1956 International RD-220

Posted on November 4, 2011 by Eric

Not too long ago Spencer contacted me with a video of a pretty cool truck, his International RD-220.  Originally this great truck belonged to his grandfather and was used to help with the construction of Interstate 87 in New York.  You will notice that the hood is much longer than a typical R-Series, this was necessary to fit the large diesel engine, a Cummins NHB-600.  For the past 30 years the truck has sat parked in the same spot….until now!

Let this be a lesson to all of us, have a front end loader handy at all times.

Good luck on your restoration Spencer! And don’t forge to keep us updated!

Posted in International, Vintage | Tagged , | 2 Comments

At the Dealer – Bring on the Plows.

Posted on November 3, 2011 by Eric

For us in the northern climates we have ignored the truth long enough, winter is here.  With that in mind many municiaplites are scrambling to button up their trucks for the season.  Time to take a look at few on the local dealers and repair shops.

International Workstar, it’s possible this truck is still waiting for home.  It won’t look this clean much longer.

Too large?  How about this International 4900 4×4 owned by Onondaga Community College.  No excuse to close campus with this rig on patrol.  I’ve always found the International 4XXX series to be one my favorite International truck on the road.  Maybe it’s their simple and near utilitarian design?

Western Star, this Canadian truck should know a thing or two about snow.  Town of Florence.

And let us not forget this good ol’ Freightliner FLC.  Town of Conquest.

Oh look, another Western Star.  Town of Clay.

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I am…THE LAW!

Posted on November 2, 2011 by Eric

Break the law and you can get your very own free ride on this bus! Just be warned, the seat belt system can be very restrictive.  The Onondaga County Sheriff runs this Freightliner M2 Business Class shuttling around prisoners.  At least that is my best guess.  Click on the photo for a larger view.

Posted in On the Job | Tagged , | 1 Comment

The International Harvester Film Library

Posted on November 1, 2011 by Eric

From FarmingtonImplement.com

International Harvester changed the advertising world forever in 1911 with the production of “Back to the Old Farm,” the world’s first commercial film.
Shown in local theaters, all early films were 35mm and featured tractors, trucks and many educational subjects. The advent of 16mm film and portable projectors allowed convenient showings for the dealer open house and other groups and clubs. Many Harvester films from the 40′s and 50′s were major productions with well known actors that had the unique ability to entertain and showcase IH equipment.
The 60′s brought Harvester’s own film studio and a flood of award winning films that continued until the age of video. No other corporation has ever equaled International Harvester’s incredible film chronicle. The precious gift of showing past generations the future and future generations the past are the unequaled film legacy of International Harvester.

Sounds great! Such a classic treasure trove of pure American history available to all to enjoy for years to come. Sadly, some feeble minded corporate fool had the entire collection destroyed in 1991. Seventy years of International Harvester and American history gone for all times. My wife equated it to the burning of the library of Alexandria. I couldn’t agree more. Thankfully a few fair sighted individuals retained copies of select films and begin an intensive search for remaining copies. Because of their remarkable efforts we can still enjoy these fine films of the extensive International Harvester product line today.

I can personally speak to the quality of the films as I received the first DVD of the collection for my birthday this past August. It is simply amazing to see the trucks, tractors and factories of yesterday in brand new condition. The volume of information is simply overwhelming. You don’t have to be an IH fan to enjoy these restored films. Students of American history will find much to revel in.

Check out the site today, they have samples of each video, enjoy!

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Killdozer – The D9 From Hell

Posted on October 31, 2011 by Eric

*Read in voice of Rod Serling* Picture if you will a remote pacific island. The sandy beaches and lush tropical vegetation are a veritable paradise on earth. The crew of Warburton Oil Resources Company are used to such exotic locales, for them it is just another job. They are the masters or large machines used to mold the earth to the whims and demands of men. Little do these modern day roughnecks now that a force from beyond the stars is set to challenge the status quo, the slave will becomes the master.

