Scout History

The International Harvester Scout was one of the first production American civilian off-road sport utility vehicles (SUVs). It was originally created as a competitor to the Jeep, and similar to that vehicle, early models featured fold-down windshields. The first generation Scout and second generation Scout II were produced as two-door vehicles with options of a half cab pickup truck or a removable full hard or soft top. Scouts were manufactured from 1961 to 1980 in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

There were several production models of the Scout:

International Harvester had been building trucks, pickups and later Travelalls since 1907. In the late 1950s, they began a design plan to produce a vehicle to compete with the Jeep CJ. By late 1960 the first Scout was available: the Scout 80, with a 1961 model year.

According to Ted Ornas, the chief designer of the Scout,

"...the market potential for a 4 wheel drive recreational vehicle was an unknown quantity in the early 1950s. The only such vehicle offered in the post-war period was the Willys Jeep, a version of the military jeep produced for World War II. It was a flat-sided bare-bones product, and American military personal learned to appreciate its ability to maneuver over rough terrain. Sales volume was very low. In early 1958 we were directed to develop a concept proposal to enter this small market of that time. So help me, Mr. Reese, manager of engineering, said 'design something to replace the horse.' There was no product definition to use as a guide. It was even proposed to use the defunct Henry J body tooling. Compound body surfaces were considered too far out for this type of vehicle. The military jeep was thought to have the correct appearance. Our design sketches with the flat-side, no contour look never excited the executive committee. The program began to die. One night while sitting at our kitchen table (full of frustration and desperation), I dashed off this rough sketch on a piece of scrap mat board. It had contoured sides and was designed for plastic tooling. The next morning it was shown to a committee member. He reviewed it with controlled enthusiasm, but revived interest in the program. We were off and running. Goodyear produced many plastic parts for WWII and had formed a large plastic engineering group. We entered a program with them, a scale model was vacuum formed to simulate body assembly. This model received executive approval for appearance. By July 1959, Goodyear completed their costing and, because of the high costs, the plastic program was cancelled. By this time the contoured design met with executive approval and a decision was made to convert the body design to steel. Starting in late July 1959 a full size clay model was completed, and in November 1959, it was approved. Looking back, it was a remarkable program with fast paced engineering and manufacturing developments. The total development time of 24 months was an heroic achievement considering the concept was unique and no in-house engine or manufacturing was available or even considered when the program started.

"The first Scout was introduced in 1960. A concept for its replacement was initiated in 1964 and approved for production in mid 1965. The Scout II was introduced in 1971. The basic sheet metal remained the unchanged until production stopped on October 21, 1980. During the 20 year period (1960-1980) 532,674 Scouts were produced. The Scout, introduced as a commercial utility pickup in 1960, set the stage for future 4-wheel drive recreational vehicles of the '70s, '80s, and '90s."

Scout 80s were built between 1960 and 1965. These models were identifiable by removable sliding side windows in 1960-1961 and even some very early 1962 models, a 152 4-cylinder engine, a fold-down windshield, vacuum windshield wipers mounted to the top of the windshield and an IH logo in the center of the grille.

The Scout 800 replaced the 80 in late 1965. 800s were built from late 1965 to 1968. These models had many improvements in comfort and design, including bucket seats, better instrumentation and heating systems, optional rear seats, and optional 196 4-cyl, 232 6-cyl, or 266 V-8 engines. A turbocharged version of the 152 4-cylinder (the 152-T) was offered from 1965-1967.

1969 saw the introduction of the 800A, which replaced the 800. Improvements included more creature comfort options, a slightly different front end treatment, drive-train upgrades (heavier rear axle and quieter Dana 20 transfer case) and the 304 V-8 option.

The last of the 800 series was the 800B, available for only part of 1971 before it was replaced with the Scout II. Identical to the 800A other than in minor cosmetic details, it was produced only until the Scout II was in production.

IH introduced a line of special "dolled-up" Scouts. The first was the Red Carpet Series, celebrating the first 100,000 Scout manufactured by IH. This model had a red interior with a white exterior, full length headliner, a personalized medallion with the words inscribed: "100,000 Red Carpet Series Scout By International" affixed to the door. IH offered the Sportop edition Scout 800, which had a slanted sporty type canvas or fiberglass top. The Champagne edition was a "dolled up" Scout 800. Later the Scout 800 A & B came out with the Aristocrat, SR-2, Comanche, and SnoStar models. Each of these Scout packages had their own special paint and decals with many options making them special and above normal models.

          

 

Information furnished by Howard Pletcher.
Here are some of the changes that occurred from year to year that will help identify each year of Scout II production. There are some other changes that could be noted, but these are ones that I could positively identify. Note that the model year change usually took place around July of the previous year.

