Just a Car Guy

The handmade speedometer update!

2012-02-09T20:48:00.000-08:00

the magazine is http://www.airmighty.com/ and I can't find a better image of this page yet... nothing legible so far.

the updated post with info is here: http://justacarguy.blogspot.com/2012/01/coolest-things-i-found-at-2012-grand.html

the VW it resides in is pretty cool looking too!

the 25th Anniversary Corvette, Pace Car edition, an instant draw for investors... but was it a bad idea? MSRP was $13,000, most sold for double that due to the consumers demand

2012-02-08T20:07:00.000-08:00

The Wall Street Journal on March 27th, 1978 had a front page article about what a great investment it was.

So many people jumped on it, that instead of a limited production, and controlled supply to keep the investment value high, Chevrolet made more.

The most ridiculous option I've heard of, the AM FM CB was RPO UP6 - $638.00. One antenna was called on to provide for the AM-FM and CB functions, so its performance was compromised. The AM FM 8 track radio was a $419 option... still ridiculous

One big improvement was the new temporary space saving spare tire which enabled the installation of a new 24 gallon (previously 17 gallon) fuel tank, increasing the driving range between fill-ups.

One guy bought one, stuck it in storage, and it had a total 13 miles on it. He sold it after storing it for 25 years, and got less than the $50 thou that 2nd owner is asking for it http://www.sellcar-uk.com/news/original-features-in-vintage-cars-can-raise-price/ so he wasted 25 years of space I believe. 25 years, for maybe double your money, but having to take care of a car? Would have been better buying gold. Would have at least tripled his money

The WSJ article stirred up a commotion at dealers who were bombarded by excited buyers. Though some dealers held the line at the suggested retail of around $13,000, many bumped the price north of $18,000. The secondary market high jumped the $30,000 level and some sold at double that figure and more. By race day, Econ 101 kicked in. Fearing legal action from its dealers, Chevrolet decided to build enough Pace Cars to supply each dealer at least one, a tactic that exploded final production to 6,502. Inevitably, supply and demand caught up with reality and by race day, prices dropped like a bag of hammers. http://www.bloomingtongold.com/inc.php?link=greathallcars

Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley bought one, had it for 2 years, gave it to his brother in law for a graduation gift. It was on ebay, and only got bid to 19 thou... with autographs and the famous person link. http://www.corvetteblogger.com/2011/02/18/corvettes-on-ebay-ace-frehleys-1978-corvette-pace-car/

The approximate delivery sticker price on the majority of the Pace Cars was $13,800 for the L-48 and $14,300 for the L-82. As the production date neared, word spread that this could become a very collectible Corvette given that each dealer would only be allocated one Pace Car. The final production number reached 6,502.

The Wall Street Journal ran a front-page story on March 27, 1978, reporting the collectible stories of this special Limited Edition Pace Car. At that time, prices went wild – with asking prices frequently in the $20-25,000 range for the L-48 and L-82 automatics, with the L-82 4-speed commanding up to $40,000. Stories and pictures began to appear everywhere; we even recall seeing a Pace Car in a dealer’s showroom with an armored guard watching over this Special Limited Edition!

Today, the average price of a 1978 Pace Car is $17,600, which reflects no change from the 2001 pricing. However, many of these Limited Edition Pace Cars are available for sale with little or no miles on them, which make them special buys. It is interesting to note that today’s average prices exceed the window sticker price in 1978!

Today, the Pace Cars with limited mileage continue to bring top dollar. A L-82, 4-speed Pace Car with less than 100 miles was recently sold for $31,000. Another Pace Car with the L-48 motor and automatic transmission with only 4 miles sold at the “low price” of $20,750 at Bloomington Gold last year.
http://www.vettefinders.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/corvette.Vette101Story/ID/28

So, 40 years, double the value. Terrible. Most 1968-1971 musclecars are aboout 5-10 times the original price. That "special" Corvette gets about 1-3 times? That's it? Waste of automotive interest.

What you did not know about the 1956 SR2 Corvette SS

2012-02-08T19:42:00.000-08:00

The SR-2 (Sebring Racer) designation was given to three 1956 Corvettes. All of them left the factory as stock Corvettes, and were shipped to GM styling in Warren, MI for race modifications and cosmetic additions. This is the first of the three. In the spring of 1956, it was a known fact that the GM Head of the Styling Studio, Harley Earl, had a son Jerry who road raced a Ferrari. Management told dad he should be racing a GM car. Harley made a deal with his son: “If you sell the Ferrari, I will build you a special Corvette to race.”

This car, #2522, had the highest priority with no cost spared. Work began in May ’56 modifying the body, brakes and suspension. Special windscreens were installed for driver and passenger. The parking lights were removed allowing air to flow for front brake cooling. Fifty-five years ago this weekend, Earl debuted his SR-2 at Road America in Elkhart Lake, WI. Dr. Dick Thompson completed the six hour race with a respectable finish. Jerry Earl continued to race the SR-2 throughout the 56-57 seasons and sold the car in 1958 to Jim Jeffords. National race champion Jeffords painted the car purple to match the moniker, “Purple People Eater,” named after the 1958 song by Sheb Wooley.

Found on http://www.bloomingtongold.com/inc.php?link=greathallcars

a couple of cool displays from inside the Suede Palace

2012-02-08T18:07:00.000-08:00

not flashy or eye grabbing,... but subtle, tasteful, apropos, and thorough

A father - daughter project car, blogged about to share the trip from neglect to a teenagers daily driver

2012-02-07T19:43:00.000-08:00

Starting in 2002, Brianna wrote the commentary that followed what is probably familiar to most of us, finding a cool car, buying it, then leanring that the engine is seized, and all the rest of the things that must be repaired, replaced, and improved to make a good car from it.

