1963 Scout 80 resto-mod

[bk2life]

Pics will be slow at first, as there are customer projects in the shop that need more attention than personal toys.

Plans are:
-Slammed to the ground
-4 corner double adjustable coil overs, bags or ridetech shockwaves
-stock appearing interior/exterior
-custom doors ( no windows, solid top, possibly with later model door jambs and hinges )
-chopped top
-4 corner Wilwood big brakes
-fuel fill behind rear taillight
-Dakota Digital gauges
-full LED lighting
-custom paint, possibly silver on sides and red on top
-both full sized top and small 'truck' style top
-vintage air heat/ac
-LS powered

I'm thinking all red interior, red with painted sides and bed liner on the floors all red, same matched colors.

My seats are already covered in greyish leather. So, I'll match the leather color to the paint, and then spray the outside in that color. The outside, the seats, and the leather on the billet steering wheel will all match.

I don't want anything that sticks out or doesn't look right inside of the scout. Want to keep it looking like it came that way.

Here is a potential rending I drew up to get a visual..

[bk2life]

Parts have been coming in from the big brown trucks..

i order coil overs, but as low as it will sit, i think ill need air ride adjustability to get it up enough to turn.

We'll see how it looks with the fender lip at the top of the tire or if it needs to go lower. Maybe i can raise the opening if it will still look good, or if not, air ride it will be.

rear 4-link parts arrived

front S10 chassis portion got dropped off from sand blasting.

old chassis is out being cleaned and the junk parts sold or scrapped.

Maybe by early july this can be a roller..

[camcojb]

Cool project!

[WSSix]

definitely an interesting build. Keep us updated and good luck with it!

[bk2life]

definitely an interesting build. Keep us updated and good luck with it!

thanks man, will do

[bk2life]

Got a carpet sample so i can get some red basecoat matched up to it. It's a bit darker then 'GM' red..

[214Chevy]

Gonna definitely be cool.

[bk2life]

brake parts are coming in

[bk2life]

This morning I took a piece of my seats and the carpet sample up to the paint store.

After about 40 mins of going through color books I came up with these two colors.



Theyre not exact matches, so I will have to spray a bigger panel of the colors on lets say an 10 inch by 20 inch piece to see if the variance is noticeable or not.

[bk2life]

So we tossed around ideas and finally settled on a gen IV 4.8 single turbo, 4l80e trans, winters quick-change axle for the drivetrain used for this scout build

[syborg tt]

Looking forward to more updates.

We need to see the actually Scout

[bk2life]

Looking forward to more updates.


hey marty, long time no talk..
to refresh your memory, i contacted you about updating some things in the s10 forum.


It's been hot here in az 114 average, and ive got 3 other vehicles im working on.

so my own personal project(s) get little time.

I hope youre doing well

[bk2life]

also have decided chassis and the chassis parts will all be the red of the interior.

[syborg tt]

hey marty, long time no talk..
to refresh your memory, i contacted you about updating some things in the s10 forum.


It's been hot here in az 114 average, and ive got 3 other vehicles im working on.

so my own personal project(s) get little time.

I hope you're doing well

I an doing good and getting close to finishing version 2.0 on my Camaro. Family is good and my kids are growing up way to fast and I can't wait to see more pictures of this build.

[bk2life]

had to adjust the rendering to better match the color of the leather on the seats

much darker, but it a better representation.

The more i look at it, the darker is sexy.

Now need to figure out a pearl to mix in with it. I think itll need a little pop to sparkle in the sun..

[syborg tt]

I like it !!!

[bk2life]

Updated the color of the rendering to match the leather of the seats.

Also, planning on the entire suspension/chassis to be red powder coated like the interior color.

[bk2life]

Got out the sawzall and invited a few friends over..
Removed most of the floor section so we could set the body down on the ground.

Those 16 inch GTA wheels look tiny under there..

And updated the rendering with some of the logos of the companies were using parts from.

Hoping in about 2 weeks the chassis will be tacked together

[bk2life]

the new frame material is here

the main components for the air ride is here

waiting on a few replies for double adjustable shocks for front and rear

Have the general idea of the rear back half designed, just need to start cutting metal now.

Depending on Mother Nature, might have the chassis tacked together this weekend.

[bk2life]

I prepped my "CAD" table and started building to scale, my rear back-half.

Using a 1:1 scale my chassis is 3x3 and I laid it out how to best be used for the bag on bars suspension and the rest of the parts that need to be inside of it.
IE fuel tank, air tank, compressors, floor bracing ect.