(1961-68 History from someone's web site at www.uidaho.edu)

1961 Scout 80
This was the first year for the International Scout with the first Scout serial number FC501 off the line in December, 1960. This revolutionary automobile was available in both 2 and 4 wheel drive. They had 100" wheelbases, 2 removable side doors, fold-down windshields, premanent bulkheads, and a choice of Half Cabs or full Traveltops. The windshield wipers were mounted on the top of the windshield and were
vacuum powered. The door windows were sliding and could be completely removed. Instrument
panel included a speedometer, water temperature gauge, and fuel gauge. Idiot lights monitored the generator and oil pressure. Scouts had only one engine/transmission combination, a 152 cubic inch slant 4 with 83.4 horsepower (half of the
304 V-8) and a 3 speed transmission. Dual lever Dana 18 transfer cases and Dana 27 axles front (in 4WD models) and rear took care of the rest of the driveline. Power Lock front and rear differentials were available.

1962 Scout 80
By the fall of 1962, the 50,000th Scout had rolled off the assembly line. Bulkheads were
removed from the Traveltop models to allow for easier access to the rear of the vehicle. Front bucket seats and a rear bench seat became available to make room for extra passengers. Both half-cab and full-cab soft tops became an option due to popular demand.

1963 Scout 80
Many small improvements were made on the 1963 Scout 80. Roll-down windows became an option with improved window and tailgate seals. There were new seats, tops, and tire carriers, even built-in seat belt mounts. New and improved
wiring made the vehicle safer. A Walk-Thru kit became available for individuals who wanted to convert their old bulkhead Scouts into walk-through versions. Plus PCV valves and attempts towards rust proofing showed the overall efforts International was making toward improving the Scout.

1964 Scout 80
The 100,000th Scout rolled off the assembly line in September, 1964. Two special edition Scouts were produced because of the significant sales number. They were called the "Red Carpet" Scout and the "Champaign" Scout. Both were sold in
limited editins and included special features to separate them from the average Scout. A turbocharged version of the Commanche engine became available with 111 horsepower. 1964 gained
few changes from the previous year.

1965 Scout 800
The Scout 80 was replaced by the new Scout 800. The exterior was slightly changed with the addition of an aluminum grille and a rectangular International emblem in the middle of it. An IH emblem was added to the front of the hood. Except
of the introduction of an optional 4 speed transmission (Warner Gear Model T-18), the frame
and drivetrain remained unchanged and the 152 cubic inch 4 cylinder was still the only available engine. The fold-down windshield was replaced with a fixed windshield and the interior received an upgrade. The instrument guages included a speedometer, oil pressure gauge, water temperature gauge, ammeter, and fuel gauge. The
vacuum powered windshield wipers were moved to the bottom of hte windshield and had variable
speeds. Roll down windows and wing windows became standard on the doors. A new two spoke steering wheel replaced the old four spoke one. The swivel type door handles were replaced with new push button ones and the tailgate pins were
replaced with a one- handed release lever. These changes helped to modernize the Scout.

1966 Scout 800
The big news for 1966 was the addition of a new engine to the lineup. A 196 cubic inch slant 4 (half of the 392 V-9) with 111 horsepower was added. A new Sport Top model was offered in both a soft top and a fiberglass hard top. I came in a fastback style to give the Scout more of a coupe look. This was the first year the Scout had competition with the introduction of the new ***** Bronco.

1967 Scout 800
A V-8 was inroduced as another optional engine during March of 1967. It was a 266 cubic inch engine with154 horsepower and 227 lb/ft of torque. The engine was badly needed to compete with the V-8 ***** Bronco. A new, stronger Dana 44 rear axle replaced the Dana 27 to hold up with the new engines. A dual master cylinder brake setup was added to increase safety while braking. AMC introduced the Jeepster Commando to
compete with the Scout.

1968 Scout 800
The 1968 Scout remained virtually unchanged from 1967. The only noticeable changes were the discontinuance of the 4-152 cylinder engine and a two piece steering column replaced the one piece unit.

1969 Scout 800A
The 800A model featured mostly trim variations from the 800. The rear side windows in the Traveltop was enlarged and rectangular headlight bezels with black centers were used. The AMC 6-232 engine was offered as an option. Limited production Aristocrat and SRII models were offered.

1971 Scout 800B
The 800B had rectangular marker lights in place of the round reflectors on the 800A. Other changes were minor trim variations from the 800A--the headlight bezels were all chrome, the location of the IH on the front changed. The limited production Comanche model was offered.

Scout II
1971. First production 4/19/71. Grille shell painted body color (pre-production units were dark gray) and had 3 horizontal slots. 4-196, 6-232, 6-258, V-304, and V-345 engines, T-13/14 3 speed, T-44/45 4 speed, T-39 Warner Gear Automatic transmissions, FA-13 Dana Model 30, FA-44 Dana Model 44 Front Axles, RA-18 standard and
RA-28 Trac-loc Dana Model 44 Rear Axles. 3.31, 3.73, and 4.27 ratios available. Spring ratings 2200# and 2400# front, 2000#, 2000#HD, and 2500# progressive rear. Black vinyl upholstery and
dash standard, blue, sage, black, and red nylon optional.

