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There’s a special kind of frustration reserved for a vehicle that runs perfectly… until it doesn’t. Min? A small block Chevy 350 running a Holley Sniper 2 EFI with a return-style fuel system. Strong. Reliable. Confident. Until about 5–15 minutes into runtime. Then the gremlins arrive. Here’s the step-by-step journey that led me to conclude the fuel pump is headed for retirement. Step 1: Identify the Pattern (Heat Is a Clue) Cold start? Excellent.Idle? Smooth.Initial drive? Strong. But once the engine heat builds and everything is fully soaked, symptoms creep in: Anything that fails only after heat builds deserves suspicion.… Read more: Mr. Fix It and the tale of the failing fuel pump…

Houston we have a problem. My Scout II has a Holly Sniper 2 EFI, and the monitor is showing a high air-fuel ratio. I’m wondering what some possible causes could be. It idles and runs fine, but when I hit the gas, the engine shuts down as the AFR climbs. Of course, I went straight to Grok. Possible Causes for High (Lean) Air-Fuel Ratio Under Load in Holley Sniper 2 EFI Based on common troubleshooting for the Holley Sniper EFI system (including the Sniper 2 variant), a high AFR reading—indicating a lean condition (e.g., 16:1 or higher)—under load while idling fine is often… Read more: Tom Petty once sang about it: Breakdown

I decided to search around and start adding some small “luxuries” to my Scout II. The first thing I came across was a tuffy gas piston to help assist the opening of the tuffy box. I am going to be honest. I didn’t think much about this being a problem but it is a pain in the ass to open. You have to really yank on it to get it going. I found the solution, but since I am cheap, there is no way I was paying $39.99 plus some BS shipping for a gas strut. I decided to give BaZos the… Read more: Sidequest: Fat Bastard- the story of the gas strut.

When I planned for this rig to be a daily driver, I knew there would be water entering the vehicle. I had my guys blast rhino liner in the tub, sides, and bumpers. This was all to prepare for rain and moisture. I have about 1500 miles on the rig, and she is running pretty good. The challenge is when it rains for a sustained period. After 2 to 3 hours, the water starts whicking up from under the door where the seal plate meets the carpet. This post will be about my futile effort to keep as much water… Read more: Operation: Leaky Seals.

I have set out to get the horn working on this bad boy. I quickly realized the cancel cam wiring harness was not appropriate. As you can see on the left, the harnesses do not match up When you buy the wiring kit from Anything Scout, you will need a short-style harness. The short will not work with the Light Blue (right blinker) and Black (horn) cable. To get the left blinker working, I had to jump the harness. I think the pin style is smaller. As you can see, the early model plug is coming off the cluster and… Read more: Sidequest: Foghorn um, er, Legorn.

I decided to create a dedicated post for the ongoing tweaks to my Scout II. October 9th – 2025 As you can see, I have some leaks that I am currently looking to fix. I have a significant oil leak, and it appears to be coming from the pan. I can see that on the drinker’s side of the pan, there is oil that comes out. I parked it over a cardboard box for about 4 hours, and a few ounces were on the box. I am hoping that the Oil Pan, Transmission Pan, and the Gas leak (which occurs… Read more: Running Sidequest….My mecahinc is twerking or is it tweaking?

I have had the Scout back for 2 weeks or so, and it has been a lot of fun! I have also noticed a few things that need to be finished/fixed. I talked to Tony and he told me to schedule up and bring it in and he would get on it. This guy is great! I would highly recommend them for body/paint! These things are minor, but since they have to redo the windows…. Update: Got the Scout back from the body shop today, and most of the things got fixed. The biggest issue was the installation of the… Read more: Sidequest: Back to Chatt Town

