Making old new again...

So Paul and I prefer to drive trucks. We live in Minnesota and I've spent most of my life in the west where four wheel drive is pretty much required every few weeks. Our trucks are old, mid-90's GM make and they are in dire need of new parts and attention. The good news is that parts for these babies are super cheap. I often wonder why so many people buy new or nearly new vehicles when just about anything can be fixed or replaced. To me, there's something special about driving a vehicle 10, 15 or 20 years. I don't know why, maybe it's my way of recycling without the craziness of junking the car (like happened with that weird government program a few years ago). I often hear the argument that people don't have the time or knowledge to repair cars themselves. This blows my mind. People are so quick to judge us for driving trucks that get 15 mpg when they buy a new car every three years. And then they justify their criticism by saying it is impractical to make what is old, new again. The really strange thing is that so many of my friends have masters and doctorates and earn good money, yet still claim they have no skills with tools. Hmm...you can become a lawyer, professor or physician, yet you can't be responsible for turning a few wrenches? I guess I live by different logic. Sure, I don't have a doctorate in anything and have no desire to go back to school, but that doesn't mean I don't learn something new everyday. I wasn't born building trumpets, rebuilding engines or writing music...these are skills I learned.

Paul doesn't really know much about mechanics so I made a deal with him. I help him replace the differential on his Tahoe and he helps me rebuild the entire front end drive, suspension and steering on my Bravada. It's a fair deal and I always like a spotter just in case something heavy falls on my chest. I'm kidding...kind of, but that's the fun in doing it yourself. If anybody is interested in learning basic (or advanced) auto mechanics and would like to trade services, let me know. I have lots of projects around the shop I could use help with...including building a stage, finishing a recording studio and building a catwalk for Oscar so he can wander around the shop without getting stepped on.

Jason

ps...despite what I just wrote, I do not recommend changing your own oil and you could save $800+ replacing your own brakes.