Once I got everything lined up to where and how it should look, fit and work, I made some templates for some CNC cut brackets for the lower 4 link bars, and the upper air bag mounts. Hopefully these are done this week. I used oval holes instead of the normal circles for ‘speed holes’.. I might use this oval theme throughout the build.

I’ll start piecing together the back half and get them all tacked together.
The front ‘s10’ suspension portion/clip/frontend needs to be clearance for the air bags, and then it can be mocked up under the front fenders to see where the frame splicing will occur. I will install the front wheels, upper/lower control arms onto the frame piece to make sure the wheels are centered in the wells. I build them so when they are aired out the wheels are centered. I don’t really care if they’re not centered when driving down the road. It’s sitting, aired out, that matters to me.

Enjoy the pics…

[bk2life]

got the two frame rails tacked together..

it was kinda neat attaching the 1963 frame rail to the new 2024 frame rails..the stories that could be told of the last 61 years.

ill next be moving up to splicing the front suspension to the frame rails.

then we'll have a near complete chassis again. I wanted to keep a piece of the original Scout frame, instead of complete new rails from the rear to the front crossmember. Something for a bit of nostalgia for me.

My trans builder has an core 4l80e case for me and i had him take it apart so its just a case. Much easier to move an empty case around when making motor/trans mounts.

Once everything is tacked together I'll smooth everything out, grind down the old scout brackets, plus the ones i have installed for off-roading over the years.

Still have to clearance the front for the air ride.

Then everything will be sent out for powder coating. I think the engine will be painted body color, but not sure yet. I don't want too many other colors being involved.

[214Chevy]

Nice...

[syborg tt]

Keep posting the updates as I am looking forward to more posts.

[bk2life]

Nice...
thanks, lots of work still to go..

Keep posting the updates as I am looking forward to more posts.
I will, It'll slow down for this week as I have a another chassis i have to ready for customer to approve and then strip to send out for powder coating.

-you know, customers are always first as they pay the bills

[bk2life]

got my brackets

time to weld up some rails..



.

[bk2life]

Didnt get as much accomplished today as i wanted, but, tomorrow the main part of the chassis should be completed.

[bk2life]

I forgot how much you have to cut to get a 20 inch tire to 'lay frame'..
after spending a couple hours i didnt want to waste i got the front crossmember about 3/4 inch from the ground. So i placed a 1 inch square tube under it, and 1 inch tube under the frame rail i was working on, and proceeded to fit it the front suspension/s10 frame.

I got the passenger rail tacked to whats left of the passenger s10 frame rail section.

Tomorrow sometime ill get the drivers rail fitted up and tack welded as well.

Once i get everything tacked together and a crossmember or two installed, I'll pull out the entire chassis and get it to the welding table.

There i will finish hacking on the s10 frame rail to blend in with the new frame rail and look like it is supposed to be there. Not how it looks now.

then i can flip the chassis over and finish clearancing for the air bags, and final few things needing grinding.

There are a few brackets on the frame rails that need cut off, ground smooth, and all that jazz.

the biggest issue is measuring, checking, moving, remeasuring, etc to get the S10 portion lined up and square with the rest of the vehicle.

It's low, and youre basically working laying down, or on your knees

The question will be, powder coat, or just paint it? Probably easier and cheaper for me to paint the frame.

[bk2life]

.....few update pics

frame is a solid chassis now from front bumper mounts to rear bumper mounts.

The frame needs to be removed and finish being welded, but that is after building the 4 link.

Waiting on a few parts i had to order for the air ride...once these arrive i can make the rear 4 link.

not much else at this point.

I wonder how many scouts have a quick-change rear axle?

[bk2life]

got out the windshield frame last night, and wanted to get an idea how much of a 'chop' it needed to match the rendering.

turns out about 5 inches needs to come out to match.

im going to round the edges of the new glass, since early scouts are square.
and will be doing 'oversized' glass so they can be glued in and 'flush' mounted.
No more big rubber seal to hold the glass in..

[syborg tt]

I like it.

[bk2life]

I like it.

thanks, that means alot to me




---------

4l80 core got dropped off

going to use this to set up the trans and motor mounts, and then the case will be sent out for red powder coating.

[bk2life]

Lower link bar 'ends' came in..

now I can set up the rear 4 link and finish the air bag mounts.

should be able to make the vehicle go up and down here real soon...

Exciting!!

[bk2life]

Started looking at the dash /board' this came with.
I think maybe the 2 5 inch gauges and nearly nothing else mount to it.

might bend a 90 degree panel underneath to mount the ign key and headlight switch.

It will have the vintage air set up, so i'll need to source some decent looking vents. will they be in the dash or maybe somewhere else? Hmmm

i found a steering wheel i like as well, but I'll have to see if it fits the build.

