SoCal Scout

Moses Ludel I really appreciate your comments. I love this Scout 80 and want to keep it as original as possible. Had only 3,800 original miles when I purchased it in 2021 and it drives like a new 1963 SCOUT. In great running condition. This SCOUT was kept by a trucking company in a large city. It is possible that it may have only been used in the yard. Low top speed with a snow plow attached could have deterred previous owners from using it as a runabout vehicle. I plan to use it as a runabout vehicle for now, but would like to head to the mountains now or then. Have a feeling that most Scout 80s have been modified. Currently have only driven short distances maybe 10 miles from home. I still have the snow plow mechanism but without the actual plow attached to it. So far no issues on surface streets with 45 MPH speed limits. Tight turns are difficult (a hand full). Also yes must be completely stopped to downshift to 1st gear. I do like driving the vehicle just the way it is now, with the 3 speed and 4.88 axle gearing. Was thinking of changing to a 4 speed if possible or adding an overdrive if possible. Sounds like changing the rear axle to a 3.73 ratio would help with top speed. Vehicle is 4WD. I have the 1963 build sheet at home so I should be able to see what was installed. Power steering and a brake conversion would be nice but I am getting used to what I have. I an not letting anyone else drive the SCOUT. It is a handful sometimes. Handful like, avoid hard left turns, especially without wearing a lap belt. Slid right off the factory installed drivers bucket seat onto the floor. Good thing I kept both hands on the steering wheel for a quick recovery. I have the steel travel top (good for winter) and it is a WALKTHRU unit with the bench seat. Looking forward to taking the top off next summer. Also the only paint or body work done to the vehicle is the in the driver side floor well due to rust. Seems to be metal all around because it is just now starting to show signs of rust. Don't want to repaint but want to stop the rust. HAPPY HOLIDAYS. Anyone else out there want to share info on their SCOUT 80.

I am a new SCOUT 80 owner. I have a very low mileage 1963 SCOUT 80. Almost all original equipment. Truck is reliable, (so far) & driving is fun, but challenging. Very noisy. Top cruising speed is about 50. So stay off the freeway. The old three speed does shift like an old truck. Need both hands to steer. Do need tob stand on the breaks to stop fast. Other than all that it is fun to drive. I can see why the Scout 80 was upgraded in later years. Scout 80 I bought had the Myers plow as an option. Plow is off the vehicle - extra weight. Still trying to figure out what all the knobs are for. I seem to have more knobs than what is shown in the manual. The knob on the dash with a "T" seems to be a throttle. Got me thinking, maybe I got cruise control on my 63 Scout. Just get into 3rd gear and pull out the hand throttle and see what happens, or not!!! Hope my insurance company doesn't read this. Love the old wipers. Not sure if the heater works, would think that if it was used as a snow plow it would have a good heater. Have original seats. No passenger side mirror. Lap belts look like an after-market add on item. Muffler located under passenger side floor gets burning hot & melts plastic under seat. Also why do I have a Briggs & Stratton key for my SCOUT? Why upgrade? Want to hear from other SCOUT 80 owners.