To keep with the spirit of the day I submit the following 70’s cult movie for your consideration, Killdozer.  The story is a simple one.  A construction crew on a pacific island (or coast of Africa) are terrorized by an alien possesed Caterpillar D9 dozer. Yes, it seems like a movie perfect for the Myster Science Theater 3000 crew. But for the lovers of heavy equipment there is much to enjoy. To begin, the mechanical star of the movie is a Caterpillar D8 bulldozer. There is no shortage of gear shifting, smoke stack belching, track grinding mayhem. The supporting cast of equipment is extensive as well. A large caterpillar scraper, old Jeeps and Ford pickups, and on old Power Shovel that does battle with the D9. In all honesty, the acting really is quite good. Take a look.

Warning, the following clip is the end of the movie!

Happy Halloween!

Posted in Diesel on TV | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Lost and Found – GMC 8500

Posted on October 29, 2011 by Eric

I stumbled upon this GMC 8500 a few months back and forgot about it…until now.  Like most trucks in the Lost and Found category it has seen better days.  Some where along the line the 8500’s grill went missing and a fair amount of surface rust set in.  As for the model year I would guess mid to late 60’s.  For the engine, probably a large gas job(V6 emblem on hood)but if you know better please let me know.

Click for larger image

 

*UPDATE*

Doug over Hanks Truck Forum informs us that this truck was most likely powered by a GM Toro-Flow which was a converted V-6 gas engine.

Do you know of an old truck hiding after years of hard work? Email Me!

Posted in Lost and Found | Tagged | 3 Comments

A Detroit Diesel Transmission?

Posted on October 28, 2011 by Eric

For those of you holding your breath while waiting for a Detroit Diesel manufactured axles, exhale.  For those of you waiting for Detroit Diesel transmissions, keep holding.  The long awaited announcement has finally occurred, Detroit Diesel will introduce a full range of powertrain products in the coming years.  Up first, axles.  Look for their debut at the Mid-American Truck show this coming March.  Detroit executives have also hinted at possible medium and heavy duty truck transmissions as future products.  The question.  What does Detroit hope to gain by offering such products?  The answer lies with the parent company, Daimler Trucks North America, builder of Freightliner and Western Star trucks.  By owning a company that makes not only only engines but other core components you gain control of production volume, quality control, and component availability.  With truck sales continuing to increase many manufacturers across the industry have found their production crimped by lack of crucial supplies from their vendors.  You can’t sell it if you can’t build it.  DD Executives also cite economies of scale as another solid reason for the new product line.  They claim it is necessary to have a wide variety of products necessary to support the R&D required to meet new and coming government mandates.

Source: FleetOwner

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Old Zamboni

Posted on October 27, 2011 by Eric

Clearly, this is not packing a diesel but I think it’s cool enough for a post on this site. This appears to be an old Zamboni, maybe from the 60’s?  The Norfolk Community Center doesn’t ring any bells either, certainly not from the CNY area.  Chances are good that this Zamboni was built on a Jeep CJ chassis as it was the style of the time.

Click on the photo for a slightly larger version.

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The PACCAR Profit Machine

Posted on October 26, 2011 by Eric

Economically speaking, times are tough but there are signs of light on the horizon.  Truck manufactures in all segments are reporting rising sales and increased demand.  And, as we all know, heavy truck sales are a leading sign of economic growth/recovery.  So, who’s making the money?  Today, PACCAR announced that its’ third quarter earnings nearly doubled following an 80% increase in North American sales and a 64% increase in the European market.  Guess I should have bought stock BEFORE this announcement.

Peterbilt 389

Image: Peterbilt  Source: WSJ

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Old Cranes

Posted on October 24, 2011 by Eric

Old Cranes, are they diesel related?  Yes, in fact, most cranes have two power sources, one to move the crane and one to lift the load.  Much like these two.  I am unsure of the year for both makes.  Lorain Crane appears to no longer be a commercial name plate while American Crane still exists in some form.  If you know more about these two cranes let me know.

Click each photo for a larger image.

Lorain Motor-Crane

American Crane

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