I woke up this morning, hopped in the Scout, and headed to the Waffle House to get my day going. On the way down the mountain, I noticed that there was a “chirp” coming from the engine compartment. It was a new noise, and if you have a Scout II. A new noise is not NEVER a welcome one. I decided to do a little research to see if I had a “real” problem or maybe something I could handle. The Real Reason Belts Squeal, Chirp, and Make Other Noise If a newly installed serpentine belt is making noise, it is a… Read more: Sidequest: How to Fix Serpentine Belt Noise

I am in the market for a new exhaust system, and as with everything else on this build….I know nothing. I stopped by the muffler shop here in Chattanooga, and the guy told me to do some googling and listen to the sounds of both Flowmaster and Magnaflow mufflers. So, here I go. I will keep you guys along for the ride. If you are using a sniper and going dual exhaust, there are some considerations. The second video I found had both a 350 CC engine and a very similar setup to my engine, but they are really looking… Read more: Get Low: Exhaust-ive Shenanigans with My ’72 Scout II’s Booty Call Pipes

This past weekend, I was able to get my Scout over to Crossville, TN, for the annual Harvesters in the Hollar, about 140 Miles round trip. I know that doesn’t sound like a lot, but I had only put 200 miles total on the new speedometer/odometer. My destination was up the hill a little, so my biggest concern was overheating. If you are just starting to drive a restoration, you will probably think the same thing. I didn’t think I would even be thinking about it, but a LOT of thoughts go through my head when I am driving my… Read more: First Show! – Harvesters in the Hollar

One of the things that I have already done is update the steering linkage. It helped a little bit. I am still working to get it driving better. I recently purchased a sway bar for the front end. I hope to have that this month and will install it with some Grade 8 or Grade S bolts. Not sure which at this points but comment if you have any ideas. Alignment: I ultimately chose North Georgia Tire and Alignment. These guys are old car junkies and have Model A antique cars so they were recommended locally. Now, I found out… Read more: Wheelie Good Laughs: Aligning My 1972 Scout Tires for the First Time

Okay, I was expecting that some crap was going to happen. I was actually just researching the dust cover that was missing when I bought this thing. I was thinking, man I should probably replace that thing. I am not sure if this missing dust cover has anything to do with next things to get fixed but here we go. I told them to start diagnosing on Monday morning Sept. 8th. That gives me 11 days to get this thing ready for Harvesters in the Hollar. Update: Talked to my guys today! Seems that my Scout II was in 4… Read more: 1st gear? No problem! The other two. We have a poblem. Four slight challenges….

Back at the mechanic…. I think there may be a vacuum leak or a fuel pressure regulation/fuel pump issue. I will have it back at State Line Auto in a few weeks to see if we can get it running as good as it looks. Update: …so the old man is back on the tow bed, hopefully get running like a top. The guys at State Line have it again. It started with an A/C installation, then we added the serpentine kit. I then had it sent back over for more wiring work and had it put back together, which… Read more: Measuring the slither of my serpentine..and other items.

The International Harvester Scout II, produced from 1971 to 1980, holds a special place in automotive history as one of the pioneers of the modern SUV. This rugged, off-road-capable vehicle was built by International Harvester (IH), a company more commonly known for its farm equipment and trucks, as a direct competitor to the Jeep CJ and early Ford Broncos. With its boxy design, removable top options, and reliable V8 engines like the 304ci or 345ci, the Scout II appealed to adventurers and utility seekers. Production ended in 1980 amid IH’s financial struggles, leading to high attrition rates from rust and… Read more: Scout II: From Rusty Relic to Wallet Wrecker – Let Me Grab My Crystal Ball…as if You Care.

