What about Sammy Hagar 512 Boxer from the video I can't drive 55? ... View more

We all come to the hobby in different ways. I am a true example of being born car crazy. No doubt about it I was born that way before being exposed to car people. Now as I grew up I did have people who fostered the growth of my enthusiasm. My great uncle was a lead engineer for GM and even was friends with Henry Ford. He was one of the guys to help design the first tandem rear truck axle for Goodyear. He was my first exposure. My father who knew nothing about cars used his connections at Goodyear to get me in Gasoline Alley at Indy and to many Goodyear racing events. I even at a young age got to sit in the Spirit Of America Sonic 1 at Goodyear. Them my neighbor hood was a raving neighborhood. I worked on a neighbors stock car starting at age 11, we had a go car that was a chassis from a wrecked Karman Gia, even the head of Goodyear Racing PR lived down the street. Finally I made friends and connections with many car people that helped and taught me much. Today I make my living in the Racing industry. I have gotten paid to drive a stock car, I have gotten to know and hang out with several NHRA teams in pro stock and Funny Car. I have gotten to work with George Barris, Don Garlits, Vic Edelbrock, Warren Johnson, Greg Anderson and more. Garlits even gave me a piston from his fastest run ever signed. I have had lunch with Dale Jarrett and Hillary Will. Gotten paid to go to a number events like Hot August Nights and drive around in a Hot Rod cover car. I have shown cars and wine more awards than one should win even at a national level. For a no one I have gotten to live my automotive dream. I don’t say all of this to brag but to show if you follow your dreams and while you may not win the Daytona 500 you will find many opportunities to participate and experience things some only dream of. Don’t be afraid to try. My father could not check his own oil but His recognition of my passion and the will to feed this was the best gift of all. Happy Fathers day Dad. ... View more

We in our day took over plaza parking lots and make runs to drive ins and fast food places. We started around 7 PM and things got big around 10 PM.  Around midnight the racing started for some. They would go to isolated areas and race in somewhat controlled areas. Generally most behaved and we made sure things stayed clean. If there was trouble it was not normally a regular.  Goodyear is a local company that even would show up with a semi of Hot Rod Magazine cover cars built by Little Jon Buttera and bring Jon with them. One time they even had the Dan Gurney Indy car he built.  Over the years the cruise would ebb and flow. It would move around but it kept going.  Today I go to the place we used to shut down at 1 AM and it is sad. It starts at 4 PM. The people come and park and sit in chairs. Some with walkers many with canes. I am in my 50’s but I am the kid. The crowd looks more like a nursing home sitting in the hallway.  8 PM comes and they all pack up and go home. I will linger till 8:30 but then I am alone.  There are some local younger gatherings. Some well behaved some not so. The bad ones can have wreck-less driving to even shootings. We just had a death with a gathering at a local drag strip.  The well behaved crowd tends to do the cars and coffee in the mornings. They do a nice job and don’t give people a reason to create trouble for them.  No you can’t go back but you can try to create a better future so never stop trying.  ... View more

First off as classic car owners we need to do several things.  #1 Accept the fact EV cars are coming and will play a major role in the future. Playing the game of denial is not going to change the Future.  #2 Being honest and being informed. We have people being dishonest over EV tech and also not keeping up with what is really going on. For us to be dishonest about EV is not any better than the environmental people being dishonest over ICE.  #3 We need to fight for our hobby and we need to be proactive now. Why do I say this?   We’ll go to The Shop magazine July issue. Read about the RPM act page 4.    https://nbm.uberflip.com/i/1379903-july-21/8? This is the big battle being fought in Racing  since 2015. This is a really big deal.  This has been a really dirty deal by the EPA and their next targets will be performance and classic cars.  So be honest, informed and learn EV is not the end of the world. But fight now to preserve our cars of history and our hobby as a whole.  I hope more companies will get involved like Hagerty and others who hold power in the collectors market. They need to rally owners and use their power to make it known we will fight for our collector cars.  Think it won’t happen? Some countries already raise the tax on cars as they age to where people can’t afford their old cars. Just like that they can make many of us unable to afford the cars.  I have been a part of the fight since 2015 since I am part of the racing community. I make my living there. I have written Senate and House Rep. I have had Senate, House and even the Governor. One in and talk to us at work.  We need to take this serious.  FYI. Not only have the major mfgs committed to the EV products in the future but the performance industry has now taken on the challenge of performance products for EV vehicles. This is a strong warning the change is real. Companies are investing in development of new products. The NHRA also has started classes for EV vehicles.  When major players begin to make moves like this we should pay attention.  just to clarify I am not a environmentalist, I am not a EV car lover, I despise Elon Musk.   But I get what is going on and why. Grid issues will be resolved, range now is good, charging times will fall, cost will decline and this will all take place over 20-30 years not next year. The cost of ICE will get more expensive to develop and meet higher regs. With most people today viewing cars as appliances many will go to what is most affordable.  I may not be the first guy to go EV but I also stopped being in denial. You don’t have to like it but you need to accept the reality.    ... View more

