A few ideas on Scout Storage Space

[Ken Farmer <Ken.Farmer@domain.elided>]

Been getting really behind on the IH stuff.  Starting to reminince
about the old days when the digest was the only way to get it, and
a discussion took a leisurely week...

Anyway, on the subject of space to put stuff, I've been checking out
a few unusual options.  Tested a few of these by Mr. Mandera, and he
didn't laugh at me, so I they can't be too crazy! ;)

Here are my space solutions, look forward to suggestions (or warnings!):

1.  Hi-lift jack:  install under the hood against the firewall.  I'll
    have to remove the bottom plate, and perhaps relocate the voltage
    regulator, but it should fit.  I've seen one installed this way
    at the RMIHR.

2.  Gauges:  move my stereo receiver into my Tuffy console, then
    that frees up some pretty valuable dashboard space.  After
    that the next best place appears to be under the dash above the
    tranny access plate (pulled the AC out a long while ago).

3.  Ignition: since my ac unit has freed up so much under the dash
    space, I'll be mounting the MSD 6A under the dash above the
    passenger's feet. Just to keep it out of sight I'll fabricate a 
    perforated steel screen and screw it down.  I'll probably upgrade
    the holly ignition to a delco hei, and that will also free up
    the goldbox firewall space (but will make the distributor area
    a lot tighter).

4.  Stereo Stuff:  will keep the CD changer under the dash along with
    the MSD, or might build a nice little box under a bucket seat.
    The amplifier will be going into the inner fender alongside
    the rear seats.  I've got a hole there right now for some 6" 
    speakers, and have been checking out that space.  It stays 
    dry, and has a ton of space in there.  I'll probably build
    a little box to give it a little extra shelter, and then 
    cover the enlarged hole with a cheap 6x9 speaker (just use
    passively) or even a simple plate.  It will probably be under
    carpeting anyway.  BTW, this space is big enough to contain
    a variety of things, and if the plate is installed right,
    could even be easy to access (but still perhaps difficult
    to spot).  

5.  Exhaust: taking a small notch out of the crossbar allows you
    to avoid mashing the exhaust pipe.  Also, there's plenty of 
    room for dual exhausts, cats, and mufflers (assuming you
    aren't running dual transfer cases, etc).  However, I've got
    clamps on my balance tube and my springs are so shot that now
    my drive shaft is rubbing on the clamps occasionally (yuck).
    I'll be installing those new springs this week.

6.  Spare tire:  got to get a spare tire carrier.  I am really hoping
    to have one mounting directly to the bumper, and not to the
    body.  A new heavy bumper that can hold a spare gas can and 
    tow hooks, a spare tire, and compressed air would be perfect!
    
Ken Farmer
1980 Scout II
1974 Travelall (with so much space that I sometimes forget that I've
    got a few bags of cement and some lumber and tools in the back)