I dont want too modern of parts, but i know there are areas ill have to just be ok with as this isnt a mega-million dollar build, but a toy for me.

[TechNova]

Started looking at the dash /board' this came with.
I think maybe the 2 5 inch gauges and nearly nothing else mount to it.

might bend a 90 degree panel underneath to mount the ign key and headlight switch.

It will have the vintage air set up, so i'll need to source some decent looking vents. will they be in the dash or maybe somewhere else? Hmmm

i found a steering wheel i like as well, but I'll have to see if it fits the build.

I dont want too modern of parts, but i know there are areas ill have to just be ok with as this isnt a mega-million dollar build, but a toy for me.

I have wondered how it would work to have the AC vents exit under the dash without a visible vent. Yes, it feels nice to have the cold air blowing right on you from a vent but after a couple minutes of the AC running in a car like yours would the car feel comfortable with the AC dumping out towards your knees?

[bk2life]

feel comfortable with the AC dumping out towards your knees?

id probably be very uncomfortable with frozen knees.. :)

I'm sure some simple vents in the dash panel will suffice.

Still something to ponder about

[bk2life]

been a little slow on updates this past week.
but the BBq has been good !!

hope you are all doing well...thanks for lookin

[SSLance]

I love this build... What part of Arizona are you in? I'm in North Peoria...

[bk2life]

I love this build... What part of Arizona are you in? I'm in North Peoria...

lived in phx for 49 years.
never ever heard anyone call it north peoria. :)

im off of union hills in north phx (lol)

i think i recognize your car pick form nancys show at mixteca

[bk2life]

New LCAs arrived yesterday.
maybe this coming weekend i can get them on and see how they fit.
then modify them for the lower airbag mount.

They will be red powder coated with everything else once fitted and modified

[bk2life]

Removed the windshield frame and drilled out a bunch of spot welds on the side portion. These spot welds hold the ‘brackets’ which mount the door seals.
Since I wont have door windows, no door seals are needed, so off came the brackets.
Then I cut the window frame into 4 pieces and decided that a 4-inch chop was going to be the best for what I'm building.
Some measuring, a few templates to make sure left and right match, and voila’
It’s welded back together, and next is rounding the corners of the windshield frame.

[bk2life]

So today I was working on my 4 link tabs, and a buddy came over.
So shootin the sh*t we started talking about the windshield, and a few hours later, the metal work is nearly done.
Some sanding, some bondo and primer and itll be ready for paint.
Then ill drop the frame off at the window guy and let the take it from there.
I want to paint it body color before dropping it off for the window to be made and glued in. This way I will know it is got epoxy, primer, paint and plenty of rust and corrosion resistance before the flush mount glass is mounted.
I'm not sure if the ‘red triangle’ needs to be made or not. Currently it is a not so 90 degree corner. I'm guessing the black around the glass will hide the corner. But, it’s something I got to figure out.
Hope you all like the chop, and the rounded window ‘corner’s

[bk2life]

So as some of you might remember from my rendering, the door lines aren’t ‘scout’ lines. The scout doors have that inward angled portion on the back.
One of the modifications I wanted to do was suicide doors, and I don’t like how the rear B pillar is on the scout bodies.

Not anytime soon, but my plan is to use my old truck, ‘Alice’ door jambs and flip them side to side and shorten to fit. Peel off the door skins from the scout and modify them to attach to the 2001 doors frame.

This way, itll have inner hinges that are factory reversed for a reverse or suicide opening, just like it came from the factory.

I put the ‘drivers/left side’ door jamb next to the passenger side of Allison to see how much work it will take. I think I need to narrow the door jamb about 4 maybe 5 inches to fit, but, it appears to be a relatively easy modification. I think in a weekend or so I could have the ‘new’ doors hung and functioning. Not fully completed, nor body worked, but able to be opened and closed.

No I won’t be putting the angled lower portion of the door as the scout had, it will be a normal ‘square’ door with rounded lower corners.

Here is a picture for reference.

[bk2life]

This evening, I had about 2 hours to spare, so I grabbed the new lower control arms and hacked off the bump stops from them.

Pulled off the front suspension and stuck on the new lowers.

I found it they 'went' up higher than the dehumped stockers I had previously, but they still hit part of the frame.

The sun was getting pretty low and visibility was very low, so I pulled the suspension, jacked up the front of the frame and slid in an airbag for a picture.

The opening. cut out for the airbag is very rough at this point. I am just trying to get everything to fit and operate correctly before it all gets torn apart for the frame rack, final fabrication and welding.