The Dale plate is a good thing. It is a great way to assimilate into a new area in part the South and Midwest. My wife has a Earnhardt Chevy Newton NC plate on her suv. She is good with it. How can your wife not know who Dale was? His death alone was a State Funeral that got more coverage than Gerald Ford. We stopped at work to watch and it was on e dry network live. The VW carbon thing has been an issue for a long time. Dump the recommended cleaner in on a regular basis and use the approved gas. It will do more good than driving in 3rd gear to Detroit.   Ok the plate did not cause the carbon issue. VW did. No I don’t talk to cars I may curse at one but never a conversation. See cars have no feelings or ears so it really has little effect. Save the conversation for children we all spend too little time with as it is. If we talked to them more the manual transmission would not be like a T Rex.  ... View more

And the reason for a two year old story?  This deal was based on the MFG winning the Postal truck contract.. they did not get it so the odds are they will not have a clear future.  Few people are shocked here.  On the other hand the new Battery plant GM is building is getting near completion and will be a big boost for jobs in an area that local politicians have left to rot.  They may need more jobs soon if the present administration kills fracking.  Due to past history of unions in this area companies are reluctant to come into the area vs the south. Fair no but their house rep Tim Ryan has done nothing to change this view.  ... View more

I agree but disagree in part.  Politicians (not all but many who linger in office) are not ignorant, they are corrupt.  The ignorance is more on the part of the public that many just believe what is on Yahoo. They have no information on both sides of the argument and generally seek none. Also the public as a whole don’t know who they have in office by name representing them let alone what their actions are.  These tech people have destroyed California with their rules for emissions and political correctness. They have made many of the cities like SF, Minneapolis, Chicago, Portland and NY unlivable.  Now look where the tech names are escaping, they are moving to Montana where the law is enforced and crime is not tolerated.    I spoke to a Genius Bar rep from the Portland store. He said he is a self professed liberal but even he said these Folks are nuts. He face danger as these folks shattered Windows at the store and burned buildings.  These folks are out to destroy our law and order, our sovereignty and our financial strength to get our country to submit to global will. This has included buying and controlling people in office here in both parties.  Technology is not destroying us it is the people grasping* control of it. We as Americans need to take it back. We should be governed buy all of us not the selected few gaining control.  ... View more

First off it is clear that cars alone are not killing the planet.  Second many like to guilt you into their thinking. I have seen more than enough evidence to know that the earth goes through cycles of warm and cold no matter what man does.  Third the earth is more resilient than man. The planet has seen meteors, earth quakes and super volcano’s yet life goes on as it adapts. Any recall St Helena was claimed to be a dead sight for decades by science? Look today it started to re over the say after the blast and it is thriving.  I can show you places abandon by man in the mountains of WV that were claimed to be damaged beyond repair but yet today nature has reclaimed these sights to where little of the trace of man is left.  The fact is science gets things wrong more than they do right as this is how they learn. Today many will not admit failure so they can keep their funding.  Add to this man has built in places he should not build. Be it the low coast line where storms have ravaged for years or dry hills of California that burn regularly over hundreds of years.  While man has done some damage often those who try to steer our future use lies to gain an advantage in power or financial gain.  When it comes to environmentalism follow the money and too often it will lead to corruption and lies.   We should be good stewards but we should not hinder the future of our children’s country. There is an honest balance we should seek and not give up our sovereignty.  ... View more

Seriously they were made for each other. They were both car crazy.  Her father had loud pipes on her GranAm. One night she took off and about a Half mile away we could hear her open it up.  Her father said boys that is why I put those pipes on. It tells me how she is driving. He chewed here out when she got back and wondered how he knew.  Those were good times.  ... View more

Trust me my buddy skipped the Gum but had a 64 Goat and back in 1981 got the blond and is still married today and still owned the numbers matching 64 GTO Tri power 4 speed. At the time they met she had a 455 HO Grand Am of her own. What gets me now is we had a teacher who had a 911 RS light weight. We used to feel bad for her as she had a 911 that was so cheap it had no carpet! Lol. She and another teacher she dated autocross back in the late 70’s. He had a Fiat X19. We had no idea how special that 911 was. I wonder today where it is.  ... View more

I recall at Cobo Hall how GM had a short test track set up indoors. They were giving rides in what was claimed the first in show test drive.  Several  years later I got to drive my first Volt. This time it was out in the cold Cleveland winter. It was quiet accept for all the snow hitting the inner fenders.  Then I was presented with an opportunity to drive the Hydrogen powered Chevy.  At that time I never imagined how far and fast this tech is moving.  I too discovered the torque in the hydrogen car. I asked permission from the GM rep and he said have at it.  I really don’t have issues with electric cars other than the lack of sound and smell of mechanical performance. Let’s face it Geddy Lee would never write Red Barchetta about a Tesla.  ... View more

Large auctions are good for high profile cars or cars you are just trying to dump for various reasons. If you have a good car of any worth or desire selling it yourself is always the way to go. The web gives great exposure today and many eyes will see it. ... View more

