This project started with a phone call from Dustin, the owner of this 1962 International Scout 80. Dustin had purchased Elder a few months prior and wanted to make some upgrades to it. After talking with Dustin for a few hours we jotted down on paper what he wanted to do to his Scout. Here are the original goals for Project Elder and a list of the final specifications.
Goals:
- Maintain Vintage Look!
- Drive Train Swap, but keep it IH!
- More Power!
- Be able to leave the pavement and travel the trails
- Drive safely at 65+ MPH on the highway
Specifications:
Vehicle: 1962 International Scout 80
Engine: 1978 International 345 w/fuel injection and D.U.I. ignition
Transmission: T-19
Transfer Case: Dana 20
Front Axle: Scout II Dana 44, 3.73 Yukon gears, Warn premium locking hubs, Scout II disc brakes
Rear Axle: Scout II Dana 44, 3.73 Yukon gears, Yukon zip locker, disc brakes
Front Suspension: D and C Extreme custom 2-1/2” wide spring package, D and C Extreme shackle reverse kit, Rancho RS 9000XL shocks with D and C Extreme long travel shock kit
Rear Suspension: D and C Extreme custom 2-1/2” wide spring package, Rancho RS 9000XL shocks
Steering: Scout II P/S box, D and C Extreme Steering box mount, and steering column conversion kit
Cage: D and C Extreme cage w/integrated seat frame
Seats: Rugged Ridge high back front seats, Rugged Ridge fold and tumble rear bench seat
Bumpers: D and C Extreme signature series
Wheels: 16” X 5.5” powder coated black
Tires: 235/85 R16 BFG KM2
Other: D and C Extreme power brake booster kit, DV8 12,000 lb. winch, ARB air compressor, D and C Extreme signature rock sliders, D and C Extreme rear gas tank kit
Build:
When we received Elder driving it was equal to taking your life into your own hands, it was a white knuckle ride and was virtually un-steerable. From the top we should acknowledge “Donor”, the Scout II that was used for its drive train. To meet the goals for Elder the decision was made to find a good running Scout II that had a 345, T-19, and 3.73 gears, but should have a bad body, one that was not salvageable. Dustin liked the idea and in about 30 minutes he had found the Scout II soon to be known as “Donor”. Thank you “Donor”.
Elder is a beauty on the outside, but we all know not to judge a book by its cover. Elder was no exception, the pretty exterior is masking an interior that includes rusted floor boards, rusting frame, disintegrating body mounts, and wires and hoses going in odd directions.
There was no getting around it, this is a down to the frame project, so let’s start taking Elder apart.
The next step to making Elder a daily driver is removing the drum brakes and going to power disc brakes.
Next we are going to install the new power plant in Elder, a 345 from “Donor”. The new engine is amazing, fresh paint, full of horsepower, and a very tight fit under the hood.
In the Check-in area we showed you how much rust Elder was hiding, this isn’t anything new to fans of the IH Scout, we expect it. So let’s take a look at rebuilding and reinforcing Elder. Part of the fun of strengthening Elder, or doing any Frame-Up restoration is taking the top off!
Elder required quite a bit of repair work. The sheet metal under the floor pans needed to be replaced since the body supports are gone. But hey! No frame equals easy access! Check out the body mount bolt.
Suspension will be the most critical part of making Elder a Daily Driver. You are going to see Elder’s 42” x 2.5” leaf springs and our Reverse Shackle Kit. This one fix will change the way your Scout handles, and you won’t ever want to go back. Next we cut and turn the knuckles and get an exact pinion angle with the castor set at 6.5 degrees.
Since there was so much rust in the floor panels it should be no surprise that we would be putting time into the exhaust system. . This is a great time though to show off how amazing the underside of Elder looks. This is night and day from the rusted out floor panels.
In closing we need to thank Dustin, the owner of Elder, for giving us the opportunity to build him an awesome Scout 80. With all the hard work of the entire staff at D and C Extreme Elder has earned 1st Place honors at the Rocky Mountain International Harvester Rendezvous in the Scout 80 Wild category twice. That was team effort!