Long Time Gone

It has been a long time since I've posted anything here. I have spent my online time looking at Facebook and Instagram, but honestly I am not sure why anyone else would read my post here. I do this for myself. I have been busy living, working and enjoying my family. We even got a new dog.

So in the past few months, I have traded the 1971 Chevelle in for a 1952 Chevrolet 3100 Pickup. I found the truck online in Texas, and we made a deal to trade.

I

I shipped the Chevelle down to Texas, and two weeks later received my pickup. There were a few things that I needed to do first, but I don't mind. I actually enjoy that part the most.

 

Unfortunately, there were a few things that were not disclosed about the truck, like the faulty wiring, lack of door locks (or ability to even close the doors completely) the poor brakes, no shocks and trashed rear end. I'll save all of that for future post.

Rebel Corvette

The 1969 L88 “Rebel” race car just sold for $2.86 million at the 2014 Barrett Jackson auction in Scottsdale, AZ. I have a video series featuring Kevin Mackay of Corvette Repair, where he discusses finding the car in a junk yard and its restoration. Check it in part 4 of the series here, and also in part 5.

Auction Results: Arizona 2014

By: Brian Rabold

Historically, the annual Arizona auctions have been scrutinized and examined as a bellwether for what the market will do during the next 6 to 12 months. And for good reason — somewhere in the neighborhood of 15% of cars sold at auction each year appear in Scottsdale or Phoenix in January. Those looking for evidence of a cooling trend this year will either have to dig deep into the results or wait for the next major event, as 2014’s totals far surpassed 2013’s record amount. In the end, $248.5M worth of cars traded among the 6 auction houses — more than a 10% increase — with Barrett-Jackson, RM Auctions and Bonhams all recording their highest-ever totals in Arizona. Yes, more cars were required to achieve this feat, but the average sale price for all cars sold this year was still more than 7% higher than last.

We have long discussed how Blue Chip collectibles have been driving overall growth in the market for the past several years, and Blue Chip cars continued to perform in Arizona. Top sale for the week was $8.8M for a 1958 Ferrari 250 GT California LWB Spyder, sold by RM. This is the second year in a row that a Cal Spyder earned top honors in Arizona, as Gooding sold a 1958 LWB example for $8.25M in 2013. Gooding sold a similarly elegant if less sporting 1958 Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet for $6.16M, as well as a 1997 McLaren F1 GTR Longtail race car for $5.28M. In general, most of the star cars that sold across all auctions did so for numbers at the leading edge of the market.

Exclusive foreign cars weren’t the only ones to do well, of course. Perhaps surprising to casual observers were Barrett-Jackson’s results for Corvettes. In particular, an exceptionally rare 1967 Chevrolet Corvette L88 coupe sold for a record price of $3.85M, the 1969 L88 “Rebel” race car sold for $2.86M, and a 1968 L88 convertible sold for $880,000. That’s three Corvettes for more than $7.5M.

Cars in more affordable price ranges also performed well, generally speaking. As evidence, the two companies that most cater to the mainstream buyer — Silver Auctions and Russo and Steele — saw their collective average sale price increase by more than 16%, and this despite Russo narrowly missing on its premier car.

As is the case at any auction, bargains were to be found. With nearly 3,000 vehicles on offer throughout three cities during the course of a full week, some cars didn’t generate the attention they probably deserved. For example, a nice 1971 Oldsmobile 4-4-2 W-30 convertible sold for $84,700 by Barrett-Jackson, which is about the price an excellent replica might make. Plenty more of these opportunities lurked, with lucky bidders who found themselves in the right place at the right time being rewarded.

While Arizona grabs most of the attention from the classic car universe in January, Mecum’s mega-auction in Kissimmee will close out the month with roughly the same volume of vehicles crossing the block. When those numbers are combined with Scottsdale, a new story may emerge, but for now 2014 has picked up right where 2013 left off, which is to say with all cylinders firing.

2015 Corvette Z06

The 2015 Corvette Z06 was revealed today at the Detroit Auto Show, featuring a brand-new supercharged engine with more that 625 horsepower.

The giant hood vent not only helps cooling but adds downforce, and if you option the carbon-fiber aero package, you’re granted an even larger front splitter with aviation-style wings and a bigger rear spoiler featuring a fixed wickerbill (a lip on the edge of the wing that traps air, producing a drastic increase in rear downforce).

