If you only were going to be allowed one truck.....

swathdiver · February 25, 2019

On 1/30/2018 at 5:58 PM, Grumpy Bear said:

.... for a life time. And I mean one truck was the sum total of all the motorized transportation you would ever be allowed; how would it effect the way you....

1.) Drive ?

2.) Approach maintenance ?

3.) Modify ?

4.) Choose your truck ?

No 'do overs'. You pick a truck when you 20 and have to make it last a lifetime.

Well, I was 20 in 1991 and sure couldn't afford the truck I wanted! But if I could and was picking one for a lifetime it would have been a 1991 4x4 GMC Suburban with the 6.2 Diesel.

1. Won't be winning any races with the diesel but she's strong enough to tow with, agile enough to go off-road, efficient and comfortable enough to drive nationwide in any climate.

2. If you want it to last, you gotta change the filters and fluids religiously! Do as much maintenance and repair as able to myself. Would own special computer made for these trucks, tools and shop manuals.

3. Customizations limited to those that enhance durability and efficiency.

swathdiver · February 25, 2019

15 hours ago, Grumpy Bear said:

This is the best video I've ever seen on glass care. I didn't put this in vehicle care because it fits the theme of this tread quite well. Clean glass isn't just about clean. Visibility is greatly enhanced especially in the rain but it also will add to wiper blade life by multiples.

Nice video. Growing up on the Atlantic Ocean, an uncle taught me to use Turtle Wax's White Polishing Compound to clean the glass, removing the build up of salt and hard water stains along with the bug guts. Years later we added Rain-X from the little bottles, wipe on, let dry, wipe off.

SS502 · February 25, 2019

On ‎1‎/‎30‎/‎2018 at 4:58 PM, Grumpy Bear said:

.... for a life time. And I mean one truck was the sum total of all the motorized transportation you would ever be allowed; how would it effect the way you....

1.) Drive ?

2.) Approach maintenance ?

3.) Modify ?

4.) Choose your truck ?

No 'do overs'. You pick a truck when you 20 and have to make it last a lifetime.

Hummm...now I will admit, I did not read through this entire thread so forgive me if I am already committing a party foul...HERE I GO!

1) I have always driven with care and with a back end that is light, my choice would enforce my habits, they do not like to do unintentional 180 degree turns. Can easily maintain any past or current speed limits and can hit a deer without totaling the vehicle. Easy entry for both young and old.

2) About as easy to maintain as they come, everything is easy to get to, parts can be attained from several models offered by this manufacturer and the necessary parts are and have always been fairly cheap.

3) Most any modifications are about as easy as building a simple log cabin out of Lincoln Logs...want a V-8; done with ease, want a I-6; done with ease, want a Hot Rod; done with ease, engine and transmissions can STILL be found throughout the country and in most established junk yards. You do not need a PhD or even a Scan tool to keep this thing running. Wanna add Air conditioning, EASY! Cruise control, EASY! Leather, stock vinyl or cloth, EASY!

4) My choice: https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&id=069E08CED66DC133187B4FC703C04265A80187A5&thid=OIP.MouZUZ1YXTaIk_kgkEoHaQHaE8&mediaurl=http%3A%2F%2Fcarswithmuscles.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2015%2F09%2F1970elcamino_10.jpg&exph=667&expw=1000&q=1970+el+camino&selectedindex=6&ajaxhist=0&vt=0&eim=1,2,6

Grumpy Bear · February 25, 2019

14 hours ago, swathdiver said:

Nice video. Growing up on the Atlantic Ocean, an uncle taught me to use Turtle Wax's White Polishing Compound to clean the glass, removing the build up of salt and hard water stains along with the bug guts. Years later we added Rain-X from the little bottles, wipe on, let dry, wipe off.

I've done that and it works but it wont remove things like wiper scratches. Then again you shouldn't need to if your maintain your blade system, right?

Grumpy Bear · February 25, 2019

2 hours ago, SS502 said:

Hummm...now I will admit, I did not read through this entire thread so forgive me if I am already committing a party foul...HERE I GO!

1) I have always driven with care and with a back end that is light, my choice would enforce my habits, they do not like to do unintentional 180 degree turns. Can easily maintain any past or current speed limits and can hit a deer without totaling the vehicle. Easy entry for both young and old.

Nice choice. Recently someone in this community hit a deer with a newer truck and it was totaled. I made a comment that mother use to say, 'I've had bigger scratch's on my eyeball". Just didn't look that bad.

Late is good (to the party) add your favorite "make it last forever' tips and tricks as you think of them.

KARNUT · February 25, 2019

Hummm...now I will admit, I did not read through this entire thread so forgive me if I am already committing a party foul...HERE I GO!

