Spare Tire

My pal Jason found this cool clip for me of a 1950's newsreel and a car that was modded by its owner to deploy its spare tire as a tight-spot parkind assist.

Hoist and Chevelle Engine

It is raining today, and usually I would be bummed out...but at least it isn't snowing! Yesterday, we got a call from Tommy that he was all done with our engine hoist. He has the big block back in the wagon, and it looks good! The hoist has been floating around this winter to a couple of the guys who needed to borrow it. I knew that the front casters were pretty well worn (they looked like the letter "D"), and I realized that they weren't swivel casters. This made it very difficult to maneuver the hoist around because the front wheels didn't steer. A quick trip to Harbor Freight and 10 minutes with the welder fixed the hoist right up with a new set of wheels. Now we can use it to help put the body of the '66 back on the frame.

We also stopped by Pete's to check on the small block he was offering us for the '66 Chevelle. It is a partially disassembled 4 bolt main 350, and still sitting under the hood of his old C-10. Looks like one exhaust manifold, a ground strap, starter wire, motor mounts and trans are the only things holding it in. This should be an easy pull, just need it to stop raining now.

My Boy

I've blogged before about how I've always been fascinated with cars. I remember watching my grandmother race her 1967 Jaguar, or playing with my best friend Bill and our Hot Wheels and Matchbox cars. But I think that my love for the automobile is something much deeper, genetic somehow....and that the same passion has been passed on to my son, Zach. Of course, he had more environmental exposure to classic cars than most kids his age....hell, he had more exposure than most adults. He could identify most car manufacturers, knew all the muscle cars and could even tell you what type of car just passed by the sound of the exhaust when he was in elementary school.

I wanted to post a few pics of Zach, and some of our projects, as we get ready to get back to work on his first car - a 1966 Chevelle. Of course he is no longer this little boy here (he's now 15 years old, and already 6 foot tall and 190 pounds), but he will always be my best friend.

Here is Zach behind the wheel of our 1979 Camaro (with a Pat Musi small block).

We had a lot of Jeeps, and Zach learned to drive this electric Jeep like a pro. You should have seen his skills!







Zach was always willing to come out and help work on a project car, because he knew that earned him a right to sit in the passenger seat or a trip to the local cruise night.

The pic of the two of us with my 64 Stingray was taken by Tommy, and was the initial start of our friendship. He thought it was cool that Zach came to the cruise night with me, so he took our picture and gave it to us the following week. Tommy and I have been pals ever since!



Finally Zach and I are pictured with Jimmy Shine at famous SO-CAL Speed Shop in Pomona, California.

Daytona 500 - The Great American Race

"Gentlemen...start your engines!" Forty-three of the world's best stock car drivers are going to keep me glued to the edge of my sofa for 5 hours today as we officially welcome in the start of the NASCAR racing season. I haven't watched much racing in the past few years, but with this terrible winter, I need this. If you like, you can play along with the Fox Fantasy Auto Racing online. It should be exciting, as the front row of the Daytona 500 will be Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jeff Gordon! Go Jr! The leaderboard will be posted online as well. If you like NASCAR video, then you will want to check that out as well.
UPDATE - Record number of cautions!

Tommy had his track official meeting yesterday at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park, and the track opens one week from today. We better get that big block put back together and installed in the wagon this week!

First Muscle Car

Today, Tommy, Zach and I went to the Atlantic City Car Auction to start off the 2011 year. One of the many beautiful cars we found there was this 1964 Pontiac GTO, arguably the car that started the entire muscle car era. This was the only '64 that we found, but there were a ton of GTOs from 1964-1970 for sale in the auction. I explained to Zach the importance of this car, and then we went and purchased some hot-rod T-shirts, a Chevelle Hat, and 2 gallons of Captain Lee's Spra' Strip. We need to start to get the paint off of the Chevelle, and I've had much success with this product before on the Stingray.

