RTM Posted August 24 Share Posted August 24 Good Morning, This is my first post here. I have been browsing the forums for a bit, learning a lot, as I am looking to buy a Loadstar. I currently have a 1962 Farmall 560 diesel and a 1952 Farmall Cub. I have a vision for a Loadstar antique tractor hauler... I am looking for advice or thoughts on some of the trucks in consideration. I am looking at the earlier models, up to 72. I like the curves of that body style. Most of the trucks around this area have some rust, most of the fender tops are pretty rough. I like the idea of air brakes and there happens to be a '67 with air a couple hours north of me. It has some rust, holes in fenders, and does not have a bed on it. It is pretty cheap for those reasons. Next is a '64 with hydraulic brakes. It has some rust, only one fender currently has a hole in it, but it does have the grain bed on it. It is about 30 minutes from me, might take a look at it this weekend. I think it has been setting for a year and according to the description it needs a new master cylinder. From my reading, it seems like even after a few hundred $ in master cylinder, I may end up chasing brake lines and vacuum lines? This morning a '72 popped up about an hour from me and I am planning to take a look Saturday. From pictures, the body is in great shape, minimal rust, can't see through the fenders. Grain bed is there and working PTO dump. The description says the brakes work currently but the master has a leak. If the body is truly as nice as I'm hoping, I'm willing to chase some brake issues. Brake issues seem better than severe rust issues. I am also considering hiring a transport truck to get one of these home. If brakes are questionable, I'd prefer not to drive it long distances. If anyone knows of a reputable company in or around central Indiana, suggestions are welcome! Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oleman Posted August 24 Share Posted August 24 I recently saw a Load Star grain hauler on purplewave auction, looked good appeared operational. Probably in Kansas. I would look for air brakes much more universal than juice brakes! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dirt_Floor_Poor Posted August 24 Share Posted August 24 In general the brake parts for those trucks are completely obsolete and will cause major headaches at some point. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nomorejohndeere Posted August 25 Share Posted August 25 can't stop rust without brakes......... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hobbyfarm Posted August 28 Share Posted August 28 I'm not the right guy to do this but I'm wondering how much work it would be to fit the cab from one of these on a newer chasis with a Cummins and a Spicer or something. It would be much more useable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RTM Posted August 29 Author Share Posted August 29 On 8/27/2023 at 8:57 PM, hobbyfarm said: I'm not the right guy to do this but I'm wondering how much work it would be to fit the cab from one of these on a newer chasis with a Cummins and a Spicer or something. It would be much more useable. I have seen a few done like that. I'd ultimately like to keep it on the current frame, but this will be a very long term project for me with plenty of time to figure out the best direction. I ended up buying the one that was about an hour away from me and the seller transported it for me. Brakes work pretty well. I took some cutting compound to the multiple colors of oxidized red and brought back some shine. Didn't get to the roof yet. Overall I am pretty happy with the truck. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TN Hillbilly Posted August 30 Share Posted August 30 Nice work bringin back some shine! We have a 1700, probably similar to yours. 345, 5+2, hyd. brakes. Truck runs good, but we never have gotten the brakes workin to my satisfaction. So we don't use it much, sad to say. Is the one you got air or hyd brakes? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RTM Posted August 30 Author Share Posted August 30 9 hours ago, TN Hillbilly said: Nice work bringin back some shine! We have a 1700, probably similar to yours. 345, 5+2, hyd. brakes. Truck runs good, but we never have gotten the brakes workin to my satisfaction. So we don't use it much, sad to say. Is the one you got air or hyd brakes? Sounds pretty similar to your 1700, only this one is a 4+2. This one has hydraulic brakes that seem to be working ok. Aside from cleaning this thing, I need to get some bulbs/wiring sorted. Of all the lights on this thing, the brake lights and one headlight currently work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
acem Posted September 15 Share Posted September 15 Nice looking loadstar. If you take the grain sides off and build some short ones it's handy for hauling gravel and all sorts of things. When your brakes get weak we can help get them working good. However it can be frustrating finding the right parts. Plan on doing a complete brake job when you get in there, similar to what you do to your pickup. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.