Offroad: The Hard Way

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You’ll often find me criticizing the local populace of 4WD truck owners for doing it all wrong. What do I know about offroading with my two, lowered 2WD trucks and family sedan? I’m sure you think I don’t have the first clue about how awesome pedestrian 4×4’s can be. I mean they’re usually set up with cruising gears, automatic transmissions, limo-like wheelbase lengths, usually have a useless pick-up bed 40ft in the air, have over-sized tires that howl at moving speed and use their drop hitches (rarely) to tow a pair of jet skis, which is why they need the biggest engine possible optioned. If you and your bros have to take dad’s boat to the lake, or there’s some water or dirt on the street, you just press that little 4WD button and everything is good to go.

In a word, they’re “purposeful.” Continue reading

20,000 Leagues (Dodge Ram)

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I remember hearing about some guys in LA or some other city with really congested roads who put on puppet shows in the bed of their truck for people behind them to watch while everyone is stuck in traffic. This guy puts them to shame- he’s basically driving around showing everyone all the best parts from every IMAX movie for free.

I have to admit, that is some really high quality airbrush work. Bonus points because it’s not a mural of his truck on his truck (give yourself a pat on the back, dawg).

It’s still ridicufuckinglous though.

Engine Patina

I understand the “Retro” craze has pretty much taken a stranglehold on all aspects of automobile culture. From Bryan Nesbitt-designed econocars like the Chrysler PT Cruiser and Chevrolet HHR to performance vehicles like the Mercedes SLS AMG and the (much more pedestrian in comparison) Chevrolet SSR. All the way up to the 60’s/70’s mash-ups of the current crop of pony cars; grabbing bits and pieces in an attempt revive the mojo that can only be found in the golden age of automotive performance. Continue reading

A (Mostly) Pictorial Guide To Auto Auctions

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I was really at the auction to see what my old Crown Vic, which I sold about a year and  a half ago and then learned it had been abandoned by the new owners, was going to sell for at the auction. (That whole saga is going to be chronicled in a future article.)

This was the second auction I had ever been to, and the first where I wasn’t peaking over a fence to watch it, but I would imagine that my experience there was probably pretty typical of what you should expect to see at any auto auction you go to.

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Ok, This Roof Rack Trend Has Gone Too Far (Scion xB)

[printprofilepic]Well, not exactly, you see this thing is clearly purpose built, functional, and apparently in regular use.  I spotted it around Dayton Ohio a whole two states away from North Carolina (as seen on the plates) so it must even be (somewhat) safe! Hats off to you for making what you already have work for you and your needs.  You now have the bed space of a pickup, the fuel economy of an Echo, and enough storefront space to be the envy of any gypsy.

The World Needs More Vintage 4×4’s

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This 59-60 F-100 is exactly what I love seeing when it comes to 4WD pick-up trucks. It’s old but well taken care of, and it gets used. It doesn’t have over-the-top tires, a giant lift or some crowd-pleasing diesel conversion. Just a good old-fashioned gasoline-powered 4×4. Continue reading