International Harvester Four Wheel Camper [Archive]

silverscout

07-14-2008, 07:34 PM

After waiting close to 4 months, tons of e-mails and phone calls, the previous owner made the decision to sell his truck. I was able to purchase a 1977 Scout Traveler with the stock Four Wheel Camper. I am the third owner where as the second owner purchased the truck in 1985. It’s in excellent shape with very little rust. The best part is almost everything seems to work as it should. The truck is 2wd (hoping to make it 4wd soon), four cylinder motor with a four speed transmision. It has a stove, fridge, tabel and sleeps four. My goal is to modernize it a bit but I’ll keep you guys posted.

http://shim1.shutterfly.com/procgserv/47b8d930b3127cce98548a81a8fd00000047108QcNmzRq1bO
http://shim1.shutterfly.com/procgserv/47b8d930b3127cce98548a8fa8f300000047108QcNmzRq1bO
http://shim1.shutterfly.com/procgserv/47b8d930b3127cce98548a8c29c000000047108QcNmzRq1bO

Carlyle

07-14-2008, 08:35 PM

Keep us posted, that is a cool combo.

silverscout

07-15-2008, 01:03 AM

Thanks Carlyle. I just ordered a set of Lampstands LED plug in interior lighting (Thanks Northern Exposure). Seen here: http://jclampstand.com/index.php?md=products&category=rvtrailer

My next step is to re-carpet and re-laminate. The 70's theme ain't jiving with the wife. Got to keep the princess happy! :iagree:

Michael Slade

07-15-2008, 01:28 AM

Ooohhhh, please keep it stock-ish. Too sweet to chop up.

Way to be persistent and patient. Pays off in the end I think.

ntsqd

07-15-2008, 02:23 AM

A Terra with a 4 Wheel Camper? I'd call that a score!

I didn't know that the 4 cyl was offered that late. wow!

Redline

07-15-2008, 04:32 AM

Good find, I love it!

I have owned a few IHCs, a Terra Pickup/my first 4x4, one early 60s 2WD pickup, and a regular Scout II. I never knew they made what you have there. Nice :-)

silverscout

07-15-2008, 06:04 AM

Thanks guys. I hope to get everything set for a trip in the next month or so. I took the time to look for built up dirt and leaves. Guess what? I found some. Its funny that even the most scrutinizing owners can miss stuff.

http://shim1.shutterfly.com/procgserv/47b8d935b3127cce98548a8853a000000047108QcNmzRq1bO
http://shim1.shutterfly.com/procgserv/47b8d935b3127cce98548a8a53a200000047108QcNmzRq1bO

As for chopping it up and turning it into a monster truck, I doubt Ill go there. I do hope to throw some power steering in soon. I baisically would like to make it as comfortable as International Harvester will allow me. Would converting it to four wheel drive using all Scout parts be too non-stock?

kcowyo

07-15-2008, 06:07 AM

I've always liked the old school FWC and Chevy Blazer combo but I've never seen one on a IH Traveler before. That's great. You're going to have a lot of fun with that.

Happy trails - :beer:

spressomon

07-15-2008, 06:14 AM

Cool man cool! Huge potential I see! And no cover to sling over the top when it's 'break camp time' ;-).

Usal for maiden?

silverscout

07-15-2008, 06:26 AM

Thanks guys, I like it too.

The camper top literally takes less than a minute to pop up and is infinitely easier to take down compared to my Overland tent. Now if I can just find my bell bottoms.

Michael Slade

07-15-2008, 05:06 PM

...would converting it to four wheel drive using all Scout parts be too non-stock?

First off...you don't need my permission to do things to your truck, but that said, I do think that the 'stock' nature of the vehicle ought to be followed.

Power steering? Of course

4wd? If it were my truck, I'd try to source out every single IH/Scout part that would work before going 3rd party. If you can say you used all Scout parts (like you will when you do your power steering I presume...), it would be much cooler. Sort of like a factory option that was never offered.

Anyway, yeah, do your thing with your truck. I think you have a great idea of where to go. I'm not afraid of a Monster Truck Scout Camper Thing happening on your watch, so have at it...oh yeah, tons of pics when you do the 4wd conversion.

Nice! :luxhello:

silverscout

07-15-2008, 05:55 PM

Thanks for the input Michael, your opinion is always welcome. Luckily, there is a steady stream of IH parts for a conversion to take place. I can find most of what I need on Craigslist for relatively cheap.