We also came across this 1966 Chevy II survivor, a true 1 of 1 car widely accepted as the only know 1966 L79 SS Nova Sports Coupe that was produced with Tropic Turquoise with a Fawn interior. It was ordered an d delivered to Hawaii in the spring of 1966 as a heat delete car with a rear speaker. The car still has it's original factory drive train, a 327 cu/350 HP with M-21 4-speed and 3:73 12 bolt posi rear. The car was un-restored with all original sheet metal, thanks to it's warm Hawaii storage until 2009. This was probably the nicest and unmolested L79 left in the country.

My First Car

OK, I may be taking this way, way back, but here I am in 1970 with my first car. I still remember this little plastic pedal car. We lived in a trailer in PA, and my parents owned a 1968 Camaro. I don't remember the Camaro... go figure.

Some of my earliest memories were of my grandmother racing her 1967 Jaguar in the Pennsylvania Hillclimb Association. I think riding around in that car, and then watching her fly by me as I stood on the side of the road left an indelible impression on me. There has never been a day in my life since that I have not thought of something automotive.

66 Chevelle Front Seats

I can't believe that we actually found a pair of front seats for the '66 Chevelle! I woke up Saturday morning, and stumbled all blurry-eyed onto Craigslist. The ad read:

"i have a set of 66/67 chevelle orginal bucket seats that need to be redone. they are complete seats. if you were to do them the right way i would sandblast them and paint the frames and then bring them to an upholster and get new foam and leather skins. somebody that is building a chevelle knows how much these seats are worth to the cars finished product if they are trying to make it original.... they would also know how much each seat frame goes for brand new. its around 350 per seat frame brand new and im looking to get 200 obo for both. you can give me a call - thank you, frank. p.s. pics upon request."

Nancy wanted me to try to low-ball him, "Offer him $100", she said. I've been looking for months, and the best price I've found so far was $550 (when you could find one or two), so I had no problem paying the full price. The seller purchased the seats at Carlisle after he put a deposit down on a '66 Chevelle. When he brought the seats home, he found out the seller of the Chevelle sold the car to someone else. Ouch! The seat backs and trim will need to be replaced/rebuilt, and new foam and covers installed, but the foundation is all there. I'll detail the seat rebuild in a few months, right now they are just going to be put away in storage.

Hot Rod TV

Not much on TV this weekend for the gear heads to watch, so I'm posting a little Hot Rod TV! The Pump Gas Drags should get me out of my winter funk.

Chevelle on the winter roads

I had Sarah's '71 Chevelle out on the ice-covered roads, and got a few comments about driving it on a winter day like today. I can't wait to wash and detail it, but there is still just too much snow and salt. I had a guy try to get me to street race him with his Mustang, which was never going to happen, but the thought was nice.

I also found a new video on YouTube about another 1966 Chevelle restored by CC Auto and Body in Craig, Colorado. It was a 2008 Moab Utah Car Show, 1st and Best of Show Winner. They have published an article "The dying Art of Auto Body" which I wanted to share. The Chevelle was a really rough project, much worse than ours, but the end results seem very nice. Hopefully this will help motivate me, although I think a nice spring day would do the trick too.

Shinya Kimura @ chabott engineering

My friend Jason found me this video of Shinya Kimura, formerly known as the founder of "ZERO" or the so-called "ZERO Style" motorcycles. He has launched his own workshop called "chabott engineering" in the city of Azusa, California in 2006.

In his 25 year career in the motorcycle world, Kimura started his own small repair shop named Chabo in 1992, a year before he started ZERO in Japan. Chabo means "bantam rooster" in Japanese and, to Kimura, it means "back to basics". To me, his style is so raw and brutally functional, and yet there is so much beauty in his work. I am thinking of incorporating his style into my next build.

shinya kimura @ chabott engineering from Henrik Hansen on Vimeo.

Atlantic City Car Show

Every year, at about this time, I start to get cabin-fever. I hate the snow and the cold, and I can not wait for spring, and to get back to the garage and track. So when the Atlantic City Car Show and Auction is just around the corner, I can hardly wait.

