1970 International Harvester Scout

6 cylinder

784817G367615

Clear

About five and a half years ago I was looking around the country for a solid international harvester scout 800 model to restore. I knew I wanted something rust free to start off with and there are only a select few states that I feel can provide that environment. Nearby the San Francisco Bay in California I located this special edition Aristocrat scout. The previous owner had this in his possession for almost 20 years in California and according to the original order form it was sold in Florida new. Over the next five years I would be doing the research, location of missing parts, and restoration of the truck and I'm pleased with the results. In 1969 international harvester introduced the Aristocrat scout package building a total of 2500. At the time there were more than 2500 dealerships in the USA so not every location received one. I've always loved the roof racks they came with, the two tone greenish silver-paired with blue green metallic paint on the hood/hard top, and unique blue interior colors. I have a copy of the original line set ticket confirming this scout is a real aristocrat doll up package. It was probably a late edition being titled as a 1970. It came factory equipped with the inline six cylinder motor and manual transmission. The thrift six Amc 232 cubic inch motor is my personal favorite in the scout 800s because they last forever, are easy to work on, and run really quiet and smooth. For interested parties I have pictures of the restoration process on file including the scout being rust free in its original state before ding repairs and paint. Even more rare than an aristocrat doll up package scout, is one as solid as this truck remains after nearly 50 years. This truck still has its original floors and exterior sheet metal! Even the pinch welds behind the rear tires are still perfect. I included pictures of the process along the way. I tried to use correct nuts and bolts from my parts trucks whenever possible!When I set out to do the restoration I wanted something I could drive to car shows that looked show ready. The paint and clear coat quality is just as good as any restored scout I have ever seen. Ppg paint and clear coat were completed in factory matched colors over three years ago and still shows well with minimal scratches and chips from minor wear and tear. All four door hinges were re-machined and re-tooled, then put back together with the Allen head bolts. The doors were hung correctly and now open and close like new. All the panels were removed and lined up when installed as best as they could. The window regulators were rebuilt or replaced so they would work smoothly again which is a common issue. So much to list I won't be able to remember it all.On the interior, the seats had the foam redone and were reupholstered with the closest high quality vinyl I could find to match factory colors. They should hold up better than the original seats. The door panels were cleaned up and kept original, but they are cardboard from 46 years ago so expect them to play the part. The dash was removed and painted along with the steering column and steering wheel. The interior floors were sanded, epoxy primed, painted, and carpeted. The interior of the hard top could still use some attention. I never got around to finding a shop that could rebuild a headliner.Some of the notable upgrades are as follows: it now sports front disc brakes instead of drums helping it to stop better than stock, it has electronic ignition instead of points, and it has a scout 2 four speed manual transmission/transfer case. It starts right up at the touch of the key and runs/drives/shifts quiet and smooth. It drives like any other scout 800 I've had, kind of like a tractor. You can go about 45 mph down the road and let go of the wheel, but it could probably use some camber adjustment and an alignment after all these years if you're picky. The twin 10 gallon gas tanks are both original and seem to be functioning ok. I've only run on the left side tank so far. The right side smells a little more like varnish so it could probably use a flush.The reason I've decided to offer my Aristocrat for sale is I have another project I want to start and little space to spare. I've been collecting and restoring scouts for almost fifteen years now and this one is a gorgeous example that any scout enthusiast would be proud to show or own. If you've followed the values on scouts you'll know that these are also a pretty safe investment as they've been bringing more and more money over the last few years.Just to clarify, this scout was not a frame off restoration. I'd consider it more of a body on restoration/preservation combination. It is being sold as is with no warranties. It is a beautiful example of a scout 800 model and there are very few aristocrats in existence as nice as this with factory sheet metal in place but there are still some areas that could use attention that just didn't bother me a whole lot as this scout never left inside storage in the years I owned it. I am a sucker for keeping some things original because I love the age and history behind the vehicle. The wheels, bumpers, or mirrors weren't rechromed they were polished or cleaned up and may still have pitting. Even though the windshield was replaced with brand new glass and seal, the other glass was left original. The tires are like new tread wise and have no dry rot but they aren't brand brand new. If I were to keep this scout there's a short list of things I'd probably get around to down the road that just weren't a big deal to me. The vacuum wipers aren't hooked up or plumbed. I'd go with an updated wiring harness like a painless brand and have a working upgraded stereo, also making sure all the gauges worked correctly. The truck runs and drives great but you could probably go thru it and replace some gaskets here and there and check over fluids as it has sat for some years on and off.I truly hope this truck finds a new home with someone that will continue taking care of it and enjoying it as much as I have. Your questions are strongly encouraged before bidding in the closing days. Don't hesitate to email and I'd encourage any local buyers to come and see it in person. I will assist as much as I can with shipping, and I'd highly recommend using an enclosed shipper for a truck of this quality. Payment preference would be cash or certified check. The title and vehicle will be released after payment is received and cleared.