40 Years Later
August 13, 2024
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THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
THE INTRUDER
From the first time you see this beautiful ’57 Ford Ranch Wagon, you know it’s special, both in its concept and its execution. You might also know this is the latest creation from one of the Midwest’s elite rod builders, Troy Trepanier, a guy who has been doing it his own way since he first started shaping specialized vehicles back in the late 1980s. Since that time, Troy and his crew have been stopping people in their tracks with fresh, leading-edge designs, and their latest innovation certainly carries that tradition into a new era. After taking possession of another Trepanier creation, the ’54 Plymouth known as the Sniper, George Poteet decided he wanted Rad Rides By Troy to rework another car that he had been thinking about for some time. As with all such projects, it began simply enough, but soon a well-worn Ford station wagon was well on its way to an entirely new life.
THE SMART CHARGER
If you are going to connect anything automatic to your car, especially when dealing with electricity, lead and acid, you owe it to yourself to do a bit more research rather than pulling just any super-discounted, off-the-shelf item and connecting it to something as potentially volatile as a lead-acid battery. But we have, haven’t we?
CAT-SCRATCH FEVER
Maksimovich became familiar with the MN12 platform because parting these cars out is how he paid for his schooling at the University of Missouri, Rolla. He says that at one point he had upward of 20 parts cars, stripping them of all their usable parts before sending their twisted hulks to the scrapper. Indeed, his first car was an ’89 Cougar LS that he fitted with a 3.8-liter V-6 from a ’98 Mustang. After time, he began looking for another shell to work on, and he decided his ’89 was structurally too far gone to consider for such a project. His sister, though, had a ’90 Cougar XR7 that recently had spun a bearing.
Spotlighter
Sustainable Trails
Tread Lightly's 3-D Hill Restoration: A Model for Sustainable Recreation
Author
The Auto Builder Staff
Photography by Wendy Miles
In the heart of Moab, Utah, an impressive environmental restoration project is underway, setting a new standard for sustainable outdoor recreation. The 3-D Hill restoration project, led by the non-profit organization Tread Lightly!, showcases the importance of community and conservation.
A Commitment to Conservation
Tread Lightly! has always been a strong advocate for responsible recreation. They promote the T.R.E.A.D principles: Travel Responsibly, Respect the Rights of Others, Educate Yourself, Avoid Sensitive Areas, and Do Your Part. These principles are the foundation of the organization’s values and drive their restoration efforts.
The Easter Jeep Safari Initiative
During the 2024 Easter Jeep Safari, Tread Lightly! demonstrated their commitment to these principles. Volunteers came together to rebuild fences and install signage around 3-D Hill, ensuring the preservation of the area’s natural beauty for future generations. This initiative not only protected the landscape but also served as an educational opportunity for off-road enthusiasts.
Balancing Recreation with Nature
The 3-D Hill project goes beyond restoration; it serves as a blueprint for balancing human activity with environmental stewardship. By maintaining trails and educating the public, Tread Lightly! helps minimize the impact on Moab’s delicate desert ecosystem, which is home to a diverse array of plant and animal life.
A United Effort for a Sustainable Future
Supported by industry partners like RealTruck and funded by the Rugged Ridge Trail Access Program, Tread Lightly! leads the way in sustainable outdoor recreation. The 3-D Hill restoration project exemplifies what can be achieved when a community collaborates to protect and enjoy the natural world responsibly.
Looking forward, the success of the 3-D Hill restoration reminds us that each individual plays a role in preserving our beloved outdoor spaces. Through mindful action and collective effort, we can ensure that the beauty of Moab and other natural treasures remains accessible to all.
ARTICLE SOURCES
Tread Lightly!
801 Robinson Dr., Suite #400
North Salt Lake, UT 84054
(801) 990-9807
