1972 Scout II · Modernist
The 1972 “Beige” LS2 Scout II
- Power
- GM 6.0L LS2 V8
- Finish
- Sandstone Beige · Tan cabin
California Restoration Studio · NorCal + SoCal
Built for the
open road.
Hand-built International Harvester Scouts with vintage character, modern confidence, and a California-specific engineering standard.
The Build Registry · Completed Commissions
Six distinct Scouts.
One exacting standard.
A horizontally paced collection of completed commissions—each shaped around a different owner, road, and design direction.
1977 Traveler · Adventure Estate
The 1977 “Wine Country” Traveler
- Power
- 350ci V8 + EFI
- Finish
- Burgundy Red · Softopper
1973 Scout II · Restomod
The 1973 “Golden Year” 5.3L Vortec
- Power
- 5.3L Vortec V8
- Finish
- International Orange
1978 Scout II · Heritage
The 1978 “Skyline Blue” Heritage Edition
- Power
- IH 345ci V8
- Finish
- Skyline Blue · White top
1970 Travelall · Estate
The 1970 Travelall “Woody” Edition
- Power
- 392ci V8 + EFI
- Finish
- Classic White · Wood graphics
1976 Traveler · Coastal
The 1976 Vortec-Powered Scout II Traveler
- Power
- 4.8L Vortec V8
- Finish
- Matte Gray · Tan safari top
The Philosophy
A Scout should feel
original — only better.
We balance International Harvester character with the reliability, braking, cooling, wiring, comfort, and finish quality expected from a modern commission.
Heritage First
Period-correct cues and original IH identity remain central to every design decision.
Modern Reliability
Systems are engineered for real traffic, highway miles, California heat, and long-term serviceability.
Built to Be Driven
These are not trailer queens. Every Scout is road-tested and delivered with a documented build record.
The Restoration Journey
A visible path
from donor to delivery.
Owner visibility at every decision point
Each phase closes with documented work, a clear approval point, and a shared understanding of what comes next.
Scope & direction
Intake, Documentation & Discovery
We assess the vehicle, define its intended use, document condition, and establish the restoration path before a single system is disturbed.
- Vehicle assessment
- Owner brief
- Initial scope
Complete visibility
Frame-Off Disassembly
Body and chassis are separated as scope requires. Corrosion, wiring, paint, and mechanical systems are exposed, catalogued, and reviewed.
- Cataloging
- Condition review
- Chassis access
Structure & alignment
Heritage Metalwork
Original steel is preserved wherever practical while body lines, panel gaps, mounts, structural repairs, and corrosion protection are resolved.
- Structural repair
- Panel alignment
- Corrosion control
Systems engineering
Powertrain Synchronization
IH power or a modern upgrade is integrated with cooling, wiring, braking, steering, suspension, and California compliance planning.
- Engine integration
- Cooling & wiring
- Road systems
One cohesive specification
Master-Level Finish
Paint, trim, glass, upholstery, sound treatment, controls, and cabin systems are resolved together—not as disconnected upgrades.
- Paint & trim
- Interior craft
- System integration
Validation & handover
Shakedown & Delivery
The completed Scout receives road testing, calibration, final inspection, owner handover, and a digital record of the finished build.
- Road testing
- Final inspection
- Build record
Investment & Commission Tiers
Two paths.
One exacting standard.
Private commissions · From $100,000
Every Scout begins with a consultation and physical assessment. The final proposal reflects donor condition, metalwork, drivetrain, compliance, interior, and finish selections.
The California StandardIncluded in every commission.
Power & Precision
Engine planning around applicable California emissions and BAR requirements.
Comfort
Vintage Air and premium sound treatment for a quieter, composed cabin.
Safety
Four-wheel power disc brakes and premium LED lighting.
Craft
Hand-finished interiors and precise panel alignment beyond factory standards.
01
Tier 1Frame-On or Frame-Off Restoration
The Purist
Heritage-ledStarting at$100,000
For the owner who wants the stance, soul, and identity of the Scout preserved with the critical upgrades required for dependable California driving.