There has been so many lies about this car and program. I was there when it was introduced at Detroit. It was leading edge tech but it was not ready for general public consumption. If GM had let these cars remain in the market long term it would not only have damaged GM’s future EV programs but it would have damaged EV products as a whole. This was an advance program but they knew there was much to do yet. GM was able to learn much here and this program led to more advancements and the establishment of suppliers for the future products. Too often GM would bring us advanced tech first but too often before there is enough tech to support it, the 8-6-4 Cadillac is a good example. Those at GM that limited this program were engineers that knew better. Yet we have these hack like Michael Moore who have no clue about the other side of this and is just more involved about making himself a buck vs telling the truth. This car was like the Mercury program was to the moon landing. It explored and tested systems and human reactions. It established contractors for need products in the future. What was learned here is what we are about to see released soon that we will be driving. ... View more

I keep a number of magnets in the shop to hold items, trays to hold parts. Large magnets to pick up the bolts I spilled etc.    I did sacrifice my rare earth magnets to hold the hatch shut on my sons Soap Box Derby Masters Racer.  ... View more

I have several vises over my bad habits. I have one on each bench and have used them for many a project.  Some clamping and holding but I also make use of the large anvil on one to form metal items for projects.  the last thing I had in was the mower blades from my John Deere tonight. I spent time hand filing them to a sharp edge and the vise is a help in holding them.  ... View more

One of the best marketing deals was Like a Rock for Chevy Trucks. Who here today does not think Chevy trucks when they hear Bob Seger sing those well chosen words of life. I saw Bob two years ago and when he sang I though about Chevy trucks. ... View more

Bit of a fluff piece here. The Fiero and Corvair were two cars that were examples of the things GM did right but also what they did wrong. Both cars suffered false claims and a company that was smart enough to engineer a out of the box car but management in able to know what to do with it. While these cars have a similar history they are decades apart and not cars for everyone. I have an extensive Corvair back ground as my father owned a number of new ones. Also I help restore several for others. I still own my V6 Fiero I bought new. I have owned muscle cars and classics but the Fiero I accidentally came to own. The funny things is I bought it in 1985 and never sold it. Th3 cars has gotten me on track at speed at Indy and Mid Ohio. I hav3 won a number of national Pontiac shows including two top 5 award at the Pontiac Tri Power Nationals the largest Pontiac show in World. I go to a show I no longer am just 1 of 8 Chevelle SS. I am one Fiero in a class with cars 20 times my value and I still come home with the Trophy. Yes a Fiero can beat a Lamborghini, Pantera and Ferrari at a Concourse show. I have the pewter plate to prove it. Even GM has invited me to display the car at their plant events. My car was even on display at Summit Racing’s Retail Store. I have gone many places meet a number of people and gotten to do things many others never got to do because of my car. I never envisioned my future when I picked this car out. I also can say this car saved my life in a crash. If I had been in another car it would have folded up on me. I had body panel damage but I froze it home. The van could hardly back in his drive. I will have other cars that will come and go but the Fiero will be always in my garage. It is not the fastest, it is not the best car ever made it is far from perfect but I have made this my own and it is only mine. With custom and prototype Pontiac body panels it is a one odd. I also have a Herb Adams VSE suspension on it. No longer an under steering car. I am not getting a tattoo but I have a life times of memories here and that is what matters. Is that not what great cars are all about? ... View more

Correction. Goodyear still assembles their own airships with a partnership with the Zeppelin Corp. Zeppelin designs and mfgs the parts but the Goodyear crews build the ships with direction of Zeppelin supervision. The Goodyear ships were built in Suffield Ohio just south east of Akron Ohio at the Wingfoot lake airship hanger. I have been lucky to have been a visitor to the hanger during the building of the new ships and even seen 2 of them together which is a rare sight. I have also been lucky to fly in several blimps over the years. The Goodyear craft outside the Spirit of Akron were old WW2 designs that were fly by cable and muscle. Today’s fly by wire is amazing as they can do things the old blimps never could do. The GZ 20 never really got bigger. The TV systems got smaller. The new ships were just modified Zeppelin designs and they are larger just because they are. They can carry more people and even have a bathroom. ... View more

I am not a conspiracy guy but I agree. Much of what is going on is to destabilize our country to better position us to a more global government. A strong America stands in the way. This is why they are pushing things like the Paris accord.  The deal is economics and regulations will be the undoing of our freedoms. They have added the cancel culture now.  I have been wary of autonomous from the first push as they can dictate in the name of traffic control where you go, when you go, how fast you go or slow.   Your life as to what the vehicle chooses to do is the programmers choice not yours. if given a choice of hitting a kid on a bike or going over a cliff will be dictated by a programmer that is not on the scene. What he chooses is what you will have to live or die with and if there is an option he did not program you can not make that move.  I always look at technology in two ways. The great things it can do but also how can it be used against me should control fall to those not inline with my view.  ... View more

