Question about a Tractor I just bought

[Rick Schmidt]

Hey guys I just bought this built up tractor and trailer. Not being a Truck builder I dunno much about em so I come here to the guys who do know trucks. I'm not really concerned with the blue Pete I have previously bought two of those. All I know about the truck is its an International and says Transtar 4300 on the sides of the nose. Theres a diamond plate on the rear frame that says Italeri but I dunno if it belongs to the tractor or was added like the extra axle was( I know it don't belong I think its an AMT 55 chevy front axle) What can yall tell me bout it ??

next is this Trailer that came with it. I know nothing about it or who made it except it has a fruehauf emblem on the very front of it

[mackinac359]

Rick

The tractor is an Ertl International Transtar 4300 Eagle. Issued in 1978 and will be reissued this fall by AMT.

The Italeri diamond plate most likely came from an Italeri accessories kit. The lift axle looks like they are the rims from the Ertl (originally issued by MPC) Gravel Trailer.

The International 4300 came with a sleeper box.

The trailer was originally issued by AMT in 1971/72 with the Loadcraft brand name. It has been reissued several times.

Tim

[Jim B]

The tractor is an AMT/Ertl International 4300 Eagle from about 1978. The kit comes with a sleeper, but whoever built it decided to make it a daycab. The deckplate was added from an Italleri kit.

Here is a link that shows the kit contents & instructions: International 4300 Instructions

I think the trailer is actually an AMT Loadcraft Lowboy, from about 1973. Loadcraft Lowboy Instructions

Hope this helps.

[Rick Schmidt]

guys it did help thank you much I know have a rig I know something about. You both say the tractor is from 78 and Tim ya say to be reissued do I take this to mean Its not been out since and is as old and creaky as it appears?? lol Knowing about the sleeper has made me think IF I restore this old dog I may use the sleeper from another of the Petes I have to put one back on it. I done took off the extra Axle I just couldn't leave that spindly little thing there

[Old Albion]

Rick,

If you restore it and want the sleeper that came with the kit then let me know. When I built mine about 4 years ago I built it as a day cab. I don't think it would look right with a Pete sleeper on it. But thats your choice. Check my photo albumn below. It says Bottom dump trailer but should have said " with international 4300 tractor. By the way the kit engine is an International V8 rated at 350HP. May be 325 HP can'nt remember its along while since I looked at the information on the kit.

http://public.fotki.com/oldalbion/bottom-dump-trailer-/

Best Wishes

Dave

[Rick Schmidt]

Dave I would like to restore it with a sleeper, it just looks too long without it to me. The Pete Sleeper was just a thought because its all I got. Like my first post says I don't have many of these things which was the reason I got these two. I'll contact you in PM about the sleeper. I do like how yours looks too I only hope I can bring this monster back just as nice. Lotta work put into that trailer too. Think I'll stick to figuring out the tractors before I go wild on a tralier lol

[SpreadAxle]

Pretty cool. That should make for a nice restoration project. If you plan to use the light bar on the roof, you will need to get amber/yellow lenses. The red/blue light bar on the roof now is for an emergency vehicle.

[mardtrp]

Hmm, it appears you know nothing about trucks AT ALL.

The International was built by someone, who at least understood what he was on about, when he built it as a heavy hauler, that is the reason that the third axle is fitted, to allow for more weight to be carried. That's the same reason why he made the low loader and fitted it to the Inter.

Now along comes Jones, who knows bugger all about this type of vehicle and immediatelty starts to bugger it up, by removing what was added in the first place for a very good reason, now, with your expert knowledge about trucks, what's your reasoning for changing it ?

Think a bit of research into these vehicles, might be in order for you to at least gain a very tiny amount of knowledge about trucks.

[Ben]

Hmm, it appears you know nothing about trucks AT ALL.

The International was built by someone, who at least understood what he was on about, when he built it as a heavy hauler, that is the reason that the third axle is fitted, to allow for more weight to be carried. That's the same reason why he made the low loader and fitted it to the Inter.

Now along comes Jones, who knows bugger all about this type of vehicle and immediatelty starts to bugger it up, by removing what was added in the first place for a very good reason, now, with your expert knowledge about trucks, what's your reasoning for changing it ?

Think a bit of research into these vehicles, might be in order for you to at least gain a very tiny amount of knowledge about trucks.

