I sunk a bunch of money into my '89 F150. Fix a little thing and then another. Then I realized some big things needed attention, and started reasoning: 'Well I've already got so much money in it.'

The last of the big-ticket items, repairing rust damage, was done several years ago. It's still a good-looking reliable truck. A bunch of people have told me they really wish they'd held on to their old ones 'cause new ones are expensive and nothing but trouble. Of course, '89's have enough computer chips to keep me from doing much on the engine and are trouble in their own right. I sold my dad's '70 GMC 3/4-ton. I didn't have chips, but it also got 8 mpg on a good day.

Factory engines are very expensive--I priced them. New ones are out of sight, and 'remanufactured' ones are to the horizon. I got a moderate cost rebuild from a local shop. I figure with some luck, two moderate rebuilds would outlast one factory engine and cost less as well. Factory parts of all kinds are much higher priced than parts from after-market manufacturers. I avoid the dealer parts counter whenever possible. Same is true for tractors as well (I recently got a price of $634.00 CAN for a hydraulic t-fitting adapter from my NH dealer), but there aren't many after market parts available for tractors. Gee, thinking about a NAPA for tractors is a pleasant thought for the day.

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