But it’s the optional Z07 package where things really come alive: the winglets on the front splitter are enlarged and the rear spoiler arrives with a see-through center section that can be adjusted up and down significantly to tailor the amount of downforce produced. With this setup, the Z06 boasts the most amount of downforce of any production car GM has ever tested—including all of its competitors.

Ticking the Z07 package also adds larger carbon ceramic-matrix brakes, delivering a 23 lb. saving over the standard steel rotors. The monster tires, too, turn from Michelin Pilot Sport to the racing-inspired, practically slick Sport Cup tires. Inside you have the option of a GT seat or the Competition Seat, the latter being the preferred choice—but not if you’re carrying excess holiday weight.

At the heart of the 2015 Z06 is the all-new LT4 6.2-liter supercharged V-8, boasting a monstrous 635 lb.-ft. of torque to compliment its 625 hp. That’s an increase of over 100 horsepower compared to the outgoing Z06.

Like the Stingray, the Z06 features cylinder deactivation to help with fuel efficiency, but unlike the Stingray, it adopts a dry sump oiling system rather than a wet one.

Further changes occur in the transmission—notably the addition of a brand-new 8-speed automatic. Fear not, a 7-speed manual is available with the same rev-matching feature used in the base Corvette but the auto promises upshifts eight-hundredths of a second faster than Porsche’s notorious PDK transmission.

That’s a lofty claim for a company that doesn’t have a competitive performance automatic in its current arsenal, and this isn’t even a dual-clutch system. If Chevy has indeed produced a class-leading paddle-shift auto, this will prove to be a huge asset when it makes its way onto other GM vehicles in the future.

Arriving as standard with Magnetic Ride Control dampers, offering settings from Touring mode to Track mode, the Z06 now comes with a removable, lightweight carbon-fiber roof panel. With it off, the Z06 still manages an improved stiffness of 20-percent over the outgoing model; with it in place, it claims a whopping 60-percent increase. The featherweight aluminum frame remains essentially the same as that on the C7.R racecar, and an electronic differential comes as standard.

Performance specs aren’t yet available; neither is price. But like any Corvette, the Z06 promises unsurpassed speed for a relative bargain. When it goes on sale early 2015, it will join the likes of the new Camaro Z/28 and SS sedan, proving Chevrolet’s current performance lineup rivals that of the world’s best.

By Alex Lloyd

Tips to Keep Mice out of Stored Cars

From Hagerty

If you're a classic car owner, chances are that you've had to store your car at some point. Check out readers' best ideas for nipping rodent problems in the bud, ranging from D-Con and dryer sheets to sulfur and steel wool. If you’re putting your car away for the winter, keep reading for ways to keep those small, unwanted guests out of your classic. 

1. Dryer sheets
“I have had a 1966 Ford Fairlane 500 XL for 18 years, and I also have an acre in the country, so we see our share of mice. The best thing I've used is dryer sheets. Just go to the Dollar Store and buy a box. They don't have to be expensive. I just lay them all over the interior, under the hood, in the trunk, on top of the tires – even in the exhaust pipe. Then, in the spring, gather them all up and toss them. Not only will there be no mice, the car will smell like it just came out of the dryer. Works great for me!”
“Try Bounce fabric softener dryer sheets. Mice don’t like the smell, but you’ll like it better than moth balls. Use them in several places in the car.”
“One of the best things to deter rodents is to put multiple sheets of a fabric softener inside the car (“Bounce” is excellent!). There is a very low odor associated with the smell after taking the car out of storage, yet rodents hate this item!!! I have a car that I put in storage each winter and also have a 30-foot camping trailer that I store. I have never had one problem since I was introduced to this idea years ago, and I had many problems with rodents before using this technique.”
“I've tried with a good amount of success using fabric softener sheets placed around the car and inside the vehicle. Bounce seems to work the best. I received this information from an upholstery shop that does a lot of work on vehicle interiors.” 