My S22 phone still amazes me at the pictures it takes. This below pic was nearly pitch black out. I couldn't walk without my flashlight, but yet, the phone can take pics like its 5 pm in the afternoon.. crazy

Tomorrow morning ill finish cutting the frame section that is hitting the lower control arm and do a bit more clearancing for the air bag. The object here is to get the suspension going up and down, steering, engine/trans mounts made etc..

Then tear down for final fab work, powder coating etc..

-oh, and no I do not know if I am keeping that sway bar mount there or if I’ll cut it off and move it.

[TechNova]

So today I was working on my 4 link tabs, and a buddy came over.
So shootin the sh*t we started talking about the windshield, and a few hours later, the metal work is nearly done.
Some sanding, some bondo and primer and itll be ready for paint.
Then ill drop the frame off at the window guy and let the take it from there.
I want to paint it body color before dropping it off for the window to be made and glued in. This way I will know it is got epoxy, primer, paint and plenty of rust and corrosion resistance before the flush mount glass is mounted.
I'm not sure if the ‘red triangle’ needs to be made or not. Currently it is a not so 90 degree corner. I'm guessing the black around the glass will hide the corner. But, it’s something I got to figure out.
Hope you all like the chop, and the rounded window ‘corner’s
The black around the glas is called FRIT and they should be able to add it at the width you need. The proper way to prep the pinchweld where the glass adhesive will be is to use two part epoxy only. Adding primer, paint or clear compromises adhesion. Yes, the factory does it, but they're using completely different paint not available to us. i apply epoxy, let it cure then just run 3/4 tape over it when priming or painting/ Peel the tape off and you have you epoxy for the glass urethane to bond to.

[bk2life]

the factory does it, but they're using completely different paint not available to us..
what paint are they using that is not available?


for the glass urethane to bond to.
i called a glass shop and they came by and applied their own 'window primer' to the metal where the urethane will go. Then they said to mask off their 'primer' and do whatever i needed to do.
When done, peel the tape off their primer and it'll be ready for the urethane to be applied.

[bk2life]

So yes I removed the sway bar mount..

Did some more hacking on the frame to get the airbags to fit and not rub.



Hooked up some airline and gave it a few up down tests. (down is the fittings leaking at the airbags, theyre only hand tightened..)



The new bushings squeak, but at least it goes up and down in the front, and I can grease them after powder coating.



Next is to tackle the rear air ride and 4 link bars.



-----> small video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEP62aCrY-E



....one step closer

[TechNova]

what paint are they using that is not available?


i called a glass shop and they came by and applied their own 'window primer' to the metal where the urethane will go. Then they said to mask off their 'primer' and do whatever i needed to do.
When done, peel the tape off their primer and it'll be ready for the urethane to be applied.
The glass company window primer is a 1K product and is typically used to cover bare metal from scratches caused by removing the old adhesive. I would not use that for large areas. A 2K epoxy is the recommendation from the auto makers. You really should be using epoxy first on all bare metal anyway so it becomes a no brainer.
It is possibe there are some primer advancements, I need to do glass in a week or so, I'll ask around. Glass work is unregulated and shady things happen. I'd ask for training documents before using a glass company.

Paint answer:
Not sure exactly what it is but paint companies tell me it is different, they bake at much higher temps. I aslo think they are uncatalyzed with heat instead of chemical cure. They also use different application method, bell sprayers. For PPG, DuPont and SW that I have used there was automotive finish paint (OEM) and automotive refinish paint (us).

[bk2life]

This evening i was able to weld up all the holes on the window frame.

And i started rounding the upper outer corners.

Tomorrow ill finish the metal work, add some bondo, and get the first coat of primer sprayed onto the window frame.

Will need to block it out, and primer again before spraying on the color.

I want to get this to the glass shop asap so there is no excuse not to have it completed by the dec car show im trying to make...

[WSSix]

Good luck making that show!

[bk2life]

Good luck making that show!

ugh, dont jinx it !!! :)



Tonight I did the first round of body work to the window frame.
Possibly tomorrow i can block the areas and reprime it.

It is plenty straight i could paint it now, but, i want to finger the inner window areas another round before i paint it.

[bk2life]

Today, slightly hung over, i wet sanded the window frame and sprayed the base/clear onto it.
Tomorrow I'll drop it off for the flush mounted glass to get cut and installed.

The color is a tri-stage, grey base, violet pearl and then clear.

I had planned on gold pearl, but i didnt have any when i thought i did. So i grabbed the violet to see how it looks.

Now that this window frame is completed, i can get back to fabrication...

[bk2life]

photoshopped a 'window' in to see how it should look when i get it back..

i think only the 'purists' will even noticed the work i did to this windshield frame.

