The Time to Spend

Picture this: you’re cruising down the highway in your freshly restored International Scout II, wind in your hair, sun on your face, and nothing in the world. Sounds like a dream, right? But before you can hit the road and live out your classic car fantasies, you must know what it takes to transform your Scout II into a daily driver.

Let’s break down the costs and considerations for turning your beloved International Scout II into a reliable, road-worthy machine that can handle the daily grind. I have no idea if this is in the ballpark, but we shall see it as I go.

1. The Scout: The first part is picking the Scout II. If you are lucky, you can find one for 5K. Most likely, it will cost you a little more.
2. Engine: A solid, reliable engine is the heart of any daily driver. For the Scout II, you might be looking for $2,500 to $5,000 for a rebuilt engine, depending on the condition and model year of your Scout. If you’re considering an engine swap, like a popular LS swap, be prepared to invest a bit more.
3. Axles: There are two of them; if they need replacement, each will cost $4000 to $5000. Check out what happened to my 1972 Scout’s rear axle.
4. Transmission: A smooth-shifting transmission is key to a comfortable ride. Depending on the type and condition, a rebuilt or replacement transmission for your Scout II could cost about $1,500 to $3,000.
5. Brakes and Suspension: It is essential to ensure your Scout II can stop on a dime and handle rough roads. A complete brake and suspension overhaul will cost around $1,000 to $2,500.
6. Electrical: The Scout II’s electrical system, from the wiring to the lights, can be a bit finicky. You might need to invest $500 to $1,000 to get everything working.
7. Interior and Exterior: A comfortable, weather-tight cabin and a rust-free body are crucial for daily driving. Depending on the condition of your Scout II, you might need to invest $1,000 to $3,000 for interior and exterior repairs.
8. Painting: I honestly don’t know, but I am estimating $3000 for the paint job. However, I want to sandblast it as well, so that may double the cost. We shall see!
9. Tires and Wheels: A good set of tires and wheels can make all the difference in handling and safety. A quality set will cost around $1,000 to $2,000.
10. Miscellaneous Parts and Labor: Don’t forget about the small stuff! Hoses, belts, gaskets, and other parts can add up, not to mention labor costs if you’re not a DIY enthusiast. Set aside an additional $500 to $1,500 for these miscellaneous expenses.

Now, let’s crunch the numbers. Assuming a reasonable mix of parts, labor, and a few surprises, you’re looking at a total cost of about $10,000 to $20,000 to turn your International Scout II into a daily driver. Of course, this is just a rough estimate, and your actual costs may vary depending on the condition of your Scout, the extent of the work needed, and your mechanical skills.

But hey, who said the road to daily driving bliss was paved with pennies? The cost of transforming your Scout II into a reliable daily driver might seem steep, but the joy of cruising down the road in a piece of automotive history is priceless. So, buckle up, rev that engine, and get ready to turn heads and hearts as you hit the road in your one-of-a-kind International Scout II daily driver.

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