Build a Custom Vehicle Without Spending a Fortune!
Copyright 2004, Donald Harris

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