I think we can do without the rude comments. This person clearly stated that they knew nothing about trucks and came here for our help.

Theres no need to belittle them!

[Rick Schmidt]

Ben thanks for the backup there. As for the above poster believing I am "buggering" up this tractor. thats fine in his eyes I may be, but in my eyes I'm not I am the one who bought it and will have to look at it from now on so my idea is apparently different than his. As for that 3rd axle its a 55 Chevy pickup part and as little about trucks as I know I do know that a part for a 1/2 ton pickup is not what a truck like this needs

[Jim B]

Rick,

If you want to get rid of the 55 Chevy axle, here is a lift axle you could use. ART-Neway 505-555 Pusher Axle, Drop Center Might be a little to modern, though.

Here's a steerable ony: Watson-Chalin Steerable Lift Axle

I know Plaskit makes one, too; but I can't seem to find a picture of it. Chris at Sourkraut['s Model Trucks should be able to help you out. He's a great guy, and a wealth of information. If I were going to keep this tractor as a "heavy hauler", I'd keep the lift axle. If you're going to make a highway tractor, not really needed.

How about a Mercury sleeper: Mercury Sleeper

You might be able to find something you need from Dave, too: American Industrial Truck Models

[Rick Schmidt]

Jim Those seem to be great links. Dave is sending me the correct sleeper for the tractor so that solves the issue of that. This tractor isn't going to be a heavy hauler but I do like the idea of the resin parts in the link. I saved this link cause these aren't going to be the last trucks. I actually have another Pete like the blue one sittin on the trailer I think I'll hold until I can get some of the stuff from the link. I can make it different from the other two Thank you for giving the link to me

[Jim B]

Glad to help. Don't forget to post in progress pictures.

[Rick Schmidt]

Jim I will be Already have the Cab stripped to a shell guess I better get to takin pics huh ??

[Old Albion]

Rick,

The sleeper is on its way. I put the original instructions in with it as well. If you are short of any other items I may have some items in my surplus box(es). So let me know.

Truck specifications are an interesting subject. The truck manufacturers even today will build trucks to suit certain types of applications and then have a whole lot of standard options available to suit the specific needs of the owner. You don't just get a basic frame and then build the truck around it. No! Even the frame has to be specified. There are many Proffessional drivers on here who will tell you what ever you want to know about when specifying a truck. When considering the International if you think about the vehicles that were available in the 1970s. how would you have it specified? Just think about the many differant variables that would determine the final truck build. I have always been interested in trucks, the different variations on specifications is one of the important factors for me. A truck is nothing like a car. With a car you generally get what the manufacturer wants you to have. But with a truck you get what you want. You have to. If you get the wrong equipment you could be out of pocket or even worse out of business or dead. So there are no definate rights and wrongs regarding how a truck should look. Its the environment and the job of work that deternmines the appearance of a truck. You build it how you want it specified.

Good Luck with the project!

Best Wishes

Dave

[Jim B]

Get snappin'! What color scheme are you going with?

[Rick Schmidt]

Dave

Thank you Like I said truck is stripped now and I'm preparing it for the upcoming sleeper. Knowing that a truck can come just about anyway opens a lot of doors to how to build these.

Jim

I'm not really sure yet I'm thinking since it's and older tractor I may keep it period looking but not sure yet

[Old Albion]

Rick,

I think I read somewhere that the 4300 came as standard with an Extended hood for much bigger engines. The 1970s were the beginning of the high horsepower engines. The big Detroit 12V71 had been out for a few years and was available in the twin turbocharged form (extremely Rare) rated at up to 525 HP. Claterpillar had just introduced their big 3408 V8 rated at 450 HP in standard setting with 18 litres displacement. But topping the lot was Cummins with the KTA 600. This was a beast and still is, but no longer available. Rated at 600 HP standard setting it had a displacement of 1150 ci or 19 litres. With engines like this putting that kind of power out with massive torque outputs it would be extremely important to spec the transmission, drive line, and rear axles correctly or you could have some serious problems. Cummins also offered the same block but as a KT450. It had no after cooler and maybe one or two other changes to the 600. But was obviously less power. These kind of engines take alot of space hence the reason why the truck builders offered extended hoods. Big power conventionals with extended hoods have a lot of appeal. If International were going to compete with the Peterbilt 359 Ext Hood and the Kenworth W900a then they had to have an extended hood not just for looks but for more practical reasons namely to get the engine in.

