Farewell, Mighty Grape...

So we took the Mighty Grape (See it he
http://alexisparkinn.com/fuel_truck.htm ), our '95 Nissan pickup
fuel-hauling truck (so-named because of its hideous purple color), into
the shop, after noting that the tail lights had ceased to function.

When the shop tried to lift the poor thing on the hoist, a terrible
creaking and cracking sound commenced -- and the little truck about
broke in half! Turns out the frame had rusted most of the way
through, and would have broken completely in two if they had kept
lifting.

So, despite still running like a champ, our mechanic has performed the
Grape's Last Rites, after running nearly 7,000 gallons of car gas
through its veins, and into Atlas....

Considering the Grape only cost $1800, plus another $700 for the tank,
pump, and various other items, I figure it owes us nothing. In fact,
after saving us over $7000 in fuel costs, this little truck has been
the best investment I've made since 2002!

We will sell it to a salvage yard, just as soon as we transfer the fuel
tank to...

....the NEW Grape! Yep, I found a green (Hey -- grapes can be green,
too!) '95 Toyota T-100 4x4 pick-up for the grand price of just $2500.
It's gonna need a little work to get it perfect, but the frame and body
are rust-free, it has a color-matched (yikes!) topper, and it runs like
a champ. Soon, the fuel savings will continue anew!

Stilll, I'll always have a soft spot in my heart for that old Grape.
That little truck had spunk, and we literally drove it until it fell
apart, dang it...
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"