1979 International Harvester Scout

[crabbey1]

Hey guys. I am looking for an affordable vintage tow vehicle with some style to tow the 76 Argosy with. I came across one of these
1979 International Harvester Scout



I have never really seen one before but as soon as I saw it I was interested. I saw some ads from the time period and saw that they were marketing them to tow Airstreams and Boats instead of the cars that were currently being used... Des anyone here know much about them? I found one with what it describes as a heavy duty tow package on a 1 ton dually axel... Any thoughts? I know this is vague but I am just now starting my research...

[noreen&sal]

I owned a 1978 Scout (on a stock 1/2 ton chassis). I loved driving it, but I never towed more than a utility trailer or small boat trailer. Very short wheelbase. Check the points where the body bolts to the chassis for rust. Sal

[crabbey1]

Thanks Sal. Appreciate the info.

[reinergirl]

Also be aware of the fact that insurance will be difficult with a vintage tow vehicle.

Insurance aimed at the vintage car market almost always excludes towing.

[crabbey1]

Good tip. Thanks.

[crabbey1]

I looked into the wheel base issue. From the info I found, the Scout has a 100 inch wheel base and my current tow vehicle has a 105 inch wheel base. The Scout has a much more capable engine and tow package though... Seems like a decent step up from my current standing, but maybe I am too worried about style and not function...

[overlander63]

How much are a set of points and condensor for the scout??
How much is a fuel pump?
How much are brake calipers?
How much are universal joints?
How much is an alternator?
And where in the world are you going to ge any of it on a Saturday afternoon when you are towing your trailer?

[m.hony]

I say go for it.
You may only find parts online or have to adapt parts from other cars- but that's half the fun-

[dcheshire]

that's my dream car, I had one and sold it.

that said, there's no stability control/etc.

there aren't points, 79 was electronic ignition. note that IH went under about 30years ago, so parts are tough.

[Thalweg]

I worked on a lot of them back in the early '80s. My memory isn't the best, but it seems like they used a lot of parts from AMC, which won't be any easier to find. But it seems like there were a lot of GM parts too.

[m.hony]

Parts will be definitely hard to find. I have trouble finding parts for a 1978 Jeep CJ-5. Parts from other cars can sometimes be made to work with some modification/adaptation/customization/favrication.

[m.hony]

Go for it, but don't solely rely on it for towing- always have a plan B...

[crabbey1]

Well, that seems to be a no go for now then. Maybe it can be a daily driver/fun vehicle later on in the future. For now I need a reasonably priced and capable tow vehicle for the Argosy. If it has some cool vintage style, that is a huge plus. If anyone has any recommendations, I have my ears open...

[m.hony]

What about a K-5 Blazer/Jimmy or Bronco of the same vintage- or Suburban or Club Wagon/Econoline?
Or a full-size GM/Ford/Mopar wagon from the 60's, 70's, or 80's? Ford Country squire/Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser?
Or a full,size GM/Ford/Mopar sedan of that same era?
Or a Tornado/Eldorado/Riviera?
All of the above would have easier parts availability.
Also, the Scouts did tend to rust really bad/prematurely.

[Ganaraska]

If I was looking for a vintage tow vehicle I would keep my eyes peeled for a full size Chev Caprice or Impala station wagon from the 80s. They are built heavier than the sedans with wheels, brakes and suspension the same as a half ton pickup. But all the comforts of a car.

Chev parts and repairs are easy to get anywhere, even for a car from the 80s or 90s at least compared to other makes.

Pontiac Buick and Olds full size wagons are basically the same.



A Scout would be about the last I would chose. They are not a very good tow vehicle and the parts situation impossible.

[crispyboy]

Would need a few pics of what your working with.
If your a decent mechanic or desire to be one then this would be an ok vehicle, it will probably take some work to get it shape and more work to keep it reliable.
I have not worked IH vehicles but were probably similar to AMC jeeps at that time frame. In 1979 Jeep used Motorcraft dura spark ignitions, GM auto transmissions, amc motors, Motorcraft carb, GM charging system, Dana axles etc. all these parts are relatively common at a good parts house. Go to a mom/pop autuparts store. The zit faced kid at Autozone will just stare at you.
If the vehicle has a prestolite ignition or points and condenser swap it out for a Pertronix ignition for reliability.
Good luck!

[crabbey1]

Well after researching some of m.hony's options and a few others, I realized a few things...

The wagons are too long. I have a very narrow driveway with a scement wall on one side and a cliff on the other. I would never be able to turn the trailer in the manner I need to with those long wagons...

Also, some of the trucks do not have back seats. I will need some back seat area for the dogs to ride.

I am fairly interested in the Chevy c10 and the Ford f100. Both have cool style in the late 60's and early 70's, but I am not sure if I can find one with extended cabs.

Anyway, I am getting closer. Appreciate all your sugguestons!

[Ganaraska]

An extended cab pickup will be longer than a station wagon. A standard cab pickup will be just as long as a station wagon.

I don't know what kind of vehicle to get but a Scout or SUV type vehicle with short wheelbase and high off the ground will not be very stable at hiway speeds.

Minivans have a long wheelbase and short body and make good tow vehicles. I know that is not the style you have in mind.

[masseyfarm]

What you need is a 68-72 Chev/GMC Longhorn, 3/4 for towing with the leaf spring suspension and heavier axle.

The Longhorn had a 8'6" box which would allow you to use an addon box mounted sleeper/canopy for the dogs. The 133"WB would give you great ride and handling.

Now you would be riding in style.



Chevrolet C/K - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I still have my original 67 GMC 1/2 in the yard with hopes of someday restoring it. They were great old trucks.

Dave

[willapus]

I was talking to my trailer hitch guy about my old '68 IH travelall, like a suburban, when he emphatically stated that the scout was the worst tow vehicle he ever set up. The wheel base was too short. He loved the truck and told some story about nearly getting it stuck in the Mississippi River with one, but somehow made it back out. The drivetrain is stout and most parts are available, but you just need to know which parts they used on your truck.