S140 4x4 - 1955-1956 - 642 Trucks Produced
56 S140 Green Dually Pickup Idaho August 2015 Ebay and Bring a Trailer
http://bringatrailer.com/2015/08/27/not-a-napco-1956-international-harvester-s-140-4x4/
August 27, 2015 — American / Project / Truck & 4x4 / Under $20k | 22 Comments Not a NAPCO: 1956 International Harvester S-140 4×4This 1956 International Harvester S-140 is an unusual factory 4×4 from an era when four wheel drive was still somewhat of a novelty. A Northern California sourced truck, it’s said to have just over 27k miles from new. Further claimed solid with only surface rust, the truck runs and drives but brakes are currently a little soft and could use some work. Find it here on eBay in Post Falls, Idaho with no reserve.
In the mid 1950’s if a buyer wanted a 4×4 from Ford, Chevy or Studebaker they had to go through a third party. Generally that third party was NAPCO, but for International and their extensive tractor-based support network, 4×4 conversions could be handled in-house by TSPC or Truck Sales Processing Center. Though it now sports a Chevy V8 and 4-speed, this International retains that rare factory 4×4 system.
Though definitely in need of some TLC and new rear glass, the truck appears to be largely complete. While the wiring knot behind the column and the zip-tied heater box are not encouraging, there are few vehicles simpler than an American pickup truck from the 50’s.
The truck retains most of its original driveline, though as mentioned before the engine and transmission are now GM units rather than the original International items. Devoid of the serious rot which so often plagued later Internationals, this S-140 looks like it will only take some grinding and a little paint to look very fresh underneath.
We think it’s perfect as-is, but wouldn’t object to a sympathetic restoration as long as it included re-installation of a proper IH drivetrain.
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Aug 30 at 6:36 PM RikkimigThe mere thought of trying to drive this thing has my worn out shoulders aching… but to my somewhat resuvial eye, it is lovely to look at, and with the right plantings it has everything I’ve ever wanted in a lawn/garden sculpture
0 Flag as not constructive Aug 29 at 5:57 AM FrostThe very definition of RBF.
0 Flag as not constructive Aug 28 at 6:36 PM David in TucsonBring a set of wiper blades.
0 Flag as not constructive Aug 28 at 12:35 PM Doug MilotaThis truck was for sale,for a long time here in the
Eureka,CA area.It was a Trinity County road maintence
truck,if my memory is correct.
If you want to know the real story on this truck,
call Russ @ Don’s Rent All,here in Eureka,as he bought
the truck from Trinity County.
– Doug
0 Flag as not constructive Aug 28 at 7:39 AM CoreyThis truck is only an hour’s drive from me. I wouldn’t even need to bring a Trailer, I could just drive it home. But the trip home would take an hour and a half.
I love everything about this truck. Fix the little issues as mentioned, and drive. I would even consider putting it back into plow duty. Definitely the coolest plow truck in town, especially parked at the Hoot Owl after an early December morning of pushing snow.
2 Flag as not constructive Aug 28 at 6:34 AM sarookhaYes, the transfer case is divorced, mounted just about mid-way on the frame. Why a 27k mile truck would need a new engine and tranny is beyond me. The original IH blocks were nearly indestructible. My ’54 R-130 with essentially the same engine this one originally had is still going strong. IH spec’ed stellite exhaust valve inserts and rotating exhaust valves even back in the ’50’s. Rear end ratio on this baby is a wall-climbing 6.17/1, top speed around 45mph.
2 Flag as not constructive Aug 28 at 5:19 AM TTMTow Mater’s grandpa!
1 Flag as not constructive Aug 27 at 10:31 PM loftyirelandbit of BAT inconsistency here. Usually it’s swap in a small block chevy/hemi/Cummings diesel/Lotus twincam. This ones all heave the SBC, bolt up a ‘binder lump and put it back to the way IH intended it.
2 Flag as not constructive Aug 27 at 8:29 PM Bobsmyuncle@PWSchuh anyone that knows what an 8274 is, is a little bit of alright with me!
0 Flag as not constructive Aug 27 at 2:06 PM lugnutzBring some u-joints.
1 Flag as not constructive Aug 27 at 11:00 AM karnutt@ Eric:
There is actually a four wheel drive system where the front axle is driven by the rear axle. I believe it is call a Power Divider (perhaps by Eaton). A driveshaft runs from the transmission to the rear axle, and then another driveshaft comes out of the rear axle differential and goes forward to drive the front axle. An unorthodox system for sure, but it is (was) used in special applications, such as a short wheelbase four wheel drive heavy duty truck or applications where the “real estate” occupied by a typical divorced transfer case (too funny, Shuperman…) was needed for another component, such as a midship-mounted fire pump, which is inserted into the rear driveshaft, much like a transfer case would be. For a good diagram of this layout, see: http://firetrucksandequipment.tpub.com/TM-5-4210-220-12/css/TM-5-4210-220-12_47.htm
4 Flag as not constructive Aug 27 at 10:21 AM PWSchuhOK, spent some more time looking at the description and I don’t think I could leave it as is… exactly. In addition to a better grade of zip tie for the heater and a new battery location, I would need to sort of fix the right rear fender. Not get a new one but give it to a metal worker to get close to original shape. The light on the roof has got to go, and the rear bumper needs replaced with one that is symmetrical. And if I’m honest, I don’t like the SBC either. I would be sourcing an International 392. A period winch or a dirty Warn 8274 would finish it off.
