 Dear Truck designer
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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OP
Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
I write this letter in hopes that I ca change your mind about how you design your pickup trucks. I know your marketing dept. associates want a design that will appeal to deek swingin real men and testoranounally jealous females. But really, what ever happened to "form follows function"? For instance, my 2002 Ford F150 was a handy truck in every way. You could step right into the cab and the box was at a handy height. Now, my 2002 Ford, as well as every newer model I see today, is a jacked up giant tired behemoth, that will actually carry less load and is in nearly every way less handy to use as a TRUCK! My wife practically needs a ladder to get into the passenger side, running boards are absolutely necessary unless you are built with a six foot four leg anatomy. My 2002 has work boxes on the side with side doors. Heaven help me if they had top doors as the side door are nearly eyeball height! There is also a ladder rack, which, because of the the height of the truck, usually demands that I step up on the bumper to reach any ladder strapped to it! All this jacked up glory so that I can drive it across the swamps and bogs of the North American Midwest on the weekends? Or is the height intended to impress female buyers , who can then watch from a "big and manly" perspective, looking down on the "leetle" people driving cars and motorcycles? If nothing else, I suspect that you designers own stock in the after market tire companies. How else to explain the two foot of clearance in the wheel wells? Is this so the owners of these jacked up monsters can fit humongo tires on the rims to the tune of $200 apiece? Gawd, I wish for the return of truck models from the 60s thru 80s. Functional beasts, with accessible cabs and boxes that could be unloaded in a convenient manner. I don't need a truck that screams "machismo" to every bystander! I don't need a truck that will plow through and run over giant fallen logs and waist deep sinkholes! and my wife doesn't think I need a truck that displays my giant ego and manhood! I just need a truck that I can use to work. You know, haulin plywood, sheetrock, boards, bricks and the occasional happy dog!  
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: Dear Truck designer
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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OP
Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
Oooops, I meant to reference my the first truck as a 1992 F150.
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: Dear Truck designer
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
All good points here, Rich.
However, the thing about recent truck design that I find to be off-putting has more to do with the aesthetics of the bodywork.
Ya see, I've owned a 2000 Chevy Silverado for some ten years now, and I think it's better looking than any of the newer trucks I've seen since I've owned it.
And the reason I think so is that all these modern trucks from every manufacturer are so damn squared-off and extremely boxy looking, and without the nice subtle curves that my 2000 Silverado sports, and thus making them less aerodynamic in appearance than what I would think a vehicle designed to move through a mass of air should look like.
It seems as if the truck stylists now day think this boxy and squared-off look somehow gives the appearance of them being more "utilitarian" and yes, like you mentioned, somehow more "manly" I suppose.
(...yep, that's been MY gripe about the newer pickups for quite some time...I HATE the look of these newer boxy looking trucks)
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Dear Truck designer
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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OP
Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
Sure, Dwight, I agree. And I can tell you where the "boxy" styling originated. The Hummer. Ever since that "military,utilitarian" styling came out, designers have copied it. Cause after all, what speaks more macho than "military war machine"? Additionally, I've got another styling cue that would fit right in with newer truck thinking. How about putting a big, massive steering wheel in the cab, you know, like semi trucks used to have. You'd be seen grabbing a big ole handfull of wheel, double handing it slowly in a circle, directing the monster around a corner like semi cowboys of years ago! 
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: Dear Truck designer
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
Sure, Dwight, I agree. And I can tell you where the "boxy" styling originated. The Hummer. Ever since that "military,utilitarian" styling came out, designers have copied it. Cause after all, what speaks more macho than "military war machine"? Additionally, I've got another styling cue that would fit right in with newer truck thinking. How about putting a big, massive steering wheel in the cab, you know, like semi trucks used to have. You'd be seen grabbing a big ole handfull of wheel, double handing it slowly in a circle, directing the monster around a corner like semi cowboys of years ago!
And yeah, you're probably right about the Hummer's influence on this ugly-ass squared-off boxy look all the trucks have now, Rich.
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Dear Truck designer
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10 |
Quote:
I write this letter in hopes that I ca change your mind about how you design your pickup trucks. I know your marketing dept. associates want a design that will appeal to deek swingin real men and testoranounally jealous females. But really, what ever happened to "form follows function"?
