We were up at 4 AM this past Monday, driving an hour out for my knee surgery — a procedure to repair a medical tear in my right knee. Neil was my designated driver for the day. On the way there, trying to keep things light, he said, “Dad, today is payback day. I’m looking forward to you getting poked with as many needles as you made me get poked with when I was a kid!” He was, of course, referring to all the vaccine appointments he loathed growing up.

Amazon recently unveiled SLATE — a rugged, modular, do-it-yourself vehicle built for adventurers, tinkerers, and off-grid explorers. Designed for flexibility and easy repair, SLATE isn’t just transportation. It’s a hands-on platform for learning, building, and fully owning your journey — both literally and figuratively.

Four years ago, shortly after Neil graduated high school, we packed our bags, fueled up the Kansal Clunker, and hit the road. Our destination? The highest motorable road in the United States — the stunning summit of Mt. Evans, Colorado. It was the beginning of a tradition: the Kansal Clunker adventures.

Welcome to The Kansal Clunker!

We’re thrilled you’ve found your way to our corner of the internet. If you love stories about old cars, road trips, and the adventure of restoring something with your own hands, you’re in the right place.