[bk2life]

I picked up a 1964 ford car front bumper I think im going to section and cut down to fit my lowered scout front end. It's nearly 18 inches too wide 😆 lol

[bk2life]

Here is the bumper shortened to fit the scout. I have not shortened the sides of the bumper asi can't really do that until i assemble the front end to see how far I want it to go onto the fender..



I had to 'strgihten' out the bumper as it was more V shaped then it looked.



Came out pretty good though.



I am not sure if i am going to weld up the bolt holes, or use them..

[bk2life]

I know this next picture will almost make no sense until I post a better one..

but I cut the front 5 inches off a hood and welded it to the front end and welded the left and right fenders to the front panel, or core support we will call it.

This will make it into a 1-piece front end, and I am now forced to making a hood that will fit.

I always wanted to do this anyways, as the original scout hoods fit really weird, and I never liked it.

[bk2life]

better pics to help understand the pallets...

[syborg tt]

I looked at the picture and realized immediately what you were doing. I just leaned my head to the left and it looked perfect.


I know this next picture will almost make no sense until I post a better one..

but I cut the front 5 inches off a hood and welded it to the front end and welded the left and right fenders to the front panel, or core support we will call it.

This will make it into a 1-piece front end, and I am now forced to making a hood that will fit.

I always wanted to do this anyways, as the original scout hoods fit really weird, and I never liked it.

[bk2life]

sat the frotn end onto the body and propped up the bumper to see how much i have to cut out of the sides of the bumper.

Thought this pic looked cool with the scout between the other cars.

[bk2life]

Little more trimming to the bumper..

i need to fab up brackets now to hold the bumper to the frame so i can make final cuts and adjustments on the bumper to fit the fender well openings and body lines better

[bk2life]

no idea why its upside down

[bk2life]

Well the show I want to take the scout to for the first time is coming up.
December 7th. So much to do before that date, but, if I can get it on and off the trailer then I'm happy. I really wanted to drive it there, but there is still so much needing done.

My goal is to get it there to the show, lay it out, and enjoy some margaritas and tacos..

The windshield is supposed to be done ‘by the weekend’..not sure what that means, but fingers crossed.

Ugh still so much more to do..

[syborg tt]

Well the show I want to take the scout to for the first time is coming up.
December 7th. So much to do before that date, but, if I can get it on and off the trailer then I'm happy. I really wanted to drive it there, but there is still so much needing done.

My goal is to get it there to the show, lay it out, and enjoy some margaritas and tacos..

The windshield is supposed to be done ‘by the weekend’..not sure what that means, but fingers crossed.

Ugh still so much more to do..


Crossing my fingers you will make it.

[bk2life]

Just got this beautiful 1942 Cadillac rear bumper dropped off. I think I can make it work for the rear of the scout. I didn’t need this extra work, but, the front bumper is coming out so good looking, I might as well adapt a bumper to the rear end as well..

[bk2life]

Crossing my fingers you will make it.

thank you sir... always kind words from you

[bk2life]

here is a quick photoshop of what it could look like....

[syborg tt]

I like it !!!

[bk2life]

Well,
I cut,
I cut some more,
I cut a bit more...

now to fab up some brackets and mount this to the rear...

[syborg tt]

Your post made me think of this.

[OLDFLM]

Maybe flip it over and trim the bottom of the cab to be flush?

[bk2life]

Maybe flip it over and trim the bottom of the cab to be flush?

that is a good idea

the 'picture' is just a hand drawn image, its not the real scout body

Ill get a few real pictures later today when i weld the bumper back together as it is in 2 piece in the picture above.

then i'll try to get it positioned closer to the body and not photoshopped so i can actually see it.

also, not one single person will be laying on the ground lookin at it straight on like the picture i drew above. So you have to take that into consideration, the height of the bumper is like 2 inches off the ground..

[bk2life]

welded the two pieces, and taped it some what in place.
its a bit shadowy where the vehicle is sitting, so ill get a few different pics more around lunch time.

[bk2life]

OK so still taped in place, and have spent a few hours walking by the scout today while working on other jobs.

I like it. Eventually, maybe, i might add some on to the ends to wrap it around the corners a bit. Probably cut the ends off a 68/0 camaro bumper and weld them to this one to give me the material to work with and should be pretty easy.

But for now, I'll keep it the way it is, and make some bumper mounts.

I might, might tackle one door jamb and see if I can get one modified for the upcoming show.

The vehicle isn't pretty right now, and needs gobs of work, but I'd really like to get it to this particular show and see some reactions on it.
It's a local show, and nothing spectacular, just want some friends who don't know anything about it to see what has been going on.