Here are some highlights:

4/13/02: Trailered the car to our house. What a job getting it onto the trailer. Pictures taken before we moved the car.

4/14/02: Emptied out the interior and clean the outside and the seats. Smells a lot better too. Can't get into trunk because the ignition key (only one that came with car) won't work. Pictures taken as the cleanup goes on. http://www.motortopia.com/album/view/p/cars/t/vehicle/v/124/a/21402/i/after_we_got_her_home

4/20/02: Mom took the wheels to the tire place to have the old tires removed. They found a wasp nest inside one of them. Luckily no one was hurt.

7/27/02: My dad and I removed the gas tank and flushed it out.

8/3/02: Shook a chain around the inside of the tank and flushed some more.

10/18/02: Dad did one of the jobs that I didn't want to. He painted the underside of the car in the area where the gas tank gets installed.

10/20/02: We adjusted the carburetors, then it was time to see if the engine would turn. We removed the spark plugs, put a little oil into each cylinder, put a wrench on the crank bolt and pushed. Nothing moved. Dad put an extension on the wrench and really leaned on it. The only thing that moved was the engine on its mounts. Dad sprayed PB Blaster into each cylinder, and said we'd wait to see if it works. Worst case is we have to take the engine apart. We hoped the PB Blaster would work. Also got the gas tank strap cleaned and primed.

10/28/02: Moment of truth (at least one of many). We hooked a battery up and tried to turn the engine with the starter. Only clicks, no motion. Disappointed, I went back to my homework, while dad started the disassembly process. He drained the oil, removed the exhaust pipe, muffler, and one of the shrouds. This will be more of a project than I'd thought. Here's some pictures.

10/29/02: Dad decided to dive right in. I was glad that it was him and not me that discovered the rat nest after removing the top shroud. He also filled a box with the rest of the shrouds, oil cooler, coil, generator mount, fuel pump, and marked baggies filled with nuts and bolts. I'm glad I don't have to remember where everything goes.

11/23/02: We did some beating and banging. With dad on his back on the floor and me working above, we traded whacks with the sledgehammer until we got four of the six cylinders off. It was getting late by that time, and after twenty minutes of trying on the last two, we gave up and dad sprayed more of this PB Blaster into the two still stuck cylinders. He keeps telling me that this Blaster stuff is great, but I've got my doubts.

4/10/05: After a long winter of not working on the car, Dad drug me out to the garage to put Bondo on the small dents and dings left after he hammered on the car. Dad kept the spreaders and mixing board clean while I mixed and applied. Sorta like frosting a cake, which I was never really good at.

4/17/05: Time to sand. My arms could only last about an hour and a half, but Dad and I got most of the Bondo smoothed out. It's going to need a second coat to fill in some voids and places where we sanded down too far.

5/1/05: I was too busy studying for finals, but Dad finished sanding the Bondo and put on the second coat until he ran out of Bondo.

5/17/05: More Bondo and sanding.

5/22/05: Even more Bondo and sanding.

6/12/05: Last coat of Bondo.

You might have lost interest at this point, but here is where that struggle we've all had with old cars begins

1/15/06: Time to go back to school. I left the house around 9 PM. I only got about 25 miles down the road when the engine backfired a couple of times and then lost all power. I coasted onto the shoulder of the road and called Dad. He threw a bunch of tools into his car, and drove down to try and fix the problem. While I was waiting for him, I tried cranking the engine, but nothing turned. This was a new, not-so-good problem. When Dad got there, he discovered that we'd forgotten to tighten the distributor clamp bolt, so he thought that the timing had changed. He static timed the distributor, and then we decided to try and push-start the car with his. He explained how the Corvair is one of only a few automatic transmissioned cars that can be push started. His car pushed mine up to 40 mph, and the engine was turning, but not running. He ended up pushing me to the nearest offramp, which fortunately had a Park-and-Ride. We move all my stuff into his car, lock my car, and drive back home.

1/16/06: Dad got up early and packed even more tools into his car and drove down to the Corvair. He was able to get the ignition switch/starter to work. He did a bunch of sleuthing and found that the coil was sparking, but the spark wasn't getting to the plugs. He replaced the new cap and rotor - still dead. He called Ken Hand who told him it may be the condenser or the coil. He replaced the new points and condenser - still dead. He replaced the coil - bingo. It started right up, and ran nice and smooth. At that point I showed up with Mom. She and I had decided that even if Dad was able to get my car running, I wasn't going to trust it to get me to school. So, I took Dad's car on to school, and he drove mine home.

1/19/06: Heard from Dad. Here's what he reported: "I went out to drive the Corvair home from work, and it wouldn't start. The now-familiar sound of an engine without spark was all I heard. I went inside work and borrowed a multi-meter to check things out. I also called Ken Hand again who gave me a plan of attack and a bunch of valuable information. I followed his plan and discovered that voltage at the positive terminal of the coil was not what it should be with the points open. From that, and his description of how a load resistor worked, I determined that the noise-suppression condenser attached to the negative terminal of the coil was shorting directly to ground resulting in no spark at the points, thus no spark from the coil. I disconnected that condenser, and the engine started right up. Looking back on it, this was probably the problem since the first time the car died two weeks ago." I still wanted to have him drive the car for a week or so more to make doubly sure all the gremlins have been killed.

read all about it at:
http://corvairfleet.blogspot.com/2009/08/heidi-how-we-got-to-this-point.html

Craig Breedlove – the first person to exceed 400, 500, and 600 miles per hour on land – was the recipient of the fourth annual “Spirit of Competition” Award

2012-02-07T18:19:00.000-08:00

The Spirit of Competition Award that Dr. Simeone presented to Breedlove featured a model of the Museum’s Cobra Daytona Coupe CSX 2287, the car Breedlove co-drove to 23 international records in 1965, shortly before breaking the 600 MPH barrier in his Sonic I jet-powered car . This was also the barnfind Cobra Daytona http://justacarguy.blogspot.com/2011/08/stop-if-youve-heard-this-one-before.html

Wednesday, October 19th, 2011. Breedlove joined drivers Mario Andretti, Janet Guthrie, and John Fitch as an Award recipient.

