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First day of December 2024 and things are taking shape for sure!! Update: 260 Total Hours83 Rust Repair and Welding177 – Til over budget 59.5 Hours panel sharpening.117.5 – Til over budget 36 Hours prime and Bondo81.5 – Til over budget 36 Hours prime and Bondo45.5 – Til over budget 30 Hours – almost ready for paint.15.5 – Til over budget …Almost ready for paint. What exactly does that mean? It means that I will be taking most of the interior down. I will post pictures of the fabrication here. I will grab the lights to see how I can… Read more: Bondo Bonanza: Part DUECE – Almost ready for paint.

She’s back at the body shop: Update: I talked to Tony 11/5/24 about the process. We are going to go weekly on the truck. I will go down and get updates on the process and approve the next steps. We are getting closer to putting her back together. Update: 59.5 Hours of Body Work…. Okay, so when I started the bodywork process, my guy at the body shop estimated that it would take about 200-220 hours to get my Scout back in order. He has been working to keep me close to that number. My biggest concern is spiraling into… Read more: Bondo Bonanza: My 1972 Scout II’s New Skin Regime

Good day!….Um, er to spend money!!! So I had the tow guy, I use Cain, pick up the Scout. Cost me $150 to get it up the lift kit place but I don’t have any other option. My mechanic grabbed a crate and told me it could be fun after he finishes driving it with a crate to see if he can get pulled over. There are no lights or really anything, so that may be problematic. Below, you will see the checklist I used for packing. Overview: Updates: Day 1 is over, and here is the start of this… Read more: Project: Everyone could use 2-3 inches…and it only took 5 months!

My body guy put up a vidoe on Instagram, which I pinched and posted below. I have sandblasted, removed rust, replaced sheet metal, cleaned up most rotted spots, refurbed the windows, and gas vaporizor. Chatt Town Exclusives Next:

This side quest should be pretty straightforward. I will need to figure out how to repair the missing nipple. My plan is to clean it up really well and repair the missing/broken nipple at the top right. It is crucial to connect to the charcoal canister in the engine bay. Update: This was pretty simple. I went to Home Depot and bought a fuel filter. Basically, I took an off-the-shelf fuel filter and some JB Weld to fashion another nipple to connect the line from the vapor separator to the charcoal canister. After cleaning everything, I sprayed it matte black and… Read more: Project Vapor: Restoring the gas vapor seperator.

I am working on the driver and passenger windows and both triangle windows. Now for the triangle window. I am starting with the driver’s window because the latch is broken. Update:I have been working to complete my glass FAQ on procuring glass for your drive and passenger door. You can order the glass ONLY here from my site. I have tested the place where you buy the glass. What I can’t find are the gaskets that go around the glass and fit in the frame. Please drop me a note if you find them. I have called around to a few… Read more: Project Driver and Passenger Refurb: Glass refurb part deux.

So, let’s get into it, shall we? I have the glass from my Scout II that I would like to restore. This will include cleaning and restoring the glass, and I will also take on the hardware restoration. The glass is pretty grimy and gross, as shown in the pictures below. The front and rear windows were pretty straightforward. I laid the glass across two saw benches with towels on them. I then used dish soap, a razor blade, and 3M pads to clean the glass. The 3M pad worked very well to get that major grime around the edges.September… Read more: Project Scout’s Honor: Bringing the ’72 Glass Back to its Clear, Glorious Past

Ah, carpet. You wouldn’t think this decision would be so hard to make, but there are many options for carpets. There is a plush cut pile, an ultra-plush cut pile (the most expensive), a neon cut pile (for those who love disco biscuits), an 80-20 loop, and a loop pile carpet. FYI: Neon-cut pile carpets are carpets with sheared fibers that expose their ends. They can be used in cars and are designed to be flexible and shaped around bumps and molds. Cut pile carpets are one of the most popular styles today, often softer than loop pile carpets. They can come… Read more: Project 70’s Shag Baby: Secrets to a Deep Pile Satisfaction

Now that all the sheet metal is in, I must take it to the sheet metal guy for advice. As you remember, I am gaining two inches or more with a new suspension and a one-inch body lift. UPDATE: I took down the HD Surefit Wedge from the boys at Anything Scout. I forgot that it would be needed because both of the wedges are pretty much toast. The guys at the body shop are working on cutting out the metal floor pans, cab mounts, and rear cargo area—all new sheet metal for those locations. I have a quick video, but there… Read more: Project Heavy Metal: Louder and Nastier than Ever!!

