SOMETIMES IT’S BEST TO TRUST THE PROFESSIONALS

OWNING AND DRIVING A CUSTOM TRUCK IS NOTHING SHORT OF PURE AWESOMENESS. None of us like to disappear into the crowd, and having a wicked ride expresses our individuality. Owning a custom truck is rewarding, especially when onlookers stare in amazement. So how do you get from stock to stunner?

I think it’s a good idea to work on your own ride as much as possible, primarily because it’s the only way to truly know your truck’s strengths and weaknesses. You don’t have to be a master mechanic or pro custom fabricator to do at least some work yourself. Most of us can’t do it all though, and even some pro customizers subcontract certain jobs to specialists. Never be ashamed to rely on other sources to get a job done.

To build or not to build can be a tough subject for many of us to deal with, especially if you’re someone who likes to tackle things on their own. We can be stubborn, and sometimes we might try to work out a solution that’s a little over our heads. This can go either way: You might learn a new skill, or you could get out of your depth. Before trying something new, know your limits.

It can be rewarding to work on your own truck, but we shouldn’t think less of anyone who’s paid someone else to do some or all of the work on their custom ride. The whole idea of “built not bought” has always struck me as limiting. Not everyone knows how to build trucks, and we shouldn’t treat someone badly because they don’t have the necessary skillset. I think anyone who can afford to have their dream vehicle built without getting a finger dirty is pretty lucky, actually.

There are other aspects beside skills to consider when deciding whether or not to do a job yourself. The main one is time. Highquality builds take time regardless of how much cash you have in your bank account. You may hear about trucks that were built in a few months’ time for a show, but that’s because these builds were crammed into a short schedule with people working around the clock. Often, these trucks aren’t completely finished by the time they’re featured at a show or in a magazine, and it might take another full year to button them up fully. If you don’t have a lot of time to work on your truck, it’s best to trust professionals that can get the job done quickly and well.

Another thing that can affect your truck’s outcome is picking a shop that’s helmed by experts. We’ve heard our fair share of nightmares, and to avoid becoming a statistic, it’s important to do your research. Assess a shop’s reputation, and talk to people who’ve had work done at any shop you’re considering. One of the many great things about the truck scene is that we are very open about sharing our experiences.

Take advantage of this, and learn from your peers, but be careful not to take any shortcuts. We’re familiar with substandard trucks that were built because someone got a “buddy deal.” Remember, good work ain’t cheap and cheap work ain’t good.

In the end, what really counts is the level of character behind a ride. If someone can buy their way into owning a showstopper and is cool to hang around with, why hate on him? Let’s just appreciate these trucks for what they are while we have fun hanging out with other like-minded folks. Custom trucks are a common bond, but it’s the people that make our community a positive place for everyone to enjoy.

LET’S JUST APPRECIATE THESE TRUCKS FOR WHAT THEY ARE WHILE WE HAVE FUN HANGING OUT WITH OTHER LIKE-MINDED FOLKS. CUSTOM TRUCKS ARE A COMMON BOND, BUT IT’S THE PEOPLE THAT MAKE OUR COMMUNITY A POSITIVE PLACE FOR EVERYONE TO ENJOY.”