Posted by Clint Dixon on Thursday, January 27, 2005 at 1:22PM :
In Reply to: Re: I also prefer the original trucks.... posted by Marty on Thursday, January 27, 2005 at 12:35PM :
Thanks guys for the comments on my trucks. I have seen probably a dozen more like them over the years. Most seem to have come out of the Montana/Dakota area.
My WDX was originally from South Dakota and I just got lucky to find it. But when I got it, it did not look quite like it does today. It took a lot of rubbing to bring the color back to the paint, and as a result, it is pretty thin today. I normally address things as they are needed. When the surface rust on the fenders started turning into bigger crystals, I had them stripped and repainted. When the engine got noticeably weak, I rebuilt it. It is possible that it may see more maintenance than most daily drivers for several reasons. #1 - It is fun/interesting/relaxing - take your pick. #2 - I have not always done it right the first time. #3 - They require more maintenance by nature. But these are the only 2 of all of our vehicles that always get the oil level checked before leaving the driveway.
As for my B3PW, the original owner must have really liked it and considered it to be a big investment, because he took really good care of it. I followed it for 24 years and then got lucky.
Someday one or both may need something major like new paint or a new frame. I will deal with that if the time comes and continue to use them in the meantime.
The guy who was hounding the 51's previous owner wanted to swap in a V8 and use it for mud bogging competition. I may eventually wear it out to the point of no return, but if a truck has a soul, I think it will ultimately be happier leading the rest of its life under my care.
Clint
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