My order came today! I must take the box out of the scout, but I have all the necessary pieces. There are no updates yet, but I plan on working on this project this fall. Luckily, the boys at Anything Scout have a GREAT video showing the process. I will update with pictures as I get going. Project Cost $350 Bucks Update: 11/23/24 If you have your truck sandblasted, this thing will have to be removed and cleaned anyway, so I decided to refurb my unit with new parts while I had it out. I finally removed the Scout II’s… Read more: Project Drop It Like It’s Hot: Heater Box Restoration.

I woke up today and went to go see 1974 International Scout ll Original 345 v8 4×4 Borg Warner T18 4-speed manual transmission. Front power disc brakes, power steering, Dana 44 Rear and Dana 60 front axle, Redhead power steering gearbox, Holley Sniper EFI fuel Injection, 33×10.50 BF Goodrich All-terrain Tires 90% tread on 15″ Appliance Dia-Mag wheels. She’s a show-stopper. Get in and drive her anywhere. No issues at all. Details: ( all completed in the last year) New paint (color- Ford Truck Avalanche grey) New custom interior – Saddlebag leather with double contrast top stitch and a custom… Read more: They Gray One

$60 per piece. That is about how much you will have to pay to replace each of these pieces. There is a KIT here you can buy from AnythingScout. I want to see if I can take my old pieces, remove all the paint, and repaint them. I don’t know how they will look on my new paint job, but I sell the ones that don’t work for my restoration. I am leaning toward all new emblems and have already purchased a few. I will post some of the restored emblems to see what you think. I am I choose some… Read more: Project Fresh and Fresh: Emblem Restoration

I visited my friend down at Chatt Town Exclusives to see the recently blasted and primed Scout II. I took some pictures and discussed the items needed. Essentially, all of the floor panels needed replacement. That means I needed the following: UPDATE- So, the suppliers came through. Right front quarter panelLeft front quarter panel EJClassis was the second to deliver, but it was well-boxed on a pallet. Even with high shipping costs, I could save money on these since it would cost $400-$500 to repair the waviness of the quarter-panel sheet metal. Rear Bed Pan – Seller classicparts4UFastest shipping. I… Read more: Project Dune Part 3 Part 2: Scout Prime

Today, I had a little bit of extra time so I decided to work on the rear seat. I didn’t have 100% confidence that I had the skill / patience / detail to make it happen. I have been going a little over budget on some of the other things. HUH HUM – BROKEN Axle. Anyway, I figured if I followed the video for the the guys at Anything Scout. I could do it too. I headed to ACE and bought an exacto and some hardware to replce old bolts and I was off. The bolts are 5/16 – 18… Read more: Project Hog Ring 101: Tan Corbeau rear seat cover installation.

I really do hope you appreciate the work that went into the title of this blog. Yes, most others are stupid, but this one is pretty good!! One of the most frustrating parts about re-doing this ’72 Scout has been finding the people to do the work. I don’t have any relationships. I ask friends and family, and most of them don’t know anyone. If they do, the person is retired or doesn’t do small work anymore. Here is my plan. I have a few things that need to be refurbished as well as rehupolstered. That includes the dashboard, armrest,… Read more: Project “Arm-rest”oration: Upholstering a 1972 Scout’s Interior, One Pun at a Time

I have read the horror stories. Sandblasting can warp steel. There are ways to minimize warping and maximize the outcome. I am putting a lot of trust in A2Z Sand Blasing, and I must admit. I am a little nervous. I would say that this portion of the restoration has caused me the most anxiety. I feel as if I am taking the dice, shaking them around, and casting them down the table, and I don’t love the feeling. I asked my body guy to take videos and pictures, so I hope to have access to those soon, and I… Read more: Project Dune Part 3: The sandblasting.

