1951 IHC METRO STEP VAN TRUCK: ROUTE GASSER KUSTOM PANEL TRUCK DIVCO HOT RAT ROD

1951 International Harvester STEP VAN OTHER Description

1951 INTERNATIONAL METRO MILK TRUCK STEP VAN!

This is an international metro multi-stop (that's what they were called) step van. These are very cool milk/bread trucks and have unique art deco styling. There are only a handful vintage step van models that look cool restored or rodded. This particular van had the same owner from 1980-2017. It had been parked a long time when I got it. This is the longer model dually. I got it running and it runs nice actually. No smoke, ticks, or knocks. I also have more pics of this van that I can send. This van is crusty looking, but the body is solid with very little rust. It does need full restoration though. These vans are very popular for mobile businesses or advertising. They also look cool chopped or lowered and are great for rod projects. There is plenty of room in the back to stand up and put living quarters, cooking equipment, speed parts, t-shirt shop, coffee truck, donut truck, bonneville push rig, gasser, drag van, tattoo parlor, personal bar, harley hauler, or? A harley will fit, probably two. A couple cool metro's are also pictured. I have many more pics I can send of this one also. Thanks, and happy bidding. Shoot me an email if your interested in making a deal on it.

MECHANICAL

The metro has what looks to be the original six cylinder. It runs nice and does not smoke, tick or knock. It runs cool and doesn't overheat. The transmission is a three speed manual on the column. Transmission and clutch work great. The brakes work but need bled. They pump up and work, but need pumped up again the next day. They work fine for loading and moving around a shop, and the parking brake works too. I would do a regular tune-up on this with new plugs/wires/fluids/etc., but it runs really smooth now and starts up nice. The tires need replaced and are readily available. The wiper works and I believe the gauges and heater fan work but I can double check that. The van doesn't need any mechanical work but will need freshened up before being a daily driver. I don't know that I checked the lights/signals, but these rigs are very easy to rewire and I would recommend that.

BODY

The body on this metro is very solid for a project. There is very little rust, which is the major bonus. The rust is behind the side doors, down low in the rocker area. A little under the rear door also on the small rocker area there. This is common for these metros. The rust will be relatively easy for a bodyman to repair. The floors are near perfect with exception of a small spot in the step area where you get in the drivers side. It's usable now but is an easy repair. The grill on this is in good shape and the body is pretty straight really for a 1951 work vehicle. It does need full restoration though, but would be an interesting rat van the way it is. If you like patina, this has plenty. Floor suppors and frame are fine. The floor in the back on these vans was mostly comprised of a piece of HD plywood over metal crossmembers/floor supports. This is how they were built new, and are very durable. The rear door should be able to be opened with a little work. It has a camper conversion and bed in that area, so it hasn't been opened for awhile. The van needs some glass repair but this glass is flat, cheap, and easy to get made. Especially the rust looking areas over the drivers side rear wheelwheel. Not rust-through. The only exterior rust-through, are the areas I detailed. The body does needs full resto but it is a relatively dry vehicle and came from a dry area. The passenger rear fender is partially torn off. I am looking for a fender but I believe a panel fender is the same and an IHC pickup fender is very similar also and could be used to repair this one.

INTERIOR

This metro has an older camper conversion. It has a stove, fridge, sink, bed frame, and some cabinets. None of it is very nice really but some is usable. The fridge has been vandalized and spraypainted with the word F*ck, LOL. If you want, I can take the camper stuff out before shipping. Besides that, there is not much to say about the interior. Older panelling that is not nice. Pretty basic. The heater/defroster is pretty cool looking though.

OVERALL

This is a great metro to restore back to original or have one of the most unique rods at the car show. Either way, they get lots of attention and have great resale. I've included a couple pics of restored or rodded vans and I have more I can send.

This van is sold as-is. It is an unrestored project.