“Craig Breedlove represents what you can achieve if you have a clear vision and determination,”

“With only a handful of volunteers and a shoestring budget, he was able to accomplish what many others could not. His achievements captured the country’s imagination and made him a household name.” commented Fred Simeone, executive director of the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum.

His quest for a speed record captured the imagination of the nation and his technological feat became a symbol of national pride during the Cold War. His achievements made him a household name in the 1960s, and the Beach Boys even wrote a song about him. Shortly before exceeding 600 mph in November, 1965, Breedlove set 23 international speed records – including averaging 150 mph for 12 hours - co-driving the Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe (CSX2287) that is on display at the Simeone Museum.

The Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum (Philiadelphia) was awarded the International Historic Motoring Awards “Museum of the Year” for 2011-2012

2012-02-07T18:10:00.000-08:00

http://simeonemuseum.org/events/simeone-museum-named-museum-of-the-year

The judging panel included such noted figures as TV host Jay Leno, vintage car racer and Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason, Pebble Beach Chief Judge Ed Gilbertson, five times Le Mans winner Derek Bell and Lady Susie Moss, wife of racing icon Sir Stirling Moss, Horst Bruning, president of the International Federation of Veteran Automobiles, Ian Callum, design director of Jaguar Cars, Duncan Wiltshire, Chairman of Motor Racing Legends, Robert Coucher, international editor of Octane magazine, Peter Stevens, designer of McLaren F1, and Simon Kidston, international car consultant and commentator.

The other museums that were considered were the National Motor Museum of England and the Jaguar Heritage Museum in the UK, the Peterson Museum in Los Angeles, and the Auto Museum Prototyp in Germany.

“This is an enormous honor for the Simeone Automotive Museum, especially considering the quality of the other institutions that were considered,” said Executive Director Fred Simeone. “These are the very best automotive museums in the world and we were humbled just to be considered. To actually win was beyond our wildest dreams. This award is the greatest international recognition to which an automotive museum can aspire.”

The results were announced on November 16th 2011.

During WW2, Firestone made floatation belts in Akron Ohio... here is an awesome story about that factory's QA

2012-02-07T17:51:00.000-08:00

thanks to my friend Roy for sending me this to share with you

inside the 2012 Suede Palace, at the Grand National Roadster Show

2012-02-06T21:44:00.000-08:00

Similar to an Excalibur (ugly) but of unknown exact manufacture, the Valentino Indian

2012-02-06T21:32:00.000-08:00

The woman in blue owns it, wants to sell, and says it was made for a Rudy Valentino movie... but had nothing to show this to be factual.

My guess is that it's a late 1960's one off, made by someone who liked the Excalibur, and the rest is a sales ploy.

BOMONSTER sticker found at the Grand National Roadster Show, the only artist's work other than pinstriping that I saw on any vehicle there... that's right, no Coop!

2012-02-06T20:16:00.000-08:00

http://bomonster.com/store/gallery.html?SID=cb86be21a05d0ed5532a1cbb481abb0f

First rat rod I've seen with a Racoon tail

2012-02-06T20:06:00.000-08:00

Wild Turkey and Coke is the only thing this post could be called. Thank you Sue!

2012-02-06T19:55:00.000-08:00

Cool stuff I found among the rat rods at the 2012 Grand National Roadster Show

2012-02-05T20:59:00.000-08:00

the above is the coolest thing I found among the rat rods. Everything else was a distant second. Compliments and congrats to whoever did this!

and down between the cool seats is

Rat Rod magazine

Way cool Kultured virgin Mary

Bitchin door handle

it's rare to see a car with this minimal a windscreen

but it had this cool Stewart Warner tach in the below photo

great old Buick, and everytime I look inside this model, I notice the mirror reflected speedometer, which might be the only car I've ever seen with one, and I don't think I ever noticed the cool gear selector indicator before

1928 Essex with a 1957 392 hemi. Gotta be the only one

great turn indicators

awesome ashtrays

Ted's Rod Shop rat rod at the Grand National Roadster Show 2012

2012-02-05T20:30:00.000-08:00

I dig the leather belts and blanket... it's a small touch, but it seems to complete the look of the trunk area very well. Nice pinstriping too... very nice. Not day glow neon colors, instead they are complimentary to the colors of the car, and are subtle, but accentuating.

http://www.tedsrodshop.com/ is the winner of the GNRS 2011 Best Radical Custom 1935-1948 and the
West Coast Kustoms Most Outstanding Custom of the Year.

the next rat rod is also from Ted's

I'm not sure if the following photos are of Ted's cars though

I think the above catch all is from a military mess kit. Intended to be used as a cup or soup bowl.

I don't know what the shifter handle is or was... but I like it

Not many people include bitchin old fire extinhuishers... but it is cool.

and having an old can wrapped around the ignition coil is not uncommon, but never is it oeverstated. It's cool, and I like seeing what guys have found, and how old or auto related the cans original use was. The more unusual the better

I felt the Steampunk desire today, So I watched "Steamboy" and grabbed these screen shots, cool movie, just make sure to select the language options of your native tongue and avoid reading the whole thing

2012-02-05T20:13:00.000-08:00

any movie with a motorwheel can't be bad. A steam powered one is even better.

