably also be more comfortable (larger interior) and more likely to still be usable as a truck, if the need arose (which it might—might have to sell a current vehicle to save this old one), depending on what I did with it. I guess I’m also more attached to the Binder since I worked on it when I was younger.

I’m going to move the truck over to some of my dad’s property until I can drag it half way across the country to where we live so I can start working on it. In the mean time, I can start collecting missing parts and rebuild parts. I’ll be visiting to help out on the property next month, so I’ll get a chance to really look them over. Right now the plan is to move the Binder back behind my old shop until I can get it to where I can work on it.

Grandpa is going to look for them, but should have the titles for both the trucks so getting them back on the road shouldn’t be a problem.

So, with all that said, the question is which is more “worth” saving—the Binder or the Chevy?

 

The better question is probably which one first...'cause you "know" you've got to save them both. Good luck deciding, Bill.

 

Get them both. The Chevy will be easier to fix because of all the parts available.

 

Both. the Binder would make a really cool work truck and the Chevy would make a cool FENDERED! hot rod. Seriously, leave the fenders on it. Good luck deciding which one to start with.

 

I have thought very much about going this exact route. The problem is, currently I don't have a place to work on them, and I'm not completely sure my dad will let me store two trucks on the family land. If I can convince him to, that might be an option yet.

I could easily leave them on the land where they are now, but they are talking about selling the place in the next year or two. I also have to make sure nobody else in the family has claimed the '41--but I doubt it.

And yes, if I saved the old Chevy, it would definitely keep the fenders. A plus on the Chevy column is that there's also a similar-year full size Chevy delivery truck out there, that used to be a painter's truck (like an old-school UPS van). It has a similar front end, though according to my grandpa the whole underside is gone. It probably shares a few pieces with the '41.

We're planning on buying a house in the next year or two hopefully, and we're trying to get some place with some extra land so I can have a shop. The wife's on board with me having old car projects, so that's not an issue. We've even been talking about trading in our two cars for one shared vehicle so I can start working on a truck here in our two-car garage (we don't currently need two cars).

 

Get both! Then decide which one has more cab room inside. The more comfortable one should be first so it can be your daily driver/parts chaser. Myself, I'd pick the International, as it is different than the post war Fords and Chevys. That said by the 48 Ford F1 owner.

 

The Binder has a much bigger interior, and a sliding seat . The Chevy is kind of small inside.

 

Save them both, but we need pictures!
Tom

 

do you do body work? chevy would probably easier if you don't. glass fenders,running boards, and a new bed will cut the work down a bit.

 

I'd build the Haybaler, but I'm 6' 5" 260 pounds and the '41-46 Chevy/GMC was not noted for its roomy cab.

 

Not really, but the cab and front clip of the Binder are mostly unharmed. It seems like there is a small dent on the back of the cab (which really would be covered by the box), and a few wrinkles in the front grille piece. Of course, with my luck the rear fenders look like crumpled aluminum foil, but I guess worst case I could make it a flat bed if I made it a work truck.

I think the sheel metal is pretty straight on the '41 as well. Seems like maybe one of the front fenders has some dents, but I think the hood and cab (from what I remember) are OK. More rust on it, but as long as it's surface rust I can clean it up myself I think.

I have pictures stashed away of both trucks, but they are over 10 years old. I plan on taking a ton of pictures when I get out there in about 3 weeks. I also figure, at least of the Binder, I'd take a bunch of measurements of the frame and cab to begin making plans for it.

 

I like my 40 GMC... Go with the chevy

 

sell chevy. international is different and cooler

 

What do YOU like better? I'd have no interest in the binder at all. But what difference does that Make? Hell, I own a Studebaker

 

I would try and save them both - the binder is not the usual and the Chevy is easy to find parts. If you have to sell one of them to a fellow Hamber and use the money to get the other one on the road !!!

 

I have both a 53 binder pickup as daily and a 41 chev pickup fenderless rod both have a place in my shed so "you know what Im gonna say"

 

Well, as an update, it looks like I will probably be getting both. They'll be stored on family land (different than where they're at now) until I can ship one to me. I'll only be able to get one up and running until we buy a house, hopefully with an actual shop, and can work on the other.

It looks like I'll be starting with the Chevy, depending on its condition. We're still trying to track down the Binder's title. The Chevy also has family history, so my uncles want to see it on the road again and for it to stay in the family. That may or may not hinder what I can do with it (out of respect), but I don't think they'd mind a clean hot rod.

