Tastefully modifying our 1960s classic farm truck

**The Farm Truck Makeover: A Journey of Preservation and Innovation**

In the last video, we faced some unexpected attention due to our farm truck emitting black smoke accidentally. While our truck is only driven a few miles a week, it got us thinking about something more concerning: school buses. These vehicles are responsible for transporting children daily, yet they often emit black smoke and lack seat belts. We decided to bring this issue to light and focus on fixing our own farm truck, which was in desperate need of attention.

### Discovering the Farm Truck

Our quest to find a unique vehicle led us to a 1965 GMC two-ton truck, a massive piece of machinery that even made the dually version look small. Powered by a 12-valve Cummins engine, this truck had potential. In the last episode, we took it to the dyno with nitrous oxide and achieved significant power gains. However, during testing, a slip of the pedal resulted in a cloud of black smoke. While the EPA might be considering fines, our focus was on making this truck cooler and more functional.

### The Bed Makeover

The truck’s bed was in poor condition, with years of diesel stains and lack of maintenance. We decided to preserve its historical value by staining and sealing it. Over time, the wood could crack and disintegrate due to its encapsulation in steel, so we wanted to ensure its longevity. Using a high-quality stain, we transformed the bed into something both functional and visually appealing.

### Addressing EPA Concerns

The black smoke issue was critical. The EPA had made it clear that emissions needed to be reduced. We decided to modify the exhaust system by adding baffles and rerouting the pipe upward, away from pedestrians. This change not only addressed environmental concerns but also added a unique aesthetic to the truck.

### Website Development with Squarespace

As part of our project, we partnered with Squarespace to create a custom website. The platform allowed us to showcase our passion for vehicles seamlessly. We encouraged our audience to visit [www.iwillplantatreeeverytimeistartthetruck.com](http://www.iwillplantatreeeverytimeistartthetruck.com) and provided a discount code for those interested in starting their own projects.

### Final Touches and Reflections

After extensive modifications, including repurposing the bed and rerouting the exhaust, our farm truck was transformed into a beautiful yet functional machine. While we considered electric conversion, we decided to keep it as is, preserving its classic charm. The project不仅是 about aesthetics but also about functionality and responsibility.

In conclusion, this journey taught us the importance of preserving old vehicles while addressing environmental concerns. Our farm truck now stands as a testament to creativity and dedication, ready to be admired and respected for years to come.