Log Entry 129: I felt like the tide was turning in my quest to have a good July, and I made it less than a few hours before I heard the news. I took my Scout II out to tweak my EFI a few days ago. I noticed a rattle in the back end of the truck the other day. I talked to my mechanic, who told me it would be fine because he thought it was the DRUM Brakes. I thought, why not? I showed up and took my Scout for a spin. I drove around for 10 minutes,… Read more: Project Broken Axle: The Story of a July Suprise.

Okay, so my transmission seems to be acting up—so much so that it won’t go into any gear. It will go into park right now, which is the only positive that I see right now. I am going through what everyone told me would happen. My Scout II keeps breaking down, with issues ranging from the starter going bad to the back left drum brake locking up. And now? I’m not sure. I am almost positive it has something to do with transmission. People warned me that the Scout II would be a money $$$ pit, and I knew they… Read more: Towt up from the flow up: (Part Deuce)

The International Scout II is a classic vehicle cherished by off-road enthusiasts and vintage car lovers. While its rugged design and robust performance are notable, upgrading its braking system is crucial for safety and performance. Replacing the master brake cylinder and converting from drum brakes to disc brakes are significant improvements that every Scout II owner should consider. Here’s why: Enhanced Braking Performance Disc Brakes vs. Drum Brakes Improved Safety Modern Standards Master Brake Cylinder Maintenance and Longevity Ease of Maintenance Power Brake Booster Cost-Effectiveness Long-Term Savings Upgrading your International Scout II braking system by replacing the master brake cylinder… Read more: Project: “Brake It ‘Til You Make It – Journey from rear Drum to Disc Brakes!”

I know it’s a stupid title, but it’s my blog, and you don’t pay for it! Let’s be honest. From the first day of this little adventure, I knew this day would come. The day I needed to call Doug Yates to get him to send out one of his beautiful tow trucks. The day came. The day went. I got towed. The starter is out on the old Scout II….or maybe it’s the flywheel. The scout is back in the shop getting a new starter. The $250 price tag was not a deal breaker, but it hurts a little.… Read more: Getting Towt up from the flow up….

Cool Videos I Found…all in one place. Engines. Windows. Hardtop. Wiring. Seals. Wipers. Exhaust. Sniper 2. Gears/Transmissions/Axles. Tires. Steering. Dealing with Rust. Fuel System. Coolant. Carpet and Sound Deadning. Engines: (TOP) Windows: (TOP) Hardtop: (TOP) Wiring: (TOP) Seals: (TOP) Wipers: (TOP) Exhaust: (TOP) Sniper2: (TOP) Gears / Transmissions / Axles: (TOP) Tires: (TOP) No-Not Scout, but this video talks about Dana 44 Axles. Cut And Turn Steering (TOP) Dealing with Rust (TOP) Fuel System (TOP) Coolant (TOP) Carpet and Sound Deadening (TOP) Next:

I am working on gathering some tweaks for my EFI. I plan to get it idling great and then running great!! I will tell you how things go when my mechanic installs the EFI. We are still having some issues but Holley has been great with help and support. TIPS from the video:1) Always make sure TPS is @ 0% after you tweak the curb idle screw.2) Use a can of Carb cleaner and look for idle increase.3) You may have a clog if you have a PCV valve.4) Switching to resister-type spark plugs with appropriate cables, if needed. Updates:More… Read more: Project: Tweak my EFI

I am searching for the perfect replacement steering wheel for my trusty Scout II. When I bought my Scout, I knew the steering wheel had to go. It was time for an upgrade, and I was determined to find the perfect replacement. Little did I know that this seemingly simple task would become an epic quest with lots of research. First, I searched the internet for help and found a treasure trove of information about steering wheels for my Scout II. There were so many options, and each one seemed more enticing than the last. I spent hours poring over… Read more: Project Steering Wheel: Like an old batch of collard greens.

