Sitting 20+ years will this $500 Truck Run & Drive again? (International Loadstar Revival) 

I think you’re wonderful! I’m a 71 year old lady whose only mechanical claim to fame was dropping the engine on an old VW bug when I was 18, and rebuilding it with the help of a hippie handbook called “Volkswagon Repair for the Complete Idiot.” I knew nothing going in, but the darn thing ran for years after I got the engine back in it! That book was da bomb! It even told you when it was time to take a smoking break, which I didn’t need, but years later I finally wondered what it was he was lighting up! I remember pulling over and adjusting the idle with a bobby pin when it ran rough, as I didn’t carry any tools!

Reverse gears are straight cut gears on a bunch of gearboxes,even today. Straight cut gears are noisy.

I can't believe RU-vid hid your channel from me for so long. I absolutely love it! This truck turned out to be one of those edge cases, where the repairs needed are moderate, but doable. And a lot of stuff that would typically be stuck, broken, impossible to repair and/or get parts for, were all in workable order... What a sweet old truck! They sure as hell don't build them like that anymore! I can see why you would want a 4-door, 4-wheel-drive version of it. One of those, done up nice, with some updates, would be damn cool.

When you mentioned how rebuilding a carb can seem daunting, it reminded me of my first time; I remember the Chilton's manual saying "Don't let it intimidate you; remember, it's only a carburetor."

Hey Matt, I used to haul gravel back in the early 70's with a 1960 International dumptruck . One of the most reliable, good running trucks ever. Wish you good luck with yours. Name, maybe, Big Red. It's what I named mine. Take care and best wishes. 👍

over one hour of video definitly worth the wait! love all your videos

she looks SO HAPPY racing down the road again! Like she's all young again!

I am a retired truck mechanic and an IH guy even worked as a truck mechanic in an I H truck dealer when I was a pup, those were great trucks IH sold a bunch of them I had a 1964 loadstar 1600 I used as a mechanic service truck for 18 years. I took in a lot of money in my mobile fleet repair service with that truck I did not have much problem with it.

I'd love to see the top speed. I'm guessing 48 mph!

I love the old international loadstar such a beautiful body lines seeing that it’s red I would call it Clifford. Since it’s going to be a yard dog of a truck. Keep up the good work and stay safe out there.

Matt, I want to commend you on your videography. Your camera angles and editing skills are next level IMHO. You show us everything we want to see and then some. No wonder your channel is doing so well. You keep making videos like this and I'll be watching them well into my twilight years. Thanks so much for the great content.

Matt, what I love about your videos is the fact that I can go away from you for a while and then come back and it’s the same caliber of educational, entertaining, and just plain enjoyable to watch videos. Thanks.

As far as a name I think Clifford fits. Ya know the big red dog. Friendly and always willing to help out.

Matt, you know what 1+ hr video from you is called?! A Gearheads treat! Your art to refurb is second to none, thanks a lot!

I enjoy all your projects. I have always rebuilt my own and others carburetors.. I never got into diesel equipment. You bring back memories. I am 87 now. Indianapolis Indiana

nice job. Your truck reminds me of my Dad's '68 flatbed that we hauled hay on many years ago. Looks very similar on the inside with the same original orange paint. Thanks for sharing your journey and your enthusiasm is contagious.

That definitely is money well spent , the frame and under carriage looks awesome and the Engine sounds mint! I think that a good name for the truck is "Die Hard"

Given the age of the dump I would urge you to replace the brake softlines. Nothing worse than having a load and a popped soft line.

