Another project - a family owned rig since new in 78

Scooter

Scooter

Active member
Well, this is a nice suprise. To be able to work on a Scout that hasn't had the normal p.o. Virus problems that goes along with these iron heavies. Prety much un-molested. This 78 first came to me a couple months ago for some gasket replacement, and to help with previous shop work issues (some shop that used to be in san jose). The owner of this Scout has been doing what he can to maintaine it, due to some sentimental value, since his Dad purchased this Scout new in 78.

Something we been talking about for several months now is shackle reversal kit and better handling, among other things. Since this is a daily driver and 2 wheel drive (more discussion on that later), he wanted something more up to date.

They both arrived early this morning with parts on hand. Reversal kit, Bilstein shocks, spring eye bushings, body mount bushings, and tie rod ends.
 

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Is it done yet! Just kidding. Looking forward to the pics of the progress and test drive. I will be doing the this same thing soon.

Will the shackle reversal change your pinion/caster angles?
 
Lol. I wish it was that simple.

With all reversal kits I have installed recently, I haven't had any problems with the pinion angle. If there is anything, adding degree shims helps. Only real issue I experienced was after doing a SOA conversion, on my own personal Scout, I had binding at u-joint at front transfer case output yoke. A Tom wood's off-set u-joint solved that issue.

The shackles that come with the kit, so far has been matched to the front fangs(that get welded to the frame just under front bumper), which is also included in the kit(the fangs, not the shims). Only real change to the pinion/caster angles is where the sleve (that's included in the kit) is mounted/welded into the frame. The instructions that come with the kit is top notch.

Btw
I should add that this particular Scout is actually a two wheel drive. Which May change eventually. The owner of this rig and I have been in discussion about the possiblilities of a 4x4 conversion
 
I plan on doing my suspension upgrades in phases. Starting with the reversal, then the axle swap. Its nice to have well thought out kits with good instructions.

I see you have a 51 stude project. My 16 year old inherited a 52 stude champion over the summer. It runs, just need new steering box and 12v conversion.
 
Doing these upgrades is prety much how I have done most all my own Scout projects. This 78 is no different, because owner is seriousely considering converting to a 4x4. And we have been talking about it for several months. He is aware of the expenses and additional parts envolved now, at least for the most part. The shackle reversal kit I'm installing now won't effect any of those possible changes in the future.

Ahhh - the studebaker. If it wasn't for my inherrent fondness of working on these old scouts, I would definately be wrenching on my study sr5 truck. Only thing that's really holding me up on that project is debating which front independant front suspension I will be using. Good for your kid, best of luck to him in maintainiung it. The studebakers are, for the most part, more rare than the scouts.

Here's a little update to progressing in the reversal kit. Just mocking things up at the moment getting ready for good tack welds, so I can move over to the rear of the front leaf spring. More on that later. Kind of a before and after photo op.
 

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doc stewart said:
I have a friend that is a studebaker collector and restorer if you need information or other resources.
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I will keep this in mind. I, too, will be looking into some kind of steering along with what ever suspension I go with. Unfortunately, working on my studebaker is about 6 months to a year away. I currently have two Scout projects in the works, including this 78 that will be completed and out the door by Friday or Saturday. Then I need to get one of my own scouts running and drivable.

Made lots of progress on this 78 over the weekend. About the only thing left is the body mount bushings and tightening up loose ends along with paint of front part of the frame. I'll post a few more pics later in the week when I actually get to my computer.
 
Wow scotter that is one of the cleanest og scouts ive seen ! Great to see your so buisy helping others to bad you cant seam to get to your rigs . Just a note Jeff & Chad @ IHPA have great tecer data on all the kits they sell (ie cast angle changes ect ) cant wate for the next work day at your cave . Ill make a speical trip and bring some lockferd sausage for the bbq . :icon_mrgreen:
 
stacy's Dad said:
wow scotter that is one of the cleanest og scouts ive seen ! Great to see your so buisy helping others to bad you cant seam to get to your rigs . Just a note Jeff & Chad @ IHPA have great tecer data on all the kits they sell (ie cast angle changes ect ) cant wate for the next work day at your cave . Ill make a speical trip and bring some lockferd sausage for the bbq . :icon_mrgreen:
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Ty. It has been a real treat for me to work a totally unmolested Scout. And without all the normal po virus crap that we usually see on these ole scouts. This one has been fairly well maintained since his Dad purchased it new in 78. A few minor glitches from a.previous shop that used to be based in s.j. Over all it's fairly rust free. I did mention to the owner that he will wonder who's Scout he's driving after this round of upgrades. New Bilstein shocks, shackle reversal, new spring eye bushings, body mount bushings and steering linkage should do him just fine.
 
Well another successfull shackle reversal install. So far he is pleased. His last comment in text to my phone soon after he left - "very smooth"

and this is why I enjoy working on this ole rigs. As I mentioned before, it was a real treat to work on this particular Scout with out all the headaches of dealing with the typical po virus
 
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