67,000 original miles, excellent condition, International turbo diesel

1963 International Harvester R-185

Thanks for your interest. Up for auction is a 1963 International Harvester R-185 dump truck VIN# FD15570F with 67,000 original miles and 25,500lb GVW. Dry weight is about 15,500 lbs. This truck started life as a fire engine for a small town in Rhode Island and was purchased from the town by the previous owner. We are the third owner and purchased the truck in 2013 with 12,000 miles. Originally equipped with an International Red Diamond six cylinder gas engine, the town upgraded the engine in the mid eighties to an International DT-466 turbo diesel. They also upgraded to Dana front and rear axles with air brakes, see pics of axle tags below. It has a Eaton 5-speed transmission with a dog-leg low gear and used to be equipped with a two-speed Hi-Lo auxiliary transmission which we removed due to bearing failure. The gearing is adequate for hauling 4-5 tons and top speed is 55 mph.

The second owner converted the truck into its current form, shortening the frame, adding hydraulics, the 12’ Beau-Roc dump body and paint work. Under our ownership, we used the truck in our business for retail compost deliveries. The focus of our business changed and although it would be nice to keep for marketing purposes, it’s time for her to find a new home.

We’ve maintained her religiously and have $23,000 in receipts for the work and upgrades we’ve done. Those include:

• Six new wheels and tubeless tires.

• New air brake canisters for all four corners.

• New brake drums and shoes, front and rear.

• New rear springs and cross link.

• New recent double disc clutch.

• Re-cored radiator.

• Re-sealed expansion tank.

• New belts.

• New start/stop electronic solenoid.

• New muffler.

• New main seal in transmission.

• Rebuilt wiper motor.

• Installed a second hydraulic pump at PTO.

• Reupholstered bench seat.

• New side mounted tool box.

There are two separate hydraulic pumps, running off two separate PTOs, one is air controlled and powers the dump bed, the second is manual and used to power a bin lifter that is no longer installed on the truck. This second pump is available to run a separate hydraulic system that the buyer may wish to add at a future date.

There is some rust in the lower corners of the front fenders which we’ve stabilized and patched and the cab is free of any significant rust. There is some bubbling in the bottom corner of the cab on the passenger side and some rust around the windshield seal in the bottom corners. The windshield will need to be resealed in the corners as it currently leaks water in the rain. This led to some rust developing on the cab floor in the driver and passenger foot wells. We treated the floor with POR-15 rust sealant paint to stabilize the surface rust and prevent anymore from developing. She is stored indoors. The dump body is in good shape with a solid floor. There’s a dump shoot at the back which we sealed off with a welded plate which can be removed and restored so it functions again. There is a dent in the back of the cab on the driver’s side between the cab and dump body about the size of a tennis ball and a small dent in the driver’s side front fender which you can see in the photos.

Cab heat works with a three speed blower and there is a large scoop vent to bring in fresh air. Both searchlights function although the one on the driver’s side is limited in motion, feels like it’s frozen and needs to be disassembled and lubed. Has both an air horn and “city” horn. 30 gallon fuel tank. Power steering. 2” hitch receiver with electric trailer brakes. All instruments work except the tachometer, due to a failed sending unit off the engine.

I wouldn’t hesitate to drive this truck anywhere, she is a one of a kind truck that is a blast to drive.

Rhode Island is a non-title state for vehicles older than 10 years so she will be sold with the current registration and a bill of sale.

The truck is listed locally and might be sold prior to the end of the auction.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions.

Best,

Nat

• Condition: Used
• Make: International Harvester
• Model: R-185
• Year: 1963
• Mileage: 67173
• VIN: FD15570F
• Number of cylinders: 6
• Fuel: Diesel
• Transmission: Manual
• Interior color: Tan
• Vehicle Title: Clean
Want to buy? Contact seller!