4 Flag as not constructive Aug 27 at 9:54 AM PWSchuhThis Tonka Toy is best Tonka Toy.
1 Flag as not constructive Aug 27 at 9:34 AM Shuperman@Eric
The transfer case appears to be divorced, like I would be if I bought this.
22 Flag as not constructive Aug 27 at 8:25 AM IttyBittyDatI’m bidding on this for no other reason than to be able to drive it up to the country club and toss the keys to the valet: “Careful son, don’t ding it up when you park it.” The Cadillac Escapade and GMC Denial SUVs in the parking lot would be quivering in fear that this thing would wind up beside them. I’d sort the brakes and replace the cheapo zip ties on the HVAC system with some proper Grade 8 zip ties and drive it as-is.
22 Flag as not constructive Aug 27 at 8:10 AM BobsmyuncleI love it!
1 Flag as not constructive Aug 27 at 8:07 AM Arne@Eric – I believe the transfer case is mounted farther back in the frame, not married to the transmission as has been traditional for decades. So in addition to the front and rear driveshafts, it also has a driveshaft from the transmission to transfer case.
2 Flag as not constructive Aug 27 at 7:42 AM mountainrevMater jokes in 3…2…1…
7 Flag as not constructive Aug 27 at 7:41 AM EricDoes that front axle get driven by the rear axle? Can’t tell by the pics.
0 Flag as not constructive Aug 27 at 7:30 AM edselehrI dunno…I think that right rear fender needs replacement, just to be a functional fender again. And that running board mounted battery makes me a little nervous – I’d look into relocating that inboard somewhere. Shouldn’t be that hard to find a correct IH engine and tranny to bring this back to stock.
0 Flag as not constructive Aug 27 at 7:13 AM PatinaBeforePolishThis has my name written all over it.
6 Flag as not constructive Aug 27 at 7:07 AM ayessJust fix the brakes and drive it… wouldn’t change a thing.
6 Flag as not constructive
August 27, 2015 — American / Project / Truck & 4x4 / Under $20k | 22 Comments Not a NAPCO: 1956 International Harvester S-140 4×4This 1956 International Harvester S-140 is an unusual factory 4×4 from an era when four wheel drive was still somewhat of a novelty. A Northern California sourced truck, it’s said to have just over 27k miles from new. Further claimed solid with only surface rust, the truck runs and drives but brakes are currently a little soft and could use some work. Find it here on eBay in Post Falls, Idaho with no reserve.
In the mid 1950’s if a buyer wanted a 4×4 from Ford, Chevy or Studebaker they had to go through a third party. Generally that third party was NAPCO, but for International and their extensive tractor-based support network, 4×4 conversions could be handled in-house by TSPC or Truck Sales Processing Center. Though it now sports a Chevy V8 and 4-speed, this International retains that rare factory 4×4 system.
Though definitely in need of some TLC and new rear glass, the truck appears to be largely complete. While the wiring knot behind the column and the zip-tied heater box are not encouraging, there are few vehicles simpler than an American pickup truck from the 50’s.
The truck retains most of its original driveline, though as mentioned before the engine and transmission are now GM units rather than the original International items. Devoid of the serious rot which so often plagued later Internationals, this S-140 looks like it will only take some grinding and a little paint to look very fresh underneath.
We think it’s perfect as-is, but wouldn’t object to a sympathetic restoration as long as it included re-installation of a proper IH drivetrain.
0 3 0 Related Stories 22 Comments newest first | oldest first Cancel reply Add a comment here...
Keep me in this conversation via email
Aug 30 at 6:36 PM RikkimigThe mere thought of trying to drive this thing has my worn out shoulders aching… but to my somewhat resuvial eye, it is lovely to look at, and with the right plantings it has everything I’ve ever wanted in a lawn/garden sculpture
0 Flag as not constructive Aug 29 at 5:57 AM FrostThe very definition of RBF.
0 Flag as not constructive Aug 28 at 6:36 PM David in TucsonBring a set of wiper blades.
0 Flag as not constructive Aug 28 at 12:35 PM Doug MilotaThis truck was for sale,for a long time here in the
Eureka,CA area.It was a Trinity County road maintence
truck,if my memory is correct.
If you want to know the real story on this truck,
call Russ @ Don’s Rent All,here in Eureka,as he bought
the truck from Trinity County.
