Letters To The Editor - Paper Cuts - April 2004

  |   letters To The Editor April 2004 custom Truck We Need More Info
We receive hundreds of e-mails and letters as submissions to Paper Cuts, Ridin' Around, Construction Zone, Whazz Up, and all our other columns. We promise that every single one is read and given due attention, but at times we'd like to respond or get more information. We then look over the letter for contact information and all we find is an address. It would take way too much time to write a letter each time we have a question, need more information, or want to feature your truck. The best way to submit things to Mini Truckin' is to include an e-mail address, (if you don't have one, use your buddies) and a phone number. This will increase the chances tenfold that we'll be able to answer your questions and take care of you.
Thanks,
MT Staff Army of One
Dear MT,
I have a problem. I am the only soldier in my barrack who's a mini-trucker and I'm constantly defending our sport. People just don't realize what an incredible thrill it is to shower sparks down the freeway at 70 mph. They all say it's just a waste of money and time. How do I explain this and help them understand?
Sincerely,
PV2 Matt Wood
"Army of One Mini-Trucker"
Ft. Knox, Kentucky Hey Matt,
Your problem is pretty widespread. Not too many people outside of our collective group understand why we do what we do. The simplest way to explain it is probably not to call it a sport, but a lifestyle. Everyone has something they're really into. Some ride motorcycles, some build hot rods, some golf, and we build trucks and drag the doors off them. No one has the right to say which is better. Every single person obviously chooses how to spend their time and money, and love what they do. It's just a way of life for us and there is probably no way to win an argument with someone who doesn't live the same way. They'll never be able to understand the camaraderie we share and our love for what we do. Just keep doing what you love and don't worry too much about what other people think. Do what makes you happy, and if they never catch on, it's their loss. We hope this helps. 'Baggin' It
Dear MT,
I have an '89 Chevy S-10 extended cab with 2-inch dropped coils up front and 4-inch blocks out back. I was hoping you could help me out and tell me what I need to put airbags on my S-dime to make it drag, but I want to stay away from a body drop for now. Please help me; I'm on a tight budget, so I need to do it right the first time.
Alan D.
Summerville, South Carolina Hey Alan,
Since you weren't very specific on how fast you want to go (if you want front, back, and side-to-side), or if you planned on doing the install yourself, I recommend calling the guys at FBI at (877) 324-6464. Tell them MT told you to call and see what they can do for you. For that particular truck, you'll need to notch the frame and run a four-link to drag it. You will also need to move your gas tank up, or get a fuel cell. Oh, and you'll need four 'bags and at least four valves just to do front and back. If you want side-to-side and more options, then go with eight valves. Being on a budget, you can go with 3/8-inch valves or smaller. You will need all the fittings and air line to plumb the system. You will probably want to run at least two 5-gallon tanks to provide enough constant air and at least two heavy-duty compressors to fill the tanks. You need switches, or whatever you have in mind to use as a switch box, a pressure switch to control the pressure in your air tanks, and a solenoid to run the compressors to. You never want to run the compressors straight to the battery because they draw too much amperage. FBI has full kit options that will save some bucks. Just look around and compare prices, but don't sacrifice quality - you get what you pay for. Good luck.