Matt: I forgot to mention that the 4-barrel carb on your truck points to a possibility that the engine is a 392 rather than a 345. There is a machined area on the right-hand front corner of the block, just below and behind the alternator that specifies the displacement (naturally, it will be hugely greasy and dirty, so you will have to scrape and wipe it before you can read it. The 345 is powerful; the 392 is immensely powerful (but it burns more fuel than the 345). You will come to love whichever one that you have, and you will probably decide to slowly restore the truck. It will probably become your family's prized possession. Yeah, I'm an IH guy. At this point, my IH stable is small again. I have a beautiful '67 Loadstar 1600 flat bed (345, 4 and 2), an award winning restored '73 Scout (5 firsts and I second in six shows), and a 464 tractor (1300 hours) much like your 454. I'm looking for a '70 1200 pickup to replace the one that I foolishly sold in '78. Also looking for a '67 Travelall to replace the one that a huge deer destroyed in '04. As I mentioned, I'm an IH guy.

Still hoping to see this classic International restored and put back to work. It hurts to see it just sitting in the woods rotting away.

Those IH gasser’s are pretty good engines. They are very resilient and tolerant of abuse.

I grew up driving and fixing loadstars. That's gotta be a two speed rear I've never seen a ten speed. That big holley four barrel means its a 392. These trucks are bulletproof. They're hard to break and easy to fix. We always called them cornbinders.

i've started playing snowrunner a few months ago and only now discovered this channel. watching these vehicles in real life is magestic ! thank you !

I’m a recent subscriber, and I have seen your recent videos. Now I’m working my way backward into the older ones (such as this one). I’m enjoying them too 👍🏻👍🏻 I love the rescue of old heavy equipment!

Nice job as always Matt. If you can I would keep the loadstar as part of your fleet.

The two speed axle is great for when the truck is loaded. Start off in "granny" (1st) gear with the button in the down position. Gain a little speed and RPMs then push in the clutch and pull up on the button leaving the truck shifter in the 1st gear position. (Now you have split the gears between 1st and 2nd). Gain a little more speed and RPMs then clutch and shift into 2nd gear pushing the button back into the down position at the same time. Gain a little more speed and RPMs, push in the clutch and pull up on the button and release the clutch. You are now between 2nd and 3rd. You can continue that method until you have gone all the way to 5th gear in reality giving you 10 gears. You can also leave the button in the down position and go through all 5 gears and pull the button up when you have traveled the full range of 5th gear low side. Pull the button up and you will be on the high side of 5th gear. I hope this information is helpful to you. I certainly enjoyed watching you get the old girl running. I am really impressed with your capabilities. Thanks for the good videos I really enjoy them.

What a beautiful old truck and the fact it's going back to work is wonderful. It's like its been moth balled or something. I would be proud to have it working for me. Keep it maintained and it will outlast you for sure...

A truly a bargain and the engine sounds so smooth. Great video 😊👍

I found myself with a big smile on my face as I watched you driving down the lane. What a great find and a great buy.

Hi Matt I am 75 years old and live in the UK.I have watched your video’s from day one and I have loved them all but this one was such a pleasure to watch.That International seems to be a quality build and designed for easier maintenance.She deserves a bit of tlc

Matt just started watching videos i really enjoy how you show what you are fixing and how you go about just making things work

I worked at a parts store in Fort Fairfield Maine from 1988 to 1992 that used to be an International dealership in the 60's & 70's. It was a town of about 4000 people, but had a LOT of potato farmers. In 1965 they sold 100 Loadstar 1600s! Many were still in use 28 years later.

Lube the door hinges real well, before they break off. Top speed depended on the person paying the bills.

The "ol binder" is pretty impressive! Back in the day, they were a solid work horse truck. Definitely a very good score.

Nothing makes me smile as much as seeing someone give an old neglected machine some love. The junk we as a society build today will never ever be around as long as the machines built by our fathers and grandfathers . Great respect from canada.

Congrats on your truck. Glad things worked out for you. 😎👍🏾 You have a real gem.💎

Definitely brought back a lot of memories for me seeing and hearing this truck run. I grew up on the other side of PA from you, my grandfather had a building materials business, and he had a few International truck, an Autocar, and a Mack. One of the International trucks was exactly the same truck just blue in color. I started driving that truck at 16 delivering sand, stone and coal.

Can you do an update on the church/apartment you were working on? We love your videos!