Buckle up, adventure seekers, because Scout Motors is back, and they’re bringing a pair of electric off-roaders that are ready to rumble through the wilderness like a bear with a battery pack. The Scout Traveler SUV and Terra pickup truck are set to revive the iconic Scout brand, which hasn’t seen action since the days of disco and bell-bottoms. With production slated for 2027 and a launch as 2028 models, these rugged, retro-inspired EVs are already generating buzz louder than a campfire crackle. Here’s everything we know so far about these electrified trailblazers, from their off-road chops to their range-extending… Read more: Scout Traveler and Terra: The Electric Off-Roaders That’ll Make Your Jeep Blush and Your Gas Pump Cry

So, I will admit that I found a plugin that creates before-and-after photo sliders, and I like it. Since I like it, I will use it so much that you may be upset with my overuse. Deal with it! A brief note for you purists out there….you know who you are, and yes, I am talking to you. When you say the 72 Scout II’s paint job ain’t “original”, you are correct! The interior’s “too fancy or not stock” – maybe, but I designed it myself. Perhaps you say I shouldn’t have touched the suspension, you can shove your vintage fetish up… Read more: Before and After Photos: Back where it all began.

I never thought I would have to think this much about a battery, but here I am. When I purchased my Scout II, it came with a DieHard Silver 24FT-5 battery, which had the following dimensions: a length of 10.25 inches, a width of 6.81 inches, and a height of 8.88 inches. When I decided to add the AC, Subwoofer, and such, I decided to upgrade my alternator. https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/diehard-silver-battery-group-size-24-600-cca-24ft-5/11018022-P I have decided to move to a 34-person group size due to the additional power requirements from adding an air conditioner. It is a little shorter than the battery above, but should… Read more: Sidequest: Battery Beefcake

Over the past five years, a quiet but passionate movement has been gaining traction among automotive enthusiasts: the revival of the International Harvester Scout II. Once a rugged competitor to the likes of the Jeep CJ and Ford Bronco, the Scout II—produced from 1971 to 1980—has emerged from junkyards and barns to reclaim its place on the open road. This blog post examines the reasons behind this growing interest, the challenges and rewards of restoring vintage SUVs, and the community that is driving this resurgence. A Brief History of the Scout II The International Harvester Scout II was a versatile,… Read more: Reviving the Scout II: A Resurgence from Bars, Fields, and Junkyards to Open Roads

Here we go! I have a few pics from today and will keep putting them up as things go back together. I was told that windows were going in today. So far, the rebuild has been ongoing for three weeks, but they are not working on my rig full-time. I will keep up with pictures as they come. Top is back on after about 13 months! More…. Final Details… or should I say detail.. I’m supposed to pick it up to take it home today! I really can’t believe it is here! I will update with pictures, back where it… Read more: The Rebuild…something is going to happen

I have been doing lots of research, trying to figure out what touchscreen unit will fit without much modification to the dashboard or the dash panel. I think I found a winner—introducing the Single Din Touch Screen Car Stereo with Wireless Apple CarPlay. I purchased mine before the 2025 tariff wars for $99 plus tax. I am pretty sure this thing came straight from mainland China, which stinks, but are there American-made head units out there? If so, leave a comment as to where one would find one. Let’s be honest. Do I expect this thing to fit or work correctly on the… Read more: Scout II Radio Quest: ’72 Tunes…in 2025

I decided to hook up a GPS to my Speedometer. I bought the unit from AutoMeter. I am sure you can buy a cheaper version of the GPS unit on Amazon, and it works just as well as the $250+ one I purchased. But hey, one of my superpowers is overpaying, so I have that going for me. The guys installing my serpentine system are also wiring up my speedometer. I am excited to get it back to see how it performs. I am a little worried I will hit dead spots in the city, but we shall see. Update:… Read more: GPS in a ’72 like its ’02…

I stopped by the body shop the other day to pick up the light that attaches to the license plate assembly on the back on my Scout II. They do have new replacement parts which I have found on the interwebs. ScoutParts.com seems to have limited availability but since my was from 1972 and in decent shape I decided to blow it apart an put it back together and give it a refresh. Tools needed:Hand RiveterSome sort of wire brush to clean the contact on the back for a good ground.Cleaning SolutionCrimping ToolNew Bulbs (Part Link) I didn’t take many… Read more: Miniquest: License Plate Light Refresh

