The original Slow Build was about two years getting the mechanicals complete and ready to go.  Some of them are still being finished but I think it's far enough along to start preparing it for some long trips.  I'm posting up early in the process hoping to get some feedback and comments that'll reduce the number of things done twice.

Specs as it sits (or almost sits) now:

1963 IH Scout.  Mostly stock.  For me and my style simple is better and this fits quite nicely.

Tires:  30x9.5 MT - something taller and not much wider is slated for the future.

Axles: Dana 44's, 4.30/4.27 gears, PowrLoc LSD rear, Autolocker front, manual hubs, Front Disc/Rear Drum.

Drivetrain:  196ci 4 cylinder, Ford EDIS ignition, T18 4speed, Dana 20 tc.

Here's an older shot showing the available interior space:

And in it's summer configuration:

Here's a starting list of potential upgrades:

Onboard air - York Compressor on a IH AC/Alternator bracket

A repurposed forklift propane tank to replace one of the side saddle fuel tanks and sufficient plumbing to have some quick connects front and rear.

 A Pierce 8,000lb worm drive winch:

 Dual batteries relocated one under each front seat.  Closer to starter, further from winch.  As I'm understanding it heavy gauge cables will allow the winch to operate normally?

Charging controlled by:

 On board  water:

A water tank located in place of the other side saddle fuel tank.  On a dry run this can supplement drinking water.  On a wetter run this could be shower water.

Hot water:  

Setup to draw from the onboard tank or from an external hose.  I'd like to set it up so that you can unroll a stored hose, quick connect it, and pitch the other end in the creek.  This type of heat exchanger is on my list:

 Light weight is 3,500lbs with a front bias of about 200lbs.

I'd say 50% of the time will be high desert travel.

I am trying to get the heavier items in between the square created by the axles and the frame.  I'm pretty sure the fuel tanks are going to end up behind the rear axle and in between the frame.  Current suspension is spring over axle which leaves it a little tall.  I've contemplated going back to spring under axle with a slight lift but the ability to roll right thru the tank traps that are so common here is pretty darn nice.

Is there any reason an onboard water tank would be more difficult to maintain than the tank in an RV?  With a proper bottom drain it should be easy to flush and sanitize?  Winter use shouldn't  be a problem, just leave the tank empty and use the water that's just laying around.

I'm researching the Helton now.  I am perfectly happy without AC or power steering but a hot shower is required.  We're not savages after all:)

If I plumb the heat exchanger in just after the heater control valve I would get from ambient to hot just by adjusting the dash knob.  I'll have to check the flow rating for the Helton to see if that's ok.  Speaking of Helton - that's a pretty good looking product especially for the price point.

 Sleeping quarters:

Anybody have experience with Kamp-rite?

Keep'em coming.

 After reading thru the forums here I'm adding a Ham and license to the required list.

Hooray!

Does anyone have any experience with soft tops?

I'm not worried about how the windows fit and such since I'm going to use the original steel top as a frame for canvas panels.  I do wonder about what type of canvas to use, how well they handle summer in the desert and deep snow?

 Don't use Sunbrella (sp) fabric. I had a top made for a Mog and it will leak in the rain. If you can get a rubberized vinyl like the military tops it would be the best but I am not sure of a color selection.

Check Seattle Fabrics,  8702 Aurora N, Seattle, WA 98103

edit:   There is a marine Sunbrella that may be waterproof.

Picked this up out of Pocatello this weekend.  It's a Desert Dynamics T-200 (bought by Pierce and now available as the PS654).  It's a 9,000lb winch and for $170 it can be upgraded to 12,500lbs

It bolts up on the sides ( you can see the 4 bolt holes in the pic) so eventually it'll end up between the frame rails, just ahead of the radiator but still behind the front grill.  It is very heavy. 

The PO made an awesome cover for it too - pics to follow as I get it painted and mounted this week.

The guys at Expeditions West and Overland Journal are funding a trip across Arizona ending at the Grand Canyon!

Al and the Family are one of the 5 finalists.

We'd appreciate your vote.  Registration at the Expedition Portal required and then vote for #4

Brian I got your back and I hope the rest of the NWOS does as well! You got my vote! I encourge ALL of the NWOS to vote for Brian and his family!!!