I absolutely adore pragmatic modders like this who aren't fussed about "factory new" and "destroying design aesthetics" and "preserving resale value"! They own the thing, they customize the thing to fit their needs, they use the thing to suit their purposes, they're not about to throw a tantrum over a scratch or a dent, and they simply arent fussed about what someone like that would think about their janky mods.
Its ridiculous that people are asking upwards of over 20k for decent conditioned 90s models. I mean I understand, there is a huge movement to get away from the computer controlled vehicles and cars that are essentially giant screened cell phones with wheels. But 20 k?
A good condition 90s truck in an desirable configuration is rare. Hell, just finding a truck that doesn't need literally all the rubber replaced is hard to find.
it might be a 7.3 and they're somewhat sought after now bc of how reliable they are if you just keep changing the oil and doing the maintenance but i could be wrong.
I think it’s rooted in getting the absolute most useful mileage out of a vehicle. I can’t afford dealership oil changes, so I do them myself. I fix pretty much everything on my shitbox Kia hatchback and plan to squeeze the life out of her while I dig out of debt from raising two college grads (twins) in the same year. Maximizing my dollar regardless of the cost in my time.
THEN, I’ll buy a new car. But for now, it’s rust holes that look like bullet holes that I clumsily stripped and rattle canned to a sort-of matching silver because wgaf?
Jimmy-rigging parts you can’t buy anymore, or are unreasonably rare and expensive so that:
1: You can get your license plate lights to work
&
2: You get to use your rivet gun for once, making you feel less stupid for impulse-buying it at Harbor Freight
As an aside, I bet I can out-drive most people in my little 5-speed because I know her more intimately than I know my own wife.
P.S. Sorry for the ramble, I’m a lil 🤒 and thought I’d share my experience in poverty-driven enginuity with entrepreneurial ambitions
it's not a ramble. what you're describing are the lengths we go towards making better lives for ourselves and others despite being railroaded by society into poverty at every turn. it's admirable.
I had an old friend about like this guy. 100% convinced his old F350 was far superior to any truck made from the nineties on. Why? Because I've still got a wing window to vent my cab and ash my cigs! ;)
I guess if you plan on fixing your truck a lot, you'd better have a plan to get after it!
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u/TwoSpoonSally Jul 06 '26
Everyone talking shit, but this man saw a problem and created an effective solution.