Held annually at the Atlantic City Convention Center, the Atlantic City Classic Car Show and Auction is the East Coast's largest classic car show & auction! Over 60,000 enthusiasts and collectors are expected to browse, buy and admire this premier collection presented by GPK Auctions, February 18 - 20. Over 1000 collectible cars will be available for sale all on one floor. I love to browse the parts and memorabilia available from the vendor too. Oh, who am I kidding... we just need an excuse to hit the White House Sub Shop for some cheese steaks!

EVENT SCHEDULE

Dates:

Feb. 18, 19, & 20, 2011

Show Hours:

Fri. 8:30am - 9pm

Sat. 8:30am - 9pm

Sun. 9am - 5pm

Auction Hours:

Fri. 10:00am - 9pm

Sat. 10:00am - 9pm

Sun. 11am - 5pm

Top Gear

I was talking to my pal Cary this weekend about the recent damage to his truck from a fender-bender in the snow. We painted his truck rims black, and one got scuffed, "no problem" I tell him - we can fix that. He confessed that he had not watched Top Gear yet, and so I thought I'd out him about it here on the SHC blog. The first season just finished, but shows are available on-demand or online.

One of the UK's most popular series since 1977, Top Gear now brings its high-adrenaline action entertainment to America. The series tracks the colorful history of the automobile and showcases an offbeat celebration of the art of driving, featuring super-cars, extreme stunts and challenges, car reviews and celebrity interviews, as well as the eccentric adventures of its hosts with Top Gear's customary wit and humor. Hosted by comedian and car buff Adam Ferrara, champion rally and drift racer Tanner Foust and racing analyst Rutledge Wood, Top Gear explores the history of America, one lap at a time.

Snow...a four letter word

I had the day off of work this Wednesday, but not for a good reason...jury duty. Now I fully understand the importance to society that I fulfill my civic duty, but like a visit to the doctor it was not comfortable. I was completely bored, falling asleep, I'd rather have been at work. To make matters worse, more snow. I woke up today to another foot of the white stuff everywhere, and after five hours of shoveling, I am out of places to put it. (Yes, another day off of work due to inclement weather - and again I'd rather have been at work)

I have given up shoveling out the frame of the '66 as it sits all covered up in the driveway, we dig it out at least once a week just to have it covered up with snow again. Tommy is probably making enough money this winter plowing snow to build a Top Fuel car for next race season. Zach and I watched a new show on Discovery, Desert Car Kings. The show profiles Ron and Jason McClure and their family business — Desert Valley Auto Parts — which houses over 10,000 rust-free vehicles over 100 sun-baked Arizona acres.

Not content with merely providing original parts for thousands of car collectors and restoration junkies each year, the McClures and their crew are constantly on the hunt for cars to restore — seeking them out in backyards, barns and even on their own massive lot.

Their goal? To restore these classic American cars to their original glory and get them back on the road, while discovering the unique and historically significant qualities of each car — and of course, to fetch a fair price at auction.

PT Cruizer...Flat again

So we are trying to leave for work today, and it is only 5 degrees outside this morning. We hadn't started the Chevelle or PT all weekend, but they both fire up with only a little whimpering. Nancy get's out of the driveway first, then blocks me in, and I'm perplexed as she walks up to me in the Chevelle. "I have a flat...again", she says. Sure enough, the left front is flat and half off the rim as I put it back in the driveway for her. I brought it up to the local tire shop, and the tech there tells me they do Chrysler tires everyday, because the rims corrode and the beads leak. Nice. I've already replace one due to a pot hole bending the rim, and I have no intention or doing any more. I'll need to keep up with checking the air every few days, not that big a deal, but a pain in the butt.

I started scanning a few of my old photos today, and will post them up as soon as I can get them organized. I found a few of the Vette before I restored it and was racing Solo 2 in the SCCA. I haven't done that in a while, but am thinking of drag racing the Vette again this year.

SHC on Facebook

In my never-ending quest to promote the South Hill Customs lifestyle, I decided to add a Wall on Facebook. Hopefully this will make things easier for some of us locally to connect for events, shows and cruise nights, and for my long-distance friends to keep informed.

