Dirt Daily The history of Clampy, and Remembering Marlin

[@upscaleshack]

Interesting to reflect that in the days before the internet a relatively small group of guys at the magazines had so much influence over the offroad world.

[@damageman]

Yeah plus the loads of ad cash!

[@trailrunnah8886]

Yeah, all these guys were like celebrities to me before KZbin. Fred, Dave Freiburger, Rick Pewe, etc.

[@exploringtheholos]

HEY FRED, it'd be really cool to see you do videos with Dave again! At least once in a while 😊

[@johnsjeep3]

I could listen to Fred tell stories all day!

[@crwln93]

I remember Clampy's first Ultimate Adventure... I was an invited reader with my '93 Toyota Xtracab. Clampy is a great truck that keeps telling great stories. I also had the opportunity to meet Marlin in Moab. What a cool, humble guy that was a walking Toyota encyclopedia.

[@rasfsa]

Marlin was a great person. I knew him as Cristals dad. And the best person to hang around. A toyota guy all the way and a kind soul.

[@rangerismine]

I remember the magazine issue with the total chaos front suspension! It was epic!

[@danielcarroll5667]

I've always loved Clampy , now with that great story I love him more , thanks Fred , RIP to a great guy...

[@onetwentyeight]

clampy and tubesock inspired me to get an r2.8 in my 4runner with an r151 and duals. when I was researching i talked to marlin about it, and he said it was a good idea and set me up with a transmission core so I went for it. he was an amazing person to talk to, inspiring and always wanting to share his knowledge and help. i can see why you two got along. thanks fred. thanks marlin. rip.

[@jbcowherder6210]

Marlin was a true innovator..... we have gone to several of the Marlin Crawler events at the Rubicon Trail. good times, and Marlin always put together an awesome time. he was a great dude to talk to, and i have so much respect for him. Marlin, we will miss you.

[@Tophershawn_]

Cool story! I remember watching dirt everyday when I got my first Toyota pickup and Clampy was a huge inspiration! R.I.P Marlin

[@dananderson2786]

RIP marlin!! Toyota for life!!

[@thom17043]

I bought my 1985 Toyota pickup in 1988 while I was in college. There was an outdoor/offroad crowd I hung out with and Toyotas were very well represented - Land Cruisers, pickups, a few 4Runners. There were some Blazers, Broncos, and Jeeps, but the Toyotas were the thing to have and started in that direction. It got me back and forth to college and then was my daily driver as I entered the workforce. When I bought a house, it carried much of the lumber and supplies to build my workshop and contributed further - standing on top of the cap like a scaffold and such. Still have it 36 years later and really need to find the time to put in some work on it. Like you, I see myself driving it around town in my golden years.

[@i976scirocco3]

Sorry for the loss of your friend Marlin. This is one of the hard parts of getting older...we start to lose people in our life. I hope his celebration goes well 🙏

[@davidthurman2267]

I remember reading the magazines in high school and late middle school and wanting this truck.

[@Things2Delete]

Thank You, in the late 80s I was stationed in California and had my 4 runner in the shop to meet him, to this day I have his sticker on my JKU. This was such a great video, mad respect for Marlin.

[@mjmcomputers]

Love to hear the story, I remember Clampy from a few articles in the magazines in the early 2000s.

[@Ironfireman11]

I remember falling in love with this truck when it graced the pages of Peterson's. Thank you for sharing its story.

[@EdwardRoss-tb5hz]

Thanks for sharing the story of Clampy... I've always wanted to know more about it. RIP Marlin 😢

[@mikechiodetti4482]

Great story about the truck. We always have the memories, especially about our vehicles. I hope clampy continues to run great and make more memories.

[@rcamsc67]

Clampy in my mind was the most iconic off-road rig of my childhood. Always loved that truck.

[@coltbuildsit]

It was and will probably always be my favorite build of yours, simple, quality components, big tires, small motor....works!!!😎😎👍

[@badallis4158]

Clicked on the video the sec I saw it. Around 2003, as a young teenager, I subscribed to 4WOF. Always loved reading the articles and watching Clampy transform over the years.

[@jeffreybetts8014]

I’m not a Toyota guy but I enjoyed all of your articles in Petersons over the years, with that build, the ultimate adventure stuff, right up to the present, you have always been a fun guy in magazine and video, thanks for sharing the memories.

