Copyright © 2004, Donald Harris Cars, Trucks and Tractors http://www.carstrucksandtractors.com


If you are like a lot of us, you want a "special" ride - one that is unique! But like a lot of us, you dont have the mega-bucks to purchase that hot custom-made ride of your dreams! Want a way to spend less money, but still have a ride that will turn heads? Rebuild an older pickup!

Here are some things to consider for this special ride:

1. Find a 10-20 year old pick up of any flavor, but I would prefer a domestic pickup with 2 or 4 wheel drive. Pickups in this age range are easy to find. Buy one using the same guidelines that you would use if you were buying it to use in its current condition.

2. Check to see if all the orginal equiment is there? Many times on older vehicles you will find things like the air conditioner compressor gone or the sound system missing or modified. If all the parts are there, even if they are not in working condition it can save you lots of time when you start rebuilding.

3. Look for frame damage (the same holds for for anytime you buy a used vehicle) and look to see if any "accessories" have been welded to the frame (winch mounting brackets, for example) Sucjh modifications can cause problems when trying to remount new body parts.

4. Consider how the truck may be used. Do you plan to haul heavy loads, pull a trailer, or carry passengers? Failing to consider these questions before you buy can make you custom project last a lot longer and answering them incorrectly can cost you the expense of trading early or buying another vehicle to take care of chores.

5. After you purchase your basic truck, it's easy enough to find OEM (original equipment manufacturer) replacement body parts which are relatively inexpensive. With most trucks, a "body off" (taking the body off the frame) restoration/rebuild/customization isn't that difficult or expensive if you have a workshop and plan on using the basic body package.

6. The paint job can be the signature of your "custom" truck. If you are not sure of the color combination, you can drive it with only primer for a while. This allows you to get out any "bugs" and take your time on choosing color and wheel/tire packages.

7. If your truck has a good drive train in it, you may just want to "dress up" the engine compartment. This too can be done without a lot of expense. Add chrome valve covers, an air cleaner cover, paint the rest of the engine and engine compartment and clear coat everythin!

8. If you need/want to do the engine and transmission and dont have the megabucks for a lot of speed equipment, just put a stock rebuild kit in the transmission. This should make it a solid part of your truck for the long haul without a lot of expensive perfomance parts. If the engine needs work, an inexpensive route may be a rebuild kit. The rebuild kits are available from several good vendors and price varies with the engine.But they are relatively inexpensive when compared to performance parts and will provide good service.

9. When you do the engine you can "spice" it up a bit with a cam kit for about the same money as replacing the cam with an OEM cam. Using a custom cam can provide much better performance for your truck if you match your cam to the tasks you want your truck to do.

There are several aftermarket vendors that offer good accessories that really dress a truck at reasonable prices so do some shopping when you get to that point in your project.

The finished product will be a truck that fits your personality and flash. And you have the pride and confidence that it will do what you want it to do!

Donald Harris is a former mechanic and used car dealer. He continues to tinker under that ol' shade tree. Drop by his website at http://www.carstrucksandtractors.com for car repair tips and links to parts, manuals and classic cars, trucks and tractors. Also visit http://www.mymodernlife.com for advice on living a modern life without the modern headaches! You can contact Don at mailto:autoarticles@yahoo.com

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