I have no knowledge re engine repair but everytime I watch Matt fixed old machines, and runs it , it makes me happy. So enjoyable to watch all videos. During the early 70's IH load star was one of the best 6-wheeler trucks here in the Philippines .i was a young kid that time.

Split shifting is pretty straight forward. Man. That's... a neat old international. Keep that bad boy!

Hi, Matt. just what I need today, on a cold April's day in Berlin. love this truck..

You should add a “will it burn” segment to any future “will it run” videos! I think you’re like a lot of us that LIKE 🔥! (But don’t catch anything good on fire like the ratchet strap on your service truck)

The shots you get for your videos is impecable 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

Memories of my Father's old loadstar when I was young. Thanks.

Great revival! That thing is minty. IH gasser lubrication systems are more about flow volume than pressure. Discard the notion of seeing 70-80 psi like you may be use to with other engine makes. A steady 10psi per thousand engine revs at operating temp is plenty good for the ol' Binder. So at hot idle, that can be 10 psi or a fuzz under and still be just fine, as long as it jumps back up with a throttle blip. But yes, some quality 15w-40 diesel rated oil will be just what the doctor ordered. These engines are overbuilt in nearly every way, but they do have an achilles heal...the cam bearings. Sitting non-rotated for many years does them no favors. Keep an eye on that OP gauge and an ear trained on the valve train. If you start seeing erratic gauge readings during extended intervals at higher revs, accompanied by lifter clatter, your cam bearings have likely given up the ghost. But, for how you intend to use it, that time could well be years away yet.

That's a great looking old International, at least in terms of style! Glad you got the old girl running, seems like she might serve you well over the long haul. Gas powered Internationals like that one were what the school buses I rode on in Elementary school were built on. I'll never forget the sound of the driver working the gears, especially on hills.

Old reddy is a good name. Because it's so awesome!! Keep the dump truck it's great!! Absolutely worth it.

Indeed, a lucky find and a bargain. Love your videos; always well explained. Best of luck with "that old girl", and keep publishing any updates on this truck.

I just watched this whole video without skipping a single bit. I regret nothing. Matt makes some quality content. It really helped pass the time. I was sitting in class bored out of my mind.

Matt those load stars were used for many years in many ways, from school buses, fire trucks, delivery, and dump trucks! You have a good running gem there!

I am as happy as you are seeing this truck running again. My father raised us on a NV international from early 60's in Brasil. You said ! OLD BEAUTY!!!!!!

Runs fanominal!! Best score ever!! Old school is always hands down the best!

I would love to see a wash, oil change, and a new cover for the seat.

One moment of clarity in this crazy time thanks for the new video Matt!

Sure is good to see the no-nonsense approach to fixing things. Good filming and excellent commentary Matt. 👍

I just picked up a 75 Loadstar and after watching your video, I can wait until I get my hands on it. You really got a good truck for $500. Your video really helped me out with what I have to do to get my truck running. Thank you

Brings back memories. I revived a 1968 IH Loadstar and loved that truck. Factory was a straight 6 but converted it to a v8. So easy to work on. Mine was $600 and had lots of the same issues. My brakes were vacuum assist though. If you find yourself in need of a clutch or brake shoes, do yourself a favor and take them directly to a remanufacturer. Saved me a TON of money.

Dear Matt: I can see that your site is an amazing place, when, just hours after posting, you have 10k+ thumbs up and over 1200 comments. I, like so many others, really enjoyed this hour long video. Thanks so much.

Love that little truck too. When I was a kid I drove them with a potato box for harvest brings back good memories thank you

Love the binders. On the farm we had a KB7 then traded it for a brand new L170 with a Black Diamond engine. Since we were on a wheat farm we always had upright exhausts directly out of the engine to help prevent fires. That Black Diamond had the most beautiful sound, not noisy but just so smooth. Would like to find that truck now.