My 85 Pontiac still has the original R12 from the factory. I never seen a system last so long. I already have R12 to go back in if the seal leaks. The R12 gets to nearly 40 degrees at the vent. It is just a better product.   I also work for a  intake Air Dealer. I can say they are a top notch mfg and product.  I work directly with them to set up AC units and they have been great. Yes once in a while there are issues as most systems are custom and I never had an issue unresolved.  I have to get these right as I sell these globally and can not afford issues in Perth, Tokyo or in the Middle East.  Often service is best working with a retailer as that is their job retail. Dealing direct with mfgs can vary as they are not retailers. If you don’t know who to call it can be challenging.      ... View more

Racing in general is struggling. While the NHRA touts a big number you have to remember it is not the kid of racers we used to see. Many are JR dragsters. Stands are not filled as they once were. Few high school kids show up to race as we used to. The cost is getting more expensive as few cars are cheap to race anymore. Circle track struggles too. I used to be able to autocross often now they are difficult to find in many areas. ... View more

If I am going to buy a Singer I would have them build one for me of my own.  ... View more

Here is what I have been warning people of when it comes to the EV invasion. The truth is EV products are coming. No it is not going to be an overnight transition but over the next 20-30 years. It is clear cost and charging times are coming down while ranges will be as good or better than a tank of fuel. The increased investment into this field has made it a deal of not if but when and now they have a good idea. Many hobbies and enthusiast still to down play this but denial is no longer an option. What this means is we need to move now to protect this hobby. If we do not start now it may be too late and those who care less about us or our numbers will do what they like and cancel us. It has already happened where the EPA under a previous but similar administration to what we hav3 now tried to reinterpret standing law the way they wanted it. Their move was to make it illegal to remove or modify any emission items from a new car even if it is for racing and off road use only. This would kill the armature racing and drag racing. Some of our friends in Washington have been working the RPM act to prevent this improper reinterpreted federal law from taking place. If they are willing to try this they will at some point go for our cars.. Odds are they will not go for our cars directly but for the fuels, oils and parts we need. We all need to band together to fight this as it is coming. I work in the performance industry. We have acknowledged that the EV products are coming as we are now making plans for performance parts for EV products. We also have led the fight with SEMA to protect racing and ICE performance. I have written to and even been visited by House and Senate members who are willing to stand for our hobby. We should really be aware those we vote for on where they stand on things like this. Some work is being done on synthetic fuels and other things to protect our hobby. The harsh reality is the auto industry is no longer going to fight the move to EV. They see lower cost to build cars and much lower development with them in the future. ICE cost will only increase to meet tougher emissions. It is pure economics now. Much like the horse is much like how ICE will give way to EV. The first ICE cars were short ranged, unreliable, unsupported and expensive. It took 20 years to really become the norm. So fight, keep informed and read on what is going on. These changes will be tried and you will not see them on the front page. ... View more

I have had cars that created stories like my Chevelle SS that was an adventure every time it left the garage. There were stories of what we did together and then stories I heard others said what I did that were not true but interesting. I can say I won more races than I ever had! We are good with that.  The Pontiac I have now is the story. It was my first new car. I crashed it, rebuilt it and made it my own. It has given me the chance to lap Indy years ago at over 100 mph, it has won more car shows than I have ever thought possible.   I restyled it to be my own with some prototype parts from Pontiac, Herb Adams and even added the factory Tops.  At a Fiero meet I unknowingly met the head of the head of the Fiero program where he gave me his approval of my work. GM later asked if I would display my car at a plant event. They parked me with my Hero’s car the Black #3 Goodwrench car.  The best part has been the people I have meet, the friends I have made and the great times with them I have had. That is the real story.  My fear after the crash was it was totaled but we got her back on the road better than ever.  It is hard to believe how much a small car can bring so much to ones life when you enjoy it.  ... View more

The time to teach was 20 years ago. The drop in sales just justified the mfgs to kill the manual to help them meet regulations and not spend more money to satisfy 5% of the buyers. Now you need focus more on restoration of the old cars so we can show teach and expose the future to what we had. ... View more

These cars were so bad that GM went into redesign  mode before the paint was dry on these.  This was the low spot for Cadillac.  Cadillac had been failing for years and while they improved they have lacked consistent leadership and vision as GM has prevented that with a revolving door of leadership.  The cars we have today are actually good cars but no better than others in class. To be fair it is hard to stand out at their price point.  The real problem is what made Cadillac a Cadillac is just not possible today at $80,000. The days where they were great their cars were some of the most expensive cars with custom coach works. This formula today is not one Cadillac can follow.  My hood is they are getting into the EV segment early and I hope they can set the standard. This is a restart and they need to make the best of it. No more rebodied cars with Chevy engines.  the CUV line is a disappointment now as an XT6 is not worth the price difference over my Acadia Denali that it is based on.  ... View more