2. D-Con
“The best (and most effective) means of removing all rats and mice from virtually any place is to place D-Con around in areas accessible by the mice and rats, but too small to be accessible by dogs, cats, or any other pets you may have. You may (or may not) detect a slight odor as they are killed off, but I can assure you will never be bothered by them again. I'm 75 years old and have used D-Con all my life, and have yet to see any signs of mice or rats beyond the third or fourth day of setting out the D-Con. I have an antique car, and I use D-Con in it while it is in storage to guarantee against any damage to upholstery or insulation in the car.” 

3. Traps
“The best killer is the Victor snap traps with the 1-inch square plastic yellow tongue. It's more sensitive than traditional snap traps with the small metal tongue. I prefer a small smear of peanut butter in a center hole. You don't want much; just enough to give off the scent. The one downside of these traps is that if they sit long enough without a mouse going for the bait, crickets (and some small bugs) can eat all the traces of peanut butter without setting off the traps because they are so light. A combination of fabric sheets, snap traps, and building inspection and maintenance will keep your classic rodent free.”
“I have five classic cars and believe me, I have tried everything to keep the mice away. But I keep going back to the old faithful mouse trap. You have to keep an eye on them, but they do work. I also have a commercial pest control company put out poison. So far (keeping my fingers crossed) I haven't had much trouble or damage from the varmints. Years ago I made the mistake of putting the trap inside the car. It was nearly impossible to get the smell out of the car! Don't make that mistake.” 

4. Mothballs
“The ultimate prevention to mice invasion, or any other rodent invasion, is the good, old-fashioned mothball. By the first of summer the mothballs are gone. By opening up the car and taking a few rides, the smell is gone as well.”
“This is the second winter I've tried Bounce, in the car and under the hood. It worked OK last year, so hopefully it will continue to. But of course, there's that half box of mothballs spread around and under the car and in the far corners of the [old] garage, so it may be this combo that works. It sure keeps the chipmunks – destructive monsters compared to mice – out of the garage and from under the porch. “ 

5. Sulphur
“Garden stores sell granular or powdered pure sulphur. Mice, roaches and other vermin hate the smell. Cut an old pillowcase into 8" x 8" squares and put a spoonfull of sulphur in the center. Gather the ends and tie into a small pouch. Place these bags around areas that may have a mouse or bug problem.” 

6. Steel wool
“In addition to the soap and mothballs, I put wads of steel wool inside the pipes on my modifed '48 Willys Jeepster.” 

7. Other tips: Tape, jacks, ‘Tom Cat,’ lowered visors, no covers
“Don't forget to put tape over the tail pipe opening and the air intake. A friend could tell you a story about tearing down an engine and finding a mouse carcass on top of a piston.”
“I maybe go a bit overboard, but I'd rather spend a few dollars and be safe than lots come spring. I put my car up on jackstands so only mice that can pole vault or jump really high can reach it. I also put lots of Bounce sheets inside and under the hood. I set about four or five mousetraps that I check every time the weather is warm enough to walk over to the garage where I keep it stored (it’s only a 50 ft. jaunt, but at 20 below it seems like a mile ). I also, since no pets can get into my garage, set out about six little caps of antifreeze. Most of these can be used year after year and so far have been very effective, or maybe I'm just lucky. Either way, when spring comes and everything is the way it was when I parked it, I'm happy.”
“I reproduce interiors of vehicles; a procedure I inform my customers is to purchase "Tom Cat" mice packets. These are sealed packets (6/ box). Do not open the packets but place in trunk, under seats on floor, on top of the air filter cover under the hood. If packets remain closed the bait will remain fresh, if broken it will indicate the presence of an intruder,(who will not remain within the vehicle but leave and search for water). Remove the broken packet and replace with a new sealed packet. The indication of an open packet will remind one to view the vehicle more often. Unfortunately there is no inexpensive means to totally prevent the appearance of rodents, short of obtaining a complete air tight trailer; but this process has worked to assist in keeping the unwanted guests from a restored vehicle. I also recommend that vehicles not be stored in old barns or garages that present means for rodents to have access to the interior of the building. “
“This is not a method to prevent mice from getting in, but rather an extra precaution in case they do get into the interior. Mice have been known to 'nest' behind the sun visor and cause damage to the visor and headliner. Always lower the visor to eliminate the chance for the critters to establish residence on them.” 

