My 1972 Scout

April 2024: ************************************************************************************************************

This is the one I settled on. She doesn’t look like much, but it is mine, so keep your opinions to yourself…or drop them in the comment section so I can either delete them (if bad) or add them (if good). It’s good to be king. (4/19/2024)

The first thing I did was take it to the mechanic to make sure everything was safe. When I say safe, I mean that the brakes work and it cranks when I turn the ignition. Luckily, everything was good to go. I had my mechanic change the oil, check the brake and pads, look it over for leaks, tune it up, and do a change out of the distributor wires/cap. (5/1/2024)

All is going pretty well. The engine and maybe the transmission were already swapped out. One of the previous owners put in a GM Small Block 350, and I(my mechanic) think it was a crate engine. I don’t know much about the engine, but it sounds pretty good, and it is a V8. It also cranks every time. The major challenge is the gauges; I don’t have a top yet. It is just a soft top, which I don’t love, and it leaked like a sieve! The next piece I procure may be the hardest thing to find. Project: Secure – Scout Hard Top. (5/5/2024)

Also, you may notice the Wiper Swivel on the left side of the windshield is broken off. I will need to get this fixed. It may be a small project, but it may be a huge pain. I ended up buying the swivels from IHOnly.com.

May: ************************************************************************************************************

May: EFI and First Mechanic visit.

The first step now that this thing has been checked out will be to update this Scout II to ensure winters aren’t a problem. Doing my research shows me that I need to move from the carburetor. I talked with my mechanic, and we settled on the Holley Sniper 2 EFI. I took it to the shop to get it started. Where to put my boxes? (5/15/2025). EFI Installed with new starter 6/15/2024)

June ************************************************************************************************************

June: Issues with gears

June update. The transmission is failing. I can’t get it in gear. That means my June spending is going to increase, and I am not sure by how much $$$.

To finish out June spending, I had my mechanic put on rear disc brakes to finish the disc brake conversions started by the previous owner. I went with the Anything Scout Rear Brake Kit. This should give me all the braking power I need when I get new tires and suspension. This project will cost me a good bit, but as they say, safety comes third. Um-er. First.

July: ************************************************************************************************************

July DIY Side Project – I refreshed my back seat and saved a little money. Click here for details.

July Surprise! This is just a really nice surprise, AND……cue Cousin Eddie: The back end CRAPED out…. Time to replace

August: ************************************************************************************************************

August DIY side project – Emblem Refreshing

August Private Party Sale – The Grey One

August 15th – Upholstery Work

September: ************************************************************************************************************

September 6th – Emblem work complete. Check out the before and after and my comments.

Maybe in September, everyone could use 2 inches. I plan to start the SkyJacker 2.5-inch lift kit in mid-June and complete it by July 15th. I have a deadline for getting it into the shop to start the sandblasting and bodywork project. It will be too tight, but we will take it as it comes.

September 26th 2024. – I am working on the glass for the Scout. Project Scout’s Honor: Bringing the ’72 Glass Back to its Clear, Glorious Past is a good place to start. I have some side quests here, like the gas vapor separator.

October: ************************************************************************************************************

October 9th 2024: I finished refurbishing and cleaning all the windows. The triangle front windows were a pain in the butt. Make sure to take lots of pictures before you tear them apart. Since this was my first time, it took five times as long.

October 15th, 2024: I am getting 2 inches. I will tow the old girl from downtown Chattanooga to my suspension guy. He will put on the Lift Kit, Body Lift, Body Bushings, and rear axle. If we have the correct ring and pinion, we will put the new one in there too. My lift guy says it should take 2-3 days, which is going to be expensive.

October 26th, 2024: My scout has been lifted and updated, so it is back down the house for some Bondo. I talked to the body shop guy, and it seems that Bondo work is next, getting panels back on and lined up. It is going to be fun to watch the progress. Not sure how fast it will go. I am expecting a November update.

November: ************************************************************************************************************

November 19th. 2024: Bodywork is underway...in a big way. The Bondo dust is flying, and things are being added. All panels are back on except the hood to get everything lined up and to open and close as smoothly as possible.

November 23rd: Side quest- Project Drop It Like It’s Hot: Heater Box Restoration. Just like the silly songs from the early 2000′s….

December: ************************************************************************************************************

December 2nd, 2024—The bodywork is almost done—well, at least the outside of the truck. Next up will be some fabrication on the floorboards to install seats. I expect the guys will work on that in mid-December

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