Good kid has a runn in with the bad guys trying to steal the plans and prototype his inventor dad and grand dad sent him, and the kid tries to escape, using that motorwheel, gets chased to a locomotive, which gets attacked by a blimp ...

later the bad guys send out an army of armored soldiers, and this aeronaut

who all are engaging in a war with the british who have these cool old tanks. The time frame is Victorian, and before any vehicles but the trains and tanks.

Leatherheads, the movie, had some great vehicles from the 1920's... George Clooney driving a motorcycle and sidecar, and Rene Zellweger. Good movie

2012-02-05T16:12:00.000-08:00

I looked carefully at the motorcycle, and can't see who made it. Could be any of several bike companies

barnfind Devin was hiding a Ferrari 340 America chassis... that will fetch 10000 times the ebay sale price of 26 thou if restored

2012-02-04T15:15:00.000-08:00

Full story at http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2006-08-13/travel/0608130044_1_chassis-racers-collectors

But the short story is that this was a significant racecar, and when the original body was thoroughly damaged, a fiberglass Devin body was mounted 46 years ago, and the Ferrari lineage was forgotten. Out of sight, out of mind.

The seller bought it as a $200 project 15 years ago. It's a factory competition Ferrari, as the even numbered ones were, #0202 precisely. The car raced at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1952.

Luigi Chinetti bought it in 1953 and sold it to Ernie McAfee in Los Angeles.

Shaughnessy has the edge. "I already have a running engine, rear end, transmission, pedal box, radiator and oil cooler."
He even thinks he knows where the original V-12 engine is and hopes he might be able to persuade the owner to trade for his motor, which is close to the same number.

if restored, the Ferrari will look like the below photo

Photos from http://www.gatsbyonline.com/main.aspx?page=text&id=758&cat=auto

I learned about this barnfind at http://www.hagerty.com/classic-car-articles-resources/Features/News/All-Articles/2012/01/26/Top-five-barn-finds?utm_source=ExactTarget&utm_medium=email&utm_term=&utm_content=&utm_campaign=January%20Hagerty%20News

Ever heard of a Hebmuller VW? I just learned of it. VW ordered a coachbuilder to make 2000 of them. Good looking!

2012-02-04T15:09:00.000-08:00

At the request of Volkswagen Managing Director Heinz Nordhoff, Hebmüller and Karmann would build cabriolets for Volkswagen, with as many Type 1 parts, such as chassis, engine, and body panels, as possible. Hebmüller was to build the 2+2 cabriolet, and Karmann the four-seat cabriolet. By contrast with the Karmann, the Heb was intended as a sporting model.

this 1951 example has had it's history tracked, and it's story is kinda interesting... it was once traded for a International Harvester dump truck! Full story at http://www.tomstrongman.com/ClassicCars/Hebmuller/Gallerytemp.htm

Of the 700 built before a factory fire, about only 100 still exist

The cool hot rod haulers were teamed up in a display at the GNRS

2012-02-03T20:41:00.000-08:00

the one on the left is Al Meyling's http://justacarguy.blogspot.com/2011/04/al-meylings-47-cab-over-hot-rod-hauler.html

this flamejobbed hot rod has been posted on this blog a couple times... it's a regular at the Del Mar Goodguys shopw

Twin 1937 Boattail Rolls Royces with a story were at the Grand National Roadster Show.. you can never predict what cool stuff you'll see!

2012-02-03T20:29:00.000-08:00

Both built in 1937, one was donated to the war effort and was rebodied to be a Ambulance, the other found it's way to Puerto Rico and became termite food

these won the people's choice award at the Art Center car show

Hot Wheels Edition Mustang

2012-02-03T20:16:00.000-08:00

Good looking paint design

P51 Mustang story from a 12 yr old kids perspective... happened in 1967

2012-02-03T19:49:00.000-08:00

The pilot arrived by cab, paid the driver, and then stepped into the pilot's lounge. He was an older man; his wavy hair was gray and tossed. It looked like it might have been combed, say, around the turn of the century. His flight jacket was checked, creased and worn - it smelled old and genuine. Old Glory was prominently sewn to its shoulders. He projected a quiet air of proficiency and pride devoid of arrogance. He filed a quick flight plan to Montreal (Expo-67, Air Show) then walked across the tarmac.

After taking several minutes to perform his walk-around check the pilot returned to the flight lounge to ask if anyone would be available to stand by with fire extinguishers while he "flashed the old bird up, just to be safe."

Though only 12 at the time I was allowed to stand by with an extinguisher after brief instruction on its use -- "If you see a fire, point, then pull this lever!" I later became a firefighter, but that's another story. The air around the exhaust manifolds shimmered like a mirror from fuel fumes as the huge prop started to rotate. One manifold, then another, and yet another barked -- I stepped back with the others. In moments the Packard-built Merlin engine came to life with a thunderous roar, blue flames knifed from her manifolds. I looked at the others' faces, there was no concern. I lowered the bell of my extinguisher. One of the guys signaled to walk back to the lounge. We did.

Several minutes later we could hear the pilot doing his pre flight run-up. He'd taxied to the end of runway 19, out of sight. All went quiet for several seconds; we raced from the lounge to the second story deck to see if we could catch a glimpse of the P-51 as she started down the runway. We could not. There we stood, eyes fixed to a spot half way down 19. Then a roar ripped across the field, much louder than before, like a furious hell spawn set loose---something mighty this way was coming. "Listen to that thing!" said the controller.

