know I’ve talked about this in the past, but since it’s such a prevalent aspect of the classic truck world, I wanted to visit this topic once again as we head into another year at CTP: patina trucks.

There’s no other automotive hobby where Mother Nature is so prevalent—and widely accepted! While a “rat rod” is just that (in my eyes, at least), a ratty hot rod, patina-finished trucks range from barn-fresh relics to six-digit cover trucks … and they all comingle together as one. Whether they’re truly nature-aged or faux-patina finishes, what some hot rodders used to consider “unfinished” are the belles of the ball in our world. Or are they?

Despite how I personally feel, I know without a doubt there are some of you who don’t agree—and that’s just fine … we’re all entitled to our opinions and tastes (I just get paid to write about mine on a monthly basis!). But I do feel the so-called unfinished trucks are still accepted more readily by the naysayers than they used to be. Bottom line is, they’re cool … they can be much more affordable … and they absolutely present less stress when it comes to driving on a daily basis and/or displaying at shows (as the scratch and dent aspect is typically not an issue to worry about!).

Over the years, all but one of my trucks has been “au naturel.” Admittedly, some of those remained in that state while under my care and were eventually sold before the body and paint process could commence. However, I prefer aged paint and primer/suede finishes if for nothing more than the “less stress” aspect. My ’48 Chevy will more than likely remain in its existing root beer brown suede finish (I know, that’s NOT patina) and my ’69 C10 will definitely need a fresh paintjob once we convert it to a Stepside with an all-new front sheetmetal group. But anything I do moving forward will be as Mother Nature has taken her sweet time achieving, because in this day and age I can’t see myself mortgaging my house to the hilt just to afford a proper paintjob! I’ve never actually been involved in a “fauxtina” job (fake patina), but I’ve seen them done in all stages of extremeness—some I dig while others, well, not so much. Would I consider doing one? Quite possibly, as I know a few people out there who can fool the best of them with a fauxtina job!

What about patina preservation? There are quite a few companies that currently offer products to not only maintain patina finishes but enhance them as well. The Sweet Patina and Poppy’s Patina are two outfits that come to mind that produce wipe-on topcoats to keep that aged exterior looking its best—but that’s not the only method of preservation, as clearcoating (either in flat, satin, or shiny) is another way to keep your patina’d and/or rusted exterior from further deteriorating.

Regardless, when it comes to old trucks—and many older cars—a natural aged finish will always be my preference. I like the way it looks, I like the ease of care aspect, and, once again, apologies to all my professional painter friends and acquaintances, I’m not financially set to afford the amazing finishes I’d really love to have!