Now adding all this weight (front axle and transfer case) might bog down the little 4 cylinder motor. Which leads me to part 2. I possibility of putting this camper on my current Scout looms in the back of my mind. I think it’s just a passing thought though.

The Silver Scout seen here:
http://shim1.shutterfly.com/procgserv/47b8da04b3127cce98548a8947ce00000017108QcNmzRq1bO

btggraphix

07-17-2008, 11:47 PM

That is a nice setup. Always loved Scout and IH stuff in general. A guy near my house has one of those old US Ski Team Scouts that's pretty rare...but you have a great setup. I've had two Scout frames at my house for quite awhile as I got interupted in the middle of swapping all my stuff to another frame and never finished it...one of these days I'll get to listing some of the stuff on Craig's List myself as it just sits. A lot of Jeepers seem to buy Scout parts (axles anyway.)

One of the frames I tore down (that was going to be the recipient of all my stuff) actually had the 4 cylinder, and was a 4x4. It had very little power but the gearing was all low enough to where it actually did surprisingly well. If you aren't going to giant tires or anything, I'd say start with the stock parts and system and you might actually be OK. On the other hand, you could probably put in a 345...I always wanted to track down a 392 (which I think was essentially your inline 4, with a second line of 4 to make it a V-8....same head from what I remember hearing?) As long as you stick to IH stuff I think you are being loyal to the rigs roots FWIW.... Have fun...nice rig!

Stan@FourWheel

07-19-2008, 05:35 PM

those are sweet vehicles

you have a classic on your hands

.

silverscout

07-25-2008, 06:45 AM

Thanks Stan, those photos are a great additions.

So I've gotten a little progress with the camper. I was able to lay down some new linoleum and carpeting (thanks Hoser). The old granny plastic runner, aftermarket carpet and old linoleum just wasn’t up to par. So a simple yet in keeping color scheme was chosen. I also added a set of LED replacement lights from the Jirah Company. It will replace two of the four interior light bulbs. Although I didn’t, I should of purchased an exterior light bulb for the porch. Still on the list of things is new tires, suspension, steering and batteries. Hopefully this will all be done before our Labor Day maiden voyage.

http://shim1.shutterfly.com/procgserv/47b8d905b3127cce98548b770bf200000047118QcNmzRq1bO
http://shim1.shutterfly.com/procgserv/47b8d905b3127cce98548b750bf000000047108QcNmzRq1bO
http://shim1.shutterfly.com/procgserv/47b8d905b3127cce98548b7e8acb00000047108QcNmzRq1bO
http://shim1.shutterfly.com/procgserv/47b8d905b3127cce98548b710bf400000047108QcNmzRq1bO
http://shim1.shutterfly.com/procgserv/47b8d905b3127cce98548b728ac700000047108QcNmzRq1bO

Northern Explorer

07-26-2008, 03:07 AM

Looking good so far. :clapsmile

MB309basket

07-26-2008, 07:40 AM

As for chopping it up and turning it into a monster truck, I doubt Ill go there. I do hope to throw some power steering in soon. I baisically would like to make it as comfortable as International Harvester will allow me. Would converting it to four wheel drive using all Scout parts be too non-stock?

Neat project.

I have the next body style older of International 4x4 pickup sitting behind my barn. It is a piece of cr*p.

My mechanic (who's truck it is) is going to harvest the motor/trans (a Mustang transplant that he has another use for) and roll the rest of the truck to the wrecking yard.

If you want the 4X4 parts, or anything else, p-mail me (soon). As a matter of fact, if you want the whole truck, you can have it (we have title in hand, registration is currently expired).

Probably if you want the motor in it (so you can drive it slowly and illegally home), the mechanic would sell it complete for the $600 range. If you want the carcass, I will give it to you free.

edit: Added pic

ntsqd

07-26-2008, 04:11 PM

Unfortunately Scouts are a narrower track width than a full size. They are close to the later "wide track" Jeep CJ's in track width.

As I've mentioned, I've a friend with Scouts. He may have what you're looking for. PM when ready for me to ask. We're both about 250-275 miles south of you, but I'm up that way time to time. Can always use it as an excuse to visit friends up there.....

1976K5Chalet

11-20-2008, 05:51 AM

Thnx for the pics. There is a blue scout that always seems to be going the other direction but has a 4wpc on it....always wanted to see one on a scout.

