Vote: New-Old Hybrid
In regards to September's Rant, I'd like to think it had my name all over it. Having owned both old and new (trucks), my heart belongs to the old school. I just feel that you can't beat those classic lines, the ease of maintenance, and the absence of gadgets that break. I wouldn't go out in a snowstorm with no top nor heater, but that's just me. I happen to own an '80 Toyota pickup with a 7-inch Superlift, 33s and an assortment of goodies. I built this truck in '83, but then children came and it went into hibernation. The kids are out of the house, and the truck is now back on the road with only 7,600 miles. It's like going back in time. I'm driving a truck that is just about showroom new-more than any other. It's a blast. So simple, so easy, so cheap to insure. And last but not least, no emissions requirements. So how about the old style with the necessary new technology? Why can't you have both in one package? I am 61 and still get worked up over the possibility. Thanks for a great magazine.
Richard Brandt
Litchfield, CT.
Letter of the month
This month, Tire Rack is stoking out our Letter of the Month writer with a $150 gift certificate to any future purchase at Tire Rack. This is like getting a free tire when you need to buy a new set! You can get your new tires at www.tirerack.com
Military Service Discounts?
The latest issue of OFF-ROAD really got me thinking about my XJ. I sat down and gave my rig a serious once over. I was disappointed to say the least. The last time I saw any trail time was last year. I love off-roading, mostly because of the comraderre, and I also see it as a family bonding event. I either have Jeep on the brain, Iraq, or family tragedy. 4x4s are my escape and something me and son both enjoy. The dream that I can load my family in my rig and go camping keeps me going in hard times. But I make around $13,000 a year, and this is making it all but impossible to get my rig safe and reliable for the trail.
I am not trying to spin a sob story for sympathy, just a little consideration, and I am wondering if you know any companies or manufacturers who have some type of military veteran and active serviceman discount program that would help me achieve my dreams. I do not want a handout, but maybe a discount could make the difference in me being bedridden or jeep riding. I am not begging and I hope you will understand. I offered my life for this country and all that I love, but I am still hesitant to ask for anything in return. I just happen to be at a loss. Thanks for any assistance and/or advice you can provide.
Chad Chase
Via email
Chad, that is a great question, and one I'd like to ask of any readers and/or company owners who are reading this right now. Who out there gives discounts for veterans and active duty service members? Email into jerrod.jones@off-roadweb.com to let me know what companies and we'll start a list on our BLOGS at www.off-roadweb.com. Any company that does give military discounts will get listed, along with its contact info, in the April 2011's Unloaded section. Thanks!
By the way, Chad-to help you get started on fixing up your Cherokee, you're our letter writer of the month, and you'll be getting hooked up with a Tire Rack gift certificate in the mail.
Bolt-On or Weld-On?
I have a 1990 Ranger and am trying to design a bumper to fabricate for it, but don't know whether to do a bolt-on or weld-on bumper on the front of the frame. Is there any benefit to either way? I'm leaning more towards bolt-on-that way I can get rid of it if I go further with it. Changes to the engine, suspension, rollcage, etc. could necessitate removing it.
Would you be able to help me out?
Thomas Eaton
Moreno Valley, California