I don't know if International fitted Claterpillar engines? But they did fit Detroit and Cummins as well as their own. Does anyone know of an International with a factory fitted Claterpillar engine?

Just a few thoughts for you to consider. Oh yes one other thing if you were thinking of using the 4300 for hauling a low boy then that rear suspension is great. But driving long distances on the open road then you would might want to consider an air suspension.

If you were interested in a 12V71 detroit it is available from Saurkrauts and the Cummins is available from Spaulding Trading and Shipping.

Your truck your choice.

Have fun!

Best Wishes

Dave

[Jim B]

Thanks for the info, Dave. See? You learn somethuing new every day on this board.

Does anyone know what engine comes in the 4300 kit?

[Old Albion]

Jim,

According to the kit instructions the engine is an International V800. 798 ci displacement. It is turbocharged and rated at 350 HP at 2600 RPM with a peak torque is 820 ft lbs.

I have just been looking through truckpaper.com and have found some International 4300s. Could not find any sleeper cab versions, but have found day cab versions and Yes! International did offer Claterpillar engines. You do learn something new every day.

http://www.truckpaper.com/listings/detail....70ce4536751cc6c

http://www.truckpaper.com/listings/detail....70ce4536751cc6c

http://www.truckpaper.com/listings/detail....70ce4536751cc6c

http://www.truckpaper.com/listings/detail....70ce4536751cc6c

http://www.truckpaper.com/listings/detail....70ce4536751cc6c

Best Wishes

Dave

[cargostar]

Oh yeah, IH would put anything on/in their trucks. I can't speak for other brands, but IH prided itself on cusom builds to suit the customer. Each assembly plant has a space in the plant, for "stall builds". These would be trucks special ordered, that they were not set up on the assembly line to build. So the truck was assembled in its own stall and the required parts were brought to the truck amd then engineered to fit. They also had an off site facility, that would take an already built "stock" truck and modify it to the customers specs.

So as far as IH is concerned, never say they never did it!

[Rick Schmidt]

Guys Your not just talkin to a wall here I been takin in all of this info. its gettin me more excited about building trucks by the minute. I mean heck Anything goes ?? build it the way I want and think I'd use it rather than the way Joe Blow says I gotta build it ?? I think I'm gonna like this !!

Dave ya say no sleeper cabs found ?? I guess I'm that dude that decided to need a sleeper Hehehe Maybe thats where I keep my old dog or something lol ..... now a few more questions about these links

http://www.truckpaper.com/listings/detail....70ce4536751cc6c

This one says the suspension is Walking Beam Whats that mean ??

Now this one got me to thinking

http://www.truckpaper.com/listings/detail....70ce4536751cc6c

It says the tractor has a Cat 3406A which made me think of something. The Peterbilt that came with this truck has an engine in it that says 3406 CAT on the top cover on the back of the engine. I've seen other references to 3406 B and such but dunno the difference Is the engine in the Pete 359 the one this ad refers too ?? I'm already considering using stuff from a Pete 359 kit, Like the tanks and stacks and such, to dress up the International so why not do up the engine too. But ya alao say IH says anything goes so ... Man I got all kinda ideas goin on lol

Edited September 20, 2009 by midknightx5

[Jim B]

A Walking Beam suspension is a spring type suspension. Looks like this.

The engine in the snap Peterbilt is a 3406A.

Don't go too crazy! There are some rules, ya know. You have to run legal, too; but mostly once a truck leaves the dealership lot just about anything can happen. Who's to say tat your International wasn't repowered sometime during it's life. It's your truck. You make the story.

[Rick Schmidt]

Oh no worries Jim I won't have the law chasin the rig tho images of smokie and the bandit do come to mind with this bein a 70s truck lol By goin crazy I mean those sites yall gave me has given me some nice ideas for trucks to get and some nice stuff to put on them. This one is mainly goin to be dress up if I go that route I want to get the whole truck here and in front of me before I fully decide. I been looking over the links Dave posted up on this tractor in particular and Single stacks seem to be the norm. Unlike the sleeper I am undecided on that lol I can't decide do I wanna go with double stacks or just keep it a single I'll decide soon I'm sure I still need to go about posting a WIP on this truck lol