Of course if one waits long enough here in western colorado...your bound to see one of every pop top ever made...lol.

DW

silverscout

11-21-2008, 01:54 AM

Snap a pic, if you get a safe oppurtunity. I've only seen one other specimen in person, at Pismo beach of all places.

This was his truck. He's was (is?) an employee of Four Wheel Campers.

http://www.fourwheelcampers.com/newmiscpictures/tn_21_sm.gif

Scoutsider

12-07-2008, 07:25 AM

Great find, Sean. I somehow missed your posting back in July.

The camper looks more at home on a Traveler than the regular Scout II. There's much more room to get some of the weight in front of the back axle.

Here are a few pics from a Death Valley trip last week.

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg142/phillanueva/DeathValley2008151.jpg

http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg142/phillanueva/DeathValley2008216.jpg

Please let me know when I can see it in person.

-Phil

Funrover

12-08-2008, 07:43 AM

That is a sweet looking set up! I love the old IH set ups!

silverscout

12-09-2008, 05:14 PM

Looking good Phil! Very utilitarian. How about a trip write up? Now that your Scout is on the verge of be finished (are they ever?), can you post more pictures of the interior?

Scoutsider

12-20-2008, 07:37 AM

Looking good Phil! Very utilitarian. How about a trip write up? Now that your Scout is on the verge of be finished (are they ever?), can you post more pictures of the interior?

Thanks for the suggestion Sean. Here's a link to the write up:

21598

I would be very tempted to mount it on the Silver Scout... but a Traveler build-up would be awesome. How did your maiden voyage go?

The interior of my camper is in a very temporary condition and I haven't really worked on the Scout since February. Just a 3- day "cram" before the DV trip. After spending 6 days & 5 nights in the Scout, I am planning to completely re-configure the interior components (water tank, fridge, heater, etc.) and will post pics on my build-thread.

Please let me know if you'll be around next weekend or the weekend after. I can drive it up to SF.

-Phil

beast1210

01-06-2009, 01:31 AM

looking good, I too have a 77 terra, no camper but I scored the airway canopy for. Keep it up.

Binder Lou

01-06-2009, 04:36 AM

Sean, what are the odds. I met you at the IH Rallye in October. You loaned my a copy of Overland Journal. I subscribed and got my first copy about a week ago. That's where I found out about the Expedition Portal. I registered today and I was wandering around, clicked on International Harvester and lo and behold, there was your Terra. Thanks for sending me this way, there is a tremendous amount of information here so I'll be spending some time. BTW, I'm the guy in the yellow Scout parked near yours at the show.
You do have a nice truck. If you want some IH specific information, like should you convert the Terra to 4WD, check out the forums on www.ihonlynorth.com, some great technical help there.

Redline

01-06-2009, 04:49 AM

Boy that is a 'clean' AND yellow Scout. Nice :)

Welcome to the Portal.

Sean, what are the odds. I met you at the IH Rallye in October. You loaned my a copy of Overland Journal. I subscribed and got my first copy about a week ago. That's where I found out about the Expedition Portal. I registered today and I was wandering around, clicked on International Harvester and lo and behold, there was your Terra. Thanks for sending me this way, there is a tremendous amount of information here so I'll be spending some time. BTW, I'm the guy in the yellow Scout parked near yours at the show.
You do have a nice truck. If you want some IH specific information, like should you convert the Terra to 4WD, check out the forums on www.ihonlynorth.com, some great technical help there.

silverscout

01-14-2009, 03:56 AM

[QUOTE=Binder Lou;322368]Sean, what are the odds. I met you at the IH Rallye in October. You loaned my a copy of Overland Journal. I subscribed and got my first copy about a week ago. That's where I found out about the Expedition Portal. QUOTE]

Lou! Welcome aboard. Im glad you found it and found your own copy of OJ. Its hard to part with them. Kate and I are in Cambodia right now but when I get back I really want to get going on the old girl. Get her ready for a proper journey.

You know Ill be in contact. You seem to know the answers.

Sean

Super Doody

01-14-2009, 05:30 AM

muskyman

01-16-2009, 02:40 AM

gone

Ironduff

03-13-2009, 02:53 PM

Super neat, Silverscout! I suspect that was a rare bird back then, let alone now.