Also, i think I'm going to make the tailgate open like a car door instead of drop down like normal.

[bk2life]

Was able to get a few hours on the rear suspension.
Got the 4-link all tacked in place.
I lifted it 8 inches and had 2 degrees of movement on the pinion, which is more than fine, as ride height will be about 3 inches off the ground.
Started looking at cross bracing, fuel cell and the other final components that need to go back there -such as air tanks and compressors.

Need to make the mid and front body/core support mounts and then remove the body for final fit and welding.

I think the last thing I'm going to tackle before the show is the gauges in the dash and steering.

I'm not stressed, but I'm trying to get it to the show as a motivator. If people, see it now it'll get me going to push harder.
I have already 'failed' as it's not running and driving, but that is how life goes.

I ran the upper bars on the outside of the frame rails to not have them visible once the inner sheet metal work is done. I wanted to keep a non-cluttered section visible. I think I'm going to run the spintech mufflers as well, as I like their square small boxy appearance, and they have such a unique sound to them.

-oh and windshield wasn’t done. Maybe today I’ll get it back…

[bk2life]

laid out some 3 inch tubing to visualize and exhaust system

[bk2life]

Today was able to get some more work done on the chassis, exhaust system and motor/trans mounts.



Chassis is 80% complete now. I still need to make some cross bracing and a mid body mounts, but I'm getting there slowly.



Going to try hard to make my goal and hit the show this coming saturday..

[bk2life]

Windshield, tinted for the car show...

?Maybe a one-off, not sure how many scouts have such a custom window/window frame out there.

[syborg tt]

Nice progress

[bk2life]

Im tryin, Im tryin...

my plan is to get it as much tacked together as possible so i can winch it up the trailer and get it to the show.

It's a project, and Im tryin to get it to a point to where people see and understand what I'm doing.

Plus not many people know I'm building this, so It'll be a fun debut...

[bk2life]

I didnt like the original Scout firewall, so I cut it out and replaced it with a new one..lol

I put on some heads and an old intake I used for displays, and almost done 'under hood' as far as the car show goes.

Tomorrow, mount steering column and hook it up to the gear box, front bumper mounts along with front body mounts.

[bk2life]

Got the front bumper somewhat mounted. I got a few real good ideas on how i will be permanently attaching it after the show. But for now it won’t fall off and I can get some good eyes on to see where I need to adjust it. Not trying to be perfect, but, wanting to make it look like it is supposed to be there.

I think this is the 1st Scout with a car type bumper, and I want people who see it to not know that. Unless youre a scout fan, you probably wouldn’t know anyways.

Started workin on the steering column mounts. The lower is done, just need to fab up a column drop for the upper.

also started the dash panel. im going to not use the stock scout panel and just start fresh with a piece of sheet metal as it will save time of me trying to weld up all those spots for no real reason. Also, I might mount the gauges in the middle of the dash.

I had an old GM truck billet grill laying around so I butchered it to fit, not sure how I feel about it yet, but, we will see.

I think I'm not posting any more pictures until after the show. Sort of want a bit of a surprise for y'all..

-james

[syborg tt]

Okay it’s Saturday night. Let’s see some pictures


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[bk2life]

Okay it’s Saturday night. Let’s see some pictures...

lol, had to get up early, unload trailer and head to my army reserve unit for mandatory fun...

[syborg tt]

Nice

Need some close ups of the engine bay


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[bk2life]

Need some close ups of the engine bay

what portion do you want to see?



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The girls hangin out getting some sunshine...






.

[syborg tt]

what portion do you want to see?

The girls hangin out getting some sunshine...

I want to see the headers you used to mount them.

[bk2life]

I want to see the headers you used to mount them.

https://www.stainlessheaders.com/i-30498744-chevy-ls-twin-turbo-kit.html?ref=category:1390444

here installed in the 56 chevy

[bk2life]

Started fabbin up the new tailgate.

I'm waiting on the hinges to arrive, but, it will swing open to the side, not down like a normal gate would.

[bk2life]

bracing for the side mounted hinges. the gate will open on the passengers side and hinged on the drivers side.
I see no benefit of having the gate drop down 6 inches onto the ground. More so it'd just wreck the paint.
So one sided barn door opening it is...

[WSSix]

This is fun. Keep up the good work!

[bk2life]

This is fun. Keep up the good work!

thank you sir, much appreciated

[bk2life]

was able to get the tailgate roughed in and some epoxy sprayed on..
most likely will round the lower corners, just havent gotten that far yet.

need to cut and fit the hinges into the rear drivers taillight area and build some strength into that area to hang the tailgate off of.

might get it mounted this week, will have to see as i am slammed with work.