Once again: Matt: I just liked the look of this and wanna save it; I'm not gonna KEEP it or anything.... Also Matt: Man! I really love this little truck, it's great! It'll be so handy to have around for projects and stuff! Spoken like a true collector. IH was always very good at using good steel so severe corrosion on fastners and moving parts is usually not terrible. Body panels are a different story. If you can find the line set ticket it will have a list of all the parts that were on the truck when new. It's a piece of cardstock usually in thr glove box or attached to a inner rear corner of the cab. It might still be there. If not, Five Star Trucks in Lewiston, PA told me several years ago that they could get copies of your line set ticket based on your VIN number, might check with them.

you really do have a touch for getting these old school boys and girls going again. giving them another chance to prove themselves worthy. great job Matt.👍👍👍

So glad I found your video on the loadstar. I have a 77 loadstar that I bought bought 4 years ago and it amazes me after all winter sitting spring comes and it fires right up even started straight up mid winter one year. I been wanting to work on it however I definitely not a mechanic but I can do a few things you definitely gave me some ideas to look for to replacing as I’d like to keep it running as long as I can. Good news your brakes lined out however I was looking forward to watching how you fix those things cause that’s my biggest issue with mine now. It has brakes but not a lot and the right rear tire is wanting to grab hard when i do find some brakes now don’t have a clue where to start. But we gonna give it a shot I reckon. Thanks for the video it inspires me to put a little work to keep these ole trucks running they don’t make em like that no more for sure.

Nice!!! In much better shape than my '50 F6 project but funny that it's mostly the same things, fuel pump, brake booster, etc...only half way through the 6v- 12v conversion so no gauges yet. I should have some more videos on my channel coming up as the weather warms up. Keep us updated!

Love it Matt! 1972 bought my first truck. A 62 loadstar 1800 with a totally worn out 345 v8. Super simple to work on. Everything is accessible. Keep your eyes open for same truck with air brakes so you can change over from juice to air. I've done it on an old tandem. Old truck even had foot valve to fit on firewall. Thanks for the memories!

When cleaning out a fuel tank we always throw a loads of old nuts and bolts in whilst it’s being swilled around… they work really well for cleaning any loose rust off inside the tank… great video! looks like it could prove to be a good old truck for someone…

Thanks for the way that you describe your mechanicing. I'm learning a lot about the way things what's your down-to-earth no frills practicality

Lodestar 1800s are my favorite medium duty trucks. Backin ' '68, when I was 20, I had a job driving one. It was a bulk feed truck owned by Agway. It looked like a box truck, but it had been converted to a bulk truck Making it a dump body, partitioning the box into two compartments and hanging a blower underneath at the rear, and cutting two hatches into the roof for loading at the feed mill. I could haul 9 tons, 5 in the front 4 in the rear. I loved that job and that truck.

That’s a cool truck. I agree the styling is timeless. Would really look great with a fresh coat of black paint on the body & red on the cab. Clean it up & get years of service from it. 👍

Hey Matt, I’ve found that when cleaning really gunky carbs and other parts that a good quality oven cleaner (spray can) works pretty good. Use a mask and gloves but it will clean down to bare metal. Also I’ve discovered a way to solder that pin hole in the float with out overheating the whole float. Submerse it in water with the “blow hole” up. It will keep the rest of the float from unsoldering. Maybe you already know but just in case!! Thanks for your great videos. 👍

I love these old dump trucks, we've got a GMC c6000 that runs great but the brakes just will not tighten up. no leaks, just no pressure, changed almost everything in the whole system, same thing, so aggravating. I love the 2 speed rear end, people always try and buy it off us

My grandfather used to have an old loadstar 1700 with a 4 door cab and pick up box on it as his farm truck, I thought it was the coolest thing ever as a kid because of how big it was. I would love to own one like that myself someday.

Sweet sounding motor, a very good buy for $500.

Absolutely brilliant Matt as always. Really looking forward to the shop build video's as well. Thanks for putting the effort into making these video's for us

Another amazing refurbished addition to your work fleet. Great job and for only $500, not a bad investment!👍

Very cool. I think you got a fantastic deal on that truck. I wish I could run on to a cool truck like that. I’m glad you got it.