In seconds the Mustang burst into our line of sight. Its tail was already off and it was moving faster than anything I'd ever seen by that point on 19. Two-thirds the way down 19 the Mustang was airborne with her gear going up. The prop tips were supersonic; we clasped our ears as the Mustang climbed hellish fast into the circuit to be eaten up by the dog-day haze.

We stood for a few moments in stunned silence trying to digest what we'd just seen. The radio controller rushed by me to the radio. Kingston tower calling Mustang?" He looked back to us as he waited for an acknowledgment.

The radio crackled, "Go ahead Kingston."

"Roger Mustang. Kingston tower would like to advise the circuit is clear for a low level pass." I stood in shock because the controller had, more or less, just asked the pilot to return for an impromptu air show!
The controller looked at us. "What?" He asked. "I can't let that guy go without asking. I couldn't forgive myself!"

The radio crackled once again, Kingston, do I have permission for a low level pass, east to west, across the field?"
"Roger Mustang, the circuit is clear for an east to west pass."

"Roger, Kingston, I'm coming out of 3000 feet, stand by."
We rushed back onto the second-story deck, eyes fixed toward the eastern haze. The sound was subtle at first, a high-pitched whine, a muffled screech, a distant scream.

Moments later the P-51 burst through the haze. Her airframe straining against positive Gs and gravity, wing tips spilling contrails of condensed air, prop-tips again supersonic as the burnished bird blasted across the eastern margin of the field shredding and tearing the air.

At about 500 mph and 150 yards from where we stood she passed with the old American pilot saluting. Imagine. A salute! I felt like laughing, I felt like crying, she glistened, she screamed, the building shook, my heart pounded.

Then the old pilot pulled her up and rolled, and rolled, and rolled out of sight into the broken clouds and indelibly into my memory. I've never wanted to be an American more than on that day. It was a time when many nations in the world looked to America as their big brother, a steady and even-handed beacon of security who navigated difficult political water with grace and style; not unlike the pilot who'd just flown into my memory. He was proud, not arrogant, humble, not a braggart, old and honest, projecting an aura of America at its best. That America will return one day, I know it will. Until that time, I'll just send off this story; call it a reciprocal salute, to the old American pilot who wove a memory for a young Canadian that's lasted a lifetime.

The story I thought of when I read this, http://justacarguy.blogspot.com/2010/02/uncle-bob-corsair-pilot-heroes-dont.html

Justacargal posted a gallery of paths and roads, one of her best ever posts, here are just a few examples of the cool photos she used

2012-02-03T19:38:00.000-08:00

for the entire gallery: http://justacargal.blogspot.com/2012/01/great-lanes-photos.html

Dean Weller turns old automobile parts and sheet metal into works of art in this 1918 Model T Garage

2012-02-03T19:00:00.000-08:00

Not open to the public, but located in DeSoto Kansas, the sign in the window says Grandpas Garage and Body Shop. Dean is a grassroots artist and retired 31 years ago, but he has been creating nearly a vehicle a year

you can possibly read the front license plate, 1912 Mercer raceabout, but it's a replica, and everything except the lights ,was handmade by Dean on the frame and drivetrain of a 1930 Pontiac. Only 20 originals exist.

1932 Buick model 66S 4 passenger special coupe - straight 8

the yellow boat tail once was a '47 chev truck hood

Above, 1921 Model T pie wagon

read about this automotive artist and restorer at http://www.kansastravel.org/grandpasoldfordgarage.htm

the Duece Week pedal cars customized by the best in the hot rod customizing business were on display at the GNRS

2012-02-02T19:50:00.000-08:00

wow, woodlight headlights on a pedal car... cool!

Dean Moon's dragster hauler/transporter was hanging out in front of the NHRA Museum

2012-02-02T19:39:00.000-08:00

even has the moon streamline hubcaps... classic cool

the Hot Rod Garage brought a Marmon Sixteen to the GNRS... wow, that isn't what you'd expect at a hot rod show!

2012-02-02T19:25:00.000-08:00

"Special K" the 1951 Kaiser Henry J I admired at the GNRS

2012-02-02T19:10:00.000-08:00

A variety of display items and the coolest stanchions at this years Grand National Roadster Show

2012-02-02T18:59:00.000-08:00

I like this, pretty damn cool, and I haven't seen anything like a flathead and coolant hose stantion before

For last years GNRS cool stanchions http://justacarguy.blogspot.com/2011/01/cool-stantions-at-gran-national.html

Indian Ben's "Scary Fast" Creeper Seat Racer

2012-02-02T18:53:00.000-08:00

Ron Young brought his custom 41 Buick to the Grand National Roadster Show, and I got some better photos this time

2012-02-02T18:50:00.000-08:00

here is the link to the gallery from last fall's LA Autorama http://justacarguy.blogspot.com/2011/10/some-copper-trim-on-this-buick-makes-it.html

Homage to Budweiser Beer truck at the GNRS

2012-02-02T18:47:00.000-08:00

Another 1950's Taylor Tot baby buggy, cool art deco look with paint & pinstripes added

2012-02-02T18:43:00.000-08:00

I came across a couple of these before at Xavier the X-Mans cruise for a cure http://justacarguy.blogspot.com/2010/08/there-were-2-of-1950-taylor-tot.html

The "Atomitron" 1949 Studebaker truck, check out the bodywork and other work credits, major names like Masterson, Hines, Watson, Barris

2012-02-02T18:30:00.000-08:00

Eric Zausner's Aerosport Roadster (based on a '36 Ford)

2012-02-02T18:26:00.000-08:00

The coolest hot rod trophy I've ever seen. Wow. My compliments to the creator, and the Helldivers CC for giving it to a hot rodder of their choice.