[bk2life]

Been working the side swinging hinge for my tailgate. It’s not 100% where I like it, but its opening and closing. The hinges are made for a thick door, not a thin tailgate. OS I have to work some sheet metal to cover it and make it look good.

Not sure if I said it above but I'm trying a new powder coater. I sent off oil pan, transmission case, trans pan and front cover to be coated. If they look good, ill send more parts to the shop. Eventually all chassis and parts will be powder coated red.

I dropped off my lower control arms to my buddy and had him press out the ‘stock’ lower ball joints and installed ‘tall’ style ball joints to help with alignment and getting another ½ inch drop out of the suspension.

I order some new upper control arms that will allow more lift from the air bags. I might use them and make a jig to modify them to work more with this type of suspension, and not the ‘drag race’ set up they are made for.

[bk2life]

today mr UPS man dropped off a few boxes.

I promptly took the new holley intake and ground off the 'holley EFI' logo and ran a DA with 80 grit over the top surfaces to smooth out the rough casting and bead blasting they did.

Then I put the parts in my truck and dropped them off for powder coating...

-intake manifold
-fuel rails
-valve covers
-front engine cover
-valley plate / knock sensor cover
-engine oil pan
-4l80e transmission case
-aluminum trans pan

I also dropped my cell off for new glass as it has had some nasty cracks for awhile now.
And since my phone is linked to my computer, i cant upload any full res pics, so youll have to enjoy this tiny one for now..

[bk2life]

....and now they are all red

[bk2life]

Getting it ready for transporting to the exhaust shop for custom up and rear headers

[syborg tt]

Nice progress.

Makes me want to go out the garage and work on my car


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[bk2life]

Took the trans out to vegas to have a rebuild done on it for the power levels im planning on putting through it..

[bk2life]

The March accessory kit arrived...
took all the parts out, inventoried, and dropped off to the powder coater to be stripped and coated red..

The alternator, PS pump and AC compressor will all stay black.

Only waiting on the turbos now.

[bk2life]

Nice progress.

Makes me want to go out the garage and work on my car

thank you..

not as fast as id like, but, i have so much work in the shop and not enough (good) workers..

[bk2life]

Trans is ready for assembly....

[bk2life]

.....mo red for the ole gurl

[bk2life]

started installing the front accessories so we know there is not interference for making the new exhaust manifolds

[bk2life]

trans is built

[syborg tt]

Nice progress


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[bk2life]

So yesterday I had a new guy stop by and I gave him some things to try out to see if he can handle power tools the way he says he can.

First up was to Take Alice's 2001 model year doors and cut the upper window frame off, and the door skins.
This would be in preparation to put the 1963 Scout door skins onto the S10 door shells.

He did what was asked of him, and in a pretty quick manner.

He is coming back today to see what else he can do.

I pulled the skin of the scout door and mocked it up on the S10 door. The S10 is about 4 inches longer than the scout skin. This brings up a few ideas. stretch the scout frame and rockers 4 inches to accommodate the s10 door jambs, and gain some interior room, or cut the door shell and shorten it to fit the Scout skin better.

I'm nearly 90% positive I'll stretch the scout body and chassis to gain the needed room.

Here is a few pics of whats going on for a visual. And yes ill be keeping the square S10 door and making the scout skin fit it instead of having the 40 degree chop out of the lower rear skin.

This will be the last major modification to the body. The only thing left is chopping the roof (s) to match the windshield, but that's not happening for some time.

Oh, and incase you missed it, I'm putting the entire S10 door jamb (A pillar, rocker and B pillar) into the scout. But I'm putting the 'drivers door' on the passenger side of the scout and passenger door on the drivers side of the scout. This way, it will have suicide opening doors using all the factory S10 hinges and door latche assemblies..

[bk2life]

...having a little fun

[bk2life]

Broke down the suspension and painted it all red.
Will powder coat most of the pieces when we powder coat the chassis, but for now it's spray painted.
Still need to order the tall upper ball joints, this is why these are painted, as they'll be replaced.

Would like to order a quick ratio gear box with the billet upper plate so I can add some red there as well..

[bk2life]

....and this is how it will stay until we tear the entire thing back down to a bare frame and finish welding, grinding, fitting and whatever needed before powder coating.

This weekend the vehicle goes to get the custom header built.

The trans is being delivered from vegas on friday.

Then I have to wait until the turbos are mounted

[bk2life]

dropped it off for the custom turbo manifolds to be built

[bk2life]

...the stainless pieces and parts have arrived for the turbo manifolds and the first few tack welds have been started.

when i get some pics i will post them up.