“I learned not to cover the car because mice like dark areas to build their nests, usually out of the car's installation, hood blanket, seat cushioning material, etc. I live in Colorado and every fall mice and other critters look for a place to come in out of the cold. Anyway, I now leave my trunk and hood both open and no longer have a problem.”

1971 Chevelle Suspension

I've been driving the '71 Chevelle mostly these days, and wanted to get the suspension upgraded. What I mean is that I just wanted new stock components installed, not tubular A-Arms and poly bushings etc... I want a smooth quiet ride. I did have this annoying knock in the front end, which was eliminated after a new outer tie-rod end was replaced and and new ball joints were installed, both uppers and lowers. While I was at it, I had new control arm bushings installed in the upper and lower front, as well as the lower rear control arm bushings. After the alignment, she drives great again. I wish I could do more, but the pain in my neck and back really keep me from working on the car. I've had to have friends help a lot lately.

I've also been looking at new Camaros, not that I need one. I really like the 2013 over the 2014, but what I want is sort of specific: either a black or orange 2SS with the RS package, NO sunroof with orange or black interior. I waste a lot of time looking at these, but then I drive around in the Chevelle and forget all about it. I even toyed with the idea of trading in the Chevelle or 67 Camaro for one, but that is just crazy. I should just go for a test ride and get it out of my system. Bad idea.

Thousands travel to Nebraska for Lambrecht Chevy auction

PIERCE, Neb. (AP) — A handful of barely driven vintage Chevrolets fetched more than half a million dollars on Saturday at an auction that drew thousands of car buffs from around the world to a small northeast Nebraska town.

Bidders and gawkers crowded shoulder-to-shoulder for the auction in a muddy field just west of Pierce, a town of about 1,800. Spectators in helicopters and airplanes circled overhead as the lead auctioneer, Yvette VanDerBrink, inched down the auction line on a wooden platform hauled by a pickup.

Event organizers said an estimated 10,000 people traveled from as far as Norway and Brazil to see the sale in person, and more than 3,800 had registered online to bid at an auction website by mid-day Saturday.

The auction of more than 500 old cars and pickups was expected to continue on Sunday. Organizers said they hadn't yet totaled the bids for the roughly 50 most high-profile, low-mileage classic cars and trucks, which were auctioned on Saturday. As of midday, six of the most valuable models had sold for a combined $545,000.

The collection belonged to Ray Lambrecht and his wife, Mildred, who ran a Chevrolet dealership in downtown Pierce for five decades before retiring in 1996. Unlike most dealers, Ray Lambrecht stashed many of his unsold cars in a warehouse, at his farm and other spots around town if they didn't sell in the first year.

The first vehicle sold — a sky-blue, 1958 Chevy Cameo pickup driven 1.3 miles — secured the largest bid at $140,000. Another bidder spent $97,500 on a red and white 1963 Impala with 11.4 miles on its odometer, the manufacturer's plastic on the seat and a yellow typewritten window sticker displaying its original price: $3,254.70.

Lyle Buckhouse, a retired farmer from Hankerson, N.D., poked his head Saturday into a 1963 Chevy Corvair with 17.2 miles on the odometer. Moments later, the self-proclaimed "Corvair guy" was hunting eagerly for the bidder-registration tent.

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," Buckhouse said. "That's why I came down here. You just don't know what you're going to see."

Bob Esler, the owner of Bob's Garage in Westfield, Ind., bought a four-door 1964 Bel Air station wagon for $30,000. The car had 326 miles.

"This is one of the cars that I had my eyes on," Esler said, as he leaned against his new purchase. "I want to use it to haul all of my customers around."

"How are you getting it back home?" a friend asked.

Esler shrugged. "I haven't figured that out yet," he said.

Preparations for the two-day auction began in June. VanDerBrink, the auctioneer, said she took calls from as far as Iceland, Singapore and Brazil before the event.

The two least-driven cars, a 1959 Bel Air and a 1960 Corvair Monza, have one mile on their odometer. The oldest vehicle with fewer than 20 miles dates to 1958; the newest is a 1980 Monza with nine miles.

Some bidders used the auction to hunt for rare parts for their collector cars and trucks, while others came to watch the spectacle.

"What drew us here as much as anything was the story," said Ernie Turcotte, who drove with his son, Jeff, from central Massachusetts to look for fenders and running boards for his 1955 Ford F-100. "I don't understand how it even happened. But here they are."

