Dash Rehash

Fixing An Aged Truck Dash

- Verne Simons

OLD TRUCKS MAKE OVER HEARTS go pitter-patter, our cheeks flush pink, and our eyes go all googly. We’re smitten. Sure, old trucks generally have many miles and a few dings and dents and some rust, but that’s just fine with us. We aren’t perfect either. Also, old trucks have stood the test of time. Their mechanics, electronics, and more are generally simpler, more consistent, and easier to work on. Some might say reliable. And even if they do have issues, their issues are generally known. Furthermore, as fans of saving the world for future generations, we know that reuse is better than recycling (OK, we’re also consummate cheapskates and would just as soon not make payments on a new truck right now).

Still, old trucks are, well, old. That means things may be worn out or broken. Our 1998 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 Quad Cab with the 12-valve Cummins diesel is the perfect example of the kind of old truck we like. Sure, we occasionally find ourselves looking at newer trucks and thinking, Hey, that might be nice! But at the end of the day, the old Dodge is still parked in the driveway. It’s too useful not to keep around for towing, scrap metal runs, parts runs, and more. Plus, despite temptation, we can’t justify replacing it just yet.