I remember the IH Scouts when they were introduced, and a classmate's dad bought a new red Scout 80, a '63 or maybe '64 and it's still in the family today! I understand your concerns with the rust problems on the '72 and opting to go a different direction, but I'm curious about Kari's LOVE of the 80 compared to the 800's or Scout II. Reading through the Wikipedia history it seems that the changes through the years were the grilles, instrumentation and to a degree, improved creature comforts/convenience, plus some different top options. Makes it sound like body panels for a '60 would still fit an '80?

Also, once you're done will it be an '02 Blazer with a body change or an early '60's Scout with upgraded suspension? I guess since you have titles for both you don't have to worry with registration unless you sell the Scout frame and they insist on the title? Gonna be cool regardless!!