Ray Lambrecht opened the downtown dealership with his uncle in 1946, on the corner of Main Street and Nebraska Highway 13. The U.S. Army veteran quickly established himself as an unusual salesman: He gave his lowest price up front, without negotiation, and encouraged hagglers to try to find a better deal elsewhere.

In 1954, he drove then-Gov. Robert Crosby down Main Street in a parade celebrating the 100-year anniversary of Nebraska as a territory.

The most valuable vehicles were stored for decades at a nearby warehouse, until a heavy snow collapsed the roof. Some were damaged, but many were saved and moved elsewhere. The models at the dealership were among the best preserved, even as the building gave way to bats and holes in the roof.

Ray and his wife, Mildred, retired in 1996.

Barrett Jackson Las Vegas

Yup, it's that time again. Barrett Jackson Las Vegas - September 26 - 28, 2013. Looks like poor coverage on the new FoxSports channel though....disappointing.

500-car 'barn find'

Field of Dreams: Sale of 500-car 'barn find' collection set for this weekend Lambrecht Chevrolet, owned and operated for 50 years by Ray and Mildred Lambrecht, closed its doors in 1996, sealing up a treasure trove of survivor cars. The Lambrechts, now in their 90s, held onto customer trade-ins and purchased outdated inventory to make room for new models. The extensive Lambrecht collection of survivor cars – including many with fewer than 10 miles on the odometer – will be auctioned this weekend near Omaha.

Barrett-Jackson Hot August Nights

No, I have not left New Jersey, but am watching the Barrett-Jackson Hot August Nights auction from Reno Nevada. Yes, of course I'm playing the Hagerty Fantasy Bid Game, and as usual am not winning.

What have I been up to?

Hmmm, now what have I been up to? Why no post lately? Well, there have have been plenty of post on one of my other blogs... http://s-10blazer.blogspot.com

Zach and I have been busy getting the 1991 S-10 Blazer put together, and that's why I haven't posted much here lately. I've decide to give each vehicle it's own little piece of cyber-space. Maybe this will work out, maybe not.

The Comeback Camaro

After 42 years of fast living, 3 past wrecks & 1 bone-shaking crash, the Camaro was kaput. 123 employees. 2,750 hours. 1 Camaro SS restored to its former glory, turning heads and kicking ass. Hagerty employees have worked for nearly two years to resuscitate this '69 Camaro, and now the true test: Will the barely-completed-in-time car make it through the 2,000-mile Great Race? Click here for blogs, photos and information on the project, then click here to learn about their novice Great Race team.

S10 Blazer Project

Zach and I have been debating whether we should fix up the 1991 Chevy S10 Blazer Tahoe or not. We both like the body style of the two door, but recognize that this one needs some work. After racing with our friend Jay this past weekend and his 1986 S10, and watching a few videos like the one below... we have made the decision to go for it. We spent a few hours today going over the plan, and even ordered a few parts like a new gas tank. I'm thinking of keeping it flat black (like the one to the left), but with a customs RS ghost stripe and emblems like I have on the '67 Camaro....we will see. After we get the body done, we are even considering pulling out the 4.3 V6 and throwing in my brand new 355!

 

R U Faster Than a Redneck?

OMG, I love this new show on Speed! R U Faster Than a Redneck has been so much fun to watch these past few weeks, and if you have not watched it yet you are missing it. Flannel-wearing, mullet-sporting and tobacco-chewing All-American rednecks defend the honor of the American muscle car in a winner-take-all road racing event. With $10,000 on the line, they're ready to take on all challengers - any average Joe with a Porsche, exotic or Japanese tuner car that think they can win with a full-blown hillbilly inches from their fender. Thank you John Reep, and thank you Speed TV!

Camaro Z28 Returns

The Camaro Z28 is back! Or is it the Z/28? Either way, I'm sure many of the bowtie clan are rejoicing, and if you are anyone else...well then you probably won't like to hear that the new Z/28

is solely focused on track capability. In initial testing, the Camaro Z/28 is three seconds faster per lap than the Camaro ZL1. That extra speed comes from three areas:

• Increased grip: The Z/28 is capable of 1.05 g in cornering acceleration, due to comprehensive chassis revisions.
• Increased stopping power: the Z/28 features Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes capable of 1.5 g in deceleration, and consistent brake feel, lap after lap.
• Reduced curb weight: The naturally aspirated Z/28 weighs 300 pounds less than the supercharged Camaro ZL1, with changes ranging from lightweight wheels to thinner rear-window glass.

