JUNE 21, 2025

VOLUME 65

POLITICALLY INCORRECT, CENTER-RIGHT VIEWPOINTS FROM AN UNAPOLOGETIC PATRIOT

CORPORATIONS CHASING DOLLARS IS NOT GOOD FOR EVERYONE. CHOICES ARE DIMINISHED.

I am writing this from a much different point of reference than my usual material. As my readers know, I have been fixated on national politics for a very long time. But my real passion is anything with wheels and an internal combustion engine. Aircraft have wheels so they also fall into my category of intense interest. I recently sold my 1943 Dodge Weapons Carrier. This vehicle had the original drivetrain, and it all worked like a Swiss watch after 82 years. (I guess nowadays you could also use Japanese watch) 

The basis of this article is that a truck or car manufactured in 2025 is probably unlikely to be operable 82 years from now. There are a lot of reasons for that, but basically, they are far too complex, with operating systems never intended to last 82 years. My Dodge had simple, analog ignition system, that would still work after the unlikely event of an E bomb attack. No digital components, all analog and purely mechanical. You could repair it with simple tools, in some remote location. 

I also own a 2007 Chevy Suburban, and there is a reason for owning an 18year old truck.  New Suburbans have a litany of issues, a number of them which render the vehicle inoperable. In an effort to make them more fuel efficient, Chevrolet installed direct fuel injection which requires very high fuel pressure. The fuel pump is very prone to failure. When it fails, the truck will not roll and has to be dragged onto the tow truck with special slide plates. But that’s not the end of the story. The fuel pump is buried below the intake manifold and is expensive to replace as you might imagine. Some of these failures are happening very early into ownership of a brand-new truck. Beware, this is happening to a lot of new GM products with V8 engines. 

Another issue with late model GM trucks is the cylinder deactivation system which automatically turns off four of the cylinders under light load to conserve fuel. My 2007 has this feature. Sounds like a great idea, and when working properly is seamless, you aren’t aware you’re only running on four cylinders at 70 mph on the level freeway.  Here’s the problem, it can cause valve lifter failure. GM has faced numerous class action lawsuits over this problem. Replacing valve lifters is expensive unless you’re a skilled mechanic with a large assortment of tools. I have the oil changed in my truck every 3,000 miles, keep the filters clean, and don’t abuse the engine. My truck has 153,000 miles on the clock and “knock on wood” have not experienced a problem. However, I would be lying if I said I wasn’t slightly apprehensive.

Ford trucks and cars are experiencing problems of different types, but just as frustrating. The new F150 Hybrids are a nightmare of mechanical and electrical problems. They are on the list of 15 vehicles that will suffer significant mechanical failures within the first 40,000 miles. If you have a high end F150 and submerge the taillights while launching your boat, it could cost you $3,000.00 for new lights. They just happen to be part of computer system. Try dropping your laptop in the water and see how well if works afterwards. This begs the question; why would Ford put such an integral component to the vehicle’s operation in a totally vulnerable location? 

Virtually every Jeep product currently manufactured by Chrysler/Stellantis, is on the list of 15 Vehicles to avoid. This includes engine and transmission failures to suspension problems in the Jeep Rubicons. Despite the spin from the company managers, the quality of the Chrysler cars is terrible, and isn’t getting better fast. When you watch the video, they are betting big on EV’s which is suicidal. In my opinion, expecting European executives to understand the American market is a huge mistake. 

The geniuses in the auto industry keep chasing the so-called perfect vehicle that will satisfy every whim, and in my opinion, most car buyers want a car that gets reasonable fuel milage, is comfortable to drive while offering reasonable safety features. It also has to be reliable; few people can afford big repair bills while simultaneously making astronomical payments plus insurance. Make no mistake, insurance premiums are based on how costly it is to repair a complex machine. As for me personally, I prefer knobs and buttons over touch screens in the middle of the dash. Knobs and buttons are tactile; you don’t have to take your eyes off the road to adjust the heater or air conditioner. GPS is great but give me old school controls. 

Most of all, give Americans a choice of a good basic automobile, at a good price, that is not going to require a full-time mechanic to keep all of the do dabs and what nots operating. I don’t know a single person that is salivating over self-driving cars. I know several people that should actually own one, their driving is atrocious. But that’s another topic for another article. Likewise, most people I know don’t think electric cars are a good idea unless you’re on the golf course or living in Seizure World. 

Bottom line here. I watch a lot of car shows where guys search out old cars located in crazy locations, drag them out in the sunlight, and a few hours later they are running and driving after sitting for 35 years. That my friends is a testament to the quality and engineering that was present in the auto industry many years ago. They made cars that the common man could drive and maintain for years with simple tools and basic knowledge. I’m afraid those days will never come back. We are saddled with complex digitally controlled machines that sometime even the factory trained techs can’t repair. 

Look for Steel Pencil to start writing more diverse content and less political stuff. It’s hard to compete with Donald Trump dominating the daily news scene. He doesn’t leave much room for political opinion guys like me. With Mr. Trump at the helm, it’s non stop action and I love it. I have complete confidence in his decisions and actions. That makes it possible for me to pay more attention to Vice Grip Garage. 

Give yourself a gift of happiness behind the wheel, drive and old car. Better yet, buy one and travel back in time to a better place. The old cars are not fast, don’t stop well, but life moved at a much slower pace back then. They are the time machines for real. Happy trails. 

VERITAS VINCIT   ~   LIVE FREE OR DIE