David Tracy: In Colorado, but near tears

"facw" (facw) 04/19/2019 at 19:57 • Filed to: DAVID TRACY

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!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

Hop on over to Instagram if you know how to fix a brakeless Jeep.

Link in case Kinja:  !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

My X-type is too a real Jaguar > facw 04/19/2019 at 20:12

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Is he on his way back or did he not make it?

facw > My X-type is too a real Jaguar 04/19/2019 at 20:15

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Still on the way out. Slow going (45mph crui sing speed) and he got off to a late start because Patrick George made him take the deathtrap to be inspected at an actual mechanic, leading to a bunch more fixes he needed to make before he could depart.

Who knows if this set back will end it? Brakes do seem like a pretty simple system (especially on a DJ), but David is clearly pretty frustrated.

Cash Rewards > facw 04/19/2019 at 20:21

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I just don’t understand these yearly builds. PG was absolutely right to insist, because when shit goes south he’s on the hook as his employer. These just feel like one of two things: bogus fake deadline TV where “oh my God, how do we get it done?” , or reckless irresponsibility when he’s had all damn year but really on ly started working three weeks ago. I don’t care for either.

random001 > facw 04/19/2019 at 20:22

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I want to think this isn't the end, but I'm hardly surprised.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > facw 04/19/2019 at 20:39

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Even if he makes it, this might be the last year of “David does really stupid shit and barely makes it out alive”

random001 > Cash Rewards 04/19/2019 at 20:39

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Agree with this.

facw > Cash Rewards 04/19/2019 at 20:48

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I’m pretty sure this is entirely the later. H e bought this in August. But didn’t get it drivable (for definitions  of drivable that would not let it pass safety inspection in any state that has one) until early this year, and even after that it needed a ton of work. The point it’s at now should probably be where he was then.

My X-type is too a real Jaguar > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 04/19/2019 at 20:49

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I understood the CJ2A and Grand Wagoneer I don’t understand the 2wd postal Jeep. I also don’t understand why he didn’t just make the CJ or Wagoneer better and take one of those. 

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > My X-type is too a real Jaguar 04/19/2019 at 20:54

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I feel like david absolutely loathes a “clean” or “reliable” build. Because I agree. I would love to see a “Revenge of ____” series where he like, imposes a 1000$ upgrade budget and sees how far he can stretch it to improve one of his older builds for another shot.

And POStal would’ve been better if the joke was like he had to deliver a paycheck to Torch or some small package or something. Not that he can only do 45mph on his way to an off-road safari. It’s just kinda....unnerving to read sometimes.

Cash Rewards > facw 04/19/2019 at 20:55

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I also have a feeling that, even if he worked diligently, his definition of “safe enough” wouldn’t be most people’s. So it’s half- assed half- assed

Censored > facw 04/19/2019 at 21:00

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Sounds like the master cylinder piston isn’t returning all the way home allowing brake fluid to flow from the reservoir into the piston bore, this could be a linkage, pedal issue or something in the mc bore preventing the piston from returning all the way back . The other thing I’ve seen is the oa rface between the reservoir and the mc bore get blocked and not allow fluid to enter the system. I don’t have IG so I thought I would share my 0.02 here.

Just Jeepin' > Censored 04/19/2019 at 21:03

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His Jalop email:  david.tracy@jalopnik.com

Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks > facw 04/19/2019 at 21:11

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It’s over.

I don’t remember if the DJ5 has a booster or not.

But it’s altitude induced failure. Brake system can no longer pressurize due to atmospheric conditions at altitude (they were fixed at 29.4inHg, he’s at 22.2inHg.)

If it’s not the booster, it’s impossible to continue safely without finding the pressure leak. Only way to find it without a visible fluid leak is pressurizing the lines. Pressurizing those lines will almost definitely blow out surviving seals.

It’s a very, very frustrating problem and one that is very easy to get caught out on. I’ve had to explain to folks many, many, many times how higher altitude actually works and they still continue to perpetuate utter bullshit about it. Cars don’t operate in a vacuum. 

Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks > Cash Rewards 04/19/2019 at 21:16

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It very, very much is half-assed half-assed with David.

I have told him several times exactly what to do to fix problems on SJ’s safely, correctly, and permanently as cheaply as possible. And which things he absolutely cannot cut corners on if he wants it to actually be safe. And without fail, he goes “hey look at this worn out part I got for $10 from the junkyard.”

Or “hey look at this downright unsafe solution I cobbled together.”

Or “I saved $5 by hammering the wrong part in till it fit.”

Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 04/19/2019 at 21:31

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This absolutely has to be. This cannot continue.

This whole damn time I have been watching the DJ5 and just... words just fail me. I am absolutely gobsmacked that Patrick George only at the last minute said “hey, this needs a safety inspection by a mechanic.”

I’m even more stunned that he found a mechanic that said this was even remotely safe to drive.

It’s not.

I have been saying the whole time: THIS IS UNSAFE. I AM NOT AN EXPERT IN THIS SPECIFIC MODEL , BUT I AM A MECHANIC, I HAVE THE RELEVANT EXPERIENCE, AND NOTHING SHORT OF A REPLACEMENT FRAME WILL BE SAFE.

Because it’s NOT FUCKING SAFE .

And NOTHING about this trip is safe.

Doing 45MPH in a 60MPH zone is NOT SAFE. That is literally the most UNSAFE part of it, ESPECIALLY with iffy electrical and poor lighting.

Doing an 8000ft climb and descent with steep grades and blind curves everywhere in a vehicle burning that much oil, with questionable at best brakes, IS NOT SAFE.

And David just seems to refuse to listen. I don’t know if it’s because he thinks it’s more important or better for the story if he teaches himself (even if it’s incorrectly,) or because he’s stubborn, or because he’s surrounded by enablers, or what.

And this just cannot continue. It can’t. It’s going to get him hurt or it’s going to get him KILLED. I wish I was exaggerating. I really do. People have NO fucking idea just how goddamn dangerous the shit he is doing really is, because every time he comes up with some hail Mary and “YAY MADE IT TO MOAB EVERYTHING WAS JUST FINE.”

It has to stop.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks 04/19/2019 at 21:37

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Yeah I’m not impressed or excited reading those articles on POStal. It’s like that person you know who, when you bring up that you’re into cars and you d o autocross goes “Oh yeah! I’m a GREAT driver, I drive FAST everywhere!!!” and it’s some junked up W-body from the 90s and they just ignore stop signs and red lights and think passing people illegally or dangerously makes them “fas” . I just want to tell them - I’m not impressed. You’re not a good driver. Being around you makes me uncomfortable. Re-evaluate your decisions and you might find that you only have yourself to blame for everything in life that happens to you...

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Censored 04/19/2019 at 21:41

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Oh hey, that’s why I couldn’t bleed my Fiero’s clutch system the other weekend. Was a pretty easy fix once we caught it. Granted, I had all new parts and a relatively recent fluid line...

Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 04/19/2019 at 21:49

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It’s just fucking painful to me, because not only is everything half-assing something that’s already half-assed, there’s absolutely no goddamn reason to actually be proud of the accomplishments.

It’s like expecting a gold star because you got a ‘C-’ in math instead of a ‘D.’

It’s bragging about how you made the square peg fit in the round hole - literally - and insisting against all logic that it’s completely OK.

It’s the living embodiment of this:

Cash Rewards > Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks 04/19/2019 at 21:52

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Distressing to hear that, glad I'm not on the roads with him

Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks > Cash Rewards 04/19/2019 at 22:06

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He used to be a fucking e ngineer at FCA working on Jeep. That’s the most distressing part.

He should god damn well know better.

He should fucking understand how much time, effort, and money is put into making sure safety systems work and how important they are.

He should damn well know how much effort and emotion the people who designed these things put in, just to get them on the road in the first place.

He should know the importance of budgeting in advance and then checking those numbers every step of the way.

Yet somehow, impossibly, none of these things happen.

Cash Rewards > Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks 04/19/2019 at 22:53

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Yeah, that's true.  I am an engineer (different type, different field) that has done safety analysis, and the risk management decisions here are basically "it'll never happen to me"

Cash Rewards > Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks 04/19/2019 at 22:56

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Could you imagine if something hits him? Nothing left.

For Sweden > facw 04/19/2019 at 23:14

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Even this cheap car is worth five years of AAA.

This is also why Top Gear/The Grand Tour should have an episode featuring their support logistics.  “We have an army of 40 people, 8 Land Cruisers, and 2 Unimogs full of spare parts.  You don’t.”

Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks > Cash Rewards 04/19/2019 at 23:29

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He’s doing 45. On a 55. That typically has people going 70.

It’s not if it’s when . And the frame on this one will literally fold like a piece of paper. The only remaining strength is out front and a small token in the back. Middle section, just to dust.

Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks > Cash Rewards 04/19/2019 at 23:44

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I’m fluent in multiple engineering disciplines, is how I describe it. A true polymath, yadda. So I have a MUCH better perspective than pure-automotive guys, to say the least. I see and comprehend the whole . And I just... I just sob.

He refuses to listen to experts that aren’t “his friends.” His risk management model isn’t. His budget isn’t. His planning isn’t. His safety checks aren’t. His safety aren’t. But all his friends will tell him it’s just haterade from the poors and he should ignore it, live his best life, etc.

The entire risk analysis for this project was, in total, “neat $500 postal jeep.” That was it. No inspection. No pictures. Just “Here’s $500, I gota Jeep, let’s go to Moab.” No budget. No plan. No idea what’s wrong with it or what’s right with it. Unwilling to listen to warning about common failures unless they came from his clique. Unwilling to invite anyone into his clique who might be competent.

He’s just completely obsessed with creating problems and dama to generate clicks and page views. Not saying he doesn’t love Jeeps, but, they’re nothing more than a means to an end at this point. You know he’s already making plans for 2020 right fucking now. Something even worse than this to prove that he can do it with a bit more time and effort.

But there’s never more time. There’s never any extra effort. Problems they know about, just get ignore. And there’s no adult enforcing “this time is going to be different, this time is going to be safe.” That takes away from the DRAMA (and the clicks) so that can’t happen. And a James May style ‘tear it down and put it back together correctly ? That doesn’t sell clicks!

And the only thing that will bring an end to it, will be his death. Everything else will be an excuse to just ‘push through the pain’ bringing him that much more closer to death.

Don’t get me wrong. I like watching David learn this history, learn how to wrench, and at the end of the day, produce something that there is something to be proud of. But he’s going the opposite direction. He’s going to get someone hurt or killed.

If they’re going to do this again, it’s going to be one of these ways. Strict controls from GMG for his own safety likely including a real project manager. Telling him he can do it however he wants but he’s completely on his own. And finally, washing their hands of it completely, refusing to publish, David doing it anyway, and ending up dead.

Cash Rewards > Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks 04/20/2019 at 00:06

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This is 100% correct, start to finish.

Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks > Cash Rewards 04/20/2019 at 00:08

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But, as fucking usual, nobody listens to or respects me.

shop-teacher > My X-type is too a real Jaguar 04/20/2019 at 00:12

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He sold the Wagoneer. I've been trying to talk him into fixing the J10 and taking that for the last two years.

shop-teacher > Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks 04/20/2019 at 08:12

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I’ve met David in person and we had a long conversation. While I don’t disagree with you at all about how he works through these projects, I can confidently say he’s not doing it to sell clicks . He’s a very genuine dude, to the point where his passion/obsession overwhelms all reason. You have to remember, he’s still young and dumb. He’s only 26 or 27, and therefore had just gotten to the age where most males start settling down mentally and pull their head out of their ass.

I think, I hope, the DJ is breaking him of this mas ochistic cycle of hopeless projects. He has some good vehicles that need his attention.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks 04/20/2019 at 10:07

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Every time I see his name in a post I just move on to the next post. The likelihood of him hurting someone else, an innocent bystander, is also extremely high. David Tracy doesn't have a clue what he's doing with a wrench in hand. Cars don't run on hopes and dreams. His "I'm an engineer, I got this!" attitude doesn't mean shit in the real world.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > shop-teacher 04/20/2019 at 10:08

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He can't be reasoned with.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > facw 04/20/2019 at 10:12

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Is that an actual mechanic? Or an "actual mechanic"? Or just like some just jiffy lube guy? I never follow any of this because David Tracy scares the shit out of me.

facw > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 04/20/2019 at 10:34

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The fact that I’m able to even begin this journey after all the curveballs the Jeep threw at me—and after a new, last-minute requirement by Jalop boss Patrick George to have the vehicle inspected by a certified mechanic—is a blessing. (Let the record state that I’m totally fine with this requirement, it’s just that the Jeep isn’t exactly pretty, and that had me worried. Also, my timing was tight.). 

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > facw 04/20/2019 at 11:12

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Certified is such a loose term in this industry. It really doesn't mean much.

KayGB > Spamfeller Loves Nazi Clicks 04/21/2019 at 00:25

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Vacuum induced failure?? What in dog’s name are you smoking, man? Lemme guess, you think that people explode if exposed to hard vacuum?

I do agree with you on the main point though . David Tracy is a irresponsible tit.

