I had an acquaintance tell me these old trucks are not embraced by all repair shops. This came as a bit of a shock to me because most repairs are pretty straight forward. He asserted they just want to run computer diagnostics and fix per computer codes. Any of you run into this? I’m expecting to pass my truck on to my kids who are not gearheads like me...

Same subject different topic if you are not there to guide and assist. What happens to our upgraded restoMods if a shop pulls it apart only to find unknown parts with no identification which need replaced? I made a cheatsheet for the kids to take to the shop with the truck stating whats what for the application based parts search.

I figure at some point I will be unable to make the repairs personally. Do you guys see this as an issue? What mitigation strategy are you using?

 

“Red or Blue pill?”

Your wife says take the blue one.

 

Im at the bottom of the rabbit hole clawing my way back! You plan to actually weigh in on the question?

 

Sure.
Some shops want to work on mostly newer stuff. Their mechanics consider themselves “techs”.
Other shops will work on anything.
If you can’t or don’t want to DIY, use the latter.
There is always the chance your kids will sell anything you give them as soon as you’re off this earth, anyway. I am passing my truck to a grandson, if he shows any inclination.
My strategy? Since I only need and can use one truck, I find it easily affordable to stock up on NOS and quality used parts. And, I keep my truck mostly in stock form.
However, if you need to do this for a “fleet”, not so easy. Don’t be a hoarder, is my advice, and keep them stock. I wouldn’t worry about it, the future will take care of itself.
Time for some football now.


And take the blue pill, your wife will thank you for it.

 

Tell them to join a car club and make friends with some Hotrodders'. And get them on this forum. If they keep it and want to use it, they will find a way to fix it.

 

I will stick with red.

 

You don't have to be a gearhead to maintain these trucks. Keeping the truck in tune and changing the fluids is how most of us start. Who knows? That alone could strike a fire with one of your kids, especially if you're not around to help. Lots of stories out there about kids and grandkids taking up the mantle of the old man. A persons' legacy is usually determined after they're gone. Stay positive and believe that you have already made an impact.

 

Red, in any case, I do think its wise to keep track of what components the truck is built from. Mine is a combination of 66, 65, 78 and 74. Regardless of what ultimately becomes of my truck, it saves me a lot of recall and searching for consumables such as brake shoes/pads, hoses and belts. I keep the part numbers on my tech sheet as well as fluid specs and wire color codes for any additional or replacement electrical circuits....the last thing I would want is some unsuspecting well-doer to add dot 3 brake fluid to my dot 5 rebuilt brake system!

 

I’ve talked to some shops near me, olden day shops, not corporate shops that won’t touch these old beauties. Say the “techs” don’t know anything about carbs, same goes for twin I beams. I’ve had to stick to hotrod shops.

 

The "cheat sheet" is a good idea regardless of who works on the truck. I have an excellent NAPA nearby that has always had counter people who either know automatically or are willing to go the extra mile and reach under the counter and look in a book. But they won't be there forever! I've found some things that previous mechanics had changed that weren't stock to my P100. I have a file folder I keep the receipts in that I have written the NAPA part nos. for anything I've replaced (ignition parts, filters, belt, etc.). This way anyone can get the right part the first time, I hope.

John

 

I have columns of bookmarks that feature NumberDummy’s posts, plus some back and forth p.m.’s where he gives extensive info on part numbers. Worse comes to worst, I just call him for info. THAT is the best way for me to have at my fingertips all the necessary info I need to hopefully keep my truck running for awhile. That man cannot ever be thanked enough for what he has done here.

You can use the search function , type in about any part, chances are you’ll find a post where he’s posted not only part numbers, but also names of the vendors that have the part, and even their phone numbers. He’s the best.

 

What does this pill do?

 

Go ask Alice .

 

Older vehicles in general....
What I have observed.....and experienced to some degree, is that many love the IDEA of an older, simpler vehicle.
The REALITY is something else altogether. A big percentage of those that think they want an older vehicle are not prepared for the reality.

One example that I experienced was that my late wife wanted this cool little '66 Karmann Ghia convertible. So, we bought it. Came from an internet seller in another state. Presented well!
Beauty was only skin deep. It needed a lot of work. It got to the point that I hated that car, and it hated me. And everyone else for that matter. That b!tch drew blood every time I lifted her skirt. It was a happy day when that car was loaded onto a transport to go make someone else's life hell.

Even with that, personally, I am firmly in the older vehicle camp. But I'm an old man. I learned very young, and have been wrenching on cars for well over 50 years. Nothing scares me. There is nothing I'm not prepared to do. I have the tools and skill set to tackle nearly anything. Unwilling sometimes. Sometimes it's getting more difficult physically. But really, never unprepared. On the other hand, aside for routine maintenance on my late model vehicles, I have to take 'em to a "tech." Hell, I can't even change the spark plugs on my '12 Ram. I'm not limber enough anymore to get to those plugs way under the cowl.

Enter brutal reality. That cannot be said of everyone. I see a lot of posts on this and other forums from those that don't even have basic skills and have to find a mechanic for virtually every aspect. This is fine, if one has a wagon load of money. For those with little disposable money, it makes it truly difficult to live with a classic vehicle. I would be of the opinion that they put ideas of classic vehicle ownership aside and drive something that can easily be serviced locally.

That is simply my own opinion though. As Dalton from "Roadhouse" said...."Opinions vary."

Ideas are a tough thing to put aside for many.

 

As I work on my current project, I often wonder why certain “upgrades” were made by PO. I can only imagine the mind-blowing confusion some of our conversions may cause a unsuspecting buyer without full disclosure. In fact it may even be considered a un-repairable basket case to shops. We all know its fancy artwork!!