A hand-assembled LS7 engine, the most-powerful normally aspirated regular production small block V8 ever, is the force that propels Camaro Z/28. Highest-quality parts and precision assembly elevates the redline level to 7000 rpm.

Durable, lightweight components such as titanium intake valves and connecting rods coupled with a forged-steel crankshaft make the LS7 engine incredibly robust. The standard 10.5-quart, dry-sump oiling system distributes pressurized oil from an external reservoir to protect vital components under high-g driving conditions. The LS7 is mated to a TREMEC TR6060 six-speed manual gearbox that features close-ratio gearing - optimized for the engine’s power characteristics. The TREMEC is coupled with a 5.1:1-ratio short-throw shifter to ensure quick and precise feeling shifts.

2014 Camaro

After my recent trip to the Chevrolet dealer to help Tom pick up his new pickup truck, I've been looking at the new Camaros... a lot. That can't be good. It wasn't until this morning did I see the new 2014 Camaro with it's new styling, and the much anticipated return of the Z28. According to their website, "The redesigned front fascia is more angular — making Camaro appear wider, lower and more contemporary. The new fascia flows upward, and a chrome accent within the grille on RS further accentuates the front of Camaro. The new front grille swallows air to cool vital components, expelling it through the new hood vent on SS models. All facets of the lighting system on Camaro Coupe and Convertible have been streamlined in appearance, adding to the modern look.

Performance changes flow seamlessly into the interior. Available on SS and ZL1 coupe models, RECARO Performance Sport Seats ensure driver and passenger stay planted, thanks to more aggressive seat bolsters. The Head-Up Display and Driver Information Center are now in color for 2LT, 2SS and ZL1 models, making them easier to read."

I am particularly intrigued by the new tail lights, they remind me of the lights on my '67 RS. I have got to see one in person, and of course take a test ride...and I still don't have any money to purchase one now, but I can dream.

Barrett Jackson Palm Beach 2013

The 2013 Barrett Jackson Palm Beach Collector Car Auction is right around the corner. April 4-6, 2013 from the South Florida Fairgrounds, and live on Speed TV. With tickets as low as $13, it would be a shame not to go!

Garage Makeover

After all the house has been thru with "Super Storm Sandy", we decided that the garage door needed a little attention too. Now I had replaced the old, rotten, wooden garage door with a entry level Home Depot Clopay door a few years ago, but it wasn't much to look at. It was plain, and white, and in need of a tune-up as you can see. I thought about getting a new garage door, but I didn't want to spend $800-$1500 for another door. Zach and I loosened all the mounting brackets and adjusted the door to the best of our ability. We replaced the old lock system with a new one, washed the door and touched it up with a rattle can. You can also see my door bolt, which is locked with a BIG Master lock.... helps me sleep a little easier.

I browsed the web, scooped out the neighborhood, and came up with the idea of giving the garage door a makeover. A new faux window from Home Depot for $99, a set of decorative garage door hinges and handles, and about 1/2 hour with Zach in the driveway... and the door looks new. I added my new favorite Chevrolet tin sign with a few vinyl siding hooks too. The neighbor even removed that monster tree hanging over the back of the garage today too, so no chance of it falling and crushing the Camaro now. In a few weeks we would like to cut out the concrete and re-pour a new floor in the garage entrance... it really needs it. Now if only I could find an old Tokheim gas pump to display outside of the garage, that would be awesome.

Atlantic City Car Auction

Here are a few images from the Atlantic City Car Auction this past week. Enjoy!

Tri-State Classic Car Restorations

Today, Zach, Tommy and I drove down to Atlantic City, NJ for the 40th Annual Atlantic City Car Auction to get our motor-heads running. I'll post some pics later...most of them I have already thrown on Instagram.