1) I have always driven with care and with a back end that is light, my choice would enforce my habits, they do not like to do unintentional 180 degree turns. Can easily maintain any past or current speed limits and can hit a deer without totaling the vehicle. Easy entry for both young and old.
2) About as easy to maintain as they come, everything is easy to get to, parts can be attained from several models offered by this manufacturer and the necessary parts are and have always been fairly cheap.
3) Most any modifications are about as easy as building a simple log cabin out of Lincoln Logs...want a V-8; done with ease, want a I-6; done with ease, want a Hot Rod; done with ease, engine and transmissions can STILL be found throughout the country and in most established junk yards. You do not need a PhD or even a Scan tool to keep this thing running. Wanna add Air conditioning, EASY! Cruise control, EASY! Leather, stock vinyl or cloth, EASY!
4) My choice: https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&id=069E08CED66DC133187B4FC703C04265A80187A5&thid=OIP.MouZUZ1YXTaIk_kgkEoHaQHaE8&mediaurl=http%3A%2F%2Fcarswithmuscles.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2015%2F09%2F1970elcamino_10.jpg&exph=667&expw=1000&q=1970+el+camino&selectedindex=6&ajaxhist=0&vt=0&eim=1,2,6

I’m with you and had more time to think. The problem is you ask me the same question about food or music, it going to change probably daily. Being my 92 is well over 20 years old, modified to my taste and could be driven comfortably anywhere. I change my pick.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Sierra Dan · February 26, 2019

1972 Chevrolet Cheyenne Super K10 or K20 4x4 Long Bed.

YbNormal · February 28, 2019

This one

Grumpy Bear · February 28, 2019

2 hours ago, YbNormal said:

This one

Great choice. Now what would you do to make it last a lifetime?

YbNormal · March 1, 2019

15 hours ago, Grumpy Bear said:

Great choice. Now what would you do to make it last a lifetime?

1- It would be taken care of like it was my child.

2- Garage kept

3- No water to wash it, just wipe it down.

3- No one but me would drive it.

4- Buy as many spare parts as I could find.

5- Maybe move to where it does not snow.

Cpl_Punishment · May 1, 2019

I have some questions/ thoughts on this topic for you guys but I just want to preface it by saying that I'm not arguing with you guys and I'm not "questioning" what you've said other than in the sense that I have to ask questions to learn things that you guys know from years of driving and maintaining all manner of vehicles.

Let me start by saying that, unlike most others of my generation (yes, I am technically a millennial), for many reasons I am interested in maintaining and repairing my stuff, rather than throwing it away or replacing it.

I agree with what's been implied in some posts, if not stated outright, that if you follow GM's recommended maintenance schedule, you're likely setting yourself up to buy lots of parts from them in future years. However, as not everyone agrees on the required frequency of maintenance (I've seen 3k miles, 5k miles, etc.), or what needs to be done (some just change oil, others do all fluids plus tire rotation and other things), what I'm wondering is how you guys came up with those schedules. Again, I'm not disputing them; rather, I'm trying to understand the methodology you used so I can apply it to my own vehicles. Is it gut feel, based on experience/ trial and error, something else? For example, do you look at your oil every time you fill up (as I do) and, if you start to notice discoloration at, say, 3500 miles, for example, that's a clear driver to change oil every 3000 miles?

Also, how much does location/ climate play into the determination? I'll explain the background for that question with an anecdote: the owner's manual for my car says I should change oil every 6 months/ 6000 km (3750 miles) rather than every 12 months/ 12,000 km (7500 mi), which is their standard recommendation, because Canada is a "severe environment". However, I've been told that the +40C (100F) routinely experienced on the Gulf Coast (for example) is much harder on oil than the -40 we get for 1 to 3 weeks every winter. Regardless, I've been sticking to their recommendation for severe service as 12k kms is a long way to drive on the cheap conventional oil the dealership undoubtedly puts in my car, even if it's under relatively light loads compared to the truck I hope to buy soon.

I also like the comments about people who cheap out on routine maintenance. While it feels more expensive at the time, especially if you take it to a dealer rather than doing it yourself, spending $60k CAD every time something starts to fail or the General releases a new model is hardly the economical route in the long run.

As I'm still a young hothead, I only recently discovered the joy in a light right foot to maximise fuel economy (with the added benefit of pissing off all the sheep behind me who can't drive anyway) but I hadn't previously thought about its effect on life of the drivetrain. It just reinforces my goal to keep improving it. With some minor changes that added no time to my commute due to the way the lights are timed, I went from 12L/100 km (20 mpg) city winter consumption to 8L/100 km (30 mpg). I'm looking forward to what I can do on summer gas, given that I got 10L/100 km (24 mpg) like clockwork in the city in the summer with the way I used to drive vs 12 or worse in the winter.

Just looking to learn all I can from you guys because I also have no interest in buying a new vehicle every 5 years or 100,000 kms. Thanks for your info and advice.

KARNUT · May 1, 2019

I have some questions/ thoughts on this topic for you guys but I just want to preface it by saying that I'm not arguing with you guys and I'm not "questioning" what you've said other than in the sense that I have to ask questions to learn things that you guys know from years of driving and maintaining all manner of vehicles.

