New toy '71 Scout Comanche (pictures!)

[Happy_Camper]

Picked up a new (to me) toy to play with. It's a '71 International Scout Comanche. Needs a whole lot of work.
These were pretty neat rigs in their day. Typical International, built like a brick (looks like one too ).

All the drive train had been rebuilt except the front end. So I just finished rebuilding that, and doing complete brake job. It's pretty rough, but eventually I'll get it back in shape. It's good enough to drive for a year or so, while I finish up the Mustang. Then I'll get into the major "frame off rebuild".

Here's what it looks like now:




Here is what it originally looked like, and will look like again eventually, except instead of chrome and bright work, I'll re-do all of that in a gloss black powder coat. Easier touch up from trail damage with the gloss black.

First picture is a '1970 comanche (black inset on headlight doors, and no sliding windows in the top)



Second picture is the same year as mine with the sliding side windows (got to have that to keep the dogs happy )

[GSequoia]

Nice.

Whereabouts do you plan to take it to scratch it up?

[ford4x4fun]

I always like those! good Score!

[Happy_Camper]

With the tractor type steering, just getting out of the driveway is an adventure capable of major body damage.

The goal is mostly trail rides that are more picturesque than difficult. The G.F. and I would really enjoy that kind of stuff, and dogs can go with us without worry. Two and three day weekend camping trip type stuff.
Read a great article in one of the 4wd mags about a trip from the Mexico border to the Canadian border. Shorter versions of that would be a lot of fun.
Running around in the desert, and the mountains at the right times of year, can be stunning.
If I get bit by the "bug" to do the big stuff, I'd be better off to just go with a newer Jeep Rubicon, like an '05 or '06 unlimited. Less money invested, and easier to get body parts...

Scott

[GSequoia]

With the tractor type steering, just getting out of the driveway is an adventure capable of major body damage.

The goal is mostly trail rides that are more picturesque than difficult. The G.F. and I would really enjoy that kind of stuff, and dogs can go with us without worry. Two and three day weekend camping trip type stuff.
Read a great article in one of the 4wd mags about a trip from the Mexico border to the Canadian border. Shorter versions of that would be a lot of fun.
Running around in the desert, and the mountains at the right times of year, can be stunning.
If I get bit by the "bug" to do the big stuff, I'd be better off to just go with a newer Jeep Rubicon, like an '05 or '06 unlimited. Less money invested, and easier to get body parts...

Scott

That Mexico to Canada trip was with Del Albright, a name everybody who is into Land Access should know.

Check out the Mojave Road, it's a great long easy trail that's beautiful in springtime, I did it back in 2004 in one of my Cherokees and plan to do it again soon, probably spring 2012 (since the new baby will still have that new baby smell in 2011). I also want to run it on my dual sport bike one year, maybe fall 2011 if I can get out of the house.

[Happy_Camper]

Cool, thanks we will!

A couple of years back I took the VW Eurovan Camper to Picacho State park (on the Colorado River just north of Winterhaven). By accident (my blind faith in the nav system) I went in the back way, which is a 4wd trail. It was an awesome ride, and a beautiful area, but a bit scary, running through all the washes in a loaded down front wheel drive van. 4WD would have been way more fun, and safer. Toss a canoe on top, along with some camp gear, and it seems like a lot of fun.
They are finishing up the B2B article next month with info on Washington. I'm looking forward to reading this, and listening to what the G.F. says after she reads it.

So, when we get going, I'll let you know, and would be happy to meet you on the trails!

Scott

[Mancar1]

That is nice. I have a friend that bought a 71 new, it has very low miles, has always been garaged, and is in showroom cond. all is original. It was never his daily driver, always his toy. He is 85 and will never part with it

[george worley]

I worked on the Scout line at IH in Fort Wayne,IN back in the late 60's. The ones with the V8 345cu I believe were pretty strong. From our breakroom window I could see them being tested on their off road test track. They were really driven hard.

[Happy_Camper]

Thanks for the comments guys.
For some reason the younger folk really like this thing. They say they dig the "old school" stuff. Not sure if I should be flattered, or deflated.

George, that must have been a good time! What was your job there?
I've spent time in automotive plants providing technical support. Pretty fun working with the guys and gals on the lines. And I'm a huge fan of Indiana. Great people, and great country. I get back to Indiana a few times a year. over 665,000 Scouts were made over the years in that plant. Pretty awesome piece of Americana.

Scott

[Mancar1]

The one thing we can't avoid is getting older. Contrary to popular belief, you can avoid taxes. If you are willing to suffer the end result of doing so.

[FLATBEDFORD]

Nice truck. Those old IHs were great trucks. When I was a kid my neighbor always had a 4x4 pickup. I don't know what year or model, but I am guess they were 3/4 ton trucks. The fire dept. in my town had a couple '60s IH brush trucks until the '90s and the town Highway Dept had a few 4x4 1ton dumps. I would consider giving up my F350 for a 4x4 1 ton IH DRW truck. I haven't seen one around here in years. The 70s IH trucks rusted like crazy here in the Northeast. Last time I remember seeing one was about 20 years ago. I haven't even been able find good pictures of one on the 'net.

[hdpusher]

I love my 72 Scout. It doesn't look as nice as yours though.

Saved mine from the local scap yard. Running 345 auto could have drove it home if I wanted and someone sold it for scap.

[Ohio AMX]

Nice find, I had never heard of the Comanche except for Jeeps, I bought a couple of those. Does anyone repop those stripes?

[fomocoguy]

Love the old Scouts! I'm always keeping an eye out for one. Does yours have the 345 or the slant 4 cyl? Either way very cool.

[Happy_Camper]

Thanks guys,

Found a couple of places that have the stripe kits. A bit spendy, but very nicely done. I'm trying to find a good hardtop for it now. Mine is pretty rusted. I could cut and weld in new metal, but if I can find a top for a decent price, I'd rather do that. Then I'll go ahead and repaint the hood, top, fix a few rust spots and paint the tub.

Scott