[@dougstarwalt8984]

Great vid/story time Fred. The back story sets the tone for the present. Thanks!

[@InjunOutdoors]

You definitely drug up some old memories! LOL Nice to go back in time to the beginnings

[@richis65]

This was a great episode. Marlin was a really neat person. His family will carry on his memory very well.

[@DragonsFireMetalWorx]

thanks for sharing this Fred...sincere condolences to you and your 4 wheelin brethren...Marlin sounds like my kinda guy

[@darrinsutliff7871]

Man driving around in Portland with the top off in summer. That was probably the best two days ever lol.

[@chadrussell8282]

Great stories and memories Fred!! RIP Marlin. I remember seeing him in Hot Springs, Ar. many moons ago at a Toyota jamboree. Great guy and a great company!!

[@countryyardcars2293]

Clampy was one of my favorite builds you did back in the day! I loved the magazine. Sad to hear about Marlins passing is very sad. As a Toyota guy he was amazing.

[@overlandtowater]

This truck was the first truck build I ever remember paying attention to. Thanks Fred for taking me back to my teenage years.

[@toyotaguy1984]

Good to see clampy again! I remember when you was at petersons and started building that truck.

[@c0pp3]

I was 15 and dreaming of having my first car when your first articles with clampy were published. It was a huge inspiration and my first car ended up being a lifted mini truck because of clampy and your articles. Thanks Fred!

[@covenantcontracting3815]

Clampy is as iconic to me as Jimmy’s Ugly flat fender Jeep featured in Four Wheeler back in ‘89. Loved that Jeep as a kid (still do) and Clampy is right there with it.

[@brentohara9471]

Thank you Fred, great video! Love the omtuas to Mr Marlin! Thanks, Brent....

[@duthsmotocave]

Such a sweet build. Next dirt daily the fun buggy. Please. Another cool one from the magazine days.

[@NealoBB]

Out of all the awesome builds you and Dave put together on DED, I always looked forward to clampy episodes the most.

[@coonlakebackwoods]

Great story Fred. Great to hear it agian aftet reading back when we used to read to learn how to bulild stuff. Legendary truck, and people.

[@alabamafbfan1985]

This was a great video to watch. Thanks for making and posting. I’m going to look for old clampy articles in old magazines next time I visit my parents

[@bryangordon8518]

You got clampy about the same time I got my 84 4Runner. I’ve followed clampy through the years being a Toyota guy. I still have my 4Runner too.

[@4xhoser]

RIP Marlin, always wanted marlin crawler parts on my old Toyota pickup in high school! Loved hearing the history of clampy the truck that made me fall in love with Toyotas on DED 🤘🇨🇦👌 thx Fred

[@tylerreiter5726]

Sounds like we need a 4xfred and dirt head shed mashup wheeling trip. Half on your channel half of Dave’s

[@benstrait333]

Sorry to hear about Marlin, thanks for the story

[@JamesMcNamara-j1g]

I have only recently picked up my first Toyota. It’s a 2006 Corolla, Marlin always caught my eye even when I was in Scouts , Jeeps, and Chevrolet junk. Still have never owned a Toyota 4x4, I miss him regardless.

[@phillipredfern6461]

I remember following the Clampy build back in the day starting with pulling the old man shell off and the total kaos front suspension. I also started my 81 Toyota truck build about the same time. I wish we could sit around the campfire and share stories! Love Clampy! That truck is a part of my life as if it was my own! Thanks for that Fred!

[@BigBluePile]

Clampy has always been my favorite build of yours!!!

[@MGautotech.]

I remember the jump picture in the magazine. Peterson 4wheel got me started in this journey.

[@electrocanman]

Clampy is what made me interested in your writing. As you advanced as a journalist, it was there to mark your progress.

[@lronpaw]

thanks for sharing Fred ❤ rip Marlin

[@MatthewHarrington72]

I think we all aspire to leave a legacy like Marlin’s. Love Clampy! Keep crushing it with the videos!

[@gordo608]

My favorite project from any automotive magazine. I think I still have a stack of 4Wheel and Off Road somewhere with all of the original build articles.

[@elgenerz]

I loved the articles about Clampy in the mag back in the day. I always looked forward to the next issue, hoping there'd be more Clampy tech info. So much fun, this was cool to see this walk through of it and "where is it today?" vid.

[@markpospichal1309]

I remember Clampy well from the magazine days, I always enjoyed those segments. Getting a 4X out of your normal CJ preference can work out, I grew to love the '79 fullsize Cherokee I settled for when the CJ5 I was trying to buy fell through. Sorry to hear about Marlin, I only knew of his reputation but I know he will be sorely missed Glad his family is carrying on the tradition. Thanks for posting...

[@robstem6262]

Fred, thank you for doing this video. 1st time I saw Clampy was back in the mid 2000's & have loved the truck & it's capabilities ever since.

[@joshslackslack8115]

Man klampe is a awesome truck I've watched it over the years it's the reason I got a Toyota myself 20 years ago i have a 81 regular cad 4x4 short bed on 37s i took it off road for years but now I'm rebuilding it your truck is awesome i built a bed cage similar to you put i used my 81 truck bedside's as skins it getting a set of super duty axles this go round

[@theericbenson1692]

I have 4 old toyotas. I love them, and they love me back. They're like good dogs. Take care of them, and they'll take care of you.. I drive my 90 4runner to moab and back. And it never strands me. When I get home, I pet it and say nice things about it. Then we go rally again! It is awesome and always the underdog that wins. My kids love it just like the dog. I made a couple little KZbin shorts of the last 2 trips to moab. Those trips are 2 weeks apart.. Sand hollow in September this year! Should be fun. I'm $1700 into the freerunner because I got it for free..

[@number1yota]

I had the pleasure of talking with Marlin before he passed. I called him with an idea on my 1st gen Tacoma and He answered the phone, and was so helpful in working out a plan to duel case my Tacoma. He sounded genuinely excited to talk with me and hash out the details. I wish I could've met him in person. I do look forward to working with his company in the very near future.

[@30bones]

So much cool stuff on this coming from an old PBB guy with an 86 4Runner I eventually destroyed. With I still had my old version of Clampy.

[@alwaysdream7642]

Enjoyed hearing the history this rig. Thumbs up dude!

[@masta_yota]

Toyota Needs to make a Marlin Crawler edition Tacoma or 4Runner!

[@danieljacobsen7196]

I wonder how Marlin would set up a new rig

[@bassettraceengines]

Great job Fred !!!! RIP Marlin .

[@TawDrago]

Cool stuff, I recall reading about Clampy back in the day. So cool that you still have it.

[@ectolle54]

Fred I was a subscriber of 4WOR since I was 10 in 1995. My mom would buy me a subscription every Christmas. I vaguely remember remember the older magazines but the early 2000s ones I remember the most. Clampy, the Ultimate Avalanche and Superduty were mu favorites. I love the story time of Clampy. I also run a Dodge Dana 60 with selectro hubs in my 05 Colorado. They are the best lockouts I’ve ever ran

[@yjsuck]

Thanks for putting this out Fred. I was in highschool when you first built Clampy but had been a subscriber to the magazine for a couple years. I remember being absolutely jacked that there was some dedicated Toyota content, I had just gotten a 89 pickup myself and you and Clampy inspired a lot that I did to the truck. Thanks for the memories.

[@philip4x4guy]

I remember that whole history from oogling over it in 4wor and later DED it was fun to get a refresher and more details! Never been a huge toyota guy, but clampy, i have been a HUGE clampy fan since the first non IFS build, someday i want the same recipe of my own. You and Dave need to do a Clampy Mazgrande trip without all the tv deadlines and just capture some of that sweet slow lowslung crawling for us! Thanks Fred, sorry to hear about Marlins passing

[@kbery]

Great story Fred! I first saw clampy when you went on UA back in the day with him and still have the DVD's! I'm a hardcore toyota fan and in the process of doing a solid axle swap on my 87 pickup, I hope you keep Clampy together and wheeling forever, it always makes my day to see him out! Also great tribute to Marlin, I never got to speak to him but I've bought parts through the company many times over the years!

[@brentmcmillan646]

Clampy has a lot of great history! I really appreciate your videos Fred!

[@psychobmw4495]

This truck is the reason I love Toyotas and have Hilux with my brother

[@1234tche]

I have never owned a Toyota and have no plans to any time soon. If I did though this is basically exactly how I'd build it. I'm glad marlins legacy will live on.

[@j_mars_cars]

So inspiring. Someday I may solid axle swap my 4runner. The 22re is still kicking!

[@johnbehneman1546]

I LOVEYOUR CHANNEL FRED. PLEASE CONTINUE TO SHARE YOUR TRUTH.

[@jasonscharf97tj]

Nice story telling I love clampy I'm always amazed when you take it wheeling .sorry to hear about marlin 😢

[@americonoffroadadventures8132]

Love your offroad information and stories. Dirt everyday was the best. So is Fred and Dave. More dirt shows. Love Dirt. Thanks.

[@malliz1]

Great Story Fred loved it

[@dogpotter]

Good story Fred, Thanks for sharing

[@trailrunnah8886]

I always enjoyed reading about clampy in the magazine, back in the pre-youtube days when people still read print media.

[@jeremyharding3131]

This has always been my favorite Toyota and was the reason I got an 83 Hilex.

[@perfectlyundonecustoms]

Smiles per Mile outweighs the loss of your memories. I have seen Clampy grow from the beginning. I wouldn't sell my personal icon either. No amount of money can replace happiness behind the wheel off road... Many will never understand the freedom.

[@Farmerwes]

Great video Fred! Clampy is such an epic truck!

[@jamesj7328]

You are such a great storyteller Fred~!

[@gizmofish57]

Yay! It's 4x Fred! I just watched DH Dave's Isuzu acquisition video! Rad 4x! Clampy stories are cool!

[@oscarpuente2029]

Sorry for your loss Fred!!

[@mattlong_4896]

Great video. Thank you for the insight. Love the stories.

[@renerendon551]

I will forever be in love with these truck, now I drive my own 86 Toyota pickup, but mine it's going to be a prerunner one day

[@johnbehneman1546]

THANK YOU SO MUCH. GREAT VIDEO FRED!!!! THANK YOU, MARLIN!!!!

[@matthewnovosedlik3302]

Thanks for this video Fred!!

[@timmcooper294]

Nice!! I remember when you met me in Portland. You were this goofy guy who was interested in the goofy stuff I had been doing with old Land Rovers. You had just gotten Clampy and wanted to go wheeling. It was fun hanging out in those days. You had stars in your eyes and wanted to be involved in the scene, and you made that happen. That's cool ! I later became involved in a business deal with a guy I wish I had never met, which set me back more than a few years, but I learned a ton. Great to see that Clampy is still around and built to party, a long stretch from when you met me all these years ago. I'm still doing goofy things with old Land Rovers, and using more stock parts or reworked stock parts than ever before, kinda gone full circle and tweaking the full potential of the original platform. Actually way more fun than generic (Atlas, Dana 60's, Links) that everyone has to have these days (Yawn..) Marlin was a great guy, and didn't hold my Land Rover thing against me......A super class act....

[@EricErnst]

I remember the transformation of Clampy. I had a similar old truck and wanted to upgrade it the way you did. I remember laughing my ass off at a photo of it jumping on the sand dunes after a series of upgrades. I also remember a story where you tested lubricants.. I believe you went to a chassis dyno and tested Royal Purple oil in the motor, trans, and diffs.. it actually lost power but you thought it was because the fluids were actually filled to their proper levels.

[@MrBillsfishin]

Grew up always wishing i could afford to have my Toyota Trucks 100% built them. Such a great company. Sorry for your loss of a good friend.

[@matthewschneider2089]

Dude!!! Great video!!! Portland is still weird!! Sorry for the loss of your friend!!✌️

[@shanewright6958]

What a great truck 👍👍

[@awhipps]

Greetings from Portland. It's still weird and still rains.

[@heathergreylive]

I remember reading the article when y'all bolted a bunch of different mud tires to Clampy and repeatedly drove it into a mud hole to see how they compared.

[@rediron44]

Cool fun video. I love hearing about the history of a vehicle, that means alot to people. Fun memories

[@RustedWrench]

Clampy is rad 🤘🏻 got an 85 ext cab

[@lloydrage]

Good old clampy. Historic truck

[@VetJeeper]

Great video! Thanks Fred!

[@colindingle2249]

I still have the petersons magazines of when clampy was built, was my favorite mag to buy! Was sad when they shut it down.

[@foygill711]

I have tried many things for shifter boots but never a sleeve from a sweat shirt😅 Great video.

[@phatdaddy1955]

Great tribute to your friend. Thanks for sharing your story with us. Safe travels!