In this blog post, I’ll share my experience hunting for the perfect location to attach the ignition box and tie-in box while installing the new Holley Sniper 2 electric fuel injection system on my vehicle. The process required careful consideration, research, and a few trial-and-error attempts. Background:I recently decided to upgrade my vehicle’s fuel system with the Holley Sniper 2 EFI system, which offers enhanced performance and efficiency. The kit includes a Power Distribution Module (PDM), which simplifies powering the installation of the system in a compact package that is rugged and reliable. The PDM also provides power, ground, and… Read more: Project: Where to put my boxes. EFI added!

Scout II Factory Options and Specifications for Scout II applications Aftermarket Basics to Know for Scout II applications Update: Here is what I am thinking. BF Goodwrench 33/10.5/15 Next:

I will list a few mistakes and link them back to the blog post. Hopefully, my stupidity will save you guys some money. Mistake #1 – Never forget to check the wiring.… – Cost $240Mistake #2 – Make sure that you understand SOAxle or SUAxle and what is needed… – Cost $200Mistake #3 – Against my better judgment, I decided to take the Scout out to train the Sniper 2 EFI…That tow-ride cost me $200.Mistake #4—It’s not really the most idiotic thing I have ever done, but with prior planning, I could have saved $300 round-trip towing by leaving the… Read more: Mistakes….

It’s better known as dropping a grand on gauges… The boys at Anything Scout recommend gauges from AutoMeter.com. Over the next month or so, I will research these bad boys and consider the look I want inside my Scout II. So I pulled the trigger on my gauges and went with the AutoMeter American Muscle Series. I researched online, but I have seen some like these at AnythingScout and found some on YouTube. This is a very personal step with thousands of options. You can do everything: digital, classic, stock, Chrono…etc. The options are limitless, it seems. For my install,… Read more: Project: Plug the holes…

The boys at Anything Scout have a Scout II specific wiring harness and I am thinking about adding this to the project list. When embarking on a journey to restore or upgrade a classic vehicle like a 1972 Scout II, one of the most critical and intricate tasks is rewiring the entire electrical system. This blog post will detail my experience with a full rewire of my 1972 Scout II. We will use the Anything Scout Complete Wiring Harness. I’ll share insights, tips, and lessons learned along the way….once I decide if I want to go this route. I hope… Read more: Project: Electrical Up to Snuff?

In the world of restoration, few tasks are as crucial and transformative as sandblasting. This process, when done correctly, can breathe new life into a vintage vehicle like the 1972 Scout II. But what exactly does sandblasting entail, and how much should you expect to pay for this service? In this blog post, we’ll delve into the intricacies of sandblasting a 1972 Scout II, both inside and out, and provide a comprehensive guide on what to expect in terms of pricing. Understanding Sandblasting Sandblasting, also known as abrasive blasting, is a method used to clean and prepare surfaces by forcefully… Read more: Unveiling the Past: A Comprehensive Guide to Sandblasting a 1972 Scout II

So, I got the hard top on the Scout II. It came with a little pain, but I guess so do everything in life…..I had my 13-year-old helping me, which was a 1.5-man crew working on a 2-man project. We took it slow and steady and got it up on top. I did get my finger stuck at one time between the rollbar and the 250lb steel top, which led me to think I may lose the tip of my finger, BUT disaster was averted after a long 30 seconds of my finger being squished to about 50% of its… Read more: UPDATE: Project (Secure Hard Top)