1972. Grille shell changed to silver, rear seat back angle revised to be more vertical. 6-232 engine dropped.

1973. Grille changed to vertical bars, divided in the center, painted body color, thin chrome "pencil" trim around halves of grille. Vertical ribs added to rear inner panels to stop drumming (running change during year). 4-196 engine dropped, T-407 Chrysler automatic transmission and TC-143 chain drive transfer case offered. Finned front brake drums in front, optional console and clock. Spring ratings 2500# front and 2700# rear available. Merchandising kits for optional stripes appeared.

1974. Chrome overlay over the 1973 vertical bar grille, square mirrors replaced round. Dual exhaust standard with V-8's. FA-44 standard (but FA-13's were substituted on some vehicles due to a shortage of FA-44's). Disk brakes standard on front with 6" rims replacing the 5.5" to provide caliper clearance. 7" chrome wheels and radial tires offered. Front sway bar standard on 1/1/74. White and woodgrain vinyl side applique panels and a wide white stripe applique at the bottom of the sides available.

1975. Same grille as 74, but with square headlight bezels added. XLC (Xtra Load Capacity) model designations introduced to avoid emission requirements of lighter duty models. Springs ratings of 3100# and 3200# on the front, and 3100# and 3100# progressive rears offered to reach the required 6100# GVW rating. 4-196 engine re-introduced in place of 6-258. V-345A engine with some lighter-duty features replaces standard V-345. 3.07, 3.54, and 4.09 axle ratios offered. T-427/428 4 speeds and T-332 3 speed with synchronized low gears introduced. Tanbark vinyl interior standard, optional Saddle, Tanbark, Parchment, Wedgewood Blue, and Ivy of woven vinyl offered. Woodgrain dash trim, "Mid-high" back bucket seats (from the Chevette), optional low--profile rear view mirrors, stainless steel, non-adjustable whip radio antenna (mid-year), 4WD Engaged light, bezels, padded covers on console and rear inner
quarters added. Numerous items such as chrome bumpers and locking hubs standard. Side applique was continuous rather than separate panels.

1976. Grille is divided into 3 sections with horizontal bars in each section, chrome overlay standard. Traveler and Terra added, 100" pickup dropped. Non-turbo Nissan diesel offered. New side applique: Rallye, white, cork, and feathers. Rear springs re-arched to make rear sit level. "Selectro" locking hubs optional, steel fuel filler pipe in place of plastic, Spirit and Patriot models built.

1977. 2 horizontal slots in grille with 3 small vertical supports. Optional interiors now Saddle or Parchment vinyl and Tanbark or Wedgewood Blue nylon. 1/3-2/3 bench seat now folds on drivers side. Black Warn Lock-O-Matic hubs with spring loaded manual operation available, SSII introduced 3/77, 8" white spoke wheels with hardened front spindles offered.

1978. Same 2 slot grille used, but support bars are blacked out. New arm rests (from S-Series), Prestolite "Common Base" distributor with integral electronic ignition used after 10/6/77, 3.73 rear axle ratio optional, Tiempo All-season tires optional, plastic tail light and marker light housings after 2/78, Lock-O-Matic Hubs have steel ring in manual section replacing plastic 3/6/78. New appliques: Rallye has "hash" marks, white and woodgrain with pattern that varies from front to rear, stripe is now a thin stripe between the markers. Rustproofing improvements are gradually being made.

1979. Few or no visible exterior changes. New interiors:Black standard, Sierra Tan or Black vinyl and Russet or Highland Blue fabric in Custom interior, bolsters on high-back bucket seats, engine-turned trim on dash, carpeted door panels with map pockets and carpeted rear quarter panels, vinyl headliner, redesigned console lid with cup holders. Catalytic converter/no-lead fuel required, Thermoquad 4-barrel carb on V-345A, TC-143 single speed transfer case dropped, Terra not available as 4x2, Restricted option
list for 4-196 engine due to emission certification requirements, Engine oil cooler available. Selective Edition model with Brown or
Black paint, SSII grille, gold spoke wheels and Tracker tires, and a gold side stripe built.

1980. New plastic grille shell with square headlights. Standard window frames and bumpers are black instead of gray. New caster/camber specs for front axle (2.5 degrees and .5 degrees) to improve front tire wear. 15" styled steering wheel is standard, Nissan Turbo diesel is offered, polycast wheels, 2.72, 3.31, 3.54,
3.73 rear axle ratios, TC-146 Dana 300 transfer case, new air conditioner housing which is full width of dash (intro'ed during '79 model year). New applique:Rallye, Waves, Spear, and Flare styles. 85 mph speedo head in place of 100 mph, Scout decals on rear quarters, stick-on vinyl side trim in place of stainless steel, power steering is standard, black manual locking hubs with Scout id, no T-332 or T-427 deep low transmissions in Traveler, Tartan Blue is blue interior color, brushed satin trim on dash.