Got the itch again

[rustfreeTX]

Hey All, been quite a while. Sorry I haven't been much of a participant, I didn't feel like I had much to say since I no longer own a scout. Whelp, I've been looking at scouts again and would like some opinions and possibly a backhand to the face. I took a look at a ranch scout this weekend, was mainly interested in how solid it was or wasn't. To my surprise it wasn't rotted out in all the usual spots. The front fenders were fine and only one side of the bottom rear quarter panel had a bubble. The rear wheel wells were solid too. A few places of concern, the windshield is pretty much shot, the floors have been patched in spots and the rear shelf where the back seat is had metal patched and spray foam. The rockers had been patched, but when I look underneath the floors and rockers look solid, I'm guessing they rotted on the top of the rocker where the door seal goes. The bed was pretty solid with some pin hole rust in the back. Top had some rot, but not concerned with that. The body didn't have any dents really. Basically a ranch/farm truck that hasn't been registered since 2000. Has a straight six 259?, 2brl, 4spd, 4X4. Axle tag says 41-11 373. Guy was asking $1500.

This time around I'm really just looking for a solid scout to bomb around town in. Doesn't have to look pretty, but I want something that I can work with later on, something that's not rotted out because I can't do body work or rust repair.

Do you think by the description this would be something I should go for, or hold out for something that might be even more solid? If anyone has or knows someone that has a solid scout II for sale, let me know. My budget is around $1500-2000. 2000 being the max, really can't afford more than that.

Hope to hear from ya -Rob

[Randy Z.]

Howdy Rob! Well, unless you plan to hang out with the Arizona guys for awhile, you may not find more in your budget for some time...

[rustfreeTX]

Hmm, guessing by the lack of responses I assume I should probably take what I can get for the money or maybe save up and hold out for something in better condition? Just wondering out loud if I should go for this ranch truck, for the money it's not a bad deal. It is after all a running scout that isn't completely rotten. Anyone ever owned a scout with a straight 6? Seems like it would be underpowered.

[BIGROTT88]

Had a friend that used to have a late 70's jeep with a AMC 258 (straight-6) in it. I think its like a 4.2L if im not mistaken. Did a quick google search and the AMC 258 has 112-117 hp compared to the scout II with a 304 (5.0L) with 180 hp. The jeep wasnt very fast but it had torque and would go anywhere. I think it may be a little or a lot under powered for a daily driver scout but if your using it for trails or hunting you may be fine. The down side is a jeep is a lot lighter than a scout. The plus is if a 259 is anything like a 258 you can find a lot of parts from the 80's jeep yj.

[Tres03]

If you have the tools and time to fix the rust then your not going to be in to bad of shape. If you dont then save up and wait to find something better in a higher price range. There are always deals to be had on good trucks but they always come when your not looking for them. There is three more scout 80's that I want but I am not ready for them yet.

I dont know a whole bunch about the engine in that one though. If it was me I would wait for a 345 or a 196. They are my favorite motors for a scout. Even a 304 wouldn't be bad in my opinion.

[ziggybock]

Originally Posted by rustfreeTX

The body didn't have any dents really. Basically a ranch/farm truck that hasn't been registered since 2000. Has a straight six 259?, 2brl, 4spd, 4X4. Axle tag says 41-11 373. Guy was asking $1500.



Hope to hear from ya -Rob

Howdy Rob,

Personally I think the I6 with the 4spd is a great set-up plus with the 2brl carb it should be a great run around vehicle. As mentioned, there are many parts and upgrades available for this set-up. The price for what you are describing sounds very reasonable as well.

Good luck and hope to see you at a meeting soon to show us the new ride.

Ziggy

[Fred Demmon]

The I 6 is the same engine that the Jeeps used(AMC)

I had one in a 73 scout. I only used it on the ranch in the Hill Country. Never drove it on the street
Thing ran great and it had no issues with power

There are a world of aftermarket parts available for that enging, Plus there are many who have swapped to a different head(4.0-4.2)