1-800-551-4754 Tech Tips
GTO Paint Removal RestorationTechnique
Good bodywork is the foundation of a quality paint job. You can't have one without the other. How many times have you looked at a shiny, new paint job at a distance only to inspect it up close and find a visual nightmare of poor panel alignment, waves, and sanding...
Reader Rides: 1972 Plymouth Road Runner GTX
Owner NameBryan ShervaHome TownAndover, MN Vehicle Year, Make & Model1972 Plymouth Road Runner GTXHow long have you owned this vehicle?Since 1985Where did you find this vehicleIn CaliforniaAny projects planned for this vehicle in the future?Nope, just enjoy the complete resto I did last year.Has this vehicle won any awards?1 GSTA...
Reader Rides: 1966 Plymouth Barracuda
Owner NameBob DawsonHome TownLakeville, MN Vehicle Year, Make & Model1966 Plymouth BarracudaHow long have you owned this vehicle?Since 2008Where/how did you find this vehicleBought from the estate of a friend who passed.Any projects planned for this vehicle in the future?No Has this vehicle won any awards?Local car show trophysPower Train...
Independent Rear Suspension Installation
 A crucial part of the Factory Five Cobra MK4 assembly is fitting the differential and rear suspension to the chassis. A solid axle or an optional three-link rear axle are available through Factory Five. Over the years, most Cobras have been assembled with the solid axle ear. However, for...
Fixing Burned-Up Cable
 by Tony Candela  This tech tip is from the full book, AUTOMOTIVE WIRING AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS. For a comprehensive guide on this entire subject you can visit this link:LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS BOOK HERESHARE THIS ARTICLE: Please feel free to share this post on Facebook Groups or Forums/Blogs you...
Choosing a Cylinder Head
With the exception of Stock Eliminator drag racing and various lower level circle track applications, most racing engines use aluminum heads. Some applications are restricted to the stock-type iron heads and valve sizes with no porting allowed, but most applications allow aluminum heads with a variety of valve sizes and...
Reader Rides: 1961 Chevrolet Impala
Owner NameEric Janof Home TownKansas CityVehicle Year, Make & Model1961 Chevrolet ImpalaHow long have you owned this vehicle?1-1/2 yearsAny projects planned for this vehicle in the future?Going to install a Tremec TKO 600 5 speed tranny soon.Has this vehicle won any awards?First time out I won a Sponser's Pick Trophy at...
Reader Rides: 1970 Mercury Cyclone Spoiler
Owner NameSteve Mitchell Vehicle Year, Make & Model1970 Mercury Cyclone SpoilerHow long have you owned this vehicle?Since 2004Where/how did you find this vehicleIn Arizona on eBay Any projects planned for this vehicle in the future?Just enjoy itHas this vehicle won any awards?Many at local showsPower Train Engine size and Horsepower429...
Corvette Fiberglass Panel Removal 1963–1967
Since its release in 1953, the Corvette’s body has been constructed of fiberglass, and as such, the replacement and repair techniques are far different than traditional stamped sheet-metal panels. Cracked, chipped, and punctured panels can be patched and repaired, but if the damage is extensive, the panel must be removed...
Reader Rides: 1970 Z-28 Camaro
Owner Name John Weber Home Town Wichita Vehicle Year, Make & Model 1970 Z-28 CamaroHow long have you owned this vehicle? 8 YearsWhere/how did you find this vehicle Found it online in ST. Louis, MO.Any projects planned for this vehicle in the future? I am to the point now that I...
Chevy 348/409 Aftermarket Head Manufacturers
   This tech tip is from the full book, HOW TO REBUILD & MODIFY CHEVY 348/409 ENGINES. For a comprehensive guide on this entire subject you can visit this link: LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS BOOK HERESHARE THIS ARTICLE: Please feel free to share this post on Facebook Groups...
Creating Body Panel Crown
One skill a sheet-metal fabricator has in his or her repertoire is the ability to form crowns. To form a crown, you need to be able to diligently and precisely use a variety of tools and work with sheet metal on two planes. In many applications, you form complex curves...
Standalone Engine Controllers
A standalone engine controller has the ability to perform all of its own engine monitoring and control functions from a single box. It does not require any outside assistance from body or