– Doug
0 Flag as not constructive Aug 28 at 7:39 AM CoreyThis truck is only an hour’s drive from me. I wouldn’t even need to bring a Trailer, I could just drive it home. But the trip home would take an hour and a half.
I love everything about this truck. Fix the little issues as mentioned, and drive. I would even consider putting it back into plow duty. Definitely the coolest plow truck in town, especially parked at the Hoot Owl after an early December morning of pushing snow.
2 Flag as not constructive Aug 28 at 6:34 AM sarookhaYes, the transfer case is divorced, mounted just about mid-way on the frame. Why a 27k mile truck would need a new engine and tranny is beyond me. The original IH blocks were nearly indestructible. My ’54 R-130 with essentially the same engine this one originally had is still going strong. IH spec’ed stellite exhaust valve inserts and rotating exhaust valves even back in the ’50’s. Rear end ratio on this baby is a wall-climbing 6.17/1, top speed around 45mph.
2 Flag as not constructive Aug 28 at 5:19 AM TTMTow Mater’s grandpa!
1 Flag as not constructive Aug 27 at 10:31 PM loftyirelandbit of BAT inconsistency here. Usually it’s swap in a small block chevy/hemi/Cummings diesel/Lotus twincam. This ones all heave the SBC, bolt up a ‘binder lump and put it back to the way IH intended it.
2 Flag as not constructive Aug 27 at 8:29 PM Bobsmyuncle@PWSchuh anyone that knows what an 8274 is, is a little bit of alright with me!
0 Flag as not constructive Aug 27 at 2:06 PM lugnutzBring some u-joints.
1 Flag as not constructive Aug 27 at 11:00 AM karnutt@ Eric:
There is actually a four wheel drive system where the front axle is driven by the rear axle. I believe it is call a Power Divider (perhaps by Eaton). A driveshaft runs from the transmission to the rear axle, and then another driveshaft comes out of the rear axle differential and goes forward to drive the front axle. An unorthodox system for sure, but it is (was) used in special applications, such as a short wheelbase four wheel drive heavy duty truck or applications where the “real estate” occupied by a typical divorced transfer case (too funny, Shuperman…) was needed for another component, such as a midship-mounted fire pump, which is inserted into the rear driveshaft, much like a transfer case would be. For a good diagram of this layout, see: http://firetrucksandequipment.tpub.com/TM-5-4210-220-12/css/TM-5-4210-220-12_47.htm
4 Flag as not constructive Aug 27 at 10:21 AM PWSchuhOK, spent some more time looking at the description and I don’t think I could leave it as is… exactly. In addition to a better grade of zip tie for the heater and a new battery location, I would need to sort of fix the right rear fender. Not get a new one but give it to a metal worker to get close to original shape. The light on the roof has got to go, and the rear bumper needs replaced with one that is symmetrical. And if I’m honest, I don’t like the SBC either. I would be sourcing an International 392. A period winch or a dirty Warn 8274 would finish it off.
4 Flag as not constructive Aug 27 at 9:54 AM PWSchuhThis Tonka Toy is best Tonka Toy.
1 Flag as not constructive Aug 27 at 9:34 AM Shuperman@Eric
The transfer case appears to be divorced, like I would be if I bought this.
22 Flag as not constructive Aug 27 at 8:25 AM IttyBittyDatI’m bidding on this for no other reason than to be able to drive it up to the country club and toss the keys to the valet: “Careful son, don’t ding it up when you park it.” The Cadillac Escapade and GMC Denial SUVs in the parking lot would be quivering in fear that this thing would wind up beside them. I’d sort the brakes and replace the cheapo zip ties on the HVAC system with some proper Grade 8 zip ties and drive it as-is.
22 Flag as not constructive Aug 27 at 8:10 AM BobsmyuncleI love it!
1 Flag as not constructive Aug 27 at 8:07 AM Arne@Eric – I believe the transfer case is mounted farther back in the frame, not married to the transmission as has been traditional for decades. So in addition to the front and rear driveshafts, it also has a driveshaft from the transmission to transfer case.
2 Flag as not constructive Aug 27 at 7:42 AM mountainrevMater jokes in 3…2…1…
7 Flag as not constructive Aug 27 at 7:41 AM EricDoes that front axle get driven by the rear axle? Can’t tell by the pics.
0 Flag as not constructive Aug 27 at 7:30 AM edselehrI dunno…I think that right rear fender needs replacement, just to be a functional fender again. And that running board mounted battery makes me a little nervous – I’d look into relocating that inboard somewhere. Shouldn’t be that hard to find a correct IH engine and tranny to bring this back to stock.
0 Flag as not constructive Aug 27 at 7:13 AM PatinaBeforePolishThis has my name written all over it.
6 Flag as not constructive Aug 27 at 7:07 AM ayessJust fix the brakes and drive it… wouldn’t change a thing.
6 Flag as not constructive