Well, well, look at you, Mr. Scout II, getting ready to stand a little taller with a 2-inch lift kit. Let’s hope your ego doesn’t get a lift, too, or we might have a situation on our hands! Before we get to the kit part, I ran across this video and wanted to understand it better. Shackle – Link HereU Bolt Plates – Link Here Adding a lift kit to a Scout II is like giving it a gym membership, but for its suspension. Just remember, there’s no shame in being a little lifted, Scout II. After all, who doesn’t… Read more: Project: Everyone could use 2-3 inches…

Welcome to the world of classic car restoration, where patience meets passion! Today, we’re focusing on the iconic Scout II, an off-road vehicle produced by International Harvester from 1971 to 1980. Known for its rugged design and versatility, the Scout II makes a fantastic project for enthusiasts looking to bring a piece of automotive history back to life. Here’s a detailed guide to restoring a Scout II, from initial assessment to the finishing touches. This is most likely the process for restoring all types of cars and trucks. It can’t be that different. Step 1: Initial Assessment and Planning Assess… Read more: Restoring a Scout II: A Step-by-Step Guide

The 1970s marked a significant turning point in American automotive culture with the rise of the Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV). This era, characterized by a robust spirit of adventure and a burgeoning appreciation for the great outdoors, perfectly matches the versatile and rugged SUV. One of the iconic figures of this movement was the 1972 International Scout, a vehicle that captured the essence of freedom and helped redefine personal transportation. The Advent of the SUV and the Call of the Wild The SUV concept originated from more utilitarian vehicles designed for off-road driving and heavy-duty tasks. However, during the 1970s,… Read more: The Rise of the SUV in the 1970s: Embracing Adventure and the Great Outdoors

I took my ’72 Scout for its first real visit to the mechanic. To start, I am having the boys at D & M Motors check it out. I have known these guys for years, and David met me to review the car and determine what we needed. We sat out in front of D & M for about 20 minutes, reviewing what I wanted done and what he thought should be done. It all sounded reasonable, and we are set to do the work on May 6th, 2024. See the punch list that we agreed upon below. I will… Read more: Project: Safety Check

Oh boy, buckle up (or maybe not, considering the steering situation) as we dive into the wild world of the 1972 International Harvester Scout II. You know how they say “the road less traveled” is more adventurous? Well, in this case, it’s the road that’s less traveled because the steering on this beast is about as tight as a politician’s grip on their campaign promises. Picture this: you’re cruising down the highway in your vintage Scout II, feeling like the king of the road, when suddenly, a butterfly flaps its wings in Brazil, and your steering wheel decides to take… Read more: Project: Tighten the steering….

Okay, please refer to #2 of the home page – “Gullibility”. I am on Instagram a lot, yes more than I would care to admit. I found a guy –Wallace 4×4 with some really cool stuff! He doesn’t have a store or anything, but he does have a VENMO…. I mean, what is the worst that can happen? I send a few hundred bucks to CALI, or, should I say, somewhere in Bangladesh, only to find my trash can is turned over and my daughter is pregnant. We shall see in 2 weeks. That’s how long Mr. Wallace said it… Read more: Project: Lights Camera Action

So, I can’t tell the difference between Hunter Green and Forrest Green… I am sure that one of them is darker, or something like that. I will enlist my wife when it comes to picking the exact color, but I found some color schemes that I like, and I think the interior work with most of the exterior colors that I like. Exterior Interior I am interested in this build at The Scout Man (Link). I have been looking at the color of the interior because I want to do white as well. Next:

I have owned this thing for a week now and decided to take the top off! To my surprise, the Soft Topper is pretty easy to take down and put back up. I am glad because I will probably want to remove the hard top and put it back on once everything is in order. I took T out and he wanted to drive so we went to the local school parking lot and let it rip… Next:

I secured a replacement for the missing hard top. I hope I got lucky because the guy I bought it from is SUPER nice. He lives in Minnesota and is going to build a pallet to ship it to me. Yes, it is ruff, but it is mine, so LAY OFF! UPDATE: Big shout out to caboverking from Minnesota. He took the time to add pallets and create a way to ship this top to me. Since I don’t have a way to have it shipped to my house because you need a lift gate. caboverking had istshipped from his… Read more: Project: Secure – Scout Hard Top

