Another Project Truck

Well, here comes summertime!  Are you ready to show off what you’ve been tinkering on all winter and spring?  According to friends and family, I have way too many projects, but according to me, I have way too many things distracting me from my projects!  And, recently, I brought home another one to tinker on, and as I write this, it is April 30, which is the birthday of my latest project – a 1980 International 4070B Transtar II.  This rig had been sitting neglected for almost 10 years near my home, and other than the occasional head turn and eyebrow raise of curiosity by me, it seemed to only gain the negative attention of vandals and vagrants.  It was parked at some point, as the previous owner desired updated equipment.  Then, Mother Nature began to overtake her, and before long, the fuel, wiring, and air lines were robbed for whatever value someone thought they could get.  But, through a series of well-timed phone calls, I was able to track down the owner and save this old relic from certain doom via the scrapyard.  I hauled it home the same day I made the deal, and then started looking her over to see what kind of life might be left.  She’s got a Big Cam II 400 Cummins, a 13-speed transmission, an aluminum frame, and a factory 200” wheelbase.  My plans are to polish up the existing original paint job, get the engine to run and drive, add aluminum wheels, twin stacks, and twin air cleaners.  I’ll also replace all the glass and clean up the interior.  I don’t think a rig like this needs much help in the custom department.  These old cabovers look best, in my opinion, with some modest bells and whistles and a warm embracement of their natural beauty.  I wasn’t much of a “Corn Binder” fan when I was a kid, probably because they were most commonly dressed in fleet spec’d attire.  But, when I see one like this, that boldly sports it’s glorious 80s gaudy vibe, I fall in love every time.

[Show slideshow]

THE BINDER FINDER
By Trevor Hardwick

For several years she sat alone,
Just sittin’ in the weeds.
Several people noticed her,
But she didn’t fit their needs.

I’d drive by from time to time,
And I’d stop to check her out.
But I couldn’t ever find,
Just what her story’s all about.

Years went by and there she sat,
The vandals took their toll.
The windows broke the wires cut,
And now she couldn’t roll.

Weeds grew through her crevices,
A tree grew through her frame.
But I still had a thing for her,
As if I knew her name.

Then one day I’d had enough,
I had to bring her home.
She needs a bath and not just that,
She needs some polished chrome.

I called the listing agent,
On the land where she was parked.
I finally found the owners,
And I had her home by dark.

I hope to change her fluids,
And replace the missing wires.
Then jump for joy and celebrate,
The day her engine fires.

But until then she’s safe and sound,
In the new spot she was shoved.
And now she joins a family,
Where she truly will be loved!