Trucks
My first truck at 17 and ideas on what to do next?
Painted it myself after it was sitting under a tree for 10 years all the paint was chipping off , I got new tires and headlights and idea on what else I could do, thinking about lowering it but I’m pretty broke rn putting all my money into it 😭
Discussion
Make sure that everything is running smooth engine, transmission, and the diff just check on em you most likely already did but that’s what I’d do then focus on the cosmetic aspect like rims suspension and then interior you could also get an exhaust but it’s your truck don’t rush it yet make sure your in a comfortable spot cause it will add up quick
It’s a 2x4… don’t do anything. Just drive it
As others have said, fix what’s broken and wait. There’s a lot of parts on that truck that could be reaching their lifespan, and that’s fine and normal. Everything can be fixed and replaced, but if you’ve spent all your cash on a cat-back exhaust and sick rims, you’ll be walking. Most everything I did to alter a vehicle in my teens and early twenties made it objectively worse, but arguably cooler. That’s how we learn, I suppose!
You’ll never regret good tires! It’s a sweet truck, congratulations.
Put a ridiculous sound system in it?
lol please don't do this OP. I did when I was your age and have horrific tinnitus for the rest of my life.
Same, just trying to relive my teen years
I put in a small amp and just a 10 inch sub and aftermarket speakers nothing like crazy just wanted it to sound a little better then before
Not a ridiculous sound system, but at least a modern touchscreen with car play and android auto. Teenagers are going to teenage and that's the safest way to dick around with your phone.
Undercoat it. I had an ‘04 that by ‘14 was literally Swiss cheese. No fenders left, one door handle, seized ac, completely rusted out brake lines, the works.
Ok sounds likes good idea , do I just buy a undercoat spray can and do my best or what’s the right way to go about this
Take it somewhere for rustproofing. They’ve got a wand that gets into all the frame holes and all that. Under $100 usually
don't do anything.
wash it, wax it, change the oil, detail the interior
drive it, enjoy it
maybe a 2/4 drop, tasteful but still leaves the truck useable when you need to help your buddies move
Truck nuts
I just bought some should be coming soon on Amazon
Maintain it
If your not positive on prior maintance, change all the fluids. Check for play in the front end. Check and touch everything that is made of plastic or rubber.
Get the McGard tailgate lock... just had my tailgate stolen lol ugh
Ok thanks ‼️ i appreciate the advice
Change your fluids. All of them. Even your blinker fluid if yours has that, like my silverado does.
No rubber band tires, no humongous gaudy wheels, no squating, and absolutely no wheel well lights. I mean do what you want, but I’ll be disappointed if you do any of the above.
So far haven’t done any and don’t plan to‼️
Do what others have already suggested, mostly general maintenance stuff. Not sure how rust prone your area is, but you should probably do a general running gear check either way just to make sure there aren’t any brake lines about to go or leaf springs about to snap.
If you are worried about rust on the underside, you can use some fluid film to form a barrier that’ll last for a little bit but will need to be reapplied periodically.
Get it mechanically checked and fixed.
Then get it professionally painted. The paint looks pretty uneven.
Yeah I repainted the back right door panel , I know it’s not the best but compared to what it was before it’s much better so I’m ok with it
Remember, less is more.
Its already getting a little much with all the extra chrome trim on the fenders and grille.
Some times adding all kinds of little extras makes the whole truck look cheap and tacky. Don't over do it with cheap stuff like decals and trim pieces.
This was my grandpas truck so I actually haven’t added any Crome I’m not sure if he did? I thought it just came like that I guess
The grille, mirror caps, and fender chrome looks aftermarket. Many people will do a chrome delete for a cleaner look. Its usually pretty cheap to take off chrome or paint it.
Leave it stock and do regular maintenance
Drive it to school and don't hit a tree. Do frequent oil changes. That's all. Truck looks nice and clean as it is.
Don't lower that thing or do anything else that is cringey to a pickup truck. If anything, I think it might be a tad bit too low as it is.
Please don’t lower or lift it. Do truck stuff. Use the bed. Pull a trailer. Go fishing. Something 😂
I do go fishing and I mow yards with my truck that’s how I get my money‼️ when I mean lower it I don’t mean like slam it just maybe level it out because the back is higher then the front
It’s clean enough how it is. Save your money up and start working on replacing worn out shit under the truck. (Belts, boots, brakes, etc) Don’t wanna wait for something to fail, replace it before it does you’ll save money in the long run that way. I had a belt wear out my alternator ate it up had to replace alternator and all belts on a time crunch at the shop should’ve just replaced the belts at home on the weekend with some beers.
Ok sounds smart that’s probably what I will do i appreciate it
Leave it as is. I would've loved to have that truck at 17
Drive it carefully and save all the money you can.
Try paint matching the emblem
Don't crash it. Do regular oil changes. Don't rev it or try to do burnouts. I whai I took care of my first truck at 17. I had a 1996 GMC Sierra, very similar to yours.
Also 17, personally I'd just leave it stock, that's a really clean cateye and it looks great as it is imo
smoke crack is the next best option
Don’t wreck it, keep up on maintenance.
I hate Carolina squat trucks, but turning this into a takuache would be sweet
Drive and take care of it..
Please don’t lower it . Can’t do truck stuff when truck too low
Lower it. I have a black GMC of the same generation lowered 4/6 on 22s.
Check out r/slammedtrucks and r/loweredtrucks
Raise the front 4 inches and drop the rear 2 inches.
Sorry but I’m straight dude 💀
please don't squat it. don't put 22-inch rims with rubber band tires. don't put neon lights.
You’re right don’t get 22s… Get 26s!
😂