14
Everything but the cab came off the 1965 D when restoration began. This truck came with a V8 motor, but Ken Smithson tore it out to install a six-cylinder. When working on this truck, Ken encountered a common problem - the style-side box was badly dented.International manufactured their half-tons with a choice of two types of boxes. Style-side was a flat-sided box and step-side had an inserted step behind the cab. Step-side boxes were in much better condition and were easier to work on. Ken also appreciated their appearance.
Style-side boxes, unsupported by a fender, tended to be severely dented - marred by anything that touched the side of the box. As he did with this 1965, Ken threw away many style-sides in favour of step-sides.
15
The restored 1965 D1100 has a functional and durable step-side box.1965
Smithson International Truck Museum
Credits:Rimbey Historical Society
Photo by Michael's Studio, Wendy Huff
16
International manufactured the 1100A series only in 1966. Ken Smithson purchased his truck from Clarence Eklund in 1985 and restored it in 1989. First used by a large Rocky Mountain House, Alberta sawmill owned by Edwards, this truck was later bought from Edwards Garage by Carl Posti of the Gilby area, who himself ran a small sawmill. Clarence dubbed this 1966 the "Sawmill Truck".In common with the 1965 D1100, the Sawmill Truck came to Ken with a style-side box in poor condition. Again, Ken restored the vehicle with a step-side box.
17
1966 1100A in rough condition. The hood, fenders, and box all needed to be replaced.1966
Ken Smithson's farm, north of Rimbey, Alberta, Canada
Credits:Ken Smithson
18
1966 1100A restored in 1989, complete with a step-side box.1966
Ken Smithson's farm, north of Rimbey, Alberta, Canada
Credits:Ken Smithson
19
Only in 1967 did International release the 1100B series. Bought by Ken Smithson in 1985 from Mike Bunting of Bluffton, Alberta, north of Rimbey, it had been purchased new in the northern Alberta town of Thorhild.Just prior to the purchase of this truck, Ken had received a gift of two old Internationals from Mr. Reynolds - trucks for which Ken expected to pay $50 each. When Ken then drove out to Mike Bunting's farm to inquire about purchasing the 1967 model that had sat out in a field for years, Mike asked $100. Having just been given two trucks equalling that value, Ken gladly handed over the money.
20
International 1967 1100B as purchased in 1985.1967
Ken Smithson's farm, north of Rimbey, Alberta, Canada
Credits:Ken Smithson
21
For a mere $100, Ken had purchased the one gem in a whole line of derelicts. He hauled the 1967 home and tested it out. Although it looked a little rough, as did all the old trucks, the 1967 1100B ran like a top and required the least parts and time to restore of any of the fleet of 19 trucks.22
1967 1100B restored with the original style-side box with which it came to Ken Smithson.1967
Ken Smithson's farm, north of Rimbey, Alberta, Canada
Credits:Ken Smithson
23
International 1967 1100B, restored in 1989 and pictured in 1991.1967
Smithson International Truck Museum
Credits:Rimbey Historical Society
Photo by Michael's Studio, Wendy Huff
24
2004 front view of the 1967 1100B.1967
Smithson International Truck Museum
Credits:Rimbey Historical Society
Photo by Verna Field
25
The 1100C series was made in 1968 and partway into 1969, and was the last series Ken Smithson restored of the complete collection of 19 International half-tons. Amongst his large collection of derelicts parked behind the trees on his farm, Ken had an 1100C series truck. But as it was in very poor condition, he never selected it for the next restoration.Finally, Clarence Eklund - who also was continually on the lookout for Internationals - found a good-condition truck, which he purchased for $600 from Vern Otto, who had begun the truck's restoration. Vern was an Imperial Oil dealer in Lacombe, Alberta and his father had purchased the truck new.
But that truck, which Clarence sold to Ken Smithson in 1985, was not a 1968 1100C. It was a 1967 1100B.
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The marker light change on the 1100C series, made in 1968 and into 1969.1968
Smithson International Truck Museum
Credits:Rimbey Historical Society
Photo by Verna Field
27
However, the only difference between the two series was a compulsory marker light along the fender - shown in the above photo - and a different headlight ring, both on the more recent model. With the addition of fenders purchased from Clarence off his Travelall - an International pickup-based wagon similar to a Suburban - Ken readily converted the 1967 bought from Clarence into a fully authentic 1968 1100C. |
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