2012-01-31T18:27:00.000-08:00

I see a cocktail shaker, fuel filter, half a fule pump, wingnut steering, hinge seat, headlight glass for the dome, 3 thermostats, a couple taps and sockets, tail light, and chrome trim

Is this not the coolest car parts art / hot rod trophy you've seen? I've seen similar art sell for thousands.

Suede palace handmade trophys fot car club picks, always one thing I make sure to photograph to share the amazing ingenuity. +

2012-01-31T18:15:00.000-08:00

for last years cool hot rod trophys by car clubs: http://justacarguy.blogspot.com/2011/01/car-club-made-trophys-to-be-awarded-to.html

The coolest things I found at the 2012 Grand National Roadster Show, #1 - Erik Salin's "California Color" Kustom Kulture and electric guitar fusion

2012-01-31T17:23:00.000-08:00

http://eriksalin-art.com/guitares/guitars.html

The coolest things I found at the 2012 Grand National Roadster Show, #2 - Rad Rides by Troy (Trepanier) is making a Talledega for Poteet

2012-01-31T17:03:00.000-08:00

What this CNC'd plate in the trunk does, I've no clue. Most incredible fuel tank top?

The coolest things I found at the 2012 Grand National Roadster Show, #3 - homemade speedometer, Roman numerals, w/ boost, and temp gauge inset

2012-01-31T16:57:00.000-08:00

This blow your mind? Does mine. No one at the vehicle to ask for it's maker name, phone number, and cost... cause I know I'm not the only one curious and impressed

Update Feb 9th:

I spent about 1k on it, did a LOT of research, running around etc. I had been sitting on sketches and tons of photos of watches and clocks for like 3 or 4 years until I finally just HAD to make it. I have photos of the clay models I did too. The inspiration for this gauge was a large rusty wall clock I saw at Target.

Ed Fox

http://www.edfox.com/#/auto/4e589161b3b32a058f00000e

the above is a shot of Airmighty Magazine, where Ed got the the cover and feature. Ed is a photographer of portraits, porn, foot fetish, and movie posters. Lots of great work on his site: http://www.edfox.com/ nothing on cars.. but hell, with porn stars to photograph, I doubt any of us would be as interested in photographing cars either!

Tow Mater's disguises... and with all the monster truck posts I've had lately, here is his "Monster" truck disguise

2012-01-27T18:43:00.000-08:00

Cars, and Cars 2... great movies. I've enjoyed all the full length movies I've seen from Pixar, and most of the short pre movie cartoons... the people at Pixar set a new standard for animation, and did an incredible job on how a world would look from the viewpoint of personable automobiles if people didn't exist

"Cars 2" movie from Pixar/Disney had a few natural stone formations converted to automotive looking themes

2012-01-27T18:35:00.000-08:00

The Mater Horn... witty

"Cars 2" movie from Pixar/Disney had a lot of small details of conversion to automotive looking architecture

2012-01-27T18:31:00.000-08:00

they call it Big Bentley in the movie

They were right smart to label it Holden

Leave Spring under the above bridge, and replacing the cables in the London Bridge below

through out the movie you'll see statues of cars instead of people

I totally dig the wire wheel in the Eiffel tower, could be based on Kelsey Hayes, but who knows

the side of the Notre Dame looks like an exhaust header

A valve cover topping the Arc De Triumphe

a piston for an elevator

A Boyce Motormeter in the above building

the light shade looks like an type of engine

I didn't see all of these the first time or the second time I watched the movie... but I saw a lot of them, and found the rest when looking for them specifically for this post

Vintage Xmas home video of a train set under the Xmas tree... from Next Stop Decature Blogspot (the best small town blog about towns I've ever seen, might as well be the textbook how to of small town blogs)

2012-01-27T18:00:00.000-08:00

found on http://next-stop-decatur-ga.blogspot.com/

The Lucas Oil Crusader caught huge air

2012-01-25T22:00:00.000-08:00

Suspension travel is mighty fine thing

2012-01-25T21:02:00.000-08:00

Those tires absorb a lot of impact too

The Patriot Monster Truck caught big air, bounced hard, and was on the way to a winning score run, but took a turn too fast and tipped over

2012-01-25T20:30:00.000-08:00

Tasmanian Devil driver put on a great show, and got sideways on a big jump... ended up on it's side... but these trucks are incredibly safely built, and the driver ran to meet the crowd after

2012-01-24T21:34:00.000-08:00

see http://justacargal.blogspot.com/search/label/Monster%20Jam for a lot more Monster Truck coverage

Best slap wheelie of the San Diego Monster Jam event

2012-01-24T20:36:00.000-08:00

Monster truck slap wheelies by Ice Cream Man, Felon, and Capt USA

2012-01-24T20:08:00.000-08:00

Here is where I missed the shot of the front wheels touching down... because that happens really fast, faster than my camera gets ready for a new photo

see http://justacargal.blogspot.com/search/label/Monster%20Jam for a lot more Monster Truck coverage

Uh oh, something caught on fire.. the Terminator lost his engine in a tornado spin, but kept full throttle til it burst in flames, the Lucas Oil truck had some mystery small fire

2012-01-24T20:00:00.000-08:00

Razin Kane

2012-01-24T19:52:00.000-08:00

Monster trucks in action, at a glance

2012-01-24T06:07:00.000-08:00

Just trying something a bit different in a new way... instead of 4 or 5 photos in a sequence scrolling down the page, I put these on screen at the same time and captured the screen. Better or worse than the single photos in sequence?

