Ive actually had people refer to the specs on my old carstrucks in metric.

The other half is the thrill of taking it on its first drive after getting it running again.

While that maiden voyage is one of our favorite parts, getting the car to the point where it is safe to drive can be a massive undertaking.

So, sometimes the benefits of buying a car that someone else has already done the dirty work can outweigh the excitement of finding one and fixing it yourself.

This 1938 International Harvester listed here on eBay is a good example of that.

To get it back on the road, the seller pulled the cab and box from the chassis.

They also converted the electronics over to 12 volt and installed an electric fuel pump.

We are starting to see more and more barn finds preserved in this fashion, but we arent sure if this is the perfect patina like the seller claims.

While it appears that the body is solid, we are a little concerned about the amount of rust this truck has.

It came from a barn in North Dakota, so we would be sure to check the underside very carefully for any cancer or thin spots.

This truck is powered by Internationals Green Diamond series inline-six and the seller has already had this one rebuilt.

The Green Diamond came in three sizes, 2.9 liters, 3.5 liters, and 3.8 liters, but the seller doesnt state which size this one is.

In the late 30s and early 40s, International trucks were some of the toughest and best built trucks you could buy, which could explain why so many have survived all these years.

It really shouldnt come as a surprise though, seeing as International started out as a Tractor manufacturer.

Making the leap to light and medium duty trucks was a slight adjustment for the company, but with their well known durability and some great design work by the likes of Raymond Loewy, they were able to compete with the best the Big 3 had to offer.

This truck looks solid, but we think the rust might be past the point of just being considered patina.

We do love the originality and we hope that it will be preserved, but we want to treat that rust right away so that it doesnt turn to cancer.

So what would you do to preserve that patina Did you enjoy this find If so, please consider becoming a supporting member More: American, International SHARE TWEET EMAIL Like This Get Our Daily Email Comments.

Dec 13, 2013 at 5:30pm I have seen 15 year old trucks with way worse beds than this old I-H.

Dec 13, 2013 at 5:41pm Why do people list the engine size in liters, instead of cubic inches, like they were originally described.

Dec 14, 2013 at 1:43pm Because they think we should all know the metric system.

As far as I am concerned, any of the cars I still own that were built PRIOR to 1990, better have labels that read HORSE POWER and CUBIC INCHES.

Not some snot nosed kids telling an old guy like me that he thinks metrics are the AMERICAN way.

Kiss myI was born american just like my MOPARS or the GMs, Fords, AMCs, Nash, etc.

Dec 16, 2013 at 10:23am Cranky old men should be glad that snot nosed kids will be around to carry on the hobby.

Craigslist Email Harvester Cracked