While we were there, we ran into some reps from Tri-State Classic Car Restorations, and they had a 1968 Camaro restoration project on display with some excellent work done to it. They had moved the upper A arms back two inches for better handling, and really cleaned up the firewall. Note how the windshield wiper motor has been relocated to under the driver's inner fender....excellent idea! Thanks for the T-shirts guys!

Of course, what would a trip to A.C. be without a stop over to the famous White House Sub Shop for lunch.

1971 Camaro Z28 for sale

So I am driving the 1971 Chevelle around today for the first time in a week due to the recent snow, and what do I come across. A 1971 Camaro Z28 for sale from the 2nd owner. I stopped and called the number, spoke to a friend of the seller. His friend's father was the original owner who let the car sit outside for 25 years...so now it needs a complete restoration. It has a small block and 4 speed, but doesn't run, and needs a full interior too. He is asking $5,000, but I told him that was too much. He would maybe take a reasonable offer...I'll have to think it over. After all it is not a split bumper, but still it is a '71. Zach is sitting here yelling at me "C'mon, buy it! I want it!" Hmmmmmm....

Sick of Winter

I can't wait for this snow to stop, and for spring to get here. In the middle of the blizzard, we all decided to go out to the hot tub tonight and soak away our winter blues. I have a few Hot Rod magazines to read this weekend, and thought I'd link to their YouTube videos to make me feel better.

Barrett Jackson 2013

It's my favorite time in the month of January, the 2013 Barrett Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale, AZ. I can't wait to watch the live coverage on Speed TV, and play along with the Hagerty Fantasy Bid Game. I love the live coverage streamed here as well... http://stream.speedtv.com/barrett-jackson
This year I'll be keeping an eye out for the current market price of a 1967 Camaro RS, although I have no plans of selling mine.

Happy Holidays

We just returned from a much needed vacation in Florida, and I'm having a hard time adjusting to this cold weather. I just want to take the Camaro out for a ride! While in Epcot, we came across a prototype of the new C7 Corvette. The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette is set to receive its world debut on January 13 at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show, and it probably won't look anything like this. There will be a real focus on the interior, check out the latest teaser video below below. I feel it is kind of fitting to end 2012 with a post about a Corvette, as this was the year I let my beloved Stingray go.

Classic racers take on Laguna Seca

Check out the sights and sounds of Laguna Seca, as classic cars take the famous track's turns in stride, then ride along with SPEED Network's Mike Joy in a 1970 Dodge Challenger.

Hood Springs Restored

I was excited to see the UPS delivery of our new Camaro hood springs, so Zach and I headed out to the garage to fix the Camaro. We cut a piece of wood to hold the hood up, then removed both springs. We scuffed up the springs with a Scotchbrite pad and masked up the entire front end before painting the hinges. After we installed the new springs, the hood opens and closes perfectly, and looks great!

We also decided that the Chevelle needed some new plug wires, after our close inspection found 4 bunrt boots. We installed a new set, but this time we put some fiberglass heat insulation boots on at the plug ends. It rubs much better now, and I'm just waiting for a call from my local armature up the road....they are building us a new hi-output alternator.

67 Camaro Hood Spring

Feeling guilty about not getting to the garage yesterday, I woke up and immediately remembered the hood would not stay up on the Camaro. Why was that? Hinges look great, springs are new....let's go to Google. There it was, the answer. Apparently the stock hood used a spring with 26 coils, the SS hood required two additional coils for the added weight. I spoke to Michael, and he told me what he had done when restoring the car. I checked with my usual parts supplier, he had only the 26 coil spring, but I did find the correct ones at Rick's Camaro. I placed the order, and found the easiest way to pull the hood springs off here. I have a nice cable with a loop on the end that works perfectly. The plan is to pull off the old springs, paint the hinges, and install the new springs without scratching ANYTHING. Zach and I spent some time this afternoon washing and vacuuming the cars, they all needed it. Then my friend Kelly stopped by and we pulled the 2,000 lbs tree stump to the curb with her bad-ass Jeep and winch. It was awesome! We got to get another Jeep again.

Goodguys Southwest Nationals

It's been a bit crazy hear the past few weeks. We had Hurricane Sandy, which uprooted the massive tree in my front yard (no car damage..whew), and even our first snowfall. I had planned to take the Camaro for a ride today, but it was cold, and I was lazy, and nothing happened. I watched some car shows, and wished that I was here... the 15th annual Goodguys Southwest Nationals.

