Rare and unusual International Harvester K5
 

How do you test a Merlin engine?

Warbird identity Bob Eastgate has restored this rare and unusual International Harvester K5 at Point Cook near Melbourne.

Bob reports the cab floor was khaki when he was restoring the truck.

http://www.oldcmp.net/Images/Interna...k/lowfront.jpg

More pictures here

That, Keith, is absolutely one of the most interesting restorations I have seen to date of a soft skin vehicle. I've seen bridging tanks, engineer tanks done, tank transporter complete with tank etc. but never anything like this on a truck.

The owner/restorer is to be congratulated.
Bill

K5 Workmanship
 

The workmanship looks outstanding , the lines of the top and the doors fit and finish. I wonder if the shop that did it was an automotive repair place.
Sean

The restoration
 

I'll pass that on to Bob. Yes, it is an interesting vehicle. I'm chasing a photograph of it taken one evening test running a Merlin at full song, long blue flames from the stacks and the engine block glowing, looking like an X-Ray.
You should also see his P51 in action!

Here it is at rest at the Great Mustang roundup at Tyabb 2004

http://www.oldcmp.net/Images/Interna...k/vh_bob_1.jpg

WOW! I have seen the original pics of this type of truck in the AWM database but to know and see one that still exists is fantastic.

Thanks for sharing Keith:)

It is not alone
 

No worries, Cliff

If some child hadn't locked it accidentally last weekend I would have had interiors for you too.

Bob told me there is another in a collection - unrestored I think.
I'll see what I can discover...