Letters To The Editor - Paper Cuts - February 2007

Lost Motivation
I built my first mini during the last few years. Once it was done, I had a couple of issues, and the truck is now in rough shape. This last year, I sold off my rims, air ride, and let my Ranger go to hell. My problem is, what do you do when you put so much time into a project just to lose all interest and care for something you once loved? I think a good portion of it is from the police ragging on us because of how a lot of our group acts and causes problems. I know the police are just doing their job, but it gets worse when we keep causing problems. I loved dragging my truck as much as anyone, but there is a time and a place to do it. I'm sure you hear this a lot, and I'm just looking for a little of how to regain the love of the hobby I once had. Thanks.
Dan
via MySpace

Well, Dan, I'm sorry to hear that you've lost interest in your ride. Don't feel bad, though. It happens to a lot of people, all of the time. It's happened to me sometimes, as well. I can't really tell you what will work best for you because I don't know you, but I can tell you what works for me. For me, going to my truck club's meetings always ignites my want and desire to work on my truck. I know not everybody is in a club or has tons of minitrucker friends, but if you do, then maybe you can give them a call and go barbecue or go cruise somewhere and hang out. If the cops come, tell 'em to kick rocks because they can't harass you by stereotyping you. If you and your friends are truly not doing anything wrong, then you shouldn't be bothered by them. Another thing I like to do is watch some of the minitruck-inspired DVDs. You can read up on most of them in past issues of Mini Truckin'. These videos are filled with action, dragging, features, and worldwide coverage. Some of my favorite titles are available at www.crimepaysvideo.com,www.dominationthevideo.com, www.lowlifevideo.com, and www.surface-dvd.com. These kinds of videos can really get the minitrucker in all of us to rise to the occasion. I hope you snap out of your dilemma and get back into the groove. And when you do, send us some pics. We'd love to see the progress on your Ranger.

Toyota Nose Job
Hey, man, just wanted to say thanks for all the extra pages of minitruck stuff to keep me busy. I've been a loyal reader for, oh, about 10 years now, and it never stops amazing me. I seriously stalk my mail lady for about a week prior to receiving the newest issue, peeking out the window, trying to see what she's got and if it's worth the trip to the box. So, I scurry out there as soon as she's out of sight. DAMN! Not today.

Anyway, just wanted to drop you a line and say keep it up. Oh, yeah, and keep up the full-page pullouts. I'm making wallpaper out of it and my fiance likes it. She calls it motivation for her Chevy Xtreme.

Now on to the obligatory post-asskissing question: I have an '85 Toyota truck I'm starting on (I sold my LUV a few years back: had a rendezvous with a '93 Mustang GT. It still wasn't a minitruck). I was wondering if the '87-'88 wraparound-style bumper is a direct bolt-on-even if it means ordering new brackets-or if I need to do something else. Any info would be great. Thanks again.
Chris
via e-mail

P.S. I'm gonna try to drag by some shows in the coming months with my "new" old mini. Peace, love, and hair grease.

Thanks for all the love, Chris. We really appreciate it. As far as your Toyota is concerned, I made a call down to the boys over at FBI Minis and this is what they told me: '84-'88 Toyotas have the same bumper, '89-'95 Toyotas have a different bumper...well, different from '84-'88. Anyway, so, yes, your '85 Toy will take an '87 bumper with no hassle. Now, if you want to upgrade your look by running an '89-or-later bumper, they can help you with that as well. They make bumper kits for all-year Toyotas. These kits come with all the brackets and hardware necessary to upgrade your front end. They also have bumpers available in chrome, paintables, smoothies, 2WD, and 4WD. You can find out more information on these bumpers at www.fbirides.com. Shoot them an e-mail and tell 'em Ernie and Mike at Mini Truckin' mag said, "Dan smells funny." Ha, ha.

Stick This
Hey, what's up, guys? First off, let me give you the usual pat on the back. I've been a reader for a long time, and ever since What's His Name left the mag awhile back, it has really turned around. The all-color issues and the posters are awesome. The walls in my room are the most decorated they've been in a long time. Now, what I really want to know is how do I get an MT sticker? I wanna rock one on my daily. Thanks again, guys, and keep it up.
John
via e-mail

Thanks for the props, and as far as how to get a sticker, it's actually pretty simple. To get your hands on the new Mini Truckin' stickers, you need to follow these directions carefully: Send us $2 for every sticker you want (Cash! No checks or money orders.). Next, you must include a self-addressed stamped envelope, at least a 4x10 (the stickers won't fit in the small envelopes-and who wants bent stickers? Just to recap: $2 per sticker, self-addressed stamped envelope, and mail it all in today.