Vintage 1960 IH Metro-Lite Step Van IHC international harvester P10 Metro mite

1960 International Harvester metro lite Description

1960 International Harvester Metro-Lite step van with Chrysler V8, 3 speed Automatic Transmission, power steering and power disc brakes!!!! Yes, working power steering and power disc brakes!!!!
10 day...No Reserve Auction. Bid To Win.
Rare Find! This Metro-lite van appears to be a stock, original van but it has had extensive modifications performed by the previous owner of whom owned it for over 50 years. Yes, it runs, drives and stops but has been sitting and will need some attention to be a daily driver.
Around 20 years ago the long-time previous owner (PO) cleverly decided to upgrade his trusted Metro-Lite work van with the running gear from a very low mileage 1971 Dodge Commander Motorhome. The PO spent considerable time engineering and planning the transplant and it shows. The van is now powered by a Chrysler 413 V8 Industrial engine coupled to a HD torque-flight 3 speed automatic transmission. The swap looks professionally done using both the original dodge motor mounts and transmission crossmember (modified to fit the IHC chassis). It has a 4bbl Carter AFB carburetor with electric choke and stock-type components. The PO cleverly re-used the 1960's Dodge-style dash mounted gear shift selector and cable linkage that was in the motorhome as well. It has a thermostatically controlled electric fan mounted behind the radiator for cooling. The engine starts easily with a pump or two of the pedal and a turn of the key. It seems to run smooth with no noticeable abnormal noises.
Next, the PO decided to install the power steering from the motorhome chassis as well. Yes, this metro has real POWER STEERING! Because the dodge motorhome was also a forward-control type chassis with a solid-axle type front suspension, swapping the power steering box, drag link, steering column from the motorhome onto the stock IHC front axle was a fairly straightforward. The PO reused the same power steering pump and the same hoses from the motorhome as well. The kingpin bushings were replaced as well. The steering works great and can turn spin the wheel with one finger.
Next, the PO decided to upgrade the brakes. With the help from a friend with a full machine shop, he made custom adapters to install GM style calipers and rotors onto the original IH front axle. The conversion looks professionally done and retains the stock metro 6 lug wheel-stud pattern. The PO also upgraded the original single circuit brake system with a dual-circuit GM-style master cylinder and power booster. Yes, this metro has real POWER DISC BRAKES! Most of brake hardware, hoses, rotors, pads and hardlines look new and have very few miles. It stops effortlessly and straight with no pulling or vibration.
The rear axle is the stock IH with an unknown gear ratio. It also has 19.5" one piece, stud-piloted steel wheels with tubeless type tires which, in my opinion, is a huge plus. The tires currently on it are very old and should be replaced. It also has a full size spare mounted under the floor behind the rear axle. The van has also been rewired with a modern-style, multi-circuit universal wiring harness as well. Just about everything works as far as lights, horn, heater, wipers. However, the wiring itself looks like an unorganized mess under the dash. The temp, oil pressure and speedometer work as well. The gas gauge may or may not work. There is a switch on the dash connected to a solenoid controlled three-way valve to select between the left and right fuel tanks. It is not labeled which tank is left or right and I'm not sure if it works or not. The instrument cluster appears to be from a 1967-72 ford truck. The instrument illumination lights work and dim with the headlight switch. It also has a working transmission temperature gauge and voltmeter mounted on the dash as well. It is also equipped with dual fuel tanks and an electric fuel pump which is set-up to work in series with the stock engine mounted pump.
The body is fairly straight with some light dings, dents and some scratches. The body is constructed of aluminum with some fiberglass so there is no rust. The paint has patina associated with a 60 year old commercial vehicle. All the glass is original with no cracks. There is one small "bb" size chip on the driver side windshield. The rear bumper is bent. The rear doors have some dings and dents but they do shut securely. Inside, it has aluminum shelving mounted on both sides of the cargo area that could be easily removed. The front seats and seat belts are not original and do have some wear and tearing.
Dimensions:Length over all (bumper to bumper): 16'-10"Height : 8'-6"Width (at rear bumper) : 7'Cargo bed length (back door to rear of driver seat) : 9'-8Interior Height: 6'-0''Weight: 4000 lbs (approximately)
Has clean Oregon title. Will come with a bill of sale also.
This metro-lite van currently runs and drives but it does need some issues addressed before it could be driven regularly and I would NOT recommending driving it ANY distance before the following tasks are performed.
Things it needs to be a driver:

It needs the front driver side leaf spring pack re-arched or replaced. It was parked on uneven ground for years and now the driver-side front spring sags quite a bit more that the other side. It's hard to tell in the pictures, but it sags about 2" lower on the driver side. It is veryobvious and noticeablewhen parked on level ground. I have visually inspected the spring pack and none were obviously broken. I got a quote from the local spring shop to re-arch was around $80 per corner and all-new replacement springs were around $200 per corner.

The exhaust is rusted in multiple spots and should be replaced. Previous owner wrapped it completely with muffler tape; from one end to the other. It is a big mess and should be replaced.

Tires are very old and should be replaced. 19.5" tires are a common size for RV's and medium duty commercial trucks.

A thorough general inspection by a new owner, lubrication and general fluid maintenance.

It is my opinion that this van should be towed from it's current location until the repairs listed above are completed. However, it starts reliably and is fully capable of driving onto a trailer. I towed this van home on a typical 20' car trailer and the van fit easily. It may fit on a Uhaul-type auto transporter as well. It weighs around 4000lbs. I may consider delivery, at my discretion, to winning bidder's location of choice at a distance of up to 1000 miles from my location at a rate of $2.00/loaded mile with a $200 minimum delivery fee. I can store the vehicle here at my property in McMinnville, Oregon 97128 free of charge for a period of up to 30 days to allow the winning bidder time to sort out their transportation details. For overseas buyers: the Port of Tacomaand Port of Vancouver both have Ro/Ro shipping services and transporting the vehicleto one of those facilities by me may be possible as well. Again, at mydiscretion.
Winning bidder will be required to make a good faith deposit of $100 via-paypal within 24hrs of auction close and full payment expected within 3 business days unless other arrangements are made. I would prefer cash in hand but will accept a wire transfer or cashier's check mailed in advance. All funds must be in my possession before the car leaves my possession, no exceptions.
This vehicle is being sold as-is, where-is with no warranty or guarantee expressed or implied. The entire listing description is considered to be my opinion written in good faith as a seller and shall not to be substituted for the buyer's obligation to perform any and all necessary due diligence before placing a bid.
Please bid with confidence. I have been a member of ebay for 15 years with a 100% positive feedback rating mostly as a seller. If you have any questions or would like some additional pictures of something specific please email me through eBay. If you would prefer to talk to me please email me with your phone number and I will get back to you. I also have a short video of it driving around my property that I am willing to email to interested buyers as well.