I've owned 3 Scouts in the far distant past... '66 800, small 4 cyl 3 spd. that I bought from my dad after I got out of the Navy in '71; a '71 800A, 304, 4 speed; and eventually I inherited Dad's 'Buick wagon'... a '72 Scout II with 304 and auto (super plush!). All were 4WD. Those span about 7 years and 100K of my life. But the only rig like yours I ever saw was in a magazine, pro'ly 'Pickup, Van, and 4WD'. PV4's how us right coasters kept up with the cool left coast scene back in the pre-'net days... ;)

My suggestions for mods for yours? The factory 4WD setup, of course. IIRC, there were two 4 cylinders offered... the 152 and 196, which were single-bank slants derived from the bigger V-8's... the 304 & 392. And there was an I-6, but I don't know anything about it. I'm thinking that any one of the 5 will fit, but I'm not sure about mounts and linkages... the mounts for the 4's and 8's are probably all the same. My dad's Scout II was an early 4x4 SUV before that was even a term, with a really smooth ride and a lot of creature comforts. The 304 moved it just fine, and would probably be my pick for your ideal choice. With the original auto (Mopar Torqueflite) & posi, it'd still bark the tires going into 2nd at WOT when it had over 100K on it.

Nice rig!

Jim H.

JKDetonator

03-13-2009, 04:14 PM

There is a show on Spike TV that is called Extreme 4x4. They are currently modifying an old binder just like you envisioned. Keeping everything International (345 cu. in. V8). and upgrading axles, disc brakes, power steering, etc. You might look this up for additional inspiration. They aren't making an extreme rock crawler, but trying to utilize all original parts available from International at the time with modern updates. Good luck on your new toy!

silverscout

03-20-2009, 01:43 AM

Thanks guys, its been a lot of fun. It is strange to stand on one side of the engine bay, staring down at a huge V8. Only to visit the drivers side of the engine bay where a large, gaping hole exists! The 196 is a great mill though. I manage 18-20 mpg on the freeway and pull 75 mph when I need to pass. I have a lead on an MSD 6a box, which I think may clean up the spark. Also a new carb is in the works as the current one is tired. The rest of the truck is in top shape though.

I unfortunately missed the episode of Extreme 4x4 where they build that 800. It seems they have their eye on making it dual purpose. Dive it to the trail, wheel it, then drive it home. But that’s seems to be the current trend. I’m sure Ill catch the episode on a re-run.

As for the Camper, I have a 4 inch lift that’s getting painted this weekend and a set of 31 inch tires in the works. The lift will raise the center of gravity a bit but will improve the ride immensely. Right now its very soft and vague as old trucks go. The lift is responsive with out being too stiff. I only know this as I pulled if off the Silver Scout.

I did take it camping last weekend, in Hollister of all places. No off roading though but I made up with comfort.

http://www.ihonlynorth.com/forums/attachments/bay-area-binder-society/4479d1237324274-hollister-hills-march-2009-pics-babs6.jpg

ntsqd

03-20-2009, 04:38 PM

For MISF's '73 I took a spare distributor and modified it to have a Ford Dura-Spark Reluctor and Magnetic Pick-up Coil. That got him away from worn out breaker point cams. Due to wear his dwell variance was rather large, even with using the best breaker cam that he had.
I've now modified several of his dizzy's this way. For his 3/4t IH we used a complete Ford D-S II ignition system, but the Scout has an MSD 6 Off Road triggered by the Ford parts. I did not see much difference in performance and the all Ford parts means easy availability of spares. Other than the one time that the pick-up coil wires somehow managed to short on the spinning reluctor (he's made a shield since) both systems have been fault-free. The Scout has had the conversion the longest, about 12 years. The truck was done a couple years later, but we've lost touch with it as an ex bought it and took it to Alaska several years ago.

There is a write up on this conversion on one of the Binder forums. I had written up what I did and had it posted on ORC's IH section. The other author & I appear to have been on parallel tracks almost simultaneously. Somewhere at home I should still have my article in Word form, but I suspect that it is too large to post here.

Assuming that the 4 cyl's use the same Prestolite dizzy as the 8 cyls, just lacking every other breaker point lobe, I do not think that it would be much different to make such a mod to a 4 cylinder dizzy. I believe that the Ford 4 cyl reluctors are quite a bit different and smaller than the 6 & 8 cyl reluctors. The simplest solution would be use an 8 cyl reluctor and mill off every other reluctor lobe.