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 1947 International
KB-1
Owner - Dwight Ruffin
International Trucks, once a hallmark
marquee is now an almost forgotten name among classic trucks. Once produced
in large numbers, only a few remain on the road today. However, a few
enthusiasts have taken up the challenge to restore one of these fine
classics.
Dwight Ruffin didn’t start out looking for a frame-off project when running
across his 1947 KB-1 while looking for a tiller for his vintage 1953
International tractor. After some thought, Dwight felt as though the old
truck might be useful for hauling around his tractor to local parades.
Little did he know that his love for old tractors would grow into a hobby of
collecting International offerings, both tractor and truck. Dwight says,
“When the Bug hits you…there is only one thing you can do”, and he began
working on the old hauler.
Needing various, hard to find parts, Dwight found himself researching his
project to better understand the direction he would need to take in accomplishing
his
goals.
One interesting item that Dwight uncovered was regarding the bed on his
truck. His KB-1 was fitted with a Knox Bed from the Knox Box Company. Dwight
learned that International had contracted with Knox to build Beds for
International trucks in order to keep up with the post-war demand for
trucks. International trucks that were fitted with a “Knox Box” are today
quite rare (scarce) today, which makes Dwight’s KB-1 even more special among
its peers.
As Dwight began his project, he found the ride of the old hauler a bit
rougher than he had hoped. In an effort to smooth out the ride some, Dwight
looked for ways to soften the old trucks stock suspension. In the end, the
old rumble bump suspension had to go. Safety and ride won out over keeping
the old girl stock, which makes a lot of sense for a Daily Driver.
The project began by removing everything down to the bare frame. As the
project progressed, Dwight was able to locate several sources for hard to
find parts and seek out individuals who had small pieces he needed for the
restoration.
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