[bk2life]

ordered up wastegates, o2 bungs and some airfilters for the turbos

[bk2life]

they shop is fitting up the location of the turbos to start building the headers, waste gate location and downpipes..

[bk2life]

got a few pics, exhaust should be finished in another week or two...

[bk2life]

slowly comin along....

[WSSix]

Oh, shiny new pipe pieces. Very nice.

[groovyjay]

This just keeps getting better and better... wow!

[bk2life]

This just keeps getting better and better... wow!

Thanks man, much appreciated..
I picked it up and brought it back from the 'exhaust shop'

just happened to be a IH event about an hour away from the shop so i went there to make some purists a bit unhappy.

lol

[bk2life]

ahhhh

Aliceson is back in my possession from being at the 'exhaust shop' getting the headers, down pipes and wastegates all built..

It's all stainless to the sides of the transmission, and then i have mild steel to the rear.

here is a few quick pics..

[bk2life]

Im getting closer to settling on final colors...
---its hard to depict that gold in a drawing

[bk2life]

paint has arrived...

now to spray a few panels to see if i like it

[bk2life]

...been slow, it's supposed to hit 115 degrees today.

Not fun fabrication weather.

[bk2life]

well been slammed with work, wishin it was on my scout but thats how the cookie crumbles sometime..
Here is a paint job i finished up for the 4th

[syborg tt]

Still waiting to see the painted samples

[bk2life]

Still waiting to see the painted samples

i had some time to prep the door jambs and a few other parts and sprayed some sealer over them. Once i find some time, i need to start drilling all the spot welds to separate the actual 'door jamb' from the outside of the cab and bottom inner rockers.

Remember these are the jambs from Alice, that are being reversed and then installed into Aliceson. I have just been busy with customers cars and no real free time to work on my own stuff lately..

Along with the door jambs, was able to prep some other Scout II parts. And sprayed some sealer on the mini scout i had won at the rendezvous 6 months or so ago.
This mini scout was made by (https://customscoutsdotcom) up in canada.
I have since cut the top off to mimic my build obviously.
Tomorrow i should be able to sand down the mini scout and spray some of the color i had mixed for it to see how it looks...

[bk2life]

OK here it is..


Rare 1972 GM Mojave Gold with all the bright red trim, parts and other goodies..

[bk2life]

....also been messing around with my TA hood

[bk2life]

in a few weeks, we are finally supposed to have no more triple digit weather..

been busy with customers vehicles, and looking forward to getting back into my scout.

I feel bad its been sitting all this time, but, the rear air bags are still keeping the body up, when the front went down some time ago. I'm pretty impressed.
lol

-hope everyone is doing well

[bk2life]

Wooohoooo

1 OCT--spooky season !!

we have been under 95 for about 2 weeks now.

its beautiful outside.

Ive got a t bucket im doing some red candy flames on, and then an orange mach 1 for paint, and a scout ii waiting for a few repairs right after.

I'll be able to get my scout back on thefab table and finish up the chassis.

Im excited so much to do..

I need money. lol. maybe ill start a gofund my scout page. :)

hope you all have been well

[bk2life]

painted this one last week..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5Vt8H3KlBw

[preston]

Wow that looks great I love it ! Nice work.

[bk2life]

moved some things around, so pulled this out for a quick pic

ive got 2 more in front of it, then i can get back to hammering on it again

I hate to see my own stuff sit, but customers are #1

[bk2life]

sometimes it sucks to have work and not be able to do things on your own vehicle..

but i guess if i said the opposite i would be in a world of hurt with the bill collectors.

I hope everyone is happy and healthy during this holiday season...

[bk2life]

This past weekend I was able to get some time on my scout finally.

Removed the rear axle and sent it and several other parts out for snad blasting.
It was painted to match my old truck, but now that it’s going to be painted red, its needs stripped down, epoxied and prepped for paint.

Been slowly drilling out the spot welds on the new door jambs as id like to start getting them positioned in place for my giant pipe dream..

I have not figured out a radiator. Id like to use a GM truck like 2010 or so radiator and fan assembly. I’ll be running the engine on a P59 computer, so I can’t get into the super cool PWM fans that all the late model stuff is using. That one single camaro fan is like 65 amps and 5500 CFM at full pull… that’s an amazing amount of air.

The street rod left last week, and were finishing up a vintage air install on a 69 camaro.
A real nice 65 chevy II with a 540ci bbc, came in for some brake work as well.

If I don’t get back in here in time, I wanted to wish you all out there a Merry Christmas, happy holidays, and a bitchen New Year’s to Y’all !!

[camcojb]

Congrats on the progress, and Merry Christmas to you!!