- Seller: AutoArcheologist
- Location: Windsor, Connecticut
- Mileage: 97,510 Shown
- Chassis #: J0062JGD51462
- Title Status: Clean
Some owners will purchase a project candidate with realistic visions of returning that vehicle to its former glory. However, life sometimes has an inconvenient way of intervening, and they must concede that their pride and joy will never receive the attention it deserves. Such is the case with this 1979 International Scout II. Much of the hard work has been completed to return it to a rust-free state, and its V8 drivetrain is in excellent health. It represents a rewarding restoration project, although enjoying it immediately in its current form is a realistic expectation. The current owner wants to find it a new home, so he has listed the Scout II with us at Barn Finds Auctions.
International introduced the Scout II in 1971 as a successor to its short-lived 800A model. It remained on sale until 1980, with this classic rolling off the line in 1979. It has led a literally colorful life, with evidence of its original Mint Green paint visible in some areas below the Red currently gracing its panels. It has worked to earn a living, functioning as a farm vehicle, load hauler, and a plow. It spent its idle moments hidden away in dry sheds and barns and was never left to fend for itself exposed to the elements. The Scout II was driven from Maine to Connecticut a couple of years ago by a previous owner with grand plans to return it to its former glory as a company promotional tool. They spent $8,000 replacing the floors and having the new steel coated with Rhino Lining. They splashed another $1,000 on various parts, including replacing some of the fuel and brake lines, before deciding that proceeding with the build didn’t make financial sense for their small business. The current owner became its custodian, intending to complete the build, but changed circumstances have forced its sale. The Scout is structurally sound, with its frame sporting nothing beyond surface corrosion. The new floors haven’t deteriorated, and the remaining rust is confined to the lower body extremities. It will require cutting and welding to address these issues, but replacement steel is readily available and affordable. An enthusiast with reasonable welding skills should have no trouble returning the Scout to a rust-free state. The exterior trim is in good order for a driver-grade restoration, and there are no glass defects. It features a functioning Myers plow setup, but the plow itself is no longer present. Overall, it appears it will take more time than money for the winning bidder to transform this Scout II into a head-turning classic.
The drivetrain combination hiding below this Scout’s surface should ensure it is an effective light-duty off-roader. Its 304ci V8 produces 122hp and 225 ft/lbs of torque. This feeds to Planet Earth via a three-speed A-727 automatic transmission, a dual-range transfer case, and open RA18 Dana 44 axles front and rear. Power steering will lighten the driver’s load in all circumstances, with power front disc brakes bringing proceedings to a safe halt. The low-end power and torque delivery will be welcome when the going gets tough, and its ability to cruise effortlessly on the open road or to function as an effective tow vehicle confirms this Scout II isn’t a one-trick pony. The good news for potential buyers is that this classic is mechanically healthy. A mechanic advised the previous owner to replace the battery and alternator, but neither task would be difficult or expensive. Replacing the fuel tank and rebuilding the carburetor was also recommended, but the lack of visible debris in the fuel filter suggests the tank might be okay. Once this Scout roars into life, it runs and drives extremely well. It rolls on 15″ aftermarket wheels wrapped in 235/75/15 Goodyear Wrangler A/T tires featuring plenty of tread. It is ready to hit the road for summer fun once its new owner has tackled the few mentioned tasks.
The Scout’s interior is trimmed in Brown vinyl and is serviceable in its current form. It isn’t perfect, but its shortcomings could be addressed at the winning bidder’s leisure. The door cards have seen better days, and the driver’s seat has slight damage on the outer edge. The remaining upholstered surfaces are excellent for their age, while the dash and pad are well-preserved. The gauges feature clear lenses and crisp markings, and in-car entertainment is covered by a CD player with a remote control. The wipers, heater, gauges, and lights function as they should, although the right rear blinker isn’t working. The driver’s window doesn’t operate with the crank, but a new mechanism is included for the winning bidder to install. As with the exterior, whipping the interior into shape should be straightforward and inexpensive.
