1964 International Loadstar 1600

Meet “SARGE,” a fully reimagined 1964 International Loadstar owned and built by Kyle Herren of Sparta, Tennessee.

The name carries real meaning. Kyle is a Sergeant with the Tennessee Highway Patrol, and the truck reflects the same discipline, presence, and authority that comes with the badge. But make no mistake — this build wasn’t commissioned. It was constructed in a two-car garage over three years, with Kyle taking the lead from start to finish.

SARGE didn’t start life as a cruiser. It began as a working dump truck. Today, it lays frame, sits on 24-inch semi wheels, and turns heads at every show it rolls into.

Kyle has been building trucks for over 20 years, often with help from friends and shops. But after years of waiting on paint booths and suspension installs, he decided it was time to take full control of a build himself. This Loadstar became the ultimate personal challenge — and proof that he could bring a full vision to life on his own terms.

The result is a truck that looks like it came from a professional fabrication shop — yet it was built at home.

Cummins Power Meets Classic Steel

Under the hood sits a 1993 Cummins 6-cylinder diesel paired with a Getrag 5-speed manual transmission. The engine features 125-over injectors while retaining the stock turbo and fuel pump, keeping it reliable yet responsive.

The chassis tells an even bigger story. SARGE now rides on a 2002 Chevrolet 2500 HD frame with a Chevrolet rear end running 3.73 gears. Kyle shortened the original frame by two feet, converting the 10-foot bed into a more balanced 8-foot setup.

A custom driveshaft by Hudlow Axle in Ringgold, Georgia, ties everything together.

This Loadstar doesn’t just sit low — it lays out.

Kyle installed a full Air Lift 3P air management system with Airlift 2600 front bags and triple bellow 2600 lb rear bags, controlled through Airlift Performance valves and powered by dual Airmaxxx X-Series compressors. A triangulated four-link rear suspension keeps everything dialed in, while custom-built front airbag mounts handle the heavy lifting.

When aired out, the body drop allows the front bumper and running boards to sit flat on the pavement — an impressive sight for a truck of this size.

Big Rig Wheels, Custom Bed

The stance is anchored by 24-inch Alcoa semi wheels wrapped in 295/35R24 tires. Greg Leonard of One Ten Manufacturing custom milled and cut the wheels to achieve the perfect fitment.

The body and front clip remain factory International, but the bed is entirely custom-built by Kyle. Rear stepside fenders from a 1955–66 Chevrolet were stretched 10 inches to properly cover the massive semi wheels. The headboard and tailgate came from a 1960–66 Chevrolet fleetside, while the bedsides were fabricated from 14-gauge steel with a 45-degree bend for added strength and visual appeal.

Custom running boards and side panels flow seamlessly into the cab. A hand-rolled roll pan and LED taillights modernize the rear. Even the fuel tank is unique — a converted Peterbilt semi air tank modified to hold diesel fuel.

The bed floor features carefully burnt and stained pine boards, giving it a distressed vintage finish that perfectly complements the patina exterior.

The exterior color is Chevrolet Victory Red laid in PPG base and sealed with Poppy’s Patina clear coat. The patina work and clear-coating were completed by Dewey Dougherty of Viking Customz, giving the truck its weathered yet protected finish.

Interior and engine bay paint were handled by Steve Jones of The Body Shop, ensuring consistency throughout the build.

The balance between fresh paint and aged character is what makes SARGE stand out. It looks like a restored classic that’s lived a full life — intentionally.

Interior: Clean, Custom, and Comfortable

Inside, the truck carries a gray distressed Carrera Double Diamond stitch theme executed by Jay Parsons. The material covers the Chevrolet OBS seat, door panels, kick panels, headliner, and shifter boot. Parsons also completed a full custom 80/20 loop carpet kit.

The cabin features Dolphin gauges, a 14-inch billet steering wheel, a custom center tunnel, and a Billet Swan shifter by Genie Shifters. The layout is clean and functional — modern touches inside a vintage shell.

Kyle credits his wife, Ashlee Herren, for supporting him throughout the entire build process. He also extends thanks to Dewey Dougherty at Viking Customz, Steve Jones at The Body Shop, Poppy’s Patina for sponsorship support, Greg Leonard at One Ten Manufacturing, Tyler Sparkman, and his father Eddie Herren.

Currently, Kyle is helping his dad build a 1967 Chevrolet Nova for the spring 2026 show season — while also assisting friends with their own Loadstar projects.

What’s Next for SARGE?

Kyle plans to add a gooseneck ball to the bed so he can tow his Kaufman two-car trailer. Long term, he hopes to open his own shop. Building SARGE in a two-car garage proved what he’s capable of — but more space means even bigger possibilities.

Kyle Herren’s 1964 International Loadstar “SARGE” is more than a custom truck. It’s a statement about independence, craftsmanship, and taking control of your own vision.

From dump truck beginnings to a body-dropped, air ride-equipped show cruiser sitting on 24-inch semi wheels, SARGE commands attention everywhere it goes.

And if this build is any indication of what Kyle will create once he has a full shop of his own, the future looks big — just like the truck.