- Preservation-minded restoration direction
- Frame-on or frame-off scope after assessment
- Complete California Standard baseline
02
Tier 2 · Signature CommissionComplete Frame-Off Restoration
Go Modern
Zero compromiseStarting at$150,000
A total rotisserie rebirth for the driver who wants classic Scout soul with modern power, comfort, road manners, and long-distance reliability.
Review the signature scope
- High-Performance Heart: LS3/LT engine direction engineered for daily traffic and highway use.
- Precision Handling: Four-wheel power disc brakes and refined suspension engineering.
- The Power Pack: Power windows, central locking, and premium LED lighting.
- Studio Interior: Bespoke seating, custom upholstery, sound treatment, and Vintage Air.
- The Foundation: Rotisserie bodywork, Heritage Steel, prepared frame, and stainless hardware.
- Indicative timeline: 8–12 months after scope confirmation.
Starting prices are confirmed only after inspection, scope definition, and a written proposal. Regulatory approvals are issued by the relevant authorities, not by Scout Club CA.
Our Studios
Two locations.
One standard.
Private intake is available in Northern and Southern California. Both studios operate by appointment to protect active commissions and give each consultation dedicated time.
NorCal Studio
57 California Ave ↗
Pleasanton
San Francisco · Marin · East Bay
SoCal Studio
4851 York Blvd ↗
Highland Park
Los Angeles · Santa Monica · Pasadena
Both studios · Strictly by appointment only
Pacific
Coast
Coast
Parts & Components Registry
Correct parts.
Clear provenance.
Original IH bodywork, restored hard parts, rebuilt power, and complete upgrade paths—organized as a working registry with condition and fitment confirmed by the parts desk.
08 current listings
Verified condition & fitment
Nationwide parts shipping
Scout Journal
Research for
better decisions.
California compliance, engineering choices, restoration craft, and ownership perspective—now published inside the new Scout Club CA site.
View all five dispatches ↗
The Heritage Effect: How the Scout EV Is Driving Classic Values to New Heights
A revived nameplate can expand the audience for the original—but lasting value still comes from provenance, quality, and a build that can be used with confidence.
Read the dispatch ↗
Original IH Iron vs. the Modern LS
The right engine is not a popularity contest. It is a decision about character, road use, serviceability, compliance, and how the finished Scout should feel.
Heritage Metal
The most important restoration work is often invisible after paint. Original geometry, corrosion repair, and disciplined panel fit determine whether a Scout feels substantial for decades.
The Modern Vintage
Daily-driver confidence comes from dozens of coordinated decisions: fueling, cooling, brakes, steering, electrical reliability, cabin comfort, and disciplined validation.
California Smog and Your Scout
A practical overview of the 1975 exemption, later-model Smog Check obligations, and why an engine change must be planned around the BAR Referee process.
Before the first consultation
Six questions.
Straight answers.
Cost, timing, California compliance, powertrain direction, daily use, and logistics—the essentials owners usually need before a private intake.
Ask the studio
Final recommendations are confirmed after the vehicle and brief are reviewed.
The Purist begins at $100,000 and Go Modern begins at $150,000. The written proposal is finalized after donor condition, metalwork, drivetrain, compliance, interior, and finish selections are reviewed.
Timing depends on the donor and approved scope. A complete Go Modern frame-off commission is typically planned around an 8–12 month build window after scope confirmation and scheduling.
Model year, registration history, emissions equipment, and any engine change are reviewed before the drivetrain is specified. Later Scouts may require Smog Check and BAR Referee planning.
Related guide: California Smog and Your ScoutOriginal IH power favors heritage character and collector identity. A modern drivetrain favors highway use, diagnostics, and wider serviceability. The right path follows the owner brief—not a trend.
Related guide: Original IH Iron vs. the Modern LSYes—when cooling, fueling, wiring, steering, brakes, weather sealing, HVAC, and road validation are engineered as one system. Predictable behavior matters more than headline horsepower.
Related guide: The Modern VintageYes. The studio can help evaluate a vehicle, source a donor, and coordinate enclosed transport. Private intake is available in Pleasanton and Highland Park by appointment.
Private Build Consultation
Start with a
clear brief.
Tell us what you own, how the Scout will be used, and which commission path fits the goal. The studio reviews every brief before scheduling.
Pleasanton · NorCalHighland Park · SoCalBy appointment only