There is a lot of hype here that is going both ways here. As Jimmy Buffet would say this truck is simply complicated.    Here is the deal. Mid size trucks cost about the same to build and design as a full size truck but they lack the scale that attributes to difficulties in pricing and profits. The mid size share little with any other vehicle so they can be expensive to develop but since they don't move a ton of them they lack large profits.    The trick is to keep the price down to not lose buyers to the full size and still server those who want a smaller yet still functional truck.    Here is where the CUV platform based truck comes into play. Since they share much with a number of CUV models they can be sold in fewer numbers yet at higher profits.    But the problem is this. FWD based trucks have never set the world on fire. They have struggled and failed. Even the best selling one the Ridgeline is not even close to the other side size trucks in sales.    Now we have the Maverick and Santa Fe. The Hyundai is not claiming to be a truck. I think this is a smart move. Ford is selling the Maverick as a small truck.    The truth is neither truck is that much smaller than the mid size offerings. Much of the space lost is bed and back seat. Their MPG is not really much better  either. Hyundai is getting the same as what I averaged over 16,000 miles in my Canyon V6 4x4. The Ford is promoting a hybrid, FWD 4 base truck with high miles but the Eco Turbo with 250 HP and AWS is going to be closer to my mid size MPG.    The other issue is The price for both will not be much less than the mid size when you factor in the options most people buy. What Ford is not saying is the base truck is not going to have a ton of things that most people come to expect. Also you could get a Colorado WT for $19K before the truck shortage. Heck you could get a LT2 4x4 for low $30K range.    The Maverick is a truck for people who need a truck but hate trucks. It is more CUV than truck and may serve light duty suburban needs. The question is who is going to buy this. Most will not be truck buyers and I expect many to come from the CUV segment. Will it cannibalize the sales of Ford other CUV models?  Or will Honda, Ford and Hyundai still fight over the same small pool of buyers.    This is not a bad vehicle but it is a new segment that we all do not have all the answers to. GM is watching this and ready to move if people respond but will they respond.    The Ford Flex a few years ago came about to rave reviews. But yet it really  never went anyplace. It was a good idea for a question the market never asked. Was it a wagon or was it a SUV? It lacked the high seating of a SUV and I believe that is what killed it. If they make it sit higher people may have gone crazy over FWD or not.    Ford is claiming truck here but Hyundai is saying don't call the Santa Fee a Truck. This may be a good move and sell it more as a Ute.    On the other hand the Maverick is more Ford Sport Trac and it did well with limited group of buyers due to really small bed size.  I hope they can sort this out as I like to watch companies invent new segments. I will not be in the market for a FWD based Unibody truck but it would be cool to see GM take a Blazer and make a crew Ute out of it.      ... View more

The greatest is that these Asian sports cars are often hard to find in good condition. Most rusted out in many non dry areas.  They often had technology and parts that were difficult and expensive to repair vs the value of the car.  Then NOS or reproduction parts are non existent for many of these models.  The very early Z cars will hold some special value if they are in good and or near original condition.   As for the 911 air cooled. It is a cult to itself. Parts are not rare and often the value makes them worth the investment. They also are easy to work on.  If you can work on a VW Bug you could become a good 911 air cooled mechanic.  The water cooled 911 is much like the Asian sports cars. A great car but tech and more expense will hinder them from being easily restored.  To restore most of these cars anymore you do it for the love not the investment. That way if it is not worth a thing you have a car you treasure.  ... View more

Hmmm let’s not! ... View more

No disagreement here. But back in the day few would have ever predicted this when GM and others were selling full size V8 cars in numbers over a Million.    ... View more

I would agree if it were true.  The only real lobby that is being done is for rebates and that is not likely as of now.  No one in the government is going to force EV outside the states uninvited CARB regulations. The problem there is if they do it it will force the test of the country to accept them as automakers can not abandon some states and cater to others.  I would better expect mfgs to band together as to their future product plans.  Also do not underestimate the public on EV acceptance. To be honest it has been greater than most have expected.  ... View more

Does Dodge and Ram already imply a Crash?   Never under estimate the foolishness of marketing and car names. Mach E Mustang? Blazer as a CUV? Corvette on anything but a two seat Chevy sports car? ... View more

