Ep 5. 1970 International Scout 800A

Wheeler Dealers season 18 episode 5 is named "1970 International Scout 800A" and it follows the team of Mike Brewer and Ant Anstead as they embark on their latest automotive restoration challenge. The episode sees the duo tasked with restoring a classic 1970 International Scout 800A that has been neglected for years and is in desperate need of some serious TLC.

The vehicle in question is a 4x4 off-road SUV that was produced by the International Harvester Company from 1961 to 1971. It was designed to compete with the Jeep CJ-5 and the Ford Bronco, and it was well-known for its ruggedness and reliability. However, despite its popularity among off-road enthusiasts, the International Scout was discontinued in the early 1970s and became a rare sight on the roads.

In this episode, Mike and Ant are on the hunt for a 1970 International Scout 800A that they can restore to its former glory. After scouring the classifieds, they finally find one that has been sitting in a barn for over a decade. The vehicle is in rough shape, with rusted panels, a broken engine, and a tattered interior. Nevertheless, Mike and Ant are determined to bring it back to life.

The first challenge is to assess the damage and come up with a plan of attack. Mike and Ant begin by examining the engine, which is in a sorry state. They decide to replace it with a V8 engine from a Ford Mustang, which will give the International Scout the power it needs to tackle any terrain. Next, they turn their attention to the bodywork, which is riddled with rust. They remove the rusty panels and replace them with new ones, using a variety of welding and painting techniques to make them look brand new.

The interior of the International Scout is just as bad as the bodywork, with torn seats and a dilapidated dashboard. Mike and Ant decide to replace the seats with new ones and restore the dashboard with a fresh coat of paint and some new gauges. They also add some new features, including a modern sound system and air conditioning, to make the restored vehicle more comfortable for everyday use.

As the episode progresses, Mike and Ant encounter several unexpected challenges that put their restoration skills to the test. For example, one of the new panels they installed doesn't fit properly, and they have to improvise a solution to make it work. They also encounter some electrical issues that require a bit of detective work to solve.

Despite these challenges, the team perseveres and eventually completes the restoration. The final product is a stunning 1970 International Scout 800A that looks and drives like it just came off the production line. Mike and Ant take it for a spin off-road, putting it through its paces and showing off its impressive performance.

Overall, "1970 International Scout 800A" is a thrilling episode of Wheeler Dealers that showcases the team's impressive restoration skills and their love of classic cars. It's a must-watch for any automotive enthusiast who appreciates the beauty and craftsmanship of vintage vehicles.