I think the Binder looks nicer in stock form than as a hot rod (though I've seen one picture of a really nice one), so that will make a good work truck. Maybe by the time the Chevy is on the road, we'll have a place. I wanted the work truck first, but it will be nice just having a project again.

 

For speed-of-build's sake, a 250/292 straight 6 would be an easy swap into the 41. Step up to a later trans if you wish. There's plenty of reproduction parts for the 41 as others have mentioned. Full beds with wood can be had for ~$1200, not bad for all-new stuff. I know, I've got a 46.

 

Modify the chevy but restore the Farmall. Personally Id rather see odd vehicles restored.

 

Where are the pictures?

 

So, I'm bumping this thread because in July I am planning on bringing home one of the trucks. I thought I'd post pictures. I sent a few pictures to my Dad, who's done a frame-off '63 Porsche restoration and some other work. He thought that I should forget about the Chevy as it's too far gone. I included one pic of the underside for him, where the frame isn't through-rusted, but it's got a lot of heavy rust (like the motor), and he's concerned it may not have much of a frame left.

What do you guys think? I don't know if I want two trucks. I'd kind of like something sporty for a second project--my uncle even has a pair of Triumph TR3's he'd like someone to restore, which might be a fun little car.

There's a '58 Apache with a 235 & 4-speed that I might be able to use on the property, and the delivery truck has some usable spare parts.

 

Holy crap. Dig that delivery truck out, clean it up and flip it. That has to be rare as all hell with that nose on it. Never seen one before, didn't know they ever did one that way.

I was going to say, fix the '41 up and sell that and presto! Money to put into the International, but.... if that delivery had been at the auction I was at last week I'd have dropped my last dime if I'd had to to get it out of there.


Also, if you think those are too far gone, you need to see what people fix here in the northeast. Neither one of those pickups is in too bad of shape and you aught to be able to clean up either one and sell the one you don't want.

 

Yeah, the delivery truck is really cool. Wanted to use it for a shop a friend and I started years ago, but never did. I believe it is a '46.

The Chevy pickup has dents in just about every body panel, and I'm not sure where the tail gate or rear fenders are (the fenders in the picture are from the 'binder).

The International is pretty straight, and almost complete. Just a few missing items. The bed has some through-rust in the bed floor, as it has a steel bed. A couple very minor dents in the cab, a small amount of corner rust behind the front fenders, and I think a little wrinkle in one of the rear fenders. The running boards, so far, are missing. Needs a few knobs/handles inside, and the exterior lights. Otherwise it's complete, I think.

I guess if I can find enough parts around, mostly sheet metal, and my grandpa can find the title, I'd probably rather have the Chevy.

I started working on the 'binder years ago, but this would be my first restoration. I've worked on cars quite a bit, but haven't done any fabricating/welding.

 

Your best bet.....

Get them out of there or at least make it where they can be gotten out of there and sell them all. Do not expect big money. Use that money plus more to find a running and driving vehicle of your choosing... You would be way ahead if go that route.

If you must choose one, the 41 Art Deco is the only choice IMHO.

 

I agree with F-One. Get them out. Sell them. Buy something that is drivable. Set up a hobby type shop of your liking. You will making a clean start and be much happier.

 

The Art Deco's I've seen for sale so far have been really expensive for just a project truck--not that I'd expect much out of this one.

The Binder is pretty solid. I removed the front fenders years ago, it probably would look a lot better if I left them on. I have some old pictures of it, but somewhere in the move a couple hubcaps and the headlights went missing.

It would certainly be easier to find a running truck. Or, find a good donor Chevy to fix up my grandpa's truck, so I could keep the original serial #. There's one on eBay for $6500, and I think I found one on CraigsList for $9200... neither running. Yikes.

 

The TV auction shows have every one thinking their rust is gold.Every thing is over priced , and not worth it , Most of this stuff sold new for $600 to $900 and are pretty much decayed into rust/dust.

 

The delivery is pretty f'in cool. And they are all salvageable...shit you should see my 38 pickup. Pick the one you want the most, it's the only way you'll be happy.

 

As someone who always builds from the ground up and always wishes I had a driver for the few years it takes to get a project running, F-One has given some good advice, that is unless you feel you must keep one for the sentimental reasons. Then the Chev would be my pick hands down.

 

It would be nice to have an actual running truck right now, as we could really use one (just bought our first house), and I'd like it to be vintage.