At this point it is the MFGs.  that are dictating the future. It will be the customer reaction that dictates if it will be successful.  To be honest I have stopped betting against it with much of the response to a number of things by the automotive community.  I for one never expected the public to embrace small FWD cars. I never expected the V8 to become rare to fine outside a few cars and mostly trucks.  35-40 years ago the Caprice and Crown Vic were the leaders in sales an they sold in great numbers. Today we have a mix of 3/4 cylinder CUV models and some small 4 cylinder sedans. If you told me this in 1985 I would have said that’s impossible.   Already with EV vehicles that are fully disclosed we see people lining up to buy in numbers I would never predicted at this point. As prices drop and tech improves more will come.  What we will see is this. Electric products will be cheaper moving forward with timers ROI is realized. The cost of ICE is only going to increase. Development cost today are off the charts for ICE and will only get worse with more stricter regulations. Automakers are facing a dangerous future with this as people get priced out.  EV products they see can be easily reconfigured for a number of models, no emissions to deal with and stable regulations long term. The cost have and will continue to decline as more are sold. No rear differentials or transmissions, no exhaust needed, less parts. Assembly will be shorter and lines smaller.    Today most buyers want safe reliable and affordable vehicles. Just look at what they are buying today.  The limitations like range is really gone as 400 miles can and is easily attained. Charging times will and have declined. The Hummer will do 80 miles in 20 min. Faster is expected with the 3rd gen GM battery on the way with 800v ability.  The way it is many companies are at risk. FCA just merged. Ford and Honda have had to go to GM to help fund projects, Toyota had to partner to make a sports car happen. Same with Fiat and Mazda. Companies like Mitsubishi will need partners to survive. This is why the list continues to grow on who is committed to change over.  Hybrids will have a place but limited mostly to high end sports cars and applications where they may be needed like farms industry etc. They will be more expensive since they still use ICE. But they will be applied to where they are needed.  Moving forward the change is going to take time and happen over 20-30 years. A lot will happen in this time as somethings will speed up other things will slow but the change is coming.  Again this is no longer about saving the planet but survival of the auto industry by being more profitable and reducing future development cost from the path they are on now.  I used to be a they will get my V8 when they pry it out of my cold hands guy. I have now not owned a V8 for years. I recently had a Turbo 4 I never said I would own and it was a blast to drive with 300 hp and it was dead reliable with 23 psi of boost in a daily driver on pump gas.  To be honest get charging times to the time to fill a tank of gas and I could be tempted to a EV. I have driven them and also a GM hydrogen prototype. They work well. They are a little different.  As a daily driver an EV would work for me but for trips I want faster charging yet and I expect it will be here sooner than later.  To really get this one has to look beyond the token talking points of web forums and see exactly what is going on in the auto industry economically. Heck GM stock just hit an all time high so their plans are not damaging their value. This at a time production being down due to chip issues too.  Much like when ICE displaced horses it will be the same. The first cars were not cheap or reliable. Over the next 30 years they got cheaper, better and more reliable. Infrastructure was lacking as often fuel came from a drug store but business filled the needs.  I work in the racing industry and even now we are preparing for the changes. My suppliers like Mahle are gearing to possibly build engines for mfgs as a plug in Hybrid 3 cylinder engine. They want to fill the need for mfgs to save them with limited number items. Also retain a place for their pistons.  I am not excited by the change but info have a vested interest as it will affect my future. It is what it is and predicting unfounded failure will not change that as I have already tried that before.  My main concern is now to protect my automotive hobby.  ... View more

Actually people are looking at this as glass half full and half empty. The reality is this is at min a 30 year transition. It is coming but it will take time. In those coming years many advances will come much faster as investments are at all time highs. Charging times are coming down, battery cost are expect in 10-15 years to reach $38kWh down from $1100 10 years ago. Most people now could live with these as a daily driver now so the trip range will get better as charge times drop. You may note it no longer matter what anyone says politically as the automakers have embraced this economically as these vehicles will be cheaper to build and more profitable vs continued ice development to meet reg. Automakers are not out to save the planet just sell vehicles and make money. Batteries will be recycled as the metal value makes them worth the cost. Recycling is already in place even in production. As for the ICE support. I am one of those people. We are already working on performance parts for EV vehicles and yes racing parts. We are not alone as other ICE mfgs are diversifying into other product lines for the coming market. Some to survive and others to thrive as there will be money to make. Look I’m one of the last people to buy EV. But I am seeing it from the other side and I can see where this is going and the real reasons why today. We on the web really need to stop repeating the things that may have been true 10 years ago and learn exactly what is going on. We also need to make sure our collector cars are not forgotten or forced out. I foresee the collector cars being like Horses where they are used for pleasure and no longer work. But it is up to us to make sure to see that happens. Electric cars will take the market much like boiling frogs. It will be as a slow constant rate that over time will make them the dominate product for sale. I would recommend all to read SAE Automotive Engineering magazine. It is on the web free. It covers all aspects of development of ICE, Hybrid and EV. They show what is really going on long before you read about it in Motor Trend or any other publication. None of this is said for joy or argument but just to set the story straight. I used to deny much of this too but I had to stop as I was only going to fool myself. ... View more

Great street races are mostly gone. Almost any race that uses Jersey barriers is a no go for me.  Lemans survives as does Pikes Peak but not much else. Belgium lost most of its roads. The Green Hell in full length sees limited action. Monaco has become more a qualifying social event as the cars have surpassed the ability of the track.  I just have little interest in street events in most cities anymore.  Road Rally racing still delivers a thrill so we at least have that.  ... View more

