I like to reflect on those beautiful memories that had such an influence on my life. The birth of my children, the moment I met the love of my life, even those significant moments when temporary failure suddenly became a victory after a determined struggle to win. These memories bring such contentment and delight that they sustain us during our difficult times. I believe God intended for these to be permanent, enduring recollections to keep us going, reminding us that all of life is not thorny - that roses bloom along the way. I have so many of these for which I will be eternally grateful.

I am very pleased with the Auto Tech Clinic located on Michigan Avenue at Telegraph Road in Dearborn, Michigan. They have supplied me with great service time and time again. Prior to this visit, I had only had oil changes and brakes done at this shop and was always pleased. In fact, last year I took my car in for brakes, which I thought I needed. The Auto Tech technician, on that day, came out to tell me I didn't need brakes at that time. He could have easily sold me the brakes, my car had 60,000 miles on it and the original brakes were still on it. I would have never questioned the repair, but he chose to be honest, and I got another 12,000 miles on those brakes before I returned to have them replaced. Auto Tech gave me a great price on that Buy Chevy Truck brake job too.

Extreme accessory #2 - AEM Brute force air intakes. I know every one is always talking K&N when it comes to filters and intakes, however the AEM Brute force intake is what I recommend hands down. The AEM Brute force is top of the line allowing the most airflow you will find. Throw on a throttle body spacer and you have really made some Chevy Truck Deal improvements to your stock system.

The Ford Flex stands out because it offers minivan like room for seven yet it isn't one. It also isn't really a wagon or an SUV. Who cares what it is because all that matters is what it can do. The Flex has a versatile, well built and stylish interior. It is also available with the same 3.5 liter 346 horsepower Ecoboost motor from the Taurus SHO. That makes the Flex the muscle car of this grouping.

But don't head on down to your local chevy truck types deal just yet for a Suburban. Just because there are lots of play dates in your schedule doesn't mean you have to spend all of your money on gas. Also, just because you need lots of cargo/human room does not mean you have to dread driving the "family car." Trust me, I have road tested a number of surprisingly quick and agile family vehicles this year.

Four wheel drive is a popular option on Chevy trucks, but affects truck handling and may not be worth the extra money. Drivers should test drive both two and four wheel drive trucks.

On Part 4 of our series of articles about truck restorations I will talk about more lessons learned the hard way during the restoration of my 1954 Chevy truck.