Re: General Scout question...

[Tom Mandera <tsm1@domain.elided>]

Jared Andre wrote:
 
> I'm sort of new to IH so please forgive the following question.  I'm
> wondering which Scout models/years were offered with the soft-top option (or
> was it ever an option)?  I'd like to find one (preferably 60's or early 70's
> vintage) in drivable condition.  Thanks.

Jared,

I'm not sure just which years and which models.. I know you could buy a
Scout 80 the first year with NO top, NO doors.. but I'm unsure when a
soft-top was first *factory* offered.  I recall there being a soft-top
SporTop 80 or 800...

The more popular ragtop Scout would be the 77-79 Super Scout II -
soft-top, soft-doors.

Problem with any of these is the tops will most likely be all but ruined
after 20+ years of exposure.

The Good News is... ANY Scout 80/800/II can be *converted* to a
Soft-top.  On my '77 Scout II, I removed the hardtop, then purchased and
installed a BesTop soft-top.  It went RIGHT ON.  It only required me to
drill some holes in the tailgate for the snaps, and I'll probably
finally get around to drilling the windshield frame for two more snaps
that are supposed to be there.  Otherwise, it's a bolt-on.  New rag tops
run $400 or so.

If you wanted the full soft-top experience that includes soft-doors,
you'll need a *different* soft-top, plus the fiberglass "U" shaped
inserts for the door area, the door frames, hinges, and the door "skins"
to go with the soft-top.  More $$$.. I think I've seen complete "kits"
for $1500.

-Tom Mandera, Helena MT
http://www.tmcom.com/~tsm1/scout
'77 Scout II - currently sporting the factory hardtop, but in a couple
months - BesTop ragtop.  I have a Bikini Top for it, too..