New (used) IH 7500 Dump Truck purchase, modification & fix up

[Hay Dude]

Here’s my old IH-4800 4x4 from 2013.

This one was 33,000GVWR. DT466@250HP, 7 speed manual. It also had a 12’ dump box.
I sold this truck to buy more farming equipment, but always regretted it.
Hopefully the one I’m building now will not only replace it, but improve it with more power, load capacity automatic and AC!

 

[mrmikey]

I can’t imagine why someone would let something get ruined like that and not replace it.

Wasn't it initially a government truck, if so that explains it.

Have no idea how long we can keep going replacing these expensive parts.

The price of replacement parts is unreal.
I watch a Youtube channel, South Main Auto repair. Awhile back a customer brought in a GM Yukon with a brake light out so he figures just a bulb. Nope, complete tailight assembly $725 for one side, the only replaceable bulb is the reverse light,

Just watch another one, replacing a heater fan in a Buick Encore. In order to replace the fan, you have to cut it out with a knife as it's moulded in one piece with the plenum,

Wtf is going on with replacement parts.
Wait 'till the new heavy truck emission regs come in 2027, here's a video:

. HD or anyone with a pre emissions rig, you'd best hang onto it, it'll be worth it's weight in gold.

 

[Hay Dude]

Wasn't it initially a government truck, if so that explains it.


The price of replacement parts is unreal.
I watch a Youtube channel, South Main Auto repair. Awhile back a customer brought in a GM Yukon with a brake light out so he figures just a bulb. Nope, complete tailight assembly $725 for one side, the only replaceable bulb is the reverse light,

Just watch another one, replacing a heater fan in a Buick Encore. In order to replace the fan, you have to cut it out with a knife as it's moulded in one piece with the plenum,

Wtf is going on with replacement parts.
Wait 'till the new heavy truck emission regs come in 2027, here's a video:

. HD or anyone with a pre emissions rig, you'd best hang onto it, it'll be worth its weight in gold.

Well, I bought the IH-7500 4x4. I will buy the next IH-7400 6x6 pre-emissions if it’s got the correct specs I can afford!
I am seeing the same ridiculous cost of ownership issues on the horizon. I figure I better buy what I need now before it becomes unaffordable for the average slob.

 

[mrmikey]

Any body yet? I'm anxious as to the shape she's in

 

[Hay Dude]

It’s here! At the welding shop. JUst haven’t had time to go check it out.

Probably next time it rains.

 

[Hay Dude]

Finally got a look at the dump bed.
Mixed feelings.
Overall the size & look of it are just right.
Gonna need a few repairs.

Generally, it’s straight and the size/dimensions I was looking for. However, the floor has a few welds and one of the uprights is rusted through at the bottom. I didon’t pick up on that from the sellers pictures. Not a big deal to fix.

I can’t worry too much about being “perfect” on a 16 year old dump truck.

Outer Frame replacement starts next week.

 

[mrmikey]

Once your repairs are done are you going to blast and paint it?
Take pics of the frame replacement if you can.

 

[Hay Dude]

Once your repairs are done are you going to blast and paint it?

You mean the frame or the dump bed? Or both?

The new outer frame will be painted. I was going to clean then slop on a good coat of wool wax on the outside of the inner frame, then install the newly painted outer frame.

The dump bed looks half-way presentable as is, so it might just get the repairs it needs and rattle cans on the repairs or bad spots until money becomes available, then I will repaint the dump bed gloss black or white.

Take pics of the frame replacement if you can.

I will try. It’s coming in the shop next week. Nervous & excited at the same time. I think there’s a chance something unexpected could happen, but trying to remain positive.

One other small positive thing…. the truck has been parked for 3 weeks in the same spot and not one drop of oil from anywhere dripped on the ground. I hate leaks, so that makes me happy lol

 

[Hay Dude]

Next, I need to figure out the dump bed installation, air tailgate, bed vibe, electric tarp and cab controls.

Have to locate a PTO for an Allison transmission, options, cheapest place to buy it, etc.

In my little world, I’d like to use one of the plethora of unused switches in the dash to control the bed tarp.

Long ways to go until this is done.

 

[mrmikey]

In my little world, I’d like to use one of the plethora of unused switches in the dash to control the bed tarp.

Don't blame you, looks a lot neater when you can use factory switches. That's one advantage of ordering a chassis, you can spec what and where you want switches. In case you don't realize, you do need a reversing relay, that motor draws way too much juice to run thru just the switch.

As for the painting question, I was just meaning the body but thanks for the other info as well .

I know, easy for me sitting here saying, "take pics", do what you can.