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… Read more: The Time to Spend

So, I think this will be my first project besides getting things up the MTN and parked at his temporary home. It is called a wiper pivot – the pivot that rotates the wiper arms. The good news is that the guys at Anything Scout sell a wiper arm conversion kit. The guys at IHONLY.com had the wiper pivots that I needed or at least the ones I think I need. They didn’t match the ones on my scout but that doesn’t necessarily mean anything. This will be a project for a future date. They are out of the universal… Read more: ’72 Scout Wiper

So- This old thing had to come home with me. I know it is not perfect. I am sure I will look back and say that I overpaid…the self doubt is real. Next:

Well, Craig is back at it again. This one looks pretty good, and actually, the guy that had The Yellow One texted me and told me about the post. I don’t like the way the seller puts the pictures in very specific places, but I want to go down and see this. I am going to see the one in Lagrange too if I go. Might as well go see both when I am down there. I spoke with the guy today via email. He works offshore, and his dad passed away, so the truck is being sold. He said,… Read more: The Red One ’79

This one is interesting. I decided to drive up to the beautiful state of Kentucky to see a ’77 Scout II that seemed in pretty good shape. I found this one on Craig’s List. I did some research, and it is true that a guy named Craig started it. I only knew one dude named Craig growing up, and I am pretty sure he did meth. Anyway, as you can see, it is an 8-hour round trip. My wife asked if it was a good deal, but I am going to be honest. I really don’t know. I have seen… Read more: The Yellow One

Okay, so I got in touch with a guy named Marlin. He bought this 1972 IH Scout II for $16K in 2022. This guys is super nice! He is 89 years old and looks like he is in his 70’s. His wife had a stroke, and he took care of her until she passed this year. He is moving to Florida to and doesn’t have the stomach to take care of this rebuild. I will be honest. I was a little hesitant at $22.5 in the shape that it is in, but I wanted to drive this one for my first… Read more: The Black One ’72 w/ winch

I live in Chattanooga, so I figured I would look there first, and to my surprise, there were two! The first one was listed on Facebook, but it turns out it was at a used dealership named Z Motors. I contacted a guy named Phillip, and we set up a time to meet. I showed up at Z-Motors to take a test drive, and no dice. I learned a valuable lesson, which is to ask if the thing is running. Not yesterday…not a week ago. Is it running today? Anyway, this guy (Phillip) told me the car was listed for… Read more: The Black One ’76 Scout II

Buy Parts:Anything Scout is a cool store with some great videos! Legit outlet. 10-20% markup. CUSTOM Parts for easier fit. Very responsive to questions and I have made many purchases from them. Shipping can eat you alive. Be smart and buy a lot at one time to get better shipping. Call them, too, to make sure they bundle orders. IH Parts store – LOTS of internal parts/engine parts / AC / ETC – Legit outlet. 10% markupSuper Scout Specialists – This is a great place to assemble the Scout II seal package. The best pricing I could find is in June… Read more: Cool Links

I am very interested in better understanding what options there are to replace the engine in the Scott II. I am taking the pin out of this because I think the LS swap is the route to go. Not sure if this is needed, but I will be swapping the engine out of the ’72 Scout I bought. 1) Engine Swap Kit Here I know it can be done in the ’72 Model: Next:

With my youngest approaching 16, I am looking for a daily driver International Harvester Scout II. I fell in love with Scouts at a very young age. My next-door neighbor Martin G. Rush (G for Gregsby) had one, and he drove it daily until he died in 1985. I grew up in Selma, Alabama, and lived next to one of the original 12 state troopers. He was like a 3rd granddad to me. He was married to a wonderful woman, Beenie “Bee” Rush until he died in Sept of 1996 @ 83 years old. Some of my earliest memories involved… Read more: Buying a Scout II