The Beginning

So I took the plunge. I got a bucket list item checked off. I finally got a project car. I found a 1977 International Harvester Scout II on Craigslist in Lancaster, KY and promptly snatched it up. It's a 3 speed manual and a 345 V8 in the hood. It was nice enough to follow me home.

 Now, going into what I know at the beginning of the restoration is as follows:

1. Extensive body work is needed, specifically the entire floor, some outer patches and a sealer of some type on the 35 year old frame.
2. The motor, a 345 V8, runs, but is finicky. I would say it's likely a carb issue, combined with neglect, perhaps some off timing and maybe some bad fuel/spark issues to chase.
3. The interior is crap.
4. The rear axle needs replacement. 

The previous owner (PO) had put a Chevy rear end on a spring-over-axle lift (see wonky alignment, above). He didn't know what ratio the rear end was and I'd like to not take the chance in torching the transfer case. It still has the original Dana 44 in the front, so I'd like to upfit the rear with another Dana 44, drop the lift and put back on reasonably sized tires and rims.

But first is first. Clean-up. So I started cleaning and working to remove the top from the car. By the end of night one I had the rear floor pan clean and the top wedged partially off. Three more screws and the entire ball of wax will come out.

Pop that lid

Day 2 will involve more cleaning, removing the top and accumulating everything for the first scrap run. I'm going to try and sell the top as is and recoup some of the investment. Soon enough I'll need a grinder and a welder, though.