Grave Digger's freestyle at San Diego Monster Jam

2012-01-23T20:53:00.000-08:00

below, a great recovery from a near tip over

but you see that one back tire collapsed, and spinning a tornado ripped it off, right into center stage where it was perfectly placed to jump over... really, how many trucks can say they were doing 3 wheel jumps over the 4th?

see http://justacargal.blogspot.com/search/label/Monster%20Jam for a lot more Monster Truck coverage

Monster truck power slide (the rain had stopped hours before) by Son Uva Digger... photos

2012-01-23T20:00:00.000-08:00

see http://justacargal.blogspot.com/search/label/Monster%20Jam for a lot more Monster Truck coverage

The many uses and ways the Jeep has been the workhorse in so many places and varieties of terrain

2012-01-22T19:54:00.001-08:00

rare to see a FC jeep

not only was the Jeep a pusher, but look at the difference in front tires on the sprint car!

all from http://www.ewillys.com/?cat=195

Jeep cemetaries in Okinawa and Pusan

2012-01-22T19:54:00.000-08:00

all found on http://www.ewillys.com/?cat=195 but originally from Life Magazine

Kiera Knightley, one of the most beautful faces in movies... was a motorcycle rider in a Chanel perfume commercial

2012-01-22T12:37:00.000-08:00

found on http://karamelocycles.blogspot.com

the Gil Evgren pin ups you've seen before, but never with a bit of movement like this!

2012-01-22T11:35:00.001-08:00

found on http://karamelocycles.blogspot.com

for more Gil Evgren pinup art:http://justacarguy.blogspot.com/2011/01/pinups-by-gil-elvgren.html

There are only two of the Bugatti Atalantic type 57SC, one at the Mullin Museum (highest price ever paid for a car), one in the Ralph Lauren collection.. but even cars this expensive have been in the classifieds

2012-01-22T10:57:00.000-08:00

above from my post 2 years ago http://justacarguy.blogspot.com/2010/01/some-amazing-things-turned-up-in.html

Bottom image from http://karamelocycles.blogspot.com/2011/06/bugatti-type-57s-atlante-1937.html

3 were made, one was hit by a train in 1950. So one of the above was the car in the calssifieds.

the 1963 Corvair design prototype by Bertone

2012-01-21T23:35:00.000-08:00

found on http://karamelocycles.blogspot.com/2011/09/chevrolet-corvair-testudo-by-bertone.html

Monster Truck night is here! Qualcomm Stadium, 7pm

2012-01-21T16:20:00.000-08:00

photos from Tere's big gallery, she was able to get to the stadium yesterday for the preview and set up http://justacargal.blogspot.com/2012/01/monster-jam-2012-media-day.html

Hollywoods Golden age stars of the silver screen and their cars

2012-01-21T15:35:00.000-08:00

Clark Gable and his 32 Packard

Laurel and Hardy in a 1930 Buick Series 30

Al Jolson and his Mercedes

Errol Flynn and his Auburn Speedster

Ginger Rodgers and her 37 Dodge

Jimmy Stewart and his Plymouth

Joan Crawford and her 32 Lincoln Model K

Bing Crosby and a 39 Oldsmobile at the movie studios

Cary Grant and his 1941 Buick Century

Dave Koontz photography of the Hillsborough Concours de Elegance, from SportsCarDigest.com

2012-01-21T15:17:00.000-08:00

1911 Model T

1937 Bugatti type 57SC

1932 Packard Model 900

1920 Bugatti type 13 Breschia

http://www.sportscardigest.com/hillsborough-concours-delegance-2011-photo-gallery/?nggpage=4

Team Isetta had the 300 at the Hillsborough Concours d'Elegance held August, 28, 2011 at the Crystal Springs Golf Course!

2012-01-21T13:31:00.000-08:00

above clipped from http://www.teamisetta.com/

above 2 images from http://www.flickr.com/photos/22166506@N06/6094230867/in/photostream/

above 3 are from http://www.thebayareasbackroads.com/2012/01/1957-bmw-isetta-cabriolet-300.html

Does anyone know of a Tubonique Drag Axle for sale?

2012-01-21T13:03:00.000-08:00

Jody Morgenstunde@activist.com wants one

He writes that he is going to remanufacture them, and needs original parts to make engineering drawings, molds, and models from...

I have been able to find technical info on the thrust engines, micro-turbines, even working units of those for sale, but have had no luck on obtaining anything to do with the drag axles which are the real power houses.

Yes, if you would not mind, I would appreicate it if you could post that I am looking for turbonique items.

I do buy other parts as well, because I intend re-manufacture turbonique items and existing parts are alot easier to make molds from.

Ron Pratte collection update, his collection is shown in a video that was used to show his sale of these four cars at Barrett Jackson auction this weekend

2012-01-21T10:48:00.000-08:00

The current record is $1,127,500 paid for Tucker #1045 about 18 months ago. This Tucker is in much better condition.

1947 Bentley mark VI with coachwork by Franay, last offered for sale by Barrett-Jackson at their 2006 Palm Beach auction, where the hammer fell at $1,728,000

1957 Desoto Adventurer
images and text from http://blog.hemmings.com/index.php/2012/01/19/five-vehicles-from-ron-prattes-collection-set-to-cross-barrett-jacksons-scottsdale-auction-block/

one of only 153 1968 Shelby GT500 convertibles with thte 428 and 4 speed built in 1968

below are most of the cars Ron Pratte auctioned off this weekend, the ones that aren't already pictured above

the above two images from http://www.barrett-jackson.com/application/onlinesubmission/collections.aspx?cid=5

the video that shows Ron Prattes collection doesn't have an embed ability, so you'll have to go to Speed TV.com to see it: http://www.speedtv.com/video/barrett-jackson/scottsdale/bj-ron-pratte-collection-1395246246001/1#_vtop but here are some screen grabs from it

above images from that video linked above

Bellan and Giardina in Vicenza Italy... nice video!