I bought this scout from a 90-year-old gentleman who just lost his wife. He was the primary caretaker and held the position for over 10 years. He wanted to redo the vehicle but was unable to do so. I still send him updates from time to time. I also found it strange that my Scout had two VIN number plates/stickers. The one below is located on the front left-hand side, near the A-pillar. The other was on the opposite side of the vehicle and was a metal-stamped type. Not sure why there are two, but you can see them below.… Read more: Project looking glass: Scout II Sleuth

I wasn’t expecting this, but I am not surprised. We will do two things to get a more modern and serviceable engine. I will be taking pictures of before and after, but since a mechanic is doing the work, I may be missing some process steps. Updates: Talk to the guys at State Line Auto. Here is the plan. Serpentine Kit – Link HereSide note on how to find engine markings if you have a Chevy Small Block 350 – (Link Here)New Air Compressor—I was on the fence about this one because we had to change the alternator belt pulley on… Read more: From V-Belts to Serpentine: Slithering into a Smoother Scout II Ride

I found a shop in town that can install the after-market kit. The guys at State Line Auto say they are up to the challenge and have a fabricator to fabricate the steel pieces to hold the compressor and move the alternator around. I am excited to get this piece taken care of because the other thing that was over my head was the electrical and that is a big job. I will update you with pictures as we go, but there may just be a before and after if the guy doesn’t agree to take photos during the process.… Read more: Chillin’ Like a Scout II Villain: The AC Chronicles

So I grabbed the beauty rings off the Scout and brought them home for refurbishment. The outside of the rings were in pretty good shape. The biggest challenge I had was to blow the rust off the back of the rings and work them over with a wire brush. You can see how I handled the wire wheel because I don’t have a bench grinder. I may add one of those soon, but for now. I did a little jerry-rigging with some clamps to hold my drill. I taped them up pretty well, put some paper to protect them from… Read more: Sidequest: Big, Shiney, Happy, Beauty Rings…and center caps.

Sure, I remember the Christmas of 1987. Why do you ask? Well, I remember that year I got the Legend of Zelda. It was under the Christmas tree, all beautiful and gold! I unwrapped that bad boy and stared at it. It took us a few months to beat it. Yes, we called the hotline in Seattle to get hits. It was a long distance, and when it popped up on the phone bill, we got a butt chewing. Before too long, my buddies and I took it from start to finish. Now, if you ever saw that last screen and went… Read more: Project Scout II:The final quest…before the ongoing saga.

You will notice that my cover image is a little different. I quit paying for ChatGPT and use Grok now. Grok creates more realistic images which, I don’t know if I love or not—either way. GPT only allows the free version to do a few renditions of pictures before it says to try again tomorrow. I found the images above online…somewhere… I really would like to give credit but I cant remeber. I bought some thrift white board from the Home Depot. It was about $20 bucks and will tell you what I am learning. I don’t have a big… Read more: Sidquest: Headliners are for quakers.

So I saw a squirrel in the backyard on the way to rake leaves. I started looking at the squirrel and noticed mushrooms growing of old limbs decaying in my backyard. It got me thinking. How many Scout IIs rotted in the proverbial backyard? I think there were some 200,000 Scout IIs produced. They were produced from 1971 – 1980. I don’t know if they evenly distributed the numbers, but to do the math. I will say that in each of the 9 years, there were 22,000 produced. My 1972 Scout II was one of 22K. The old Google machine… Read more: So I have ADHD: The vanishing Scout II

I figured I would break from the old post to jump to paint stuff here. Now that that deadener is applied and the spray on bed we will start to attack the exterior. Reed has started painting on the loose parts like the cowl, front grill, lower valance, rear hatch window, and glove box door. Got some paint pictures coming in today. It is interesting to see the difference in the green colors in the pictures. Can’t wait to see it in person this week. My guy called me today to ask about door jambs. I initially thought we would… Read more: Project II-Tone: Ready for paint! Part Deux

Okay, so you may not know what I mean by merkin, and you may be beginning to think about what I mean by rails. The rail is the easy part to explain. It just means the window track for the front two doors of my 1972 Scout II. By merkin, I, of course, mean the felt that goes in said window track. Go to the minute mark 24:35: He shows you how to refurb them, so I didn’t do any videos. Just a few pictures below. First, I took the old window tracks, then hit them with a little of… Read more: Sidequest: Merkin for my rails.

