reviving a 74' Scout II and I'm Green!

[ScoutTech]

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Ok, like I said I'm working on a 74' scout and which has bin parked since 2007. It was inspected and driven in 2007 but the owner past away and it took his daughter a while to part with it.

1974 Scout II
304/345? V8
4-speed Automatic
front disc brakes - guessing front and rear dana 44

Anyway after getting it trailered home and putting newer tires that hold air, I started to explore under the hood and see what I had got myself into.
The spark plug wires were cut in half, most of the wiring and vacuum lines were cut in half or disconnected, brakes don't work, dead battery, RUSTED floor pans and so on.

This where I am now so please any help would be greatly appreciated:
I replaced to battery and checked my dash switches. All the lights, high and low beam, horn, interior fans, wipers all work. I removed the spark plugs cleaned the threads and sprayed a little penetrating oil in the cylinders to loosen them up.
I turned yje engine by hand a few different times and its smooth as butter. The starter looked and sounded rough so I took it and got it check out and it was good I just had to clean it and tighten the nuts on the posts. I turned the key and she spins nice. NOW, I checked the fuel lines from the carb back and it lead me to an electronic fuel pump that looks 3 days older than dirt and the wires are cut to and I'm not sure where it should be wired to cause that ain't stock. I also found the mechanical fuel pump still installed on the block. I bought a new mechanical fuel pump to install BUT..... I'm not sure if that is a wise decision (tell me what you think). I just want it to run stock not a power house or off road truck - I just wanna drive it. I want to know if the mechanical fuel pump is going to work well and do I need a pressure regulator (was there one factory?). AND what new fuel line should I run? and where should I put the filter? (5/16 steel). Also biggie - What am I getting my self into at the fuel tank if I drop it? and is it hard to do? (Any vent lines or brackets to watch for? is the filler neck a pain?) How and what to use if it needs cleaning? and would a new sending unit be good?

The Carb has a metal tag that has Auto Lite on it so I'm guessing its aftermarket. What are some things I should do to it and what should I be looking for when diagnosing its performance?

I hope someone, anyone reads this and cares to respond haha. I've done a lot more cosmetic not listed and I tend to work on my scout about 2-3 hours a day now that I work second shift but I'm taking my time and I want to do it right the first time.

I can post as many pictures as you like just ask. I will be posting a few pictures of components that I'm not sure what they are if ya'll could help with that too.

Thank You guys/gals for reading and if you could reply to this thread that would be awesome to me just to your out there lol.

Thanks again - Josh

[76 xlc]

First ask yourself: do I honestly have the knowledge and ability to tackle such a restoration? What are my goals for this vehicle and what is my budget and schedule?

Second thing you need to do is start banking time and cash, you'll need both.

Then contact one of the Scout/LL dealers and procure the factory service manuals. VERY IMPORTANT!

While you are doing the above, search and read BP for answers to many of your questions.

I bought a running '76: tires, brakes, dizzy, filters, seals, lubricants, etc. added another grand real fast. I still have to tackle the springs/bushings and various body issues.

Good luck!

[ScoutTech]

Thanks for the reply 76,

Yes I know I have the knowledge and experience for the job. I've worked as and hobbied in mechanics for years and been welding for a couple years. I've got several manuals from stock to aftermarket and binderbooks on the way. I've got time 5 days a week during the day and money is being saved, my wife really wants to drive it hahaha.

I know there are a lot of folks out there that have performed many of the individual tasks I'm going to be tackling and any wisdom ya'll can share with me to make this restore go a little smoother is just awesome. So any pointers like 76 had or any hands on/mechanical help is all truly welcome.

Thanks again
-Josh

[Combine]

Josh,

Concerning your fuel distribution issues, I would bag the electric fuel pump and install the new mechanical. Also, replace your fuel lines, adding a clear filter before and after the mechanical pump. Not sure which side your fuel line enters your carb but if its on the drivers side, be sure to run steel braid line past your intake manifold. In my '74 SII I kept having vapor lock issues. Per the suggestion of the fine folks here I replaced the stock rubber line with high temp steel braid and it made all the difference. Replace your PCV valve and any vaccum hoses that look worn or dry rotted. As to your carb, I beleive I speak for most here in saying, determine it's exact model and buy a rebuild kit or at the least, disassemble it and clean it vigorously. Last, BUY THE MANUALS! Good luck in your endeavors and keep us updated.

Best,

CMBN

[76 xlc]

Let's start with the detective work: why were the plug wires cut? Why was an electric pump installed?

Maybe daughter didn't want dad to drive any more?

The fuel pump could have been an attempt to combat a vapor lock issue.

In any case, dropping the tank isn't that hard, it's putting it back where you have to watch for pinched lines. Flush it out, and coat it if necessary. Check your sender, float and all lines.

Probably need an o-ring for the sender, minimum. My PO installed a fuel filter between the pump and carb, I think I would have put it before the pump.

Since you have a new mech pump, I'd bypass the elec one, first. You shouldn't have to install a fuel pressure regulator.

Look and see if you have a line ticket, if not get one, it will tell how your Scout was equipped when new. IIRC, the LT is often found on/near glove box.

The engine displacement is on the side of the block, might take some scraping to read.

[scoutboy74]

4-speed auto? Did the PO swap in an adapted 700r4? The factory auto trans would be an IH app Torqueflite 727 3speed auto with high gear being a direct 1:1 ratio.

Yes run two filters fore and aft of the mechanical pump. I actually run a third close to the fuel tank. Overkill? Prolly. Who the hell cares? I sure don't.

The engine displacement is stamped into a machined boss on the side of the block near the fuel pump location. It is hard to see and likely covered with tons of guapo.

[JordanAMC]

Originally Posted by ScoutTech

I know there are a lot of folks out there that have performed many of the individual tasks I'm going to be tackling and any wisdom ya'll can share with me to make this restore go a little smoother is just awesome. So any pointers like 76 had or any hands on/mechanical help is all truly welcome.

Thanks again
-Josh

I'm in Winston-Salem, on Peace Haven Rd. I'd be more than willing to lend a hand in exchange for the same treatment in return!

[ScoutTech]

Ok great thanks guys,

Combine, I think I may just do the carb replacement. haha

76, I'll check for the line ticket in a minute. As far as the plug wires goes that seems relevant but I also wonder if some kids go into it since it sat vacant with doors unlocked for years.

I had a typo it is a 3-speed auto lol - Thanks scoutboy

I would love to help and recieve help but I can't promise anything just yet lol. Got a lot of scout and house work on my hands if ya know what I mean. But I'm sure I will be hitting you up on that offer in the rear future. Thanks Jordan.

Here are some pictures I just took:










I know people always ask but where exactly is the displacement stampted on the block? location?

Thank you everyone
-Josh

[Dennis Bernth]

That's an Autolite (or Motorcraft now) two barrel, one of the easiest carbs in the world to rebuild and a carb that works great on Scouts. I'd keep it, but if you decide not to, I'd buy it from ya in a heartbeat. As for the component next to the carburetor, that is the 'well' where the original choke assembly sat for the OEM carburetor, which was probably a Holley 2210. The electric thingamajig I've seen before, but I'm not sure of, so I'm not even gonna guess...

[ScoutTech]

LOL Ok, Thanks Dennis that explains alot.

Yeah I was just researching on that Carb now. So with your feedback I'll probly just rebuild and save some cash.

Thanks again
-Josh