2012-01-20T06:20:00.000-08:00

found on http://flaviogomes.warmup.com.br

Best video and interview of Randy Grubb (Blastolene Brother) artist / maker of the Deco Liner

2012-01-19T21:17:00.000-08:00

this is a 15 minute video, and I can't wait to see if the Pulse Jet bellytanker gets to El Mirage. What am I talking about? The interview happened when a pulse jet expert was at Randy's, and they seem to have collaborated on a bellytanker with a pulse jet the power equivalent of the V1 rocket

Found on http://karamelocycles.blogspot.com/2012/01/blastolene-story-tuned.html

to see the gallery I posted from the Long Beach Autorama: http://justacarguy.blogspot.com/2011/10/blastolene-brothers-invent-again-randy.html

Steve McQueen and Paul Newman... both motorbike riders, and featured on Karamelocycles.blogspot.com

2012-01-19T20:29:00.000-08:00

and to make an important point clear... I've never seen these images before! Bravo Karamelocycles!
http://karamelocycles.blogspot.com

Iian let me know about "Gumdrop" a kids book series about a 1926 Clifton Tourer 12/4

2012-01-19T20:13:00.000-08:00

Val Biro an illustrator wrote a series of popular childrens books about the vintage Austin "Gumdrop" he owned.

In the first four books Gumdrop suffers various indignities before being rescued and restored (at least twice),

These books contain a lot of details including cutaway drawings of the car. They are really quite charming and provide an interesting glimpse of the trendy early sixties vintage car scene

http://www.vintage-austin.co.uk/gumdrop.html

Thanks Iian!

"The Northwest Terror" the Marv Tonkin Shelby Mustang GT350, gets a feature in this months Hemmings Muscle Machines, page 62

2012-01-18T21:23:00.001-08:00

These photos were ones I took at the Coronado Speedfest at the North Island Naval Airstation this past Sept... http://justacarguy.blogspot.com/search/label/2011%20Speedfest

if you can get through the sign in registration (I never got through it) if you are a Hemmings subscriber, you can read the article at http://www.hemmings.com/mus/stories/2012/02/01/hmn_feature13.html

Fangio's first race car, 1939 Chevrolet

2012-01-18T21:11:00.000-08:00

can't recall where I found the image

might be a Pinto, but it still got the babe!

2012-01-18T21:10:00.000-08:00

found on http://reservatory6.blogspot.com/

DeLisio’s Performance in Clyde, New York state.... rare restoration shop, specializes in 1964 Thunderbolt 427 Fairlanes

2012-01-18T21:08:00.000-08:00

1964 Ford Thunderbolt 427 Fairlane. Ford built 100 of these cars. There are only about 60 left, and of those Delisio has restored 17 of them. 'Nazy Crate' is his favorite.

http://rochester.ynn.com/content/other_features/viewfinder/522939/classic-car-restorer-has-hot-wheels/

"Imported from Detroit" what that breaks down to

2012-01-18T20:57:00.000-08:00

"a Canadian car, a Mexican engine, a Brooklyn rapper and a song sample from Tennessee"

Automobile Magazine Jan 2012 issue, page 12

Another example of Ezra Dyer being one of the few great humorous automotive writers you can find

2012-01-18T20:51:00.000-08:00

The most incredible thing about the all-wheel-drive Veyron is not its engine but its drivetrain. A Veyron just digs in and goes. I try not to indulge in hyperbole, but when I floor the Veyron, we pass a tribe of Morlocks and the Wicked Witch of the West, and the sky turns green and commuters fly past on personal dirigibles, and then I hit the brakes and we return to our dimension.

I have a split second to think, "Hey, this is fast but controllable." Then the turbos hit.
It's like a bomb went off behind the rear bumper and we're surfing the shockwave. I upshift and it happens again, except now we're going much faster. The rear end scrabbles for traction and I find myself countersteering at perhaps 65 mph. I back off the gas, because I am not ready to visit third gear of the Mosler Raptor on this particular street. Not even if Waylon Jennings were sitting next to me singing the Dukes of Hazzard theme song.

http://www.automobilemag.com/features/columns/1201_dyer_consequences_has_rear_wheel_drive_reached_its_limit/index.html

what a differenace a restoration makes on auction results

2012-01-18T20:42:00.000-08:00

a 1939 Futurliner just sold at the Worldwide Auctioneers in Auburn Indiana
$247,500. The Jan 2012 issue of Automobile magazine says that a west coast dealer is now asking $400,000 for this bus.
New tires, and the rest needs resotration. The tires alone cost about $15,000.

Today, nine of the original 12 Futurliner vehicles have been located, with two of the nine already beyond repair, serving only as “parts” vehicles. One inventive collector converted one Futurliner into a motorhome. Another, used by a bus company in Massachusetts, now does duty as a display vehicle for the bus company. Once decommissioned by GM, still another found its way into the hands of the Oral Roberts’ crusades in the 1960s, dubbed the Cathedral Cruiser. Still others are in various states of restoration.
These incredible vehicles are 33 feet long with a 248-inch wheelbase, eight feet wide and stand nearly 12 feet tall. One of its most unusual features of a GM Futurliner truck is its dual (side-by-side) front wheels steered of course by a hydraulic power steering. Now restored Futurliner trucks have the ability to be shod correctly in stunning, period-correct real wide whitewall tires thanks to famed collector Mr. Ron Pratte and the folks at Coker Tire.
http://blog.cokertire.com/general-post/gm-futurliner-restoration-ron-pratte/

in 2006 at Barrett Jackson one that was restored sold for $4,320,000