David Tracy > shop-teacher 04/26/2019 at 03:09

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I think part of what I’m reading here is that perhaps the tone of my writing communicates a sense of nonchalantness to my builds—and I guess I might write that way a bit to build up suspense. Apparently, it makes folks actually worry about me? Maybe I should tone that down a bit, as I don’t need anyone getting stressed out; leave that to me!

In reality, even though the cars truly do start out as junkers, the builds themselves are meticulous. I inspect and learn the important vehicle systems (at this point, I generally know how they all work, since I’ve been wrenching on basic solid axle Jeeps for a bit now—maybe I should switch this up sometime? ) , identify all failures, develop solutions, and carefully execute them. Key to this is reaching out to genuine experts, as I am intimately aware of my (rather wide) knowledge gaps (more on this in a bit) .

T his process is the sole reason why I continue to fix up old beaters (also, people like seeing old beaters get put to the test, which is good, because what’s more Jalop than that?!)—I love the challenge .

The passionate commenters I see on this post (I realize I’m in the lion’s den, here)   aren’t the only ones wondering why I do this type of build; someone asked me this very thing recently, so I’ll just paste my response below:

Simply, it’s a challenge.

It appeals to the engineer-y/problem solve-y side of my brain. Here’s a vehicle that—if we’re honest—was destined for the junkyard. It had a bad frame, a cracked engine, a horrible suspension, a bad ignition system...the list goes on.

Understanding these problems, laying out a plan to solve them, and ultimately bringing something that far gone back to life (i.e. making it reliable and—most importantly—safe) is a true thrill. To see an underdog back on the road and doing great things—to cheer it on as the dozens of repairs my friends and I made function flawlessly—is an amazing feeling.

The projects are also crash-courses in wrenching, with each year bringing unique challenges/learnings, but all usually yielding some common headaches that come with rustbuckets (seized bolts, mostly). In some ways, wrenching on a junker is the ultimate way to learn how to work on cars; If you can wrench on a crap-can, you can probably wrench on damn near anything. (This is obviously a simplification, but you get the idea).

I also love the vehicles I’ve chosen for these endeavors. The XJ the first year, the CJ-2A the next, the Grand Wagoneer last year, and the DJ this year. They’re awesome Jeeps that I’ve always wanted to own, but since I can’t really afford to buy all four of them in good shape (especially the Grand Wagoneer), doing this annual project gives me a chance to justify owning/experiencing Jeeps I’ve always wanted.

I also see soul in cars; I genuinely think that junky ones like my camo-covered CJ-2A and this rust and fungus-covered postal Jeep look awesome. If they were mint, they’d look like other vehicles already out there; as they sit, they are truly unique. I’ve written about this before .

TLDR: It’s difficult and I like learning/solving problems with my friends; I think junky cars have soul, and that makes them beautiful in my eyes; I’ve always wanted to drive these Jeeps, but I’m a cheap bastard; the thrill of rooting for an underdog that you and your friends put countless hours into is unparalleled.  

Also, to the mechanics here, let me be clear: I don’t succeed on this build four years in a row because I’m great at wrenching . No, not even close. A trained mechanic   could out-wrench me with their ha nd behind their back, and in fact, I wanted the world to realize just how little an engineering background translates into actual wrenching skill that I even wrote the article “ Engineers are Not Mechanics ” expressing just that. Sure, I can ace a mechanical engineering curriculum, but you will never hear me say that this qualifies me to fix a car .

So I won’t say that it has been wrenching skills driving the positive results. Instead, I think that w hat it comes down to is problem solving skills, and in that area, I’m pretty decent. Key to this, as I alluded to earlier, is understanding how things work, and perhaps more importantly, understanding what I don’t know.

For example, the frame this year. Had I ever repaired a frame before? No . Did I just say “How hard can it be, I got this?” and get to welding? Of course not! There’s no room for ego in wrenching—it’ll just get you in trouble. I nstead, I reached out to someone who welds for a living, and had folks experienced in fabricating right alongside me as I mended the frame. The result is a fix that will outlast the rest of the vehicle. This process of consulting with experienced people has been key to my good fortune, I think.

Also, shop-teacher, you’re right: The last-minute rush isn’t ever about clicks. It’s just procrastination, just as pretty much every kid probably does on term papers in grade school, and just as basically every Formula SAE team does before competition. Procrastination does lead to some last-minute compromises, admittedly, but safety-critical items are always properly executed (the body mounts for the rear floor, for example, were the final repairs that held us back, but I was never going to leave without completing them).

So yes, I may be young a “ dumb” in some ways , but when it comes to solving problems on cars, I take it seriously, and thoroughly enjoy the challenge .   Even if I do make some silly errors along the way.

(Also, I’m always reading y’alls’ advice, so just know that I appreciate it). 

facw > David Tracy 04/26/2019 at 08:03

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Thanks for responding David. I’ve shared this response to Oppo so other readers can see it.

Best of luck with your return journey!

Mercedes Streeter > David Tracy 04/26/2019 at 08:11

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Thank you for this! Yes, I believe most of us were genuinely concerned about your safety, especially in the mountains and after your brake failure. Your readers do care about you! <3

T his is why you’re one of my most favourite writers in automotive media. You’re passionate in what you do and you love giving yourself a challenge. And I guess like me, you have an affliction for certain types of vehicles and maintain a hoard of them.

I would never take a crab walking Jeep with holes under the seat and no HVAC 50 miles, let alone 1,800 at a snail’s pace. Though who am I to talk right now, I’m trying build an adventure scooter out of a 150cc Honda Elite to take through water crossings and and go mudding with. Rev limiters, who needs those? :D

You’re lucky to have the landlord you do, I doubt I could wash motorcycle parts in my dishwasher and not end up in court about it later.

You should take POStal on a Gambler 500! Those events are only about 500 miles long and are absolutely the most fun you can have offroad without going to Moab. And plus if you keep it close to home like Detroit (so many rules this year) or Illinois, you won't be too far from home if you ultimately send it too hard.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > David Tracy 04/26/2019 at 09:43

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Love the passion, David. You are a true Jalop/Opponaut. We really do worry about you, though, and the people who share the road with you during some of these trips. Something as simple as cruising speed differential on the road can create dangerous situations (I understand this is true for, say, someone riding a bicycle as well); we just ask, in the future, that you consider all the risk you’re taking on for yourself, and the potential risk for others, before setting off on another of these journeys. Perhaps a section of the TransAmerican Trail is a good goal for your next challenge. https://www.transamtrail.com/

Keep up the great writing - all the best.

shop-teacher > David Tracy 04/26/2019 at 11:03

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W hen I say you’re young and dumb, I hope you realize that I’m not referring to your intelligence. I think the fundamental disconnect between you and those of us who are concerned about you, is the final assessment of what is safe and what is not. I don’t think a DJ was safe to take through a Rocky Mountain pass when it was brand spanking new. The fact that you got away with it, doesn’t mean it was safe for you or those around you. We’ve all gotten away with things we rightfully shouldn’t have. I am no exception.

That kind of perspective is what comes with age. There’s a reason nobody will rent a car to somebody who is under 25, and that’s a threshold you aren’t terribly far past. As a middle-aged dad, a ll my stories of getting away with things are well in my past.

I enjoy watching beaters comeback to life as much as anybody. That’s why I love your articles . That’s why I watch Roadkill and Roadkill G arage. I respect what you’ve done with these vehicles. I respect what you’ve done to show that common people can wrench. Your articles and Tavar ish’s before you have been a big inspiration to dig in on some of my own wrenching. I may be a shop teacher, but I’m a W oods and CAD teacher. I have zero automotive training, and was actively discouraged from working on cars by my dad who was an ex-mechanic who had grown to hate working on cars.

I do think you went too far on the DJ. That thing should not have been put back on the road. I do no t agree that it i s safe to be back on the road even now . More importantly though, I’m worried about you and I know I’m not the only one . This is not good for your health, physically or mentally (mostly mentally) .

You have some really good vehicles in your fleet, and yet they languish while you continue to collect garbage and spend all your time and money on progressively worse vehicles (Wagoneer not withstanding, that was by far the most solid of these Moab projects ... go figure that’s the ONE you’ve gotten rid of!). From here, from the picture you’ve painted of yourself, you seem to be spinning out a bit. That article you did about the state of your home and yard, it was sad. I wouldn’t wish living like that on anybody. To see somebody I like and respect living like that, it was really difficult.

I wish I was closer and could help, but being a day’s drive away and having little kids, it’s not likely I’ll be able to. You need to clean up your fleet and clean up your home, because if you get too used to living the way you do, it’s not going to serve you well.

I want to see you fix that J10 and that Golden Eagle. That would be a far greater triumph, than resurrecting another pile of rust and broken dreams. Those are articl es I so look forward to reading, but I worry that they’re never going to come. Frankly, I’m worried about you. I know we only met once, but I consider you a friend however distant we may be. I want the best for you.

If you come to the Indy 500 again this year, I’ll be in the same place, and I’d love to see you again.