1947 International Harvester KB-1

1947 International Harvester KB-1 Description

This is a beautiful 1947 International Harvester KB-1 1/2 ton pickup that is ready for you to enjoy around town.

The original engine that came with this truck was a GRD-214 but sometime in it's distant past, this engine was replaced with a GRD-233 which is basically the same engine but with a larger displacement. The truck has a 3 speed non-synchro transmission (a.k.a. a crashbox). First gear is very low--what they call a "granny gear". So you can basically start out in 2nd gear and then shift into the final 3rd using double clutching. The rust was patched and sealed throughout. Lights, wipers and gauges all work. The speedometer reads lower than actual speed, though. Actual mileage is unknown.
The truck has a crank-out windshield that works. The truck box is solid with a spare tire mount on the right side and a beautiful, one of a kind, farm-themed hand-painted exterior by a local artist. A head-turner from all angles.
Here is a list of what was done to this truck:
All brake shoes were re-lined including the transmission brake.
New brake lines and wheel cylinders
All knee-action shock absorbers were rebuilt
Rebuilt water pump
Rebuilt fuel pump
Completely re-wired with a modern fuse block added to replace the old in-line fuses
Rebuilt Harmonic balancer
All new seals on doors, windshield, rear window and cowl air intake
New fender welt all around
New tires and tubes
New rear spring bushings and shackles
Seat reupholstered
Gas tank cleaned and sealed
New plug wires
New exhaust system
New fluids--oil, transmission, differential, coolant
Replaced oil pan gasket
New cab mount bushings
All front grill trim is intact with unique "moustache grill" that was part of the KB line.

The Issues:
Steering is sloppy from a worn steering box. Still quite drive-able.
No glove box (replacement boxes are available or you can make your own)
Low gearing--This truck was made for farm work so the gearing is low, which means a max speed of about 40-45mph. As Walter Cronkite would say, "and that's the way it is". It was born that way.
The flat red paint job came out textured, like serious orange peel, some spots rough to the touch. Could probably be sanded smoother with ultra fine sandpaper or compound.The ignition switch requires a bit of jiggling to turn. Probably from worn key or tumbler. A smooth-turning ignition switch will be included with the sale if you care to replace it.
The heater blower motor is tired. Works only on high speed. Doesn't have enough strength to overcome inertia at low speed. Leaving it on low could burn it up.

Serious Bidders Only, Please.
500 deposit due 48 hours after final bid. Truck is sold as is. It's a 72 year old truck and as beautiful as it is, nothing can be guaranteed. I will be glad to assist in getting truck on your flatbed or shipper's truck but arranging the shipping is your responsibility.I will happy to answer any reasonable questions.