1963 Scout 80 resto-mod

[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]

Originally Posted by 214Chevy

Nice...

thanks, lots of work still to go..

Originally Posted by syborg tt

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.