The greatest accomplishment
for the B.A. Truck would be to affect the
life of someone in a positive way. It is our
desire to have a constructive effect on
society, through display and discussion,
with the truck as the focal point. All
Americans, from young to old, can relate to
the automobile and are comfortable with it,
allowing ease of conversation.
he
American culture is infused with the
automobile, it’s been around for nearly 100
years, and that spells good news for the
B.A. Truck. An auto can be used to breech
the barriers between people, between
generations or even between races. As a
non-confrontational entity the automobile
can be used as an example that contains no
intimidation that might hinder discussion. I
shall present a few varied examples, perhaps
you may think of some others. At a high
school auto-shop class the B.A. Truck could
be an example of the possibilities available
with serious learning and hard work. The
B.A. Truck consumed, literally, thousands of
hours during its restoration. The task of
restoration and upgrading was at times
daunting. Talent times effort= success.
This same theme would apply to a
machine-shop or body-shop class. The real
focus is young people, not the truck. As
a motivational tool the truck would
illustrate the culmination of hard work or
staying with a project until it is complete.
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with
the first step” is an adage of Confucius
from the sixth century BC, this saying still
holds true today. Yet the journey will never
be complete without the continual placing of
one foot in front of the other. Perseverance
is essential to success. Or perhaps to
illustrate the importance of having a
vision, no-one can have a course of
action until a vision of the completed
project is seen in the minds eye. A course
of action is set by the goal that is in
sight. This tool could be applied in a
business or educational setting. What about
that sensitive racial issue, that’s a
tough one? When one examines the driveline
of the B A Truck, one cannot miss the
foundation, the rear axle, this component
has been assembled with parts of diverse
origin. Pieces from a Chevrolet truck, gears
from Dana Corp and parts from a farm tractor
all work in harmony to accomplish the task.
All of these parts are essential to the
completed assembly; it would not function if
even one piece were missing! If your car had
four steering wheels but no tires, it would
certainly be useless as a form of
transportation. Many parts, of diverse
origin, comprise the functional whole. That
is the message of the B.A. Truck. The B.A.
Truck is a shining example of the import
of education. Though type and subject of
education may vary, knowledge, properly
applied, is essential to success. See the
first three pages of Technically Speaking
for the import and application of geometry,
physics, mathematics, and chemistry in the
construction of the B.A. Truck. This
unconventional vehicle has been a thrill for
us to construct, for we can clearly see the
aid it can provide for those who need hope
in this uncertain world. This truck can
breakdown barriers, allowing the opportunity
for discussion in a casual, conversational
manner. The 14 page booklet that accompanies
the B.A. Truck is non- confrontational in
nature but carries a positive message
relative to all.
Please contact us if you believe this
project might be of assistance to you or
your group.
Dr. Terry Cartwright
