Chapter 2A

CHAPTER TWO — WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU…
January 11th, In two weeks our Jeep project is slated to make the 2,000-mile truck-top trek from Phoenix to Michigan. It’s an exciting time — then again, buying a vehicle based on phone conversations and a half-dozen low-res images leaves a lot of opportunity for surprises. And, it wouldn’t be the first time I was surprised.

The last vehicle I built — a ’73 Land Rover Series III 88 arrived with a bent front fender and a variety of “bleeders” that left indelible reminders on my garage floor that I’m still trying to get out. Then again, it was a British truck. Talk to anybody who’s ever restored one and they’ll be happy to share the trademark jokes about British Engineering. Toping the list is the fact that “British Engineering” is an oxymoron. You know, two words that seem to be in conflict with each other — like “jumbo shrimp.” My favorite though is: If you have a British car that doesn’t leak, you have a British car that’s out of oil.” Regardless of its quirks, it certainly was a fun and memorable vehicle to build and drive.

So, what’s your used car horror story? Whatever it is, I’m sure you’d agree, vehicles always sound better in the classifieds. They all look better — shinier and straighter — in those grainy 2x3-inch black and white car rag snapshots than they ever do when you show up to kick the tires. I’m sure my new Scrambler will be an exception to the rule — right? Think again.