Wheeling giving back...

XJsavage

XJsavage

CounterCulture
Joined
Aug 15, 2009
Location
Lyle's Ford SC
Aside from debt and scars, what have you gotten in return since you've gotten involved in the sport of wheeling? Mechanical know-how, fab skills, good friends, name it.

I got into it about 10 years ago with an 87 Toyota on 34" ltb's and really didn't have a clue how to work on anything. Fast forward through multiple rigs, countless wheeling trips I pick up a slough of different very useful skills along the way. Welding, fabrication, machining, drivetrain rebuild, brake line flaring, tire balancing, etc... List goes on. Not to mention meeting some really cool folks and seeing awesome places. So is it worth it to me?? Not just yes, but HELL YES!
 
Well I am 52, been doing this in one form or another since I was 16(driving) earlier than that with my dad and uncle. I have picked up some mechanical skills, welding, some fab(didn't say good fab) knowledge of trails, how to get through one obstacle or another. I have learned how to break, and learned how not to break(sometimes). I have learned the difference in legal wheeling, and illegal wheeling. I have learned all about Karma. But, the best thing I have acquired throughout the years, is friends. MANY friends.
 
First and foremost, friends. Of all the automotive crowds I have experienced this is by far the most welcoming and supportive group. You can walk up to anyone anytime and they would be more than happy to chat about their rig and the same about yours. When I was drag racing, not so much. Second I would say you learn how to think outside the box when it comes to fab work. Almost anything you can think up, someone has done. I fab basic stuff at work but a couple quick searches on google can yield results for any idea you have for your rig. Lastly I wouldn't put this as something I've learned but man has it been fun as shit. I have so much fun wheeling. Places you would never think you could go if you weren't in to it are the most fun places. The more challenging the better.
 
I learned about how to work on cars, piss off women, blow large sums of money other than on bars and an appreciation for sarcasm beyond what I inherently already have. I met most of my friends through wheeling. All but two of groomsmen in my wedding were wheeling buddies. My college friend, who I met through wheeling, and I go to football games every year. There's a couple dudes around me that I wouldn't have met unless I was wheeling. So friendship is definitely a biggie.
 
Glad to see we're all on the same page! In an off-camber way wheeling has gotten me where I am in a career. Years ago I was observed unemployed and wrenching on my old toyoya across the fence by a soon -to- be employers' father. "Good work ethic have you" led to a fulltime job with a guy who also wheeled back in the 80s and still one of my best friends and wrenching partners.
 
Wheelin changed my life as far as keeping my mind at ease, the best freinds I have ever made I have met wheelin. Became a huge part of my life over the years. In a way wheelin has kept me from being in the loony bin.
There is definetly one thing about it, if you dont really love it you want do it long, I have seen many pop up, go wheelin twice and never see them again.
 
Friends... Most of my regular crew of friends are wheelers or guys who tag along and talk about how they will build a rig eventually lol. I have been involved with several other automotive groups, but the wheeling community is without a doubt the most friendly. I have friends from all over the country at this point.

Some knowledge, but not enough... need more.

More random and worthless parts than I could ever count, mostly broken stuff I haven't found the time to throw away or scrap.

A big white yard ornament that I used to DD before I got tire happy.

etc....
 
Again, lots of friends and best of all my wife. If not for the YJ, she may not have gone into the woods and eventually touched my daddy parts!
 
GotWood said:
Again, lots of friends and best of all my wife. If not for the YJ, she may not have gone into the woods and eventually touched my daddy parts!
Click to expand...
I thought that was the story of how you met Dylan...
 
i have learned how to drive, off and on road better. I have learned a lot about fab work, met some of the most badass builders on the planet. I have had the pleasure to meet so many new friends that are now life time friends. The most recent I am learning more about tread lightly, and how to teach the next gen a few tricks that the old school guys have taught me.
 
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