A bit over emotional here. Let cut through to the basics of what is going on and why the automakers are now moving quickly to EV plans. #1 the ICE engine is not going to vanish overnight. In some limited applications it will remain. #2 the transition is going to take place in 20-40 years and can vary with development. #3 the true reason the automakers are making the move is these vehicles will prove to be cheaper and more profitable in the future as ICE will get only more expensive. This is about profits not saving trees. #4 many EV models coming will work well with many buyers now and with the advances over the next 30 years most others with needs will be met. #5 This transition will be much like the horse to model T. It took a while but in time and with investment ICE finally met the needs of most in cost, range, reliability and infrastructure. There is so much miss information out there getting passed around and flat lies. Add that to the amount of info and development not introduced yet that the automakers are still working on there will be much to come yet. Add in the battery work being done not just for cars. There are a number of needs from space flight to your cell phone and Mac. The amount of investment has grown fast but will grow faster with the continued investment. To clarify I have gas flowing in my veins. I probably will be one of the last hold outs from EV. I make my living in the racing industry. But I can see now with my mfgs and raving series that this is coming and it is way beyond politics now. No matter who you vote for these changes are coming. But again it will be a generation before a full change comes. Look back 30 years and see how far we have come in many tech items. Look I am at least grateful that EV will keep me from being forced to a bicycle or a horse. ... View more

I wish more cars like this were reproduced so we could see them run. The originals are so valuable they are becoming rare to see operating unless it is owned by Nick Mason. ... View more

T bird has been played out. It has been used on small two seat cars, then 4 place personal luxury. Then 4 door sedan, finally a large luxury couple. Then back to a mid size couple a couple times and finally back to a two seat converts bye that was not well received.  Time to let it rest.    Gremlin? Wasn't a great name when it first was used. The last thing you want in a car is gremlins. I would rather see Javelin and AMX.  Corvaivr. Oh Corvair! My father owned 5 Corvairs new in the 60's. He loved them and they were great cars. But the story over them has hung like a dark cloud and it is better off to leave this name to reclaim itself with the restored models that are proving they were not as bad as some claimed. Electra and Charger are two names that will at some point be placed on an EV model. We all could see this one coming. I would be shocked if they failed to do this. ... View more

My first Mustang memory was my neighbors dad bought a 65.  Two of my favorite memories are. The old lady who used to driver husbands 509 KR Sheby to the grocery store when her car would not start in the winter with the top down and just chambered pipes.  The other was a guy in collage came to me with a newly restored 69 Boss with a Shaker and numbers matching Engine. He offered me the keys to to take the car and make a few passes by shifting the gears at a generous speed. He wanted to hear what it sounded like and had observed my skills in my 4 speed Chevelle.  I was never a Mustang fan but I did enjoy the Boss and later another GT500KR I did get to drive. Was not enough to defect from GM but did gain my approval.  ... View more

Truck values have always trended higher than most vehicles. Even when the market returns you will still get more for the truck. German SUV models all suffer the same depreciation as the German luxury cars suffer. The key to satisfaction is to buy the type of vehicle you need vs the one that appears to be a good deal.   I have a crew cab I love. I could sell it at 3 years old for nearly what I paid. But I looked around there is nothing I want more than a C8. But no deals or available cars there.  ... View more

It is getting difficult to find traditional junk yards. Most hate to hold cars long or get cars over 20 years old.  #1 rule is to know the junk yard and make sure they hav3 what you want and will let you remove the parts yourself.  #2 remove all parts as many will just hack them out and damage items. You also can save all the hardware. Finally you will know how to disassemble the part before you do it on your car.   #3 carry a tool bag and socket set.   #4 your sprays. Penetrating oil and Raid.  #5 make sure if the car contains rodents, bees or snakes. Many do hence the  Raid.   #6 As for weather you do the trip when needed. A little rain keeps bees away cold slows the snakes. Choose your adversary wisely.   ... View more

I had a friend who bought a car much like this... it may be the same car if it ever was in Ohio. Anyways we save his financial health and marriage by getting him to sell ASAP. He had no idea what end of a wrench to hold and needed reliable daily transport. He was so involved with the idea of owning a BMW that he forgot to add up the cost of owning one in great need. Later a friend of his brought in a mid 70’s Corvette. Over paid and it looked good till I found sand paper in the side scoop and once in the air you could see the car had been hit in the side. We told him to let us know and we could look at these cars before he bought one. He said he took our BMW buddy to look and he said it was good. Second opinions need to be from qualified people and Henry got a lesson in that this day. ... View more

Italian cars will be Italian car.  Our Fiat beater was a car that failure was an option. Timing belts need at low mikes and if missed bent valves.  The dash had a throttle knob. Pull it out and it would run 70 mph. We called it Italian cruise control.  Wheels did not fit conventional tire machines etc.    While it had a lot of faults and oddities we beat the crap out of the car and it just kept on running.  We learned the art of clutch less shifting and the transmission lived. We ran the car on motorcycle trails and mud but it kept running. Only a pile of snow that had ice frozen underneath felt the final blow. Even then the unibody flexed but it kept running.  Italian cars hold the best and worst of the auto industry so it all balances out.  ... View more