For instance, my 2002 Ford F150 was a handy truck in every way. You could step right into the cab and the box was at a handy height. Now, my 2002 Ford, as well as every newer model I see today, is a jacked up giant tired behemoth, that will actually carry less load and is in nearly every way less handy to use as a TRUCK! My wife practically needs a ladder to get into the passenger side, running boards are absolutely necessary unless you are built with a six foot four leg anatomy. My 2002 has work boxes on the side with side doors. Heaven help me if they had top doors as the side door are nearly eyeball height! There is also a ladder rack, which, because of the the height of the truck, usually demands that I step up on the bumper to reach any ladder strapped to it!
All this jacked up glory so that I can drive it across the swamps and bogs of the North American Midwest on the weekends? Or is the height intended to impress female buyers , who can then watch from a "big and manly" perspective, looking down on the "leetle" people driving cars and motorcycles?
If nothing else, I suspect that you designers own stock in the after market tire companies. How else to explain the two foot of clearance in the wheel wells? Is this so the owners of these jacked up monsters can fit humongo tires on the rims to the tune of $200 apiece?
Gawd, I wish for the return of truck models from the 60s thru 80s. Functional beasts, with accessible cabs and boxes that could be unloaded in a convenient manner.
I don't need a truck that screams "machismo" to every bystander! I don't need a truck that will plow through and run over giant fallen logs and waist deep sinkholes! and my wife doesn't think I need a truck that displays my giant ego and manhood! I just need a truck that I can use to work. You know, haulin plywood, sheetrock, boards, bricks and the occasional happy dog!
100% right Rich!.You should see them in Thailand, where two out of three vehicles is a monster SUV or 4 door pickup driven by some penile challenged sucker.At traffic lights next to them you're eye level with their wheel nuts.They must carry ladders to get into them and sit on a couple of phone books to see over the steering wheel.I exaggerate as usual but not by much!
The driving is atrocious here and skills none existent.Instead of the "Child in car" stickers I see, they should have "Drunk child driving car"
I'll be back in OZ in a week on my Triumph and laid back! YAHOOO! 
I always say when I arrive home,I will NEVER complain about Australian driving again[but unfortunately it doesn't last]
Dinosaur.
"Oh Man I only ride 'em.I don't know what makes 'em work". Donald "Oddball" Sutherland
"Don't let the bastards get you down". Kris Kristofferson
"I am only paranoid because everyone is against me". Larry [Frank Burns] Linville
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Re: Dear Truck designer
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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OP
Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
Quote:
Quote:
I write this letter in hopes that I ca change your mind about how you design your pickup trucks. I know your marketing dept. associates want a design that will appeal to deek swingin real men and testoranounally jealous females. But really, what ever happened to "form follows function"?
For instance, my 2002 Ford F150 was a handy truck in every way. You could step right into the cab and the box was at a handy height. Now, my 2002 Ford, as well as every newer model I see today, is a jacked up giant tired behemoth, that will actually carry less load and is in nearly every way less handy to use as a TRUCK! My wife practically needs a ladder to get into the passenger side, running boards are absolutely necessary unless you are built with a six foot four leg anatomy. My 2002 has work boxes on the side with side doors. Heaven help me if they had top doors as the side door are nearly eyeball height! There is also a ladder rack, which, because of the the height of the truck, usually demands that I step up on the bumper to reach any ladder strapped to it!
All this jacked up glory so that I can drive it across the swamps and bogs of the North American Midwest on the weekends? Or is the height intended to impress female buyers , who can then watch from a "big and manly" perspective, looking down on the "leetle" people driving cars and motorcycles?
If nothing else, I suspect that you designers own stock in the after market tire companies. How else to explain the two foot of clearance in the wheel wells? Is this so the owners of these jacked up monsters can fit humongo tires on the rims to the tune of $200 apiece?
Gawd, I wish for the return of truck models from the 60s thru 80s. Functional beasts, with accessible cabs and boxes that could be unloaded in a convenient manner.
I don't need a truck that screams "machismo" to every bystander! I don't need a truck that will plow through and run over giant fallen logs and waist deep sinkholes! and my wife doesn't think I need a truck that displays my giant ego and manhood! I just need a truck that I can use to work. You know, haulin plywood, sheetrock, boards, bricks and the occasional happy dog!
100% right Rich!.You should see them in Thailand, where two out of three vehicles is a monster SUV or 4 door pickup driven by some penile challenged sucker.At traffic lights next to them you're eye level with their wheel nuts.They must carry ladders to get into them and sit on a couple of phone books to see over the steering wheel.I exaggerate as usual but not by much!
The driving is atrocious here and skills none existent.Instead of the "Child in car" stickers I see, they should have "Drunk child driving car"
I'll be back in OZ in a week on my Triumph and laid back! YAHOOO!
I always say when I arrive home,I will NEVER complain about Australian driving again[but unfortunately it doesn't last]
But ya know, my critcism is not of "customized" trucks, rather I just hate these stock from the factory, stoopid jacked up, impractical cadilacs that are out there! I want a truck to use as a TOOL, not as an extension of my virility! Another wrinkle for me to btch about....do you know how hard it is to find a truck with a standard ole 8 FT. BED?! Everything out there is a king cab, extra seat in the back, short bed. Great is you're gonna parade around with your friends and family but WORTHLESS if you actually want to haul anything! 
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: Dear Truck designer
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,248 Likes: 64
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,248 Likes: 64 |
Remember when they made inexpensive plain work trucks? That is what I would like to see again. Rubber floor mats, manual windows, AM radio (or none at all), Std. shift, one seat, 8' bed.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Dear Truck designer
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,630 Likes: 7
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,630 Likes: 7 |
I had a 1977 Heavy 3/4 ton Chevy. It did everything you need a pickup to do and that was enough. You can still buy a regular cab work truck but you can't find them on most dealer lots. Not enough margin I guess.
I recently used someone else's pickup to carry their very heavy crate to the freight depot. Jacked up 1/2 ton crew cab with about a 4 1/2 foot bed. It cost him almost 10 grand more than my 2016 3/4 ton Ram Promaster hightop van. It is an almost useless pickup. I only used it because he already had the crate in it. At least he is using that tiny little bed, most of them are never used.
We all like to think of ourselves as rugged individualists. But when push comes to shove most of us are sheep who do what we are told. Worst of all, a lot of us become unpaid agents of whoever is controlling the agenda by enforcing the current dogma on the few rugged individualists who actually exist.
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Re: Dear Truck designer
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,248 Likes: 64
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,248 Likes: 64 |
I know you can get a regular cab but not a cheap work truck.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Dear Truck designer
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,471 Likes: 3
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,471 Likes: 3 |
My 2000 Sierra Z71 looked better, fit better, rode better and did almost everything better than my current 2013 Z71 which is bigger, harder to park, rides rougher and with the same 5.3 and a 6 speed Auto (instead of the 4 in the 2000)on a good day only gets 1, maybe 2 mpg better overall. The only new features I like are the dual climate control and the rearview camera. The rest is just crap. Expensive if it breaks crap. I'm not sure how much longer I'll keep it.
I actually preferred the Tacoma I had in between.
Dwight, hang on to that Silverado as long as you can.
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Re: Dear Truck designer
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,630 Likes: 7
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,630 Likes: 7 |
Quote:
I know you can get a regular cab but not a cheap work truck.
I haven't checked the prices since I'm not in the market for one. but a Ford fleet sales manager did tell me they have some pretty basic models available for order. I was looking at the Transit at the time. It's funny though, how you can get a big cargo van for less than the F150s they had on the lot.
We all like to think of ourselves as rugged individualists. But when push comes to shove most of us are sheep who do what we are told. Worst of all, a lot of us become unpaid agents of whoever is controlling the agenda by enforcing the current dogma on the few rugged individualists who actually exist.
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Re: Dear Truck designer
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10 |
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
I write this letter in hopes that I ca change your mind about how you design your pickup trucks. I know your marketing dept. associates want a design that will appeal to deek swingin real men and testoranounally jealous females. But really, what ever happened to "form follows function"?
For instance, my 2002 Ford F150 was a handy truck in every way. You could step right into the cab and the box was at a handy height. Now, my 2002 Ford, as well as every newer model I see today, is a jacked up giant tired behemoth, that will actually carry less load and is in nearly every way less handy to use as a TRUCK! My wife practically needs a ladder to get into the passenger side, running boards are absolutely necessary unless you are built with a six foot four leg anatomy. My 2002 has work boxes on the side with side doors. Heaven help me if they had top doors as the side door are nearly eyeball height! There is also a ladder rack, which, because of the the height of the truck, usually demands that I step up on the bumper to reach any ladder strapped to it!
All this jacked up glory so that I can drive it across the swamps and bogs of the North American Midwest on the weekends? Or is the height intended to impress female buyers , who can then watch from a "big and manly" perspective, looking down on the "leetle" people driving cars and motorcycles?
If nothing else, I suspect that you designers own stock in the after market tire companies. How else to explain the two foot of clearance in the wheel wells? Is this so the owners of these jacked up monsters can fit humongo tires on the rims to the tune of $200 apiece?
Gawd, I wish for the return of truck models from the 60s thru 80s. Functional beasts, with accessible cabs and boxes that could be unloaded in a convenient manner.
I don't need a truck that screams "machismo" to every bystander! I don't need a truck that will plow through and run over giant fallen logs and waist deep sinkholes! and my wife doesn't think I need a truck that displays my giant ego and manhood! I just need a truck that I can use to work. You know, haulin plywood, sheetrock, boards, bricks and the occasional happy dog!
100% right Rich!.You should see them in Thailand, where two out of three vehicles is a monster SUV or 4 door pickup driven by some penile challenged sucker.At traffic lights next to them you're eye level with their wheel nuts.They must carry ladders to get into them and sit on a couple of phone books to see over the steering wheel.I exaggerate as usual but not by much!
The driving is atrocious here and skills none existent.Instead of the "Child in car" stickers I see, they should have "Drunk child driving car"
I'll be back in OZ in a week on my Triumph and laid back! YAHOOO!
I always say when I arrive home,I will NEVER complain about Australian driving again[but unfortunately it doesn't last]
But ya know, my critcism is not of "customized" trucks, rather I just hate these stock from the factory, stoopid jacked up, impractical cadilacs that are out there! I want a truck to use as a TOOL, not as an extension of my virility! Another wrinkle for me to btch about....do you know how hard it is to find a truck with a standard ole 8 FT. BED?! Everything out there is a king cab, extra seat in the back, short bed. Great is you're gonna parade around with your friends and family but WORTHLESS if you actually want to haul anything!
Yes these are factory SUVs and Pickups I'm talking about Rich.My exaggerations may have thrown you.I didn't mean literally looking at the wheel nuts like a monster truck but a lot of thais are small guys and would need a leg up from someone to get into them Yes 4 door,king cab etc.They're big enough to completely cover a lane here and as the thais are crap drivers a LOT of times they're using MORE than a full lane.
But all stuff gets bigger. My Mum had a 1969 Toyota Corolla.I saw one the other day.It looked like a matchbox.The Corolla today is almost family sedan sized.
My America next to a '69-'70 Bonnie dwarfs it.Bigger is better syndrome???
Dinosaur.
"Oh Man I only ride 'em.I don't know what makes 'em work". Donald "Oddball" Sutherland
"Don't let the bastards get you down". Kris Kristofferson
"I am only paranoid because everyone is against me". Larry [Frank Burns] Linville
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Re: Dear Truck designer
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13 |
After reading the title, I thought you were getting religious on us. Butch Trucks came to mind and being as how he just offed himself...Shoot. wtf from the 31st of February to January 24. what a run.
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: Dear Truck designer
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,248 Likes: 64
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,248 Likes: 64 |
Quote:
Quote:
I know you can get a regular cab but not a cheap work truck.
I haven't checked the prices since I'm not in the market for one. but a Ford fleet sales manager did tell me they have some pretty basic models available for order. I was looking at the Transit at the time. It's funny though, how you can get a big cargo van for less than the F150s they had on the lot.
Simple supply and demand, trucks have gotten popular and are used as cars and status symbols. Vans not so much, they are still mostly work trucks except minivans and those are child haulers. There are the conversion vans but not a big demand for them that I have seen.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Dear Truck designer
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Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 374
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 374 |
Being a loyal American buyer it pains me to say it but the new Honda Ridgeline is about just what a half ton truck should be. The big three do still make reasonable priced work trucks, with normal size tires and height, but you have to order them. The new small Chevy is decent size but all on the lots are decked out and cost as much as the big ones. I read that Ford is bringing back the Ranger to America but I've yet to see one. Dodge Ram keeps talking about a new Dakota but they can't make the big Ram's fast enough so why bother. The new full size trucks are built tuff though, they carry and pull as much as my 96 Chevy 3500 did even as they are classed as 1/2 ton's. My brother has a new Ford Diesel Super Duty that has as much power as the Semi trucks I used to drive for a living, it's crazy.
Tin Man 2
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Re: Dear Truck designer
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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OP
Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
Quote:
Remember when they made inexpensive plain work trucks? That is what I would like to see again. Rubber floor mats, manual windows, AM radio (or none at all), Std. shift, one seat, 8' bed.
Yeah, me too! And I suppose this is the part that has me adding "points distributer" to the list?  And the cost! MY GAWD, I could buy a darn nice used house for the money! And it's no use pointing out that I can order a "plain" one. (I wonder HOW plain that could be?) I'd never waste money buying a new truck cause I don't ENJOY trucks, I just use them as a TOOL! Even so, when I do wear one out, the used truck prices are just NUTS! Five years ago, when I went out looking, ten year old trucks with 160 K on them were booking for 8 grand! I finally got a good deal on my current Ford with 180K on the clock for 35 hundred, but it had been fixed up on a salvage title. I'm now pushing 250 K and putting it back together periodically with wire and tie straps (litterally sometimes)and I DREAD the day I have to go and find another truck with a full size bed.
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: Dear Truck designer
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 688
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 688 |
So ya'll are surprised that full size trucks are marketed on their tough capable and durable qualities? Well they always have going back many decades. Now let's say you are a truck designer in the body department working on a full size truck and you have to design competitive payload capacity and interior volume in a good looking package. The dimensions you are given are set by the market. Modern pickup trucks with high payload and towing capacities need very large cooling systems so the frontal area of the full size truck must have space for airflow through the large radiator, A/C condenser, Transmission cooler, and in some cases turbo intercooler, that means it's going to be big. The truck must be designed to accept the most powerful engine available, in the case of a new F-150 for example that can be up to 450hp and 510lbft torque. And as stated before today's standard pickup trucks far outclass those of the '80s/'90s in power, torque, towing and payload.
As a teenager I worked at an electrical contractor company delivering materials to jobsites, I was issued a 1973 C-10 Chevy 350 v8 A/T 8ft bed. It was subjected to gross overload way beyond capacity...daily. Back then companies like that bought a couple of full size trucks at a time as they could afford them and they had to get the job done because it was all the shop had. Chevy, Ford and Dodge all knew that's what happened in the real world and overbuilt the trucks to a point so we our luck held out, it was a different time hell today air conditioning comes standard back then nobody's work truck had A/C.
The big change in personal pickup trucks came in the late 1990s when super cab trucks started coming with rear doors, suddenly dad's truck wasn't just for work anymore.
Consider the cooling space requirements of this F-150 ecoboost note the intercooler behind the lower opening which is why the early versions had offset license front plates.
I use my stock supercab 4wd F150 to tow boats up to 9,000 lbs and a 17ft utility trailer plus haul whatever else in the 6.5ft bed, for it's purpose the truck is perfect.
Last edited by outerbanks; 01/28/2017 9:26 PM.
2011 Triumph America (10/2011 to 07/2014)
2012 Harley Davidson 1200C Sportster
2014 Harley Davidson Dyna Wide Glide
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Re: Dear Truck designer
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,630 Likes: 7
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,630 Likes: 7 |
Quote:
Vans not so much, they are still mostly work trucks
Of course then there is THIS one 
https://winnebagoind.com/products/class-c/2016/trend/overview
just a little more expensive than mine. 
We all like to think of ourselves as rugged individualists. But when push comes to shove most of us are sheep who do what we are told. Worst of all, a lot of us become unpaid agents of whoever is controlling the agenda by enforcing the current dogma on the few rugged individualists who actually exist.
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Re: Dear Truck designer
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Yeah yeah, whatever OB! STILL say my 2000 Chevy Silverado crew cab looks A HELL of a lot better than any of these ugly freakin' boxy lookin' pickups they make today, dude!!!   (...a purely subjective opinion, of course)
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Dear Truck designer
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
My 2000 Sierra Z71 looked better, fit better, rode better and did almost everything better than my current 2013 Z71 which is bigger, harder to park, rides rougher and with the same 5.3 and a 6 speed Auto (instead of the 4 in the 2000)on a good day only gets 1, maybe 2 mpg better overall. The only new features I like are the dual climate control and the rearview camera. The rest is just crap. Expensive if it breaks crap. I'm not sure how much longer I'll keep it.
I actually preferred the Tacoma I had in between.
Dwight, hang on to that Silverado as long as you can.
Yep Steve, I plan to, and rue the day I might be forced to trade it in for a new or newer one.
(...and 'cause of course, not only are new trucks expensive as hell, but, well, I guess you know by now how I feel the newer ones are so freakin' ugly, right?!)
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Dear Truck designer
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10 |
I liked the US pickups from the 50s-60s? Clint Eastwood drove one in the old movie "every which way but loose" Of course they're long gone now except as collectors. .Perfect funnction and form IMO.
Dinosaur.
"Oh Man I only ride 'em.I don't know what makes 'em work". Donald "Oddball" Sutherland
"Don't let the bastards get you down". Kris Kristofferson
"I am only paranoid because everyone is against me". Larry [Frank Burns] Linville
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Re: Dear Truck designer
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,736 Likes: 7
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,736 Likes: 7 |
Well Rich, I have to say I agree with a lot of what your saying here. For a long time, I've been complaining about these 3/4 and 1 ton trucks with a 6 foot bed because the cab is a super crew extended 4 door. How can you need a truck that you can't haul drywall and plywood in without dropping the tailgate? What I find is that most people that get the big 4 wheel drive 3/4 ton trucks with whatever diesel motor they want does it just to hang a set of truck nuts off of and throw out big black clouds from spooling up. Also, there's no way a decent work truck should cost 70 grand! For the record, I have a '99 Ford F-350 regular cab 4x4. It has 87,000 miles on it now because I try to only drive it when I actually need to haul stuff. It sits high because it's 4 wheel drive but it's not lifted above factory ride height and still has the original size tires underneath. 2 wheel drive trucks will sit lower and cost less, I worked for a guy before that had a 2wd F-250 extended cab with an 8' bed and that thing was easy to get in and out of. But finding a parking spot was a challenge!
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: Dear Truck designer
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,736 Likes: 7
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,736 Likes: 7 |
Maybe International needs to go back to producing light trucks, those were true purpose built machines
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: Dear Truck designer
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,248 Likes: 64
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,248 Likes: 64 |
Quote:
Maybe International needs to go back to producing light trucks, those were true purpose built machines
+1 toughest trucks I ever owned.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Dear Truck designer
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,248 Likes: 64
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,248 Likes: 64 |
They haven't made true work trucks in decades, the old Internationals being top of the heap in durability and power but drivng them on the highway was brutal. They would be screaming at 60 mph. I too had a few 1/2 ton Chevy trucks from the late 60s and early 70s and I loaded them with loads that would squish a modern 1/2 ton. I remember having shingles piled higher than the roof in one of my Chevy 1/2 ton trucks 8' bed and hauled them away no problem.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Dear Truck designer
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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OP
Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
Dave and I are in the same boat (er, truck) it seems. Course, we're both carpenters. Funny thing is, my 2002 Ford F250 is only two wheel drive and it's STILL jacked way up. I thought I was being smart not getting 4 wheel to save a little milage, but nope, 12 MPG ALL DAY LONG, CITY OR HIGHWAY! I love the extended cab though, just big enough to throw some extra tools in and still have the 8 ft. bed. But even with this lil addition to the cab, it's a btch to park! And I gotta go with Ian on the toughness thing. Sorry OB. My old Chevy and Ford trucks from the 70s and 80s would carry more load than these new trucks. I just figure the manufacturers are lying. And I have a few farmer friends around here that pull stuff around a lot. They look for and lust after Ford trucks pre-2010, cause they say the frames aren't up to pulling loads the way the old stuff was.
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: Dear Truck designer
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,074 Likes: 83
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,074 Likes: 83 |
Yeah, I'm back at the dealership again and am of the same opinion. The new f series fords and the silverado's they build now just ain't really my kinda thing. Chevy has changed the Colorado to what seems to be a larger chassis.. a little too pointy for me. I'm interested to see what ford does with the Ranger and Bronco also.
I did fall into a good deal and bought a 2000 f150 4wd from the contractor I worked with for awhile and so far have been very pleased with it.
