Things Have Changed…
“Can I get an assist please?”
Stardate Captain’s BLOG 2 - July 2026
Safe to say “Things Have Changed” in the truck world since the first 5TH Generation Bronco was released in 1992. Modern day - Doom-Scrolling aside and differing opinions regarding the state of the truck world having space of exchange in today’s connected / disconnected world - we still love our trucks.
Low Riders; Mini-Trucks; Pre-Runners; Over-Landers; Parking Lot Princess’; Rock Hoppers; Drag Trucks; OEM-Plus; Resto-Mod; Work Trucks; NASCAR Trucks; Mud Boggers; Sand Rigs; “Tractor Pull” Trucks; Daily Drivers; Military and First Responder Units…… I suspect most of us aren’t big fans of having our biometrics and iPhones downloaded each time we drive a new truck, however 600HP/1000TQ on pump gas with a pick-up bed is impressive nonetheless. Some of us remember how difficult it was to get your 1970 Road Runner in 13 second quarter mile - street trim.
Being a race car brat, spending weekends at various Midwest race tracks in the 70’s with cotton in my ears, breathing leaded race gas fumes and cigarette smoke, is attached to some great racing memories as a kid. I had some 60/70’s Mopar, Ford and Pontiac Muscle cars before street racing and my goal of living in a shop with my cars, was replaced with nearly 30 years of first responder work, marriage, kids and a mortgage.
Currently, I find myself revisiting those experiences including some level of mechanical “therapy”. The process, community, problem solving and simple enjoyment of working on and driving old iron is an essential part of this chapter of life for myself and some others. I still own an LS1 Camaro that goes faster than I should and wouldn’t mind cruising my 1965, 426 Street Wedge Coronet 500, my 70 or 71 4 Speed Road Runner if I still had them. My current “love affair” is 90’s SUV 4×4”s. I love everything about them regardless of dirt, or asphalt. Fords chose me essentially, however a nice K5, Suburban, Ram Charger or even some of the smaller Explorers (especially GT40 302’s) and little GM Blazers are cool.
I have adult children who are interested in trucks and I regularly tell them, there are some fantastic things occurring in the truck enthusiast’s orbit currently. Obviously some challenges and some “f***’ry” too, however every generation has legitimate critiques. Some really smart, adaptable participants coming up in the new generation of enthusiasts today. Ultimately I remember as a kid, the love of the hobby being bigger than age and cultural differences. That is a primary reason for this venture.
Respectfully Submitted
Todd