 

Chevelle and Camaro

It has been a busy week here. I was tired of hearing Sarah's rear brakes squeaking, so  i fixed that Monday. Zach blew the trans cooler line off the Chevelle, and then broke a rear brake line a few days later. The best thing about building your car from the ground up is knowing exactly what is wrong and how to fix it. Both of Zach's issues were fixed for under $20 combined.

I also got the parts for the Camaro in this week. New floor mats, some manuals and literature, and the tune-up parts I needed. I installed the new headlight motor and some 1157A bulbs in the parking lights, so the lights are all set now. The vacuum advance wasn't working on the Camaro, and it didn't help that the timing was set at 4 degrees after TDC, not the 6 degrees before TDC that is the factory setting. I rebuilt the distributor with a new Accel electronic points conversion kit, 8140 coil and new vacuum advance, a little tuning of the carb with the vacuum gauge, and she runs much better. I took it out for a ride today, and Zach and I stopped in the park for a quick photo. We also installed a new waterneck and gasket to stop the weeping/leaking of the coolant on the intake. On our last drive around town we ran into my neighbor Vinny with his '68 Camaro convertible, and spent a while swapping stories till it got dark and were hungry for dinner.

1967 Camaro RS

I've been recovering from the motorcycle accident over the past few weeks, and just haven't had the enthusiasm to post anything lately. I know...pretty lame excuse, but the leg is still hurting and I don't want to blog about that. Damn, I just did it.
Anyway, I traded the '64 Stingray for a sweet 1967 Camaro RS. It is a numbers matching car that has been totally restored, and looks great. I've got a bunch of great photos to post of the restoration, maybe I'll make a video or slideshow with them. (Thanks Mike!) 

The previous owner, that would be Mike, did a great job on the body work, however there were a few things I had to fix. The radiator must have had a leak, because it was full of Bars Leak, and he added an electric fan to compensate for the resulting overheating of that crap in the cooling system. A good flushing, new thermostat and new radiator, and now she sits at 160. He also had installed an Edelbrock carb, and you need to install a  Edelbrock #9266 heat insulator gasket on those things like I did with the '71 Chevelle or the fuel will percolate when it gets hot, making hot starting a bitch. I fixed both of those items today.

The RS hideaway lights were not functioning correctly, and after a ton of research, I found out that they were wired incorrectly. The system on the '67 is electric with 3 relays and 4 limit switches and a flux-capacitor....man it is a pain to get right. I finally has it, and all I needed to do was to remove the drivers side motor and tighten up the bolt after shimming it up. Yup, I broke it. Snapped that sucker right in half. So, I'm of to the swap meet to find a new one this weekend.

Westfield Car Auction

Zach and I headed over to the Westfield Armory to check out the car show and auction being held there today. We met a nice guy who brought a few of his cars...two 1970 Cudas (a green 440 and a purple Hemi) and his '08 Ferrari 430 Scuderia. The Italian flag stripe on the Ferrari was a $9,000 option. Unbelievable. He also had a 1969 Charger, but didn't bring that one...damn. I wonder if I choose the wrong career path...

I just finished my 1972 Honda CB450 Cafe Project, got a whopping 93 miles on it, and some idiot blew a stop sign and broke my leg. The pic is from after the accident. It needs new forks. This bike has 6,600 miles, new paint, seat, shocks, chain, Mikuni carbs, rearsets, clubman bars, brakes, tires, tubes, exhaust, custom led taillight with integral signals. Starts right up...but I am done riding.

Goodbye Stingray...

After 14 years, our 1964 Corvette Stingray is no longer with us.

1971 Chevelle Wheels

I finally got around to making a new video of the 1971 Chevelle with the "new" wheels. They have been there for over a year now, so I can't really call them new anymore. Although the car is dirty, you can't really see it from the video (whew!), and Zach has been driving it now regularly.

Cafe Racer Video

I've been enjoying the cafe racer this summer, occasionally taking it to work or just running around town. It is so much fun to ride, and to be able to kick start a bike is such a great feeling. Hard to explain to someone who has never done it, and who isn't a gear-head.

Check out my latest video for the Honda CB450 Cafe Racer project