OK so my 75 SII is almost done and I have started looking for my next project. After seeing all the 80\800's here I think that is where I want to go. So before I go looking, school me on what would be the best to start with and why?
Drivetrain is not a big issue since I am planning on a 4.3 Vortec\th-350\Dana 20 with 3.15:1's. Will most likely go with SII width 44's front and rear. So all I will really be using is the frame and body.

only the 80 has the removable/fold down windshield - I think that is all ya need to know :p

only the 80 has the removable/fold down windshield - I think that is all ya need to know :p
True but only the 800's had a V8 option which makes motor swaps easier. Other than that it is a pick um.

considering he wants to run a V6 there should be plenty of room. I would be curious to see how different the firewalls are, I just don't see anyway to get my 5.0 in mine without some major firewall tubbin action.

Some things I found are the later 80's and the 800's have a kick panel vent, not sure if that is a big deal or not. The early 80's have sliding windows instead of rollup which would suck but they are interchangable. Early 80's have a solid bulkhead but I think that is only the first year or maybe two since my 63's don't have it. Dash is different - 800's have a pad and the earlier ones don't. Tailgate says IH instead of Scout on the later ones (Hey, I am just trying to think of everything).

I am pretty sure that your 80 and I have a history. Did Jeff hook you up with the one you have. All the paint stripped off? The major difference is the Radiator support. And the bulk head was only solid in the first couple of years.
Edit: Yup, I checked your pics, youo bouught that off my Dad. Sorry in advance:)

I am pretty sure that your 80 and I have a history. Did Jeff hook you up with the one you have. All the paint stripped off? The major difference is the Radiator support. And the bulk head was only solid in the first couple of years.


yep, was it yours?

my solution to the radiator issue - I did try to save it but it was just too close..

http://rcrc4x4.com/gallery/albums/scout80engine_electrical/2005_june19_019.sized.jpg

since you are already doing a swap on the complete drivetrain then my vote would be MODEL 80. That is what I have.

BEN W just had to ad a matching "hump" to the passenger tranny tunnel right below the dash...similar to the hump where the factory gas pedal mounts. That way there was room for the rear dump of the 472 caddy. Since you are using a 4.3 I don't see this as being an issue.

Fold down windshield is a great :grinpimp: yet functional feature. I will be highlighting a little modification that I am performing to mine soon. It basically allows the windshield to sit flat and not at an upward angle :shaking:

Cleaner dash is another reason I like the 80.

Fold down windshield is a great :grinpimp: yet functional feature. I will be highlighting a little modification that I am performing to mine soon. It basically allows the windshield to sit flat and not at an upward angle :shaking:

Cleaner dash is another reason I like the 80.


As in cutting off that latch and lowering it?

As in cutting off that latch and lowering it?

Yes...actually removing that entire hunk of sheet metal...:shaking:

Then recessing the entire hood "U" hoop into the lip channel of the windshield frame. It has to go that far in so that it will sit parallel with the hood.

I am going to be using a clevis with quick pin attachment for securing it to the hood "U" loop.

I also am adding a clevis to the interior side of the windshield frame. It will link to a short "limb" or nipple off of the "a" pillar halo...near the center where the rear view mirror is/was.

This will allow me to forever remove the 3/8-16 bolts that are holding the frame up in position...and force the windshield frame to NOT contact my cage when going down washboards and faster trail driving...

....blang blang...clang clang clang...tinga blang clang....:shaking:

should turn out nifty.

BEN W just had to ad a matching "hump" to the passenger tranny tunnel right below the dash...similar to the hump where the factory gas pedal mounts.

:D I'm glad you think that is factory. That firewall/tunnel was hacked up on both sides. That "hump" the gas pedal is mounted to was added for clearance for the head of the 304 I originally had in there. The gas pedal is out of a '79 traveler. :) The firewall and steering column mods on that thing were a nightmare.

:D I'm glad you think that is factory. That firewall/tunnel was hacked up on both sides. That "hump" the gas pedal is mounted to was added for clearance for the head of the 304 I originally had in there. The gas pedal is out of a '79 traveler. :) The firewall and steering column mods on that thing were a nightmare.

::HYJACK ON::

Ahhh...fucker...It must be the shiny red paint on that side that makes it look factory. I forgot you had a 304 motor in there before the 472.

Looks fine either way.

It appears the nightmare worked out ok...for now the Caddy column funktions sweet...what was the issue...keeping it close to center of the drivers seat?

On another note...

I am getting my Switch Pitch TH400 rebuilt...including the converter. The rebuilder says that it is treated just like a normal rebuild. For then I don't have to worry about the voodoo gut swapping that happened in that case biting my ass. I will be able to swap it right back in.

I will be retaining the Switch Pitch pump, guts, and functions...:smokin:

I will be revising the cooler layout though...

::HYJACK OFF::


get an 80

::HYJACK ON::

Ahhh...fucker...It must be the shiny red paint on that side that makes it look factory. I forgot you had a 304 motor in there before the 472.


There was a can of Case/IH red tractor paint lying around the shop when I did that side. I had used it all up by the time I did the pass side 2 years later. :D

Mounting the steering column was a pita because I had to notch the dash, figure out how to mount it at the top & bottom, and clear the head, manifold, frame and motor mount, without angling the column sideways and keeping it somewhat centered with the seat. The factory column went through the hole where your tach now resides.

Good luck with the tranny swap, let me know if you need assistance with anything, or if you come across something that makes you go WTF? :cow: