Your Brand Loyalty is Holding You Back

[@exploringexploder7036]

I don’t ever comment, but this resonated and needed to be said I love it

[@WillometMotorFab]

Friend, I’m glad you spoke up, and that this spoke to you. Clearly, I’m passionate about it as well.

[@exploringexploder7036]

I’m glad you’re passionate about it! It really needed to be said. It’s been in my head for a while but I was never able to articulate it, and you hit it on the head

[@ClinkenbeardStrong]

You nailed it with saying that it's about people putting themselves into their vehicle. I've always felt that way... Even with being a diehard Chevy guy I still love seeing builds of all types, and will very rarely say something negative about something that someone has put their heart and soul into. Thanks for this video.

[@WillometMotorFab]

So true. It’s always better to support a builder. Before they’re anything else, cars are built to connect people to each other. Brand shouldn’t get in the way of that.

[@ClinkenbeardStrong]

@@WillometMotorFab yessir!!

[@twofortytwo]

Building a Volvo 242 (boxy but good 2 door coupe). I made steel adapters that take Dodge ball joints>these allow me to install SN95 Mustang spindles>attached to the spindles are Cadillac ATS Brembo calipers biting down in Mustang Cobra 13” rotors. This allows me to run Mustang Cobra 17x8 rims with no wheel adapters. Still a Volvo 4 banger turbo motor but always looking on Craigslist for different motor to swap into it. Great channel you have here, thanks for sharing. I forgot, made an adapter plate to bolt a Ford T-bird Tremec T5 transmission to the Volvo bell housing. I have a Ford Explorer 8.8 rear end sitting in corner of my garage but not sure if want to stay with a sold axle rear end.

[@WillometMotorFab]

This is a fantastic build plan! Also, excellent use of a movie quote. Please tag me as you make progress. I’d love to follow.

[@GlacialErratic]

I thought this was pretty much a given. Maybe not. These brands don't give one damn about us, beyond trying to convince us to make that next big purchase. Just look how long it took GM Performance to pull their collective heads out of that giant ass of theirs, and start selling complete drive train packages, bolt in , turn key. They missed out on at least two decades of easy money, trying to sell cars nobody wanted. Mind you, these motors and packages didn't need ANY advertising, they were already well known with a fiercely loyal following that spanned literal generations! I can't help but get the impression that they expect some show of gratitude for offering something that any red blooded American man, without a single sense for business, could have told them in 1970, for F sake. One look at the price for these packages and you can see, they are trying to make up for that lost revenue like the house is on fire. Rant over.

[@WillometMotorFab]

You’re dead right. It’s not even loyalty when it’s one way. That’s called fealty, and more like swearing some sort of oath!

[@GlacialErratic]

To toss a little more on this fire, if people would look at the things these companies have done over the past century around the world they would be stunned. WWII is a good place to start, Ford, GM, Coke, GE, and many others, their actions make any reasonable human want to puke. @@WillometMotorFab

[@willtron4327]

I worked as a Honda tech for a little while. I remember doing some interior work one time and seeing Ford Motor Company marked connectors under the seats of an Odysee. Made me laugh

[@WillometMotorFab]

That's awesome! FoMoHonda.

[@PaulKaiser42]

David this was an awesome and much needed to be said video! I grew up a ford fan boy but own a Chevy swapped Jeep (project) and a stock dodge…I love them both! Whatever works well is for me 👍🏻. Great video as always!

[@WillometMotorFab]

Thanks for the support. I love that your experience has taken you through a few brands. It’s useful to be well rounded like that.

[@PaulKaiser42]

@@WillometMotorFab I think (like you do) that different brands have different opportunities to offer every builder.

[@94Discovery]

I will start ,Volvo portal axles(Swedish),under a discovery 2 land rover(english)ls 5.3 American,mated to a zf8hp German,will be assembled in canada buy a Lebanese immigrant. Zero loyalty to anything just mate the best for your needs and enjoy the process

[@NoName-ml5yk]

What the Friedrichshafen?! 😂

[@WillometMotorFab]

May I suggest a project title, “binding UN resolution?”

[@94Discovery]

@@WillometMotorFab lol 😂

[@mchristr]

I may not be brand loyal but Ford putting a flat-plane crank in a Mustang raises the make to “pretty bitchin’” status.

[@WillometMotorFab]

They upped the game for sure. The 5.2 voodoo was seriously considered for the Charger, but I couldn’t find one that was still in usable shape. Plenty of crossplane examples to choose from.

[@thefreeak]

PREACH! My Jeep "CJ" has Ford Axles (60s), GM Steering Box, SBF 302 (because), Ford NP435, Jeep Dana 300....

[@wheelinchronicles]

I have this same argument at work everyday 😂. When you’re not open minded you just look dumb & I love showcasing that. Good distinction in “rules” & “biased” tho. People can have their own “rules” & still be open minded. I will NEVER do what you’re doing with your Charger if I ever land a 69. That’s a MY rule. To quote some guy on KZbin putting a big Detroit dizzal back in his Burb “that just doesn’t interest me” Your Charger & Burb are still stickered on my toolbox, because it’s rad. It’s not my car. Still rad. Going to be a hell of a car. Different swaps are the coolest. “That doesn’t belong there”. Well, now it does, & it’s fantastic.

[@WillometMotorFab]

Buddy, you’ve captured the good spirited argument, perfectly. We’re all on team “hotrod.” Also, great quote. Sounds like he thinks he’s a fair minded fella.

[@benfyffe8797]

I used to be brand loyal and still am a little. working at the dealership taught me all cars are piles of junk some you get lucky on…. I really wish I would have put a ford 9 in my truck.

[@WillometMotorFab]

Folks that worked at dealerships have a very useful perspective. That’s peak-behind-the-curtain levels of insight.

[@mazevx2451]

In the jeep world there's a lot of BS going on with not being a real jeep after the TJ and now the JL isn't a real jeep and so on. I don't get it. What you said is true and needed to be said!

[@WillometMotorFab]

Man, I don’t get it either. Some folks can’t see that we’re all on the same team.

[@matthewgoertzen7297]

Love this video, David. I often feel surrounded by brand loyalty in any vehicle community and its never made sense to me. My (many) dream svehicles are all about taking my favourite parts of different vehicles and putting them together. A Cummins Squarebody Suburban is at the top of the list. I jusy got a 97 ZJ as my next project and as much as I love the 5.2L V8, I cant help but wonder what it would be like with an Audi/VW TDI. I'm looking forward to getting a house soon so I can really start tinkering.

[@WillometMotorFab]

You’ve got a fine list of planned projects. I love the TDI idea.

[@chrisbigbendgarage634]

I've said for years to truly be a geared you have to have a certain amount of respect for everything automotive, but if everyone liked the same things there'd be none for anybody to build I'm a big guy at 6'8" I've always leaned towards full size offroaders but if everyone wanted a suburban there'd be none to buy or build, I'm currently building an 85 k10 suburban with a 383 and mostly stock drive train 700r4 10 bolts, it does have a 6 inch lift and 35s but I'll probably never abuse it and it's what I had to work with getting started

[@NoName-ml5yk]

Yeah I'm not a fan of low riders but can appreciate the effort and awesome paint jobs.

[@WillometMotorFab]

I think your “respect for everything automotive” is an important point. That some come to a point of disagreement and that quickly turns to disrespect is a miss in our motorsports community. Also, your suburban sounds right up my alley.

[@Fuel28]

I love my k5, I like gm trucks. I feel gm ford mopar trucks are tough. But as iv gotten older I have learned imports simply last way longer and hold up better for every day use.

[@NoName-ml5yk]

There is not much difference in quality these days especially for mid level vehicles. My 6.0ls 2500 is still going strong at 328,000 miles and my neighbors much newer Tundra is on his second motor with 80k on the clock. Worse vehicle I ever owned was a Toyota Cressida, but others have been great. Anything is better than a BMW or Audi out of warranty though. Lol Point being the specific model matters as does maintenance.

[@WillometMotorFab]

I can see that perspective. Modern stuff across all the brands is light years ahead of our beloved squares.

[@jsjsjs902]

70 challenger and sticking with the original 383 just because it’s what I have.

[@WillometMotorFab]

It’s easy to throw away, and takes guts to make what you have do what you want. I think that 383 sounds just right.

[@chapazspeedshop5673]

So dam true ! my favorite muscle car is a 70 Cuda if I ever can afford to buy one and build it will defiantly have an LS.

[@NoName-ml5yk]

Defiance ftw! 😂

[@WillometMotorFab]

WHAT?! LS in a cuda?! *clutches pearls* 😉 Endorse.

[@RCS117]

Thanks for this video! I haven’t started yet. But I’m trying to figure out the right engine swap (for me!) for my hmmwv. Everyone is doing DMAX swaps or Cummins swaps, I’m wholly uninterested in either of those. I just don’t want to put all my sweat into my swap and it’s just another DMAX swapped hummer.

[@WillometMotorFab]

Glad you enjoyed this one, and your project sounds really neat. Please tag me as you make progress!

[@rileynelson6447]

I agree with you fundamentally, I'm not a fan of jeeps but I'll not likely ever own one, but not because they're jeeps. No, it's because they're super popular, and I tend to be counter culture. Every brand has it's pluses and minuses, but I think if you're building a vehicle of a certain brand, I think you should stick with that brand. Ie, if you're building a Ford, stick a Ford motor in it.

[@WillometMotorFab]

I get the counter cultural reflex. Anything with a payment builds my disinterest, but I have to remember that most folks want to buy and modify; not build from a heap of parts.

[@rileynelson6447]

@@WillometMotorFab I'm in the buy and modify camp, however if I can't pay cash, I don't need it

[@NoName-ml5yk]

1000% correct. Now I'll watch the video. 😂😂

[@WillometMotorFab]

“You had me at hello.”

[@gouletfilms]

Well said!!!

[@WillometMotorFab]

We’re all just car folk

[@tiny_the_200]

Didn’t hear you mention EV’s, but I even enjoy seeing the EV swapped classics. #modifytheworld 🤙🏼

[@WillometMotorFab]

As long as the builder is passionate, I actually don't care what powers it.

[@Elandycamino]

I'm a die hard Chevy guy, but I've owned them all. If it works it works. I'm brand loyal to small block Chevy engines 1955-98? All the same basic stuff no need to swap out k members, no different heads, other than steam holes, or center bolt. Simple

[@WillometMotorFab]

44 years of interchangeable parts is hard to deny!

[@NoName-ml5yk]

You're putting big bowties on the fender right? And and bowtie embossed seats?? 😂😂😂

[@WillometMotorFab]

Haha! The closest I’ll come is putting the original fender VIN tag back on the car, on the handmade fender.

[@Marcus_Woodard]

I’ve always admired different brands. However, I’ve mostly bought GM. And I try to keep them GM. Prime example, my 1979 Malibu is mildly built. I decided to go with a 12 bolt rather than a 9” to keep it GM. But it had my builder put in a TKO-600 even though it was originally a Ford transmission based on the top loader. It was just the best decision at the time. At the end of the day it’s just a bunch of engineering and metal. In my square body I plan on doing either a Cummins or a GEP 6.5. Kinda leaning towards the 6.5. All that said, I appreciate all builds. I’d rather keep my GM, GM. And when I get a Ford, Dodge, etc, I’d rather keep those lines with the brand. But a true car guy/gall can appreciate the vision and fabrication of all good builds. The older I get, the more this rings true for me.

[@WillometMotorFab]

Great examples Marcus, and I appreciate your pragmatic approach to a build. Keep it all brand X, unless there’s a significantly better solution. The 12 bolt is a great pick, and has about the same aftermarket support as a 9. About that GEP 6.5, I’m two big thumbs up on that one. It’ll be a hoot.

[@overloadOverland]

great video. i’m on board

[@WillometMotorFab]

Glad you’re here.

[@adman6380]

No factory car is ever perfect, old factory cars are not “nice” to drive. Hot rodding is making it do or feel to suit your needs. Smart people find the parts from whatever brand to suit their budget/purpose/style.

[@WillometMotorFab]

So true. People who want more from themselves and their creations don’t artificially limit their choices.

[@INSERTNAMEjoe]

No. My wife is holding me back.

[@WillometMotorFab]

I don’t have a pole long enough to touch this comment!

[@netster7601]

great mine

[@dailydriven99]

@dailydriven99 ig, 4x4 Chevy G20 van.. uses Dana 44 builder low pinion driver drop, most likely doing either ford d60 or super 60 front custom 14 bolt d300 tcase when I rebuild.. also tossing idea around about doing an LS SWAP IN MY 99 f250 super duty, maybe doing an RB2.8 in either or both

[@neon6030]

I have a Mercedes 190 that I swap a bmw m54b25 engine into :)))))) Don't call the police

[@michaelatkin9649]

Never had true brand loyalty. Chevy is my go to for trucks and good cheap engines but I'd never touch their SUVs, and midsized cars. Junk. Same kinda thing with Chrysler, but Chrysler has a lot of trash in every category and they only have trucks still because of cummins. Ford, theres a mix of shit all through their line up. They also have made some good midsized cars etc. Overseas midsized vehicles are all superior to US.

[@troydecker9685]

I believe David Frieburger 100%. The brand loyalty is BS. All I have is a loyalty to speed and off-roading. Every brand has its up’s and down’s. Very well said David!

[@WillometMotorFab]

Builder over brand, all day!

[@MightAsWellK5]

Chevy truck with a sprinkle of Ford 9” parts and SuperDuty brakes and some Mercedes-Benz UniMog portal boxes because…. “Might As Well”

[@WillometMotorFab]

Sounds like an average build. 😉

[@MightAsWellK5]

@@WillometMotorFab Yeah.... I really wanted it to be a 100% Chevy build, but couldn't find the 2.47:1 gearsets or GM portal boxes no matter how hard I looked....so here we are. :)

[@Bennyboysspeedshop]

I've been telling people this for years. I just want a cool car that will go fast and be fun. I don't care what powers it. I'm doing a traditional ls swapped c10 for a shop truck but next up is a 1952 Kaiser Manhattan Club Coupe I'm gonna drop on a Crown Vic chassis and power it with a 5.7 Hemi. It's gonna be my first big build but I just wanna have fun.

[@WillometMotorFab]

Preach!

[@Fixitall-ACE]

You Nailed it!!! 1968 Firebird and pulled out the original radiator and original fan and alternator to go with some modern electric fans and better performing radiator and got nothing but negativity about not leaving it original 😢

[@WillometMotorFab]

It’s so confusing, right? Your work keeps that car enjoyable and driving. Good on you.

[@ZJ_Rubicon]

I have so many mix matched builds i want to do. My current jeep ZJ i would like to put JK Rubicon axles, a TDI motor and maybe toyota transmission and transfer case (just to get really low gears). I also want to build a 1st gen Tacoma or 3rd Gen 4runner and put 2011+ super duty axles under it with maybe a LS drive train. Then I want to do a cab swap with a really old truck onto a 3rd gen Cummins underneath. My uncle in law is a gear head but very much a restore or maintain in stock condition kind of guy which I respect. But he shakes his head a lot when I say man that would be cool with (insert modification here).

[@WillometMotorFab]

My dad also is a maintenance kind of guy, and we’ve had a number of conversations about how far to go modifying a rig. I love your ZJ build plan, by the way.

[@kevinwest3689]

People look at me like i'm crazy when I say I like Anything with the motor. On a funny note, While typing this, My phone recommends words, After I text crazy, One of the words was trump. 😄 shoe-wee! Almost killed me.

[@WillometMotorFab]

Predictive text leads us down strange Nintendo.

[@jwilli412]

Building the 91 dodge w150 from the dirt every day episode called Dunkin Dodge! Fred is my cousin was able to buy it this summer. First project truck so learning as much as i can and appreciate the content

[@WillometMotorFab]

I loved that truck! What a great piece of gear! Please tag me as you make progress. I’d love to keep up.

[@Dustinicus.]

A modern hemi with a 4l60e twisting the gears of a 8.8 inside an import bmw or toyota, perfect.

[@WillometMotorFab]

ENDORSE. Tag me when you build it.

[@NoName-ml5yk]

People losing their minds because the Corvette was no longer front engine made me laugh. 😂

[@WillometMotorFab]

Right? Truly absurd.

[@TheIntensiveCarUnit]

I can't agree with you more. I've always said, "Every brand has their failures and their successes. If you act like they don't, you are doing a disservice to the auto industry and yourself.". I'm swapping an F136 from a Maserati into my FR-S. You sir, motivate me. Keep at it!

[@tomparks617]

I totally agree with you bro. I think brand loyalty was a thing that we all learned growing up however, today it is an outdated philosophy. I think today we have so many tools like you said at our fingertips to use and why wouldn’t we. I’m in the middle of building a 1956 jeep Willys pick up on a 2008 Chevy Tahoe chassis. It’s a fun build and I’m enjoying every bit of the fabrication.

[@WillometMotorFab]

Outdated is a fair way to put it. Good feedback. Also, please tag me as you make progress in that Willys. Such a good idea.

[@salientbass1]

Couldn’t hit the like button hard enough.

[@WillometMotorFab]

Thanks man.

[@michaelatkin9649]

I agree with all you're saying but classic cars that are rebuilt should have the original style block that was offered in it at any given time. Its like spitting in the face of the engineers. Not saying you should be tared and feathered over it, but its just something that should be done. Sure you can bake a carrot cake and put apple slices in it instead, but is it a carrot cake after that and if you were going to do that then why not just make a completely different different instead of trying to start with the carrot cake recipe?

[@RAWRMotorsports]

😢😢 reality subbed! ✌️

[@Ilovegirlfights2]

Apple customers also come to mind

[@WillometMotorFab]

Dude, yes! I use an iPhone, and totally see how this happens.

[@exploringexploder7036]

I’ll agree with this too, I use apple as well. I will admit however that all the other things have made huge leaps and it’s great to see