1963 Scout 80 resto-mod

[BK2LIFE]

Was able to get a few hours on the rear suspension.
Got the 4-link all tacked in place.
I lifted it 8 inches and had 2 degrees of movement on the pinion, which is more than fine, as ride height will be about 3 inches off the ground.
Started looking at cross bracing, fuel cell and the other final components that need to go back there -such as air tanks and compressors.

Need to make the mid and front body/core support mounts and then remove the body for final fit and welding.

I think the last thing I'm going to tackle before the show is the gauges in the dash and steering.

I'm not stressed, but I'm trying to get it to the show as a motivator. If people, see it now it'll get me going to push harder.
I have already 'failed' as it's not running and driving, but that is how life goes.

I ran the upper bars on the outside of the frame rails to not have them visible once the inner sheet metal work is done. I wanted to keep a non-cluttered section visible. I think I'm going to run the spintech mufflers as well, as I like their square small boxy appearance, and they have such a unique sound to them.



-oh and windshield wasn’t done. Maybe today I’ll get it back…

[BK2LIFE]

Laid out some 3 inch tubing to visualize an exhaust system...

[BK2LIFE]

motor/trans mounts fabbed

[BK2LIFE]

Got the front bumper somewhat mounted. I got a few real good ideas on how I will be permanently attaching it after the show. But for now it won’t fall off and I can get some good eyes on to see where I need to adjust it. Not trying to be perfect, but, wanting to make it look like it is supposed to be there.

I think this is the 1st Scout with a car type bumper, and I want people who see it to not know that. Unless you’re a scout fan, you probably wouldn’t know anyways.

Started workin on the steering column mounts. The lower is done, just need to fab up a column drop for the upper.

Also started the dash panel. I’m going to not use the stock scout panel and just start fresh with a piece of sheet metal as it will save time of me trying to weld up all those spots for no real reason. Also, I might mount the gauges in the middle of the dash.

I had an old GM truck billet grill laying around so I butchered it to fit, not sure how I feel about it yet, but, we will see.

I think I'm not posting any more pictures until after the show. Sort of want a bit of a surprise for y'all..

-james

[BK2LIFE]

few pics from the past weekend...

[ryeguy2006a]

It's got a killer look man. Can't wait to see more.

[BK2LIFE]

It's got a killer look man. Can't wait to see more.

thank you for the kind words...

and me too!! i cant wait to get time to get back on it.
customers vehicles first.... :(

[BK2LIFE]

Started fabbin up the new tailgate.
I'm waiting on the hinges to arrive, but, it will swing open to the side, not down like a normal gate would.

[BK2LIFE]

sat the gate on the truck to get an idea of looks...

[BK2LIFE]

new tailgate hinges arrived...

[BK2LIFE]

Been working the side swinging hinge for my tailgate. It’s not 100% where I like it, but its opening and closing. The hinges are made for a thick door, not a thin tailgate. OS I have to work some sheet metal to cover it and make it look good.

Not sure if I said it above but I'm trying a new powder coater. I sent off oil pan, transmission case, trans pan and front cover to be coated. If they look good, ill send more parts to the shop. Eventually all chassis and parts will be powder coated red.

I dropped off my lower control arms to my buddy and had him press out the ‘stock’ lower ball joints and installed ‘tall’ style ball joints to help with alignment and getting another ½ inch drop out of the suspension.

I order some new upper control arms that will allow more lift from the air bags. I might use them and make a jig to modify them to work more with this type of suspension, and not the ‘drag race’ set up they are made for.

[BK2LIFE]

today mr UPS man dropped off a few boxes.

I promptly took the new holley intake and ground off the 'holley EFI' logo and ran a DA with 80 grit over the top surfaces to smooth out the rough casting and bead blasting they did.

Then I put the parts in my truck and dropped them off for powder coating...

-intake manifold
-fuel rails
-valve covers
-front engine cover
-valley plate / knock sensor cover
-engine oil pan
-4l80e transmission case
-aluminum trans pan

I also dropped my cell off for new glass as it has had some nasty cracks for awhile now.
And since my phone is linked to my computer, i cant upload any full res pics, so youll have to enjoy this tiny one for now..

[BK2LIFE]

....and now they are all red

[BK2LIFE]

Getting the parts bolted up and readied for transportation to the exhaust shop for the custom up and rear twin turbo manifolds to be built..

[BK2LIFE]

Took the trans out to vegas to have a rebuild done on it for the power levels im planning on putting through it..

[BK2LIFE]

The March accessory kit arrived...
took all the parts out, inventoried, and dropped off to the powder coater to be stripped and coated red..

The alternator, PS pump and AC compressor will all stay black.

Only waiting on the turbos now.

[BK2LIFE]

Trans is cleaned, parts have arrived, and it should be assembled in day or two...

[BK2LIFE]

....some more red for the ole gurl

[BK2LIFE]

time for exhaust....

[BK2LIFE]

...the stainless pieces and parts have arrived for the turbo manifolds and the first few tack welds have been started.

when i get some pics i will post them up.