New Truck!!

[SmokinGator]

Finally! Closed the deal on my first Cummins powered Dodge yesterday evening. Couldn't wipe the smile off my face on the way home (only an hour's drive dammit). I love this truck!!



Thanks to all who replied to "dark colored trucks" thread. SFord you almost convinced me to go with the Patriot Blue but I had to go with the silver for all the previously posted reasons. And that Bright Silver is absolutely beautiful, diving home as the sun was setting was a treat as the truck definitely "changed colors" several times before I got home. Now I just hope I can avoid those head-on collisions Thanks again for the input.



First mods will probably be to add the grab handle and underseat storage and possibly have a dark headliner installed (agate colored instead of light gray). Edit: also will add tailgate strip/protector -- I like the look and whatever protection it gives.



Next will be gauges -- after that I will run completely stock for awhile to get to know the truck. Then... well, you pretty much know the rest of the story!

 

[JGabl]

Gator- Congrats! Good color choice... you won't regret it! This color is extremly easy to keep clean. Get yourself a California Duster (or equal) and a bottle of Armor All Spray On Car Wax, and you'll be all set. Dust your truck, wash your tires with Westly's Bleech-White, Armor-All your trim, then spray on the Car Wax, once a week, You'll be clean for a long time. If you get any scratches in the clear coat(appear white), polish with McGuire's Deep Crystal Polish. They disappear! Been using this method for quite some time now with excellent results! Enjoy... Jim

BTW... Some pic. 's of my truck with the latest... tinted windows, cab lights (thanks to 'Big Daddy'),and tool box...

 

[JGabl]

cont...

 

[SmokinGator]

Nice truck J!!



I especially like the rear shot -- that's a really nice look the way you've got it set up.



Thanks also for the cleaning tips, I travel on dirt roads all the time (including 8 miles roundtrip every day) so it'll be a challenge. The silver does hide it well thankfully.



Any hints for leather care?

 

[JGabl]

Gator-

Thanks for the complement! Just striving to be different and accentuating(?) an already excellent design. I too agonized over the blue vs. silver. This is also my first CTD. I've owned it for a month now, and, as you, haven't been able to drive it all that much... I usually drive 2 hrs. a day for work(const. ). Since I've had the truck, I'm only working 12 MINUTES from the house- for the next year!! I used too complain about driving to far- now I'm not far enough!

As far as the leather goes: clean it with mild soap/warm water/damp rag(not saturated) and use 'saddle soap' once a month and it should never crack. Enjoy your new truck, Jim.

 

[SFord]

Congradulations on the purchase of your new truck. Are'nt these things awesome! I see you bought the color that you originally wanted. It sure sounds like a nice ride, especially with the leather interior and all. Hope to see you at the next club meeting so I can get a look at it.

 

[SmokinGator]

SFord,



Thanks, I'm hoping to meet you and see your truck at Big Daddy's place at the next meeting. 'Til then be safe and stay





Matt

 

[Larry B]

new truck

I also just got a new 01 4 X 4, SLT quad, HO Cummins with all options except the electric seat and leather. I tried "Bondo" brand roll in bed liner and added direct connection side step pipes. I rolled in the bedliner, kept the truck in my garage for a week, then took her out. Have 400 miles on it, and am thrilled with Dodge number ten. First one w/Cummins. . I especially enjoy changing from FM/CD/Cassette as I have music from way back when in various formats. Only other tow options I will add, are a tonneau cover and most likely a Fisher minute mount snow plow.

Larry B

 

[SFord]

Can't go wrong with that combination Larry... . Have Fun

 

[SmokinGator]

Congrats Larry,



I knew I'd be happy but dang these trucks are awesome!!



Have a blast!!



Matt

 

[BigDaddy]

SmokinGator,



Congrats You might want to try Lexol for your leather. I have cloth in mine, but just started to use it for my living room furniture. Come's highly recommended. Best way to protect and condition new leather furniture?



JGabl,



Your truck is lookin good

I debadged the whole exterior for that stealth look. However, when I saw these on CCahill's truck I had to have a set of three.

 

[LBTRS]

BigDaddy



Where did you get that sticker? I have to have one of those on my new 2002 when it gets here.



Thanks,

 

[RBrush]

Formula 303 Protectant

SmokinGator



I would recomend Formula 303 protectant rather then the Armoral. It will look nearly the same, not leave the oily residue that seems to collect dust, and is a true protectant. It will actually act as a sun screen blocking the majority of UV A and B. It comes very highly recomended. I don't use Armoral at all any more. Give it a try, I think you'll be very happy.



Rich

 

[BigDaddy]

Decal

Ray,



Got them from CCahill. He only had three left after I got my three from him. Do a member search and drop him an e-mail.



See his post Hot turbo sticker from Jan.



If he doesn't have any more, ICEMAN is having some made that are similar. See the post "TAILGATE GRAPHICS" want one? nows your chance!