Potential buyers seeking an off-roader as a restoration project often limit their search to those produced by “The Big Three.” However, classics like this 1979 International Scout II offer a viable alternative that will stand out in a crowd. We must look below the surface to discover what this vehicle offers, but the answer appears to be a resounding “plenty.” It is an affordable alternative for those dreaming of summer fun in the wilderness, and submitting a bid could be the first step in transforming that dream into reality.
Bid On This Auction
- wes johnson bid $4,274.00 2024-02-13 10:54:33
- CCurtis bid $3,767.00 2024-02-12 22:28:58
- Steve bid $2,000.00 2024-02-11 06:30:39
- jeff bid $1,500.00 2024-02-10 16:14:19
Joey Loganos town 👍
These were the best looking Scouts. Back in 94, I bought a 75 for $800, didn’t really take a close look at it, just test drove it, and handed over the cash. A few weeks later, I got curious, and started lifting floor mats, the rust made me weary just looking at it. Traded it for a 60 F100 with a cracked head, but no rust. I came out ahead. This one still has a ways to go, but it’s a much better starting point than mine was. Plow parts might be a trick, I’m not sure if Meyers is even still around
https://www.meyerproducts.com/
Even the engine is rusty.
Open diff 4×4 are best in the ❄️ snow 🏔
For only ONE reason. If the driver hasn’t the skill to deal with counter steering, then there will be less chance of the rear coming around! But in deep snow and some ice? Tire choice is critical, plus a locking rear will always help to get you going, if you’re not very good at counter steering then back right out of it in a turn. But the better you get the more fun you can have drifting.
I had the rust free bottom end to this recently with no transmission. Would have been easy to make a nice Scout out of the two of them. Sold body for $1200.
Hi Everyone,
I’ll be checking in daily (or more if possible), I’m representing this Scout for the owner. She and her husband were going use this to tow a small vintage camp trailer that they’ve converted into a mobile bar/mini food truck, however, not being skilled in these types of repairs, getting all the work done would have been financially unfeasible, so the plan is to sell this one and find one that is in essence ready to go.
Any questions, please feel free to ask, I will answer what I can and if I can’t, I know who to ask.
Thanks!
Save both of our time, have a reserve? Nice to know so need to know how deep of pockets need to start.
That’s not how reserves work. They aren’t revealed just in case the seller decides they want to lower it right before the end of the auction.
The tin worm has made made it’s home on this one. Unless you’re good with the torch and the bondo? This could get expansive, and expensive!
The floors have already been done, all that is left are the repair panels for lower fenders and quarters. That’ll get you a straight, solid body… Of course, if you want an all in show vehicle, the body has to come off and the engine rebuilt, and nearly everything replaced.
If you want a solid driver, fix the rust, add the new batt, alternator and maybe the tank, shoot some single stage on her, buff, and drive, Fix other bits as they come up.
Now, if you send it out for all that work, yes, expensive and that is why the couple that owns her is selling and looking for one that is complete and ready to go.. they don’t have the skills or time to restore her.
can you say junkyard
Really… So, If you had this truck, you’d have hopped in and driven her to the junkyard? To each his own I suppose. Thanks for the wonderful comment.
Kinda off subject but I think international should get back into the SUV business and start producing something kinda like the new broncos and maybe a larger one also.
Navistar does not own the rights to the Scout any more.
Volkswagen owns the Scout name. They have plans to use it.
https://www.motor1.com/features/659901/scout-electric-suv-range-price-details/
Growing up my family had trucking company. At the time International got into the truck building industry. There reputation as a machine builder went down hill for several years. The International Diesel engines had big flaws with lubrication systems. The were referred to as “Binders”. There pick up engines were just as bad. By the time the oil lite came on the engine was ready to seize. With 97K on the clock, how’s oil pressure and any lights on? No mention of engine work.
The current owner is unaware of any kind of major engine work done to her. Oil pressure seems good and no lights on.
You are way off there Mr Johnson, no clue
My only experience with international was a 79 scout V-8. I believe it was a 345 ? It was a great runner and we never had an issue. I didn’t realize all the issues you have mentioned
I’d be interested if it were a 4 speed manual.
The were referred to as “Binders”.
That’s because of the company heritage of being a farm machinery builder, not because of their engines.