I have also created a link for the SHC Photobucket account, where I just uploaded a few hundred more pics of my cars. I have a few photos that I need to scan and post up there still.....I have a cool idea for a future post.

Gearz

I have been busy all morning watching my usual "car" shows, and waiting for the Barrett-Jackson auction to begin. After watching Gearz, I created an account on the Official Website of Stacey David's Gearz. My hope is to help promote the SHC blog and let more people know what we are doing. I'd also love to have one of our cars featured on the show....that would be so cool! Maybe I'll work on some new links later today for the blog.

Another '66 at Barrett-Jackson

I've been watching the Scottsdale auction, and playing along with the Hagerty Fantasy Bid game, although I have not won yet. I got pretty close though! I also saw another 1966 Marina blue Chevelle, lot #426.1, sell for $61,600. It is a 396/360hp factory 4-speed with air conditioning. Special order, high option car with 1 owner until February, 2009. 1 of 33 cars built with 3.07 posi-traction rear axle. Original documented car with dealer order invoice, original keys with punch outs on dealer ring showing stock #713C, broadcast sheet, bank finance agreement showing paid in full on April 10, 1969, owner protection plan with Protect-O-Plate and original owners manual. Extremely high optioned car featuring factory air conditioning, custom deluxe seat belts with retractors, Strato bucket seats, tinted glass, console, 1 of 33 cars equipped with 3:07 posi-traction rear axle available only after January, 1966, F40 special suspension, M20 4-speed manual Muncie transmission (wide ratio), factory equipped AM/FM radio, rear speaker and convenience equipment package, gauge package with factory knee knocker tachometer. Restoration has been done all within the past 750 miles. Interior has been professionally restored. 1 repaint approximately 1986. Original sheet metal, body panels and floors. Very rare Chevelle with excellent pedigree and many desirable options.

Barrett-Jackson 2011

It was another snow day today, with 2 inches of ice keeping us out of school and work. The only warm feeling I have is that the 2011 Barrett-Jackson Auction from Scottsdale is on Speed TV tonight. We are going to watch for a few of the 1966 Chevelles specifically. I can't wait!

Update - The first '66 Chevelle was lot #56.2, a black 327 small block with 72,344 original miles on matching numbers drivetrain. The original 327cid has 350 heads and 350 4-barrel intake. Factory options include power brakes, power steering, air conditioning, electric bucket seats, center console, Powerglide automatic transmission, 4-way hazards, electric trunk lock, knee knocker tach, deluxe seat belts, factory floor mats, original jack, original sheet metal, factory vinyl top and 3.36 rear end. Full frame-off restoration. SOLD for $38,500 including buyer's commission.

"Shift"

As I sit here waiting for the next snow storm, 6-10 inches expected tonight, I dream about the spring weather and all I want to do in the garage. Tommy told me about this new film about drag racing coming out called "Shift". Here is the synopsis: Boomer Honeycutt is a drag racer. His lone quest is to escape his father's shadow and become the next Classic Gear Jammers Champion. After separating from his fiancée Tina, Boomer takes refuge sleeping in his van. He awakes after a rough night out to find an eleven-year-old boy on the doorstep and a note from his high school sweetheart welcoming him to fatherhood. Set against the backdrop of stick-shift drag racing in the heart of the South, this is a story about fathers and sons, teaching each other what it takes to be a man.

Spring can't come soon enough.........

Oil Light...Oh NO!!!!!

So, I'm driving down the road on my way to work, stop at a traffic light....and the oil light comes on. Instant panic. I immediately throw the car in neutral to check if I'm idling too slow, then shut her down to check the oil level....full and clean. So I stop by to see my friend Mark at Advance Auto and borrow an oil pressure gauge. I pull the oil pressure sending unit and test, 60 lbs of oil, and the switch is covered with oil...whew. After a quick stop at the auto parts store for a new switch ($7), we are back in buisiness and running great. Now if only I could get the snow to stop falling.