Let me start by saying that, unlike most others of my generation (yes, I am technically a millennial), for many reasons I am interested in maintaining and repairing my stuff, rather than throwing it away or replacing it.

I agree with what's been implied in some posts, if not stated outright, that if you follow GM's recommended maintenance schedule, you're likely setting yourself up to buy lots of parts from them in future years. However, as not everyone agrees on the required frequency of maintenance (I've seen 3k miles, 5k miles, etc.), or what needs to be done (some just change oil, others do all fluids plus tire rotation and other things), what I'm wondering is how you guys came up with those schedules. Again, I'm not disputing them; rather, I'm trying to understand the methodology you used so I can apply it to my own vehicles. Is it gut feel, based on experience/ trial and error, something else? For example, do you look at your oil every time you fill up (as I do) and, if you start to notice discoloration at, say, 3500 miles, for example, that's a clear driver to change oil every 3000 miles?

Also, how much does location/ climate play into the determination? I'll explain the background for that question with an anecdote: the owner's manual for my car says I should change oil every 6 months/ 6000 km (3750 miles) rather than every 12 months/ 12,000 km (7500 mi), which is their standard recommendation, because Canada is a "severe environment". However, I've been told that the +40C (100F) routinely experienced on the Gulf Coast (for example) is much harder on oil than the -40 we get for 1 to 3 weeks every winter. Regardless, I've been sticking to their recommendation for severe service as 12k kms is a long way to drive on the cheap conventional oil the dealership undoubtedly puts in my car, even if it's under relatively light loads compared to the truck I hope to buy soon.

I also like the comments about people who cheap out on routine maintenance. While it feels more expensive at the time, especially if you take it to a dealer rather than doing it yourself, spending $60k CAD every time something starts to fail or the General releases a new model is hardly the economical route in the long run.

As I'm still a young hothead, I only recently discovered the joy in a light right foot to maximise fuel economy (with the added benefit of pissing off all the sheep behind me who can't drive anyway) but I hadn't previously thought about its effect on life of the drivetrain. It just reinforces my goal to keep improving it. With some minor changes that added no time to my commute due to the way the lights are timed, I went from 12L/100 km (20 mpg) city winter consumption to 8L/100 km (30 mpg). I'm looking forward to what I can do on summer gas, given that I got 10L/100 km (24 mpg) like clockwork in the city in the summer with the way I used to drive vs 12 or worse in the winter.

Just looking to learn all I can from you guys because I also have no interest in buying a new vehicle every 5 years or 100,000 kms. Thanks for your info and advice.

Follow the severe service schedule, it all is. One exception, you routinely drive lots of miles more often than not.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Cpl_Punishment · May 1, 2019

2 minutes ago, KARNUT said:

Follow the severe service schedule, it all is. One exception, you routinely drive lots of miles more often than not.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

What do you think about time vs mileage for maintenance frequency? I'm currently driving about 8k kms (5k mi) every year and changing my oil every 6k kms, so about every 8 or 9 months, rather than every 6. As mentioned above, I check my oil every time I gas up and in 7 years of driving this car, have never noticed colour change, particulate, etc.

KARNUT · May 1, 2019

What do you think about time vs mileage for maintenance frequency? I'm currently driving about 8k kms (5k mi) every year and changing my oil every 6k kms, so about every 8 or 9 months, rather than every 6. As mentioned above, I check my oil every time I gas up and in 7 years of driving this car, have never noticed colour change, particulate, etc.

Most oil changes I’ve have done the sticker they put on my window as time is six months. I have two vehicles that fall under your scenario, one I’ve had 18 years and one 8. I do once a year synthetic.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Grumpy Bear · May 1, 2019

Well Rosy you are certainly different than most your age and in a GREAT way. IMHO. Looks like you picked the pearls out of the thread with little effort. I commend you. With Stan I agree with on most things and on this thing about what constitutes severe I agree whole heartedly. Stan has a great deal of experience with what severe means. It is indeed all severe.

I'm not sure there is any one path we ALL took. Some use UOA to find home. Some listened to our elders, those of the depression years who had need laid upon them to make everything last forever. Cut and try for others and If I were forced to wager I would expect the majority of what we might disagree upon is rooted in HOW and WHERE we use our equipment and our personal expectations of what forever might mean. Not so much in the need.

6 minutes ago, Cpl_Punishment said:

What do you think about time vs mileage for maintenance frequency? I'm currently driving about 8k kms (5k mi) every year and changing my oil every 6k kms, so about every 8 or 9 months, rather than every 6. As mentioned above, I check my oil every time I gas up and in 7 years of driving this car, have never noticed colour change, particulate, etc.

I'm a miles guy for things driven and a time guy for things stored. The exception is stored oil. In an air tight container and keep in a moderate dark place it will last like Fruitcakes. For my stored cars, once a year. For the daily drivers I change every 5K for GDI and 7.5k for port injected and carbureted. (Miles not kilometers) Actually everything these days is on a 5 K routine. To much to keep track of. I think of it like this. What is the most effective exercise a person can do? Answer? The one he/she will do.