So a couple of years ago I wrote a letter to Overhaulin' to have my mans rig fixed up. I realize now that there were a few major flaws in my plan but hey at least my heart was in the right place. I know that you have all heard these stories but I thought I'd post my entry anyway (And yes I took some artistic licensing). So here it goes: 
"The 3 Iron Pigs"
This is a story about one determined Marine, and 3 Iron Pigs. Nick has been in love with old Land Cruisers since his teens. His desire for a family oriented Cruiser is one for the history books. After setting his heart on an FJ 55 Toyota Land Cruiser AKA an Iron Pig, (to have in place of his original vehicle, an FJ 40, which is now in a million pieces in our garage) his search began.
Iron Pig #1 was located in Idaho and to be picked up in Salt Lake City. Nick purchased tickets to fly from Colorado to Salt Lake to meet the owner who was driving in from Idaho. He and his young daughter were hauling the Cruiser on a flat bed trailer, pulled by his new model Land Cruiser. While towing this vehicle the hitch on the rented Uhaul trailer snapped and he rolled both vehicles en route
Thankfully, no one was hurt in the accident, but Nick's hopes were crushed as his vehicle along with the new cruiser were totaled. Out the cost of one airline ticket Nick is without his beloved Iron Pig.
Iron Pig #2: Undaunted by his loss, Nick found another perfect Cruiser in Salt Lake City and hitched a ride with a friend who was on his way to see family. He was to drive it home as it was "road worthy". The engine seized on the highway in the middle of nowhere Wyoming, (he was quite literally 30 miles from nowhere) on his way back to Colorado. Stranded with a cell phone whose battery failed after the few emergency calls he was able to make, he waited eight hours for the seller to come and retrieve him and the vehicle. His Marine training in survival skills and the marine rations (which he takes on all trips with him, and I razz him endlessly about) came in handy. He was stiffed a couple hundred bucks in the transaction but alas, no sale ...Nick didn't care if the iron pig looked rough, but it had to run.
Iron Pig #3: With unyielding determination, Nick found Iron Pig #3...in Colorado, yeah!! He bought it for a song and drove it home. He is happier than (pardon the pun, I couldn't resist), "a pig in slop"! He is beginning to start work to "improve" its looks and make it run smoother. Always the optimist, he sees only the beauty of the beast. I on the other hand do not have the same rosy tint in my glasses and see the beast sitting in the driveway and wonder if it will ever become the Cruiser of his dreams. My husband Nick is a 25 year old father of 2 small boys, I am teacher and I fear our income and his dedication to his family and home will continue to put his dream of overhauling his Cruiser just out of reach. He has a dream, but he also puts his kids and wife first, for which I am deeply grateful. Help me do something special for him and give him the Iron Pig of his dreams as only Overhaulin’ can do!! Plus I just think that it would be really funny if after everything he’s been through, the Pig got stolen!
I know I know you're all getting a big soft one right. So obviously the overhaulin' thing didn't work and having been married to the man a little longer I know he'd rather do the rebuild himself but I'd like to help. I'm not completely wet behind the ears when it comes to wrenching, but I may need some hand holding yet where Land cruisers are concerned. So there it is. If anyone knows where the hell I should start, or what the first damn thing is I need to know, feel free to jump in, if not be gentle.
"The 3 Iron Pigs"
This is a story about one determined Marine, and 3 Iron Pigs. Nick has been in love with old Land Cruisers since his teens. His desire for a family oriented Cruiser is one for the history books. After setting his heart on an FJ 55 Toyota Land Cruiser AKA an Iron Pig, (to have in place of his original vehicle, an FJ 40, which is now in a million pieces in our garage) his search began.
Iron Pig #1 was located in Idaho and to be picked up in Salt Lake City. Nick purchased tickets to fly from Colorado to Salt Lake to meet the owner who was driving in from Idaho. He and his young daughter were hauling the Cruiser on a flat bed trailer, pulled by his new model Land Cruiser. While towing this vehicle the hitch on the rented Uhaul trailer snapped and he rolled both vehicles en route
Thankfully, no one was hurt in the accident, but Nick's hopes were crushed as his vehicle along with the new cruiser were totaled. Out the cost of one airline ticket Nick is without his beloved Iron Pig. Iron Pig #2: Undaunted by his loss, Nick found another perfect Cruiser in Salt Lake City and hitched a ride with a friend who was on his way to see family. He was to drive it home as it was "road worthy". The engine seized on the highway in the middle of nowhere Wyoming, (he was quite literally 30 miles from nowhere) on his way back to Colorado. Stranded with a cell phone whose battery failed after the few emergency calls he was able to make, he waited eight hours for the seller to come and retrieve him and the vehicle. His Marine training in survival skills and the marine rations (which he takes on all trips with him, and I razz him endlessly about) came in handy. He was stiffed a couple hundred bucks in the transaction but alas, no sale ...Nick didn't care if the iron pig looked rough, but it had to run.
Iron Pig #3: With unyielding determination, Nick found Iron Pig #3...in Colorado, yeah!! He bought it for a song and drove it home. He is happier than (pardon the pun, I couldn't resist), "a pig in slop"! He is beginning to start work to "improve" its looks and make it run smoother. Always the optimist, he sees only the beauty of the beast. I on the other hand do not have the same rosy tint in my glasses and see the beast sitting in the driveway and wonder if it will ever become the Cruiser of his dreams. My husband Nick is a 25 year old father of 2 small boys, I am teacher and I fear our income and his dedication to his family and home will continue to put his dream of overhauling his Cruiser just out of reach. He has a dream, but he also puts his kids and wife first, for which I am deeply grateful. Help me do something special for him and give him the Iron Pig of his dreams as only Overhaulin’ can do!! Plus I just think that it would be really funny if after everything he’s been through, the Pig got stolen!
I know I know you're all getting a big soft one right. So obviously the overhaulin' thing didn't work and having been married to the man a little longer I know he'd rather do the rebuild himself but I'd like to help. I'm not completely wet behind the ears when it comes to wrenching, but I may need some hand holding yet where Land cruisers are concerned. So there it is. If anyone knows where the hell I should start, or what the first damn thing is I need to know, feel free to jump in, if not be gentle.
to your new addiction
very cool!
