24 PERFECT PARTS AND TIPS

Straightforward Upgrades for Better Performance

To help in this area, we’ve compiled a very straightforward list of things to do that will not only prove to be handy DIY projects, but will provide you with even more ideas for you to ponder over to improve upon many areas of your own ride. Many ’60s, ’70s and even ’80sera pickups are still running outdated lighting, have no mirrors, and many of the original parts can leave you broken down stranded, creating dependability problems down the road, not to mention the basic inconvenience of having to deal with such old technology in a much more hectic driving environment. This couldn’t be more true if that pickup in question happens to be your only vehicle and represents your daily transportation.

Address Old Wiring and Cooling Systems

To help guard against this happening to you, consider checking out all old wiring, updating any ratty wiring in your truck, loose connections and especially bad grounds. There’s a lot to check from end to end, but the wiring in these old trucks is very basic and easy to repair and upgrade. The same holds true for the cooling system.

Understand that critical cooling and lubricating fluids are often overlooked yet all are vital for a dependable running truck of any vintage. What’s more, any of this easily fits within the constraints of most budgets, but it’s recommended that you check over the important considerations that might require your attention and do this before taking off on an extended trip.

Improve Visibility and Safety Features

Can you see the guy behind you? Can he see you? Having a set of side mirrors and a rearview mirror that adjusts for your physical requirements and looks good enables you to more quickly see what’s around you without having to stick your head out the window. Even if you are into a smooth look, there are outside mirrors that have the look and are less obvious without the chrome.

In addition, items such as seat belts, which many older trucks were never equipped with, can save lives. These older trucks also were never equipped with structural side impact bracing, offering you little in the way of protection in the event of an accident, so buckle up. Safety is a much more important consideration nowadays, one that is overlooked all too often for the sake of style. Consider safety just another type of performance, and in much the same manner, as you would upgrade a set of wheels and larger tires or install four-wheel disc brakes.

Build a Checklist for Upgrades

This list includes safety items, driveline components and general operational upgrades, all manner of accessories and a few added bonuses you would be well advised to add to your consideration when building any daily driver. This holds true for updating that much-neglected pickup sitting in your driveway, and if you are like us, you must face such a project with budget limitations. The upside is that nothing on this list is an immediate necessity; you can check off these items or create your own checklist as you work your way through the list. Attention to these areas is one way to make driving your classic truck a lot more comfortable and far more enjoyable.

Focus on Fun and Avoidable Issues

Many service items, modifications and upgrades will fit into your budget as you go, just make your own priority list to allow for the quick and easy modifications. The bottom line is that this is about having fun, so do what you can to avoid those little hiccups. Also, one upgrade will lead to another, so that in the end you find yourself spending the majority of your time driving the truck and having fun, not having to work on it late into the night, or worse yet, alongside the road because something minor was broken or overlooked. Check it out, and use the accompanying items to avoid potential problems—you’ll be glad that you did.