I am not going to B.S. you here. Getting this thing running correctly is not as easy as one would think. I am going to have the guys at State Line Auto help me, but Levi does a great job explaining the challenges. Bonus: Levi also shows an upgrade that I may drop in at some point. I have never seen this, but I think the way my fuel returns may cause an issue at some point, delivering a steady level of fuel. Go Back: Fast Forward:

The boys at the shop stripped all the lights out of the old ’72 Scout II, so I will “refurbish them”. What does that mean? As I plan it out, I think it means that I am going to knock the rust off the sides and make the trip pieces look as new as possible. Now they don’t look that bad. There is some rust on the back of the rear lights, which I think I will hit with a little wire wheel and some rattle primer. Honestly, I don’t think it will take too long, but it should be… Read more: Classic Scout II Revival: Bringing Back the Gleam to Stainless Steel Lighting Trim

I think I have found the color scheme. I am not 100% sure about the color of the pinstripe, but I LOVE the front cowl, all in white. It will look great with the stainless grill. Leave your comments in the section below. I am going with sage green and an “antique white”. I talked to my painter, and he is confident we can match up the paint either with the front all white or the easier, with a straight pinstripe straight down the side. I went to the shop to start the process of painting, which I am going… Read more: Project II-Tone: Ready for paint! Part Uno

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 30 Hours -Last push to get the body ready to go paint -14.5 Hours over budget. Actual 274 total hours of bodywork. …Almost ready for paint. What exactly does that mean? It means that I will be taking most… 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 video 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: Back:

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 Dampening. Water Pumps. Brakes. Other Videos. 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) Water Pumps: (TOP) Breaks: (TOP) Other: (TOP) Next: Other

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:… 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 Current Setup: Update: Here is what I am thinking. BF Goodwrench 33/10.5/15 They came in today! I decided to order them through the Walmart app because I use Walmart plus and the prices were good and they put them on and warranty them for $18 tire. That includes roadside assistance. Walmart has some pretty good deals if you’re in the market. I used to use other Tire Discounters, but Wally world has been a winner for me lately. Next:

I will list a few mistakes and link them back to the blog post. Hopefully, my stupidity will save you guys some money. Money Saver – Grab a membership to AAA. I opted for the Premium, but the Premier is not much more and gives you a longer haul of 200 miles if that makes. 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… 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 Assess the Condition:… 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

Mistake made. Let me explain. As you can see from the image above….My scout is missing a wiper. The post was broken off the right side, and I really don’t have any clue as to how this happened. It doesn’t even make any sense. Okay, the wiper is missing fine. But the post being broken? 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… Read more: ’72 Scout Wiper: Journey to fix the black eye.

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 guy 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% markup That’s a pretty cool Line Ticket reproduction from these guys. (Link Here)Super Scout Specialists – This is a great place to assemble the Scout… Read more: Cool Links

I am very interested in understanding the options for replacing the engine in the Scott II. The old IH engine has already been swapped out with a ’69-’80 model Small Block Chevy 350. 3970010 – Unsure if it is a 4-bolt or 2-bolt. I don’t think you can determine by looking at it but would be interested if so. Leave a comment below if you know or have any insight.I don’t think you can determine that by looking at it, but I would be interested if you could. Right now, I don’t think I will be swapping the engine out… Read more: Engine Swaps

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 watching Day,… Read more: Buying a Scout II