The Scout Club SF Restoration Journey
Phase 1: Intake, Documentation & Discovery
Every project begins with a comprehensive vehicle health assessment at our San Francisco studio. We don’t just look for rust; we document the vehicle’s DNA.
● The Blueprint: We collaborate with the owner to define the build’s purpose—whether it’s a rugged Northern California trail-runner or a refined daily-driver Scout II.
● Digital Cataloging: Every nut, bolt, and original IH component is photographed and cataloged before a single wrench turns.
Phase 2: The Frame-Off Disassembly
True quality begins at the bare metal. We perform a complete frame-off restoration, separating the body tub from the chassis.
● Media Blasting: We use specialized media to strip away decades of paint and oxidation without warping the heritage steel.
● Chassis Engineering: The frame is inspected for straightness, reinforced where necessary, and treated with high-durability coatings (Powder-coat or Epoxy) to withstand the salty Bay Area air.
Phase 3: Heritage Metalwork & Structural Repair
This is where we separate ourselves from “patch-panel” shops. We prioritize the restoration of original steel over thin aftermarket replacements.
● Lead-Loading & Metal Finishing: We use traditional coachbuilding techniques to ensure perfect panel gaps and straight body lines.
● Rust Remediation: From cab mounts to rocker panels, we cut out the “cancer” and TIG-weld in fresh, heavy-gauge steel that matches the original International Harvester factory thickness.
Phase 4: Engine & Powertrain Synchronization
Whether you are keeping the original IH V345 or opting for a California Smog-Legal engine swap, our mechanical phase is about modern reliability
● Modernized Systems: We integrate modern wiring looms, high-efficiency cooling, and upgraded disc brake systems.
● Compliance: For 1976–1980 models, we ensure every modification meets BAR referee standards, giving you a high-performance build that is 100% street-legal.
Phase 5: The Master-Level Finish
Paint is the most visible part of our process, but the secret is in the “Block Sanding.”
● Show-Quality Paint: We use premium Glasurit or PPG systems, applied in a climate-controlled environment to ensure a deep, mirror-like finish.
● Interior Craftsmanship: While the paint cures, our team restores the dash, gauges, and seating using period-correct materials or bespoke modern leathers.
Phase 6: The "Shake-Down" & Final Delivery
A Scout Club SF build isn’t finished until it’s been tested on the hills of San Francisco and the highways of the North Bay.
● 100-Mile Quality Control: We put every vehicle through a rigorous “shake-down” period to tune the suspension, calibrate the EFI, and ensure every switch and dial operates with precision.
● Handover: You receive a complete digital build book documenting every stage of your Scout’s rebirth.
