\ Upgrades - early 97 | Tom Mandera's Big Sky Binders

Upgrades - early 97

Well, some upgrades have taken place to my "new" '77.. I purchased another roll-bar from Giddum Up Scout early in May, then over a one and a half day period, prepped, primed, painted, installed the roll-bar, then removed the top and drilled holes for the Bikini hardware! Whew.. This roll-bar fit better side-to-side, and my rear seat goes up and down. I also learned to drill two holes in the fender-mount plates, then used my Hi-lift to raise the body up, and get my drill in through the wheel well to drill the other two holes I couldn't get to from the top. NOTE: removing your wheels after putting your Scout on jack-stands would work better, but that requires more effort than just jacking it up.



My second Scout has claimed more $$$! First, my starter was missing the upper bolt.. and at the same time, developed a "dead" spot.. so I blew $65 on a rebuilt starter, solenoid, and an extra bolt.. some un-fun time in the rain, and I had 'er running again, and now it doesn't not-start in the grocery store parking lot! I also purchased a Smittybilt Bumper Thumper, and installed it. Note: You'll need some 6" carriage bolts to replace the stock 5.5" bolts. Also, sadly, my 6" KC Daylighters didn't fit on the provided mounting tabs.. the tabs are on the top of the middle 3" tube, and when the 6" Daylighters are put in place, the mounting hardware pushes the lights nose down. I had the local driveline shop machine out some 9/16" holes in the side of the 'Thumper, then mounted my lights on their sides. Works pretty well. I still don't have a lot of adjustment in the lights up or down, but I have 'em pretty close, and they do make a noticeable difference at night. Heck, my little gray Scout II looks pretty nice, with a black Bumper Thumper in front, with two 6" KC's, the black Bikini top on, windows rolled down, the retread mud/snow tires, factory hub caps (thanks Sele Scull!), and the numerous dents. Looks like it's time to run the Baja.. or something like that. I just need the SSII door inserts, and I'd have a real looker! :-)