Yes recommended fluids but you also have something else to consider. What year was the recommendation and what grade or classification replaced that product.  Also is there a synthetic that is a direct replacement that has exceeded those previous grades and classification.  The oil recommended for my 85 Pontiac is not the same today as the formulas have changed and there are some better options.  I have a flat tappet cam and the 10w30 oil today is not the same and could damage the cam over time. I have gone to an oil Mobil recommends with greater Zinc and phosphates in the formula recommended for older flat tapper cams.  There is more to consider today than just numbers give when the vehicle was new.  ... View more

I have pulled and installed a few Pontiac engines in GTO’s.  We were racing and lost compression on two cylinders. Cast pistons and too much timing will crack ring lands.  This was a 428 in a 65 GTO. We had that engine out a few times that year so we times the pull after the race. From the time he stopped on the rack till the engine was on the ground was 28 min. Two guys and a hot engine.  Luckily the ring lands did not hurt the cylinder. Two pistons, some gaskets and we were back on track.  Thing teens used to do. Lol.  ... View more

I saw Helio last week at Mid Ohio. He is the same guy today as he was years ago. He is great with the fans and a heck of a driver.  I am a Chevy guy but there was no way I would root against Helio. I felt Penske made a major mistake letting him go. Today I think Roger may agree.  That was one of the best 500’s I have  seen. It sure made the NASCAR stages look silly.  ... View more

A true example of love, dedication and family history. If not for cases like this we would have lost some examples of cars from the past. Sanjeev you have crossed over with this project as a auto move enthusiast of the highest degree. Few ever get to this level and to me it is the highest level one could achieve in auto collecting and restoration. It is cars like this that show the true love and passion for a car in a world of profit medication. ... View more

The key is they worked to find the weak spots in a 4 cylinder engine. Stiff block, timing chain vs belt and sealing the engine up were three keys over most 4 cylinders of the era. Many of our better 4 cylinders today have followed this and added tech to boost the HP to nearly twice the V8 HP of the 70’s. My Ecotec Turbo ran 23 psi daily 300 hp with no issues and used the things that were found in this engine. Now for the rest of the car Toyota had not put the efforts there for the salt regions as these cars would rot apparat before the engine dies. Today an old Toyota in many Midwest regions are a rare sight while we may have some haggard old Chevy here but they are still on the road. Many folks today with timing belts are on borrowed time. They are lucky many last longer than recommended. Hyundai in particular. ... View more

I was lucky enough to drive some of these early cars over the years. The Olds really was a nod to the future. I really wish I knew where the blue two seat version Bill Mitchell had built for himself. This made a really good looking car with the shorter wheel base. Many also never knew that Olds did a Cutlass version with the Toronado drive train in it. It was found just a few years ago and is in private hands. These cars were great for hard Smokey burnouts but traction was hard to find as the tires would easily break loose with weight transfer. One late note. We had a local driver at Barberton Speedway in the late 70’s early 80’s run a 66 Olds stock car. It never did very well against much smaller and lighter cars but no one knocked him out of the way. ... View more

Looking back we have a long history of cars that fell in the cracks or just did not matter enough to. These were not bad cars or even ugly car but cars that vanished because few loved them enough to preserve the. We do have a long history of cars that do matter some are ugly and some were not popular but today like a Superbird you can no longer find one. The yet many of Chrysler’s best selling sedans and wagons are gone. We will see much more of this moving forward as there are so many vehicles today people like enough to buy but they have no real love or passion for. People today just see cars as transportation and not a part of their image.  I blame many of the Imports from Asia as many of the cars we got were good cars but had little soul or passion to them. Few people want to be represented by an Accord vs a BMW. But the Asian cars were reliable, safe and did the job at hand.  Now we have soulless cars from all nations anymore. As they age ther is little market for parts as who is going to restore them. In many cases the cost to restore is much more than what is left of the car is worth.  Even on some cars with value to restore some rare option items like TTop gaskets can go into the thousands as no one is reproducing them. God forbid you drop a rarer glass top. I know I remove mine with my trade marked Pontiac death grip.  It will be interesting moving forward as the hobby is is a slight decline. Will we be forced like the old days to search harder for parts even using the web. We once relied on meets and Hemings.  Worse yet junk yards where I used to find he I engines in now scrap cars so fast that they are gone before they are even old or out of production.  It had gotten to be best to seek out low mile cars and pay extra for them if you want a clean car. To buy the parts to restore would be more.  What I feel is more lost is the thrill of the hunt for parts today. Also the satisfaction of rebuilding many cars that are different.  I have a Fiero today not because it was ever the Ferrari killer. But I have it because it is different. Many like with this V6 Tempo may not be the first choice but it is different. I love Camaro’s, Vettes and Mustangs but too much they are all the same after a while.  I appreciate those who take the tough road in the hobby.  I need to find a good junkyard this coming weekend and just go take a walk in the history. I still have a few hidden away and like to just see what I can find.  One last note. Those of us with these orphan cars have one clear trait. We do it for the love and passion not for the money. Too bad more are not like that.    ... View more