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Re: Dear Truck designer
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,248 Likes: 64
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,248 Likes: 64 |
I am a Chevy guy but have owned a couple Fords over the years and my only complaint is they seem to wander if loaded down. The steering on the Chevys and IH didn't seem to be effected. Other than that they were all good trucks. The Chrysler products were all junk, weak trannys and differentials.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Dear Truck designer
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,630 Likes: 7
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,630 Likes: 7 |
Quote:
Maybe International needs to go back to producing light trucks, those were true purpose built machines
But so were the Chevys and Fords of the day. They'd just dive into the high margin business of making trucks whose owners use them as sedans and whose beds never see a load. I once had a guy pay me to deliver a load for him because he didn't want a wooden crate to mar the paint on his pickup's little shorty bed.
We all like to think of ourselves as rugged individualists. But when push comes to shove most of us are sheep who do what we are told. Worst of all, a lot of us become unpaid agents of whoever is controlling the agenda by enforcing the current dogma on the few rugged individualists who actually exist.
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Re: Dear Truck designer
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,736 Likes: 7
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,736 Likes: 7 |
now I just want to show my baby off  [/URL] Someone hit my bumper and fender this past summer with a trailer so I got some insurance money to update the front end a bit. It's a little easier when you have a friend that manages a body shop and can get you cheaper parts  [/URL] again, it's a '99 
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: Dear Truck designer
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 877 Likes: 2
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 877 Likes: 2 |
I have had my truck since 2004 doubt I buy a new one soon.Miss my 73 and 78 Ford's way better than the junkers they made in the 80's.
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Re: Dear Truck designer
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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OP
Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
Quote:
now I just want to show my baby off
[/URL]
Someone hit my bumper and fender this past summer with a trailer so I got some insurance money to update the front end a bit. It's a little easier when you have a friend that manages a body shop and can get you cheaper parts
[/URL]
again, it's a '99
Dang, that's a good looking ole truck! Ya better hold on to that cause you're never gonna replace it for the money or the quality!
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: Dear Truck designer
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,068 Likes: 1
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,068 Likes: 1 |
I miss sitting on the fender tubs and tuning the quadrajet and turning the distributor to 8 degrees advance
you can't sit under the hood now, too much crap
10 miles of hoses now
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Re: Dear Truck designer
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,248 Likes: 64
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,248 Likes: 64 |
I miss being able to look under the hood and see the problem instead now you need a $5,000 scan tool.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Dear Truck designer
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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OP
Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
Quote:
I miss being able to look under the hood and see the problem instead now you need a $5,000 scan tool.
And, of course, the new bikes are just as bad. Other than tires and oil changes, I'm NEVER gonna attempt to work on my Indian. Computer controls and monitors EVERYTHING, even the lighting! Last week I farted and a light came on the dash to tell me I needed to stop and wipe the seat!
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: Dear Truck designer
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,248 Likes: 64
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,248 Likes: 64 |
I hate that with cars, everything goes through the computer, even stupid stuff that has no reason to do so.Give me cables and gears over sensors and solenoids any day.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Dear Truck designer
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,471 Likes: 3
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,471 Likes: 3 |
I read that the company that owns Checker (yeah, the taxicab company) plans to re-introduce a 6 door car and a pickup truck. Using the same basic molds from before with updated safety features. GM powered. Should be interesting. I always liked the look. Could this be your new El Camino Dwight?  https://www.hemmings.com/blog/index.php/...018/?refer=news
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Re: Dear Truck designer
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10 |
Quote:
I hate that with cars, everything goes through the computer, even stupid stuff that has no reason to do so.Give me cables and gears over sensors and solenoids any day.
My friend had a boat load of trouble with the engine cutting the back cylinder on his HD.Supposed to be a feature to stop overheating of the rear cylinder in traffic.
After MUCH searching it was a $40
sensor intermittently cutting out.
Now they're going to "ride by wire" throttles on the bonnies.Just something else to break IMO.
There again I am a Dinosaur.
Dinosaur.
"Oh Man I only ride 'em.I don't know what makes 'em work". Donald "Oddball" Sutherland
"Don't let the bastards get you down". Kris Kristofferson
"I am only paranoid because everyone is against me". Larry [Frank Burns] Linville
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Re: Dear Truck designer
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,028 Likes: 8
New Tires
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New Tires
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,028 Likes: 8 |
I got rid of my 04 four door loaded f-150, I couldn't park it especially if I had to back it up at night. It did ride like a Lincoln down the highway though, sweet.
Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
H. L. Mencken
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