Zack Bender Loves Driving Old Iron

When Zack Bender of Elroy, Wisconsin, bought this 1979 International 4070B Transtar cabover at an auction about eight years ago, it was already in pretty good shape. Besides replacing the fifth wheel (because it was missing) and a cracked piston, the truck did not need any other mechanical work. The Transtar’s 290 NTC Cummins engine and 9-speed Roadranger transmission still run very well. Originally purchased new by Reynolds Moving and Storage in Madison, Wisconsin, the International worked hard for many years. Reynolds was an agent for United Van Lines, so the truck racked up some miles. After Zack bought the truck, he spruced it up a bit by installing Budd wheels on the front and new aluminum fuel tanks. Although it received some freshening up, the cab still sports its original paint job. The frame, however, needed to be repainted, so Zack took care of that and supplied a little TLC in general while he was at it. Also shown in the photo here is Zack’s 30-foot 1993 Wisconsin flatbed trailer. In addition to old trucks, Zack restores antique farm tractors and stationary engines. When he goes to truck or tractor shows, Zack uses his International, hooked to this flatbed, to haul his tractors and engines to the events. He said, “I love driving all the old iron down the road – it runs well, looks good, and its fun, too!” We sure can’t argue with that logic.