Excellent find love to see the old stuff come back from the edge of the grave keep up the excellent work five stars sir

Yet another lovely old truck, you're so lucky to have the space to be able to have such wonderful and extremely useful toys :) Also, loved the extra long video format.

I have never seen anyone get as lucky as you on a purchase! Good job

Variable resistor. As the fuel float moves the resistance changes changing the location of the pointer on the gas gage.

Matt I have been a subscriber for a couple of years. I really like your enthusiastic approach to these old iron projects. Your no fear of attacking the seemingly difficult issues is inspiring. Thanks for keeping your channel growing.

Hi Matt, I am 68 today and it's pissing down with rain outside as usual, you've made my day with your video, keep them coming, cheers from the UK.

I hope you keep this truck, it looks like a keeper!

darn sounds great, oil specs are dependent on you climate if its cold you need thinner if it's hot you need a thicker range. Can't miss the sound of it purring do good and sounds so sweet. You've given her a new life. Pity most modem engines don't sound so good..

When you were reversing it sounded just like my old Morris Minor did in reverse, because it had straight cut reverse gears. Still worth checking I guess, but it might be nothing to worry about.

Nice score on the fuel filter. Love it when you can find a near universal replacement.

That is such a cool truck! I wouldn’t change a thing about it, love your roll dude!

That was another great video clip. I like your unpretentious way with all the clips I've seen of yours !! No bull, honest and admitting when you've messed up. Such a refreshing change, Matt !! Keep 'em coming, Buddy !!

Those are great old trucks. My first non farming related job as a teen was working as a grave digger and the guy I worked for had a single axle international like that. It wasn't fast, it wasn't overly powerful and it used a ton of gas, but everything about that truck oozed strength and dependability. It was a purpose built machine and was a pleasure to use. I actually keep my eyes open for one still, and would buy one in a heartbeat if I could find one that wasn't rusted away. It is definitely a 60's design era forefather of the truck you run now. With a little road time you will find that two speed rear axle natural and easy to shift. The only thing I would change about your truck is to shoot a coat of industrial yellow on it, cause that's how I remember them fondly 🙂

Congratulations, Matt - great job on getting it running. I remember these well from my childhood in the 70s - I always liked the look. It's a sweet ride - I think you should keep it!

HI Mac Twenty years ago when working for Procter Gamble as a mechanic' in our nuts and bolts collections we kept allen heads in our bins . This made it easy for us as we needed only one tool.

Matt, you did an excellent job at rebuilding the carburetor and adjusting it, too! You made an great investment in the dumptruck which I think you "should name Jasmine." Well done, Matt!

Hey Matt I really enjoy your videos! Try using Lacquer Thinner in the gas tank. It dissolves the varnish and you will be shocked how well it works.

I love the old IH's my grandfather had a rollback about the same year and I loved to drive it even though I'm a Chevy guy,,, I'd call it "Big Red" . I love the video 👍👍

Great buy at $500 Good addition to your existing equipment.

I had 2 Loadstar 1600 about 40 years ago. They were dependable and absolutely got the job done. One was a 6 yard dump, like yours and the other I made into a single axle tractor, because of the air brakes.

Congrats on your success with the “corn binder” a true $500.00 gemstone, great presentation I really enjoyed it your talent of resurrected these various pieces of equipment thank you for walking us through how you do things always a pleasure to watch and learn.

Good resuscitation - I love your creative fixes! Getting that stuck door unstuck and working was certainly a challenge. It certainly is a bargain at $500, and I'm glad you like it and find it enjoyable to drive. Hang onto it - how many vehicles do you really LIKE driving??

My grandpa had an identical truck. We paved a lot of driveways with that truck. Downhill with a load we’d get her up to 55mph. Looks good Matt hope you put it to good use

For those stuck slot head screws (and many others) I picked up a manual hammer operated impact screwdriver, real handy at times.