Saleofcar.com :International

International Harvester Other METRO VAN (1950)
for sale

Price: US $500.00

Description:

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1950 INTERNATIONAL METRO MILK TRUCK STEP VAN!
This is an international metro multi-stop step van. I'm pretty sure this originally was a bread delivery van. These are very cool milk/bread trucks and have unique art deco styling. There are only a handful vintage step van models that look cool restored or rodded. This particular ihc was the second shortest version you could get. The shorter ones are neat looking too, but this is the most popular size and has more interior space. Included are pictures of a other vans that have been rodded or restored, just to see the potential. I also have more pics of this van that I can send. This van is crusty looking, but the body is solid with little rust. It does need full restoration though. These vans are very popular for mobile businesses or advertising. They also look cool chopped or lowered and are becoming popular for rod projects. There is plenty of room in the back to stand up and put living quarters, cooking equipment, speed parts, t-shirt shop, coffee truck, donut truck, bonneville push rig, gasser, drag van, tattoo parlor, harley hauler, or? A harley will fit, maybe two. Thanks, and happy bidding.
MECHANICAL
The metro has what looks to be the original six cylinder. I have never tried to get it running. The motor is not locked. The van may run but it would take some work. The radiator and shifter are gone. Radiators are easy to get, and the shifter should be the same as ihc pickups and some trucks so they are easy to find also. The shifter is very easy to put in also. The van rolls and steers. The hubcaps are not included. Tires hold air but are not nice.
I've driven several of these vans and they are fine for me to drive but they do not have power steering or brakes. Depending on how much your driving and where, you can convert these to a more modern suspension with auto transmission. I know a rod builder who has done it and used an independent suspension front clip off a chevy pickup and then you have a modern setup with power disc brakes, power steering, V8, more power, better ride, and auto transmission. I was told that it is almost a direct bolt on. The chevy front clips are cheap and readily available. I don't know if any lights or anything work on this van. I've never had a battery in it.

BODY
The body on this metro is solid for a project. There is little rust which is the major bonus. The rust is behind the doors, low in the rocker area. A little under the door also, on the small rocker area there. This is common for these metros. The rust will be relatively easy for a bodyman to repair, and does not extend over the wheelwells. There is only one other spot of rust through which is in the bottom skin of one of the rear doors. Floors and floor supports are good. The floor in the back on these vans was mostly comprised of a piece of HD plywood over metal crossmembers/floor supports. This is how they were built new. The older vans like this, also had a sheetmetal wrap over the top of the plywood. That is what you can see peeling up/rusting in the pics. It's not anything structural. Frame, roof, fenders, side doors, etc. have no rust.The van has some dents to clean up and straighten out. It needs most of the windows replaced. They are flat and easy/cheap to replace. The doors all open. The grille is near perfect. The van needs full restoration but is a solid start with little rust to repair. There are several spots where the paint is chipped or worn out. Those are NOT rust spots. Especially the rust looking areas over the drivers side rear wheelwheel. Not rust-through. The only exterior rust-through, are the areas I detailed. The body does needs full resto but it is a relatively dry vehicle. The M and O letters from the front are not included. They were stolen after pics were taken. I will help the new owner find replacements. A cnc machine could make replacements fairly easily but used ones are around. You can also use any old-car lettering to closely reproduce the metro letters, or go with some in cursive, etc. for a unique touch, or delete them altogether.
INTERIOR
The interior on this van is is pretty basic and minimal. The dash area is intact and in decent condition. Gauges aren't broken. The seat is in it. There is not much else. It has some paneling that most people will most likely take out. It's fairly clean and doesn't smell.
OVERALL
This is a great metro to restore back to original or have one of the most unique rods at the car show. Either way, they get lots of attention and have great resale. I've included a couple pics of restored or rodded vans and I have more I can send.
This van is sold as-is. It is an unrestored project.

_{update: 2016-02-02}