International Harvester built the Scout from 1961 until 1980. Along the way there were different models and engine choices. It’s not everyday you see a Scout Traveler, or a Scout Diesel. What about a 1980 Scout Diesel and a 1980 Scout Traveler Diesel package deal for $1,250! These trucks are rough but the asking price seems reasonable for parts alone. Find them here on craigslist in Fairbanks Alaska for $750 each or $1,250 for the pair.
The 1980 Scout II is equipped with a hard top, 4 wheel drive and a 4-speed transmission. Power comes from the Nissan built SD 33T engine. This is a 6 cylinder turbo diesel that was available for the 1980 model year only. The SD 33 was used for a few years before but the turbo was only available for 1980. The Scout II is rough and the rust may be terminal but the drivetrain is there as well as the top.
The interior on the Scout II is not bad and looks to be complete. The plaid seats were an upgraded option over the bench seat. Rust is certainly going to be an issue with these trucks. Scouts are known for their propensity to rust and judging by the lower doors, fenders and quarters these trucks are no exception.
Both trucks are equipped with the Nissan turbo diesel engine. Mechanical condition and mileage are not mentioned but the ad states that both trucks were running seven years ago when they were parked. The engine pictures appear to be of the blue truck, it was even equipped with air conditioning! The engine compartment looks complete and the major components are there.
The ad seems to focus on the blue Scout II, only one picture is included of the Traveler. The Scout Traveler was an interesting model that was basically a long wheelbase Scout with a third-row seat option. The ad states that some parts have been removed from the Traveler, but the hardtop alone may be worth the money to an enthusiast. What do you think, is there anything worth saving here?
Looks like the Traveler was designed to compete with a similar year Chevy Blazer/GMC Jimmy. If these were last operational 7 years ago in Alaska one can only wonder how many systems will need a complete tear down. Weird that anybody would need A/C in that region.
Based on the condition and the location I think these are of interest only to International Harvester enthusiasts in / near Fairbanks. All 4 of them.
I agree RW.
I owned 6 Scouts over the years, from a 1965 to 1973’s…..loved them, but bad to rust. Wish they still made them, I would buy a new one….
I have to agree with the above comments. Even my brother, who has several Scouts lined up in his back pasture isn’t crazy enough to go to Alaska for two more.
At least, I don’t think he’s that crazy……
This would be tempting if the logistics was better. I’m partial to the diesel models. The SD 33 is essentially the six cylinder version of the engine (SD22) that powered the Datsun/Nissan pickups. I understand that the basic components are still used in other applications so parts aren’t that difficult to find. It would be a fun project to rescue and restore something like this. I’m surprised that International with its vast knowledge of designing and building diesel engines, did adapt and engine already available. I would think that a 4 cyl. DT248 would have supplied everything the Scout needed, and quite reliably. I guess that even in-house, they still need to numbers to make it worthwhile….
Interesting find. This is one of the reasons I read BFs. I saw Traveler thought it was a misspelled Travelall, the 4-door full size Family Truckster. I’d never heard of this model, only the other two. Thanks for posting this!
The other two things that made 1980 models unique are a front Dana D44 with castor and a Dana 300 transfer case. The D300 alone are worth 6-$700.
And the rectangular (instead of round) headlights, of course.
The SD33 is a Nissan/Chrysler diesel. Have a friend with a TD version in a Scout with a 4-speed. In pretty nice shape, too
As others noted, it’s a very fair price for the all parts if logistics were easier.
isn’t the Traveler 5 door?
Chrisful, the Traveler is a 3 door, the roof and tailgate are fiberglass and can easily be unbolted and lifted off, I had one here in Oz and did a heap of off roading in it with the local Scout club. We would spend many weekends pulling the Nissan Patrols, Toyota Landcruisers and Range Rovers out of the sand dunes.The low revs and massive torque of the 345cu.in V8 Inter. truck engine would pull anything, I once had to pull a Police F250 fully loaded rescue truck out of the sand, and he had a winch as well and still couldn’t get out, The Scout ripped him out, no problem.
The Travelall is the 4/5 door. 5th door probably tailgate style on both, much like a Chevy Suburban.
Guilty of holding a Family Truckster Travelall in our stable, with rear tailgate (as opposed to available barn doors which I wish it had).
Interested if these might be still for sale?