International Harvester Loadstar Crewcab 4X4

Well, I saw one on an IH forum and thought I gotta get me that! Trouble is, there's a bunch of barriers to getting one. At the moment it's a 'paper' exercise. Here's what I've found:

None were ever manufactured here in Oz
None were ever imported and/or converted to RHD
Only ever a North American 'released' vehicle, although some are found in Europe
Manufacture date 1962 - 1978

Spoke to a vehicle importer and told that the vehicle is illegible for importation, due to GVM 3500kg and over. This was prior to the new legislation (1/7/2021). Contacted the Department of Infrastructure re: importing the Loadstar. Got a bit of confusion as to if I can import, and under what scheme. In fairness to the Department the Legislation is still 'wet'.

Anyway, I started filling out an application under the Specialist and Enthusiasts Scheme (SEVS), rang the Department again for a bit of clarity, and advised that maybe I might be better to import the vehicle under the 'Rarity' Scheme, still part of the SEVS.

I'm (still) waiting for my account with the new Department portal - Road Vehicle Regulator (ROVER) so I can start my application under the Rarity scheme, as stated this is still a paper exercise and won't cost anything till I lodge it. Then real costs start mounting to possible importation of the 'Unicorn.'

After all of the above ramblings, my question/s to you is:

Has anyone got any information regarding the Loadstar Crewcab 4X4? Ideally, I would need numbers of items built, or contacts overseas. Searching the web, although a wealth of 'some' information doesn't quite fit the requirements for a submission on a government form.

Anyhoo, best I get back to a bit of research.

Cheers & beers

Have you got the detail on asbestos and imports......last I heard it was a game killer ,with anything but motorbikes,or really valuable cars.....like $1 M

Be really good that I get to that stage where the vehicle has an inspection...means that I've got the import. There are brokers here, and in the US, that are familiar with the quarantine inspection requirements of vehicle importation, including asbestos, and from what I can gather you pay for service.

Reckon that would be definitely checking brake shoes, and clutch plate. Most obvious things I can think of. Don't believe there would be lagging of sorts anywhere on this type of vehicle...not discounting it!

Anyhoo, it's get me interested, and something to do whilst having a beer.

I reckon you could build what you want from locally available parts.
AA to D-line 160 / 1600 / 1610 4x4.
We had Loadstar single cabs (front upper corners of cab, below windscreen are different to both AA and later cabs).
Local dual cab. A bit of cut and paste required, see previous line.
The 5 figures it would cost you to import one would buy a lot of project material locally.

Jarrod.

asw120 wrote:

I reckon you could build what you want from locally available parts.
AA to D-line 160 / 1600 / 1610 4x4.
We had Loadstar single cabs (front upper corners of cab, below windscreen are different to both AA and later cabs).
Local dual cab. A bit of cut and paste required, see previous line.
The 5 figures it would cost you to import one would buy a lot of project material locally.

Jarrod.

Hadn't thought of that concept. Does interest me, a project whilst on R&R from my FIFO role in the mines up north. Might just have to do further research. I have been looking at Inters, and Dodges.

Telecom made Dodge D5N dual cabs, or a body builder more than likely made them for Dodge or Telecom
IH fire trucks might be another good source of ideas
Almost everything and anything was made into a dual cab back before they were available from Toyota and Datsun etc

I would just start searching around for Loadstar cabs etc or trucks etc and start chopping and welding if its what I was wanting

Paul

If you do import anything from the US, just import the cab. Much easier to demonstrate a bare metal cab has no asbestos. I've heard of some imports being rejected at the border because the inspectors decided the head gasket might have asbestos in it.

All great input. I do remember seeing crewcabs, and also panel vans, in the D5N variant (at the time I didn't know the model). On Mahoney's Road, Thomastown VIC, there was a used truck/machinery dealer and I remember seeing the 4x4 panel van D5N in a shipside grey colour. Wanted it there and then! One of life's regret not buying it then.

U may B think n of

W & P
now @ Hume Hwy KalKallo

www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.5310662,144....Q!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

cya

Swishy wrote:

U may B think n of

W & P
now @ Hume Hwy KalKallo

www.google.com.au/maps/@-37.5310662,144....Q!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

cya

Probably is Swishy. I'm talking 1979/80 if memory serves me well. Their yard then was on the left hand side, on the corner, heading towards the Excelsior pub. Wonder if they still have it Couldn't of been a Telstra truck, maybe a SEC, or even an old PMG. All I know is I wanted it, can't reason why I didn't buy it...might have to do with something about my then girlfriend, now wife :lol: