Hey guys, I dont want to get a stupid argument started like that other mess, but I would like to know by this board's definition. What is a Darksider? I'm guessing it's anything that's not completely original? I'm not happy that I put a sbc in my truck, but at the time. It's all I had and it was brand new still in the crate. In retrospect, I wish I had traded it for a small block FORD. Even one with high miles?? Anyway, I'm not in anyway tryin to get an argument started or anything like that. I just thought it might shed a little light on some of the topics here. I love it here!! I like to help folks, and be helped. On a side note, also it would be nice for some of us who don't know some of you guys abbreviations you use to post a thread and tell what some of these mean???

 

There are so many abreviations commonly used if we just started listing them you'd end up with a dictionary. I could do several pages without hardly trying. Best to ask for the ones you have seen but couldn't translate. Often Googling the abreviation will also produce a definition. The kids that text message regularly hardly write a recognizable word in an entire message.
Darksider- one who heavily mods his truck inside and out to his own vision.
Light or greysider- a resto rodder who makes driveability and safety mods but maintains a stock exterior appearance.
Restorer- one who dislikes the previous two.

 

Terry,

There have been several definitions of Darksider over the years but it basically boils down to straying from the path that Ol' Henry laid down at the factory. You my friend, are a darksider.

You can further break things down as to how dark you are by how far you like to customize things, but basically there is the dark and there is the light. Original and tweaked and all points in between that make this such a wonderful hobby.

Do not ever feel bad about your powerplant. Your truck is gorgeous and a fineexample to your talents. Nicely done

Bobby

 

Darksider is a term referring to non-stock. The more heavily modified the "darker" it is. Some will say the term is mostly about running gear, but body mods also qualify. So, a chopped, dropped, shaved truck running a sbc or other motor is definitely on the darkside.

Lightsider is basically stock, but can also include the addition of non-original brakes, etc or the addition of AC, while maintaining as stock an appearance as possible.

Grey is just something in between, which I personally don't understand anyway.

I think it ironic that the difference between darkside and lightside is a grey area.

Edit: It's interesting that the answers so far are essentially the same. I guess these definitions are something we basically agree on. (At least I'm right on this one!)

 

As long as people would keep their tempers in check, I don't see a problem with either thread. Is it interesting to see the percentages in this and the other group of trucks.

I am not sure if there is an exact set definition of darksider. To me is would be the different drive-train, different frame, different suspension, different interior, body mods, etc, or a combination of those.

There are very few "restored" vehicles around here. Kevin's big window might be the only one. Most are changed at least some from how they came from the factory.

I *think* I might be considered a lightsider, not quite a darksider yet. I have no problem with either term. I have power brakes (under floor). I have a carpet and headliner that were not stock. I have some things that were chrome or painted when new and mine are the opposite. I have radial tires, cheap chrome trim rings, etc. Someday I will have seat belts and modern base/clear paint too.

Mine is all ford as far as I know with the what appears to be the original drive train (272 Y-block and 3 speed).

I am one of the "ford in a ford" type guys, but at least the ones with other brands under the hoods were rescued from the crusher and are still on the road.

EDIT: Interesting. Several posts within a couple of minutes. All saying similar things. Does that mean we think alike? That is scary!

 

I too wondered for quite some time what the darkside was... I slowly caught on. I'm in resto mode, though have heard the call of the darkside often... I have a flathead, oh what performance mods are available there... I am probably gonna just put headers on it to get rid of that crossover pipe and do dual exhaust... there goes my resto.... Dual brake cylinder... other than that, I am aiming for stock.... but since I JUST finished tear down, frame off... There is a LOT of time for the darkside to call.... And DONALD isn't making it any easier... he wants me to drive his IFS before I put my straight axle back on the road.... LOL. Then there's the issue of that 3.92 rear end..........

 

He is the reason I am in this mess in the first place!

Thanks buddy!

I actually wanted a hot rod, but thanks to Donald...I ended up with a pretty decent basically stock vehicle. The Y-block is getting to be a rare thing at the ford shows, so mine will stay as long as I can keep it going.

 

Yea Brian; Like they say GREAT MINDS THINK ALIKE. LOL that is scary.

 

But in the realm of those who modify ... you could also draw a distinction between period-correct customs and modernized ones.

 

Well my truck has been called a "Greysider". It will look 90% stock but underneath everything has been modified with all Ford parts.

 

What is a Darksider?

I always thought it had something to do with Star Wars.

 

My truck is obviously on the gray to dark side. Why ? thats what I found when I was looking, and it worked into the $$$ I had available, but hey thats what brought me to this site so it's all good. I personally like to see odd ball stuff and the engineering that it took to complete the swap, whether it's a big ford motor replacing a 6 cylinder or some oddball off brand swap. What's cooler than a nailhead buick or big 500 ci caddy motor put somewhere it dosent belong. The coolest thing I ever saw at a car show, a wheelbarrow with a flathead motor in the tub driving around the show grounds.

Rick

 

mine is dark, slowly turning towards burnt, just the way I like it!

 

Gee guys, and here I thought it was somebody that just loves cookies......

I think you are all on spot actually,
Jon

 

In a galaxy far away there were certain factions who opened themselves to various evils such as hate, anger, jealousy and fear. This offered options to folks of various ilks. Some of them souped up their Millenium Falcons, others opted for the standard x wing fighters.

Up and coming villain, some guy named Skymountain or something, built junker hot rods and raced them as a kid. The pure of heart, who looked like a cross between our own George and Ewoks kept their X wings pure. You would never find a Tie Fighter engine in one of Earl's X wings.

Rocketing forward to the twenty first century we find the much smaller galaxy of 48-60 F1, F100 and Larger F-series trucks. Within this galaxy reside the very sage high priests of the forum, Penn Dick, handsome Bob F and his cousin John of Niolon, all struggling with the strong pull of personal statement on their trucks.

Bobby and Randy Jack and Donald struggle to keep the 48-60's going forward in the absence of Obiwan Fenders and Kai of the autobahn. A young 48-60 knight from the Canadian outlands may be our only hope. "Nathan... " , the call goes out from his trusty sidekide who is much Loweralso.

Tune in next week to find more clues as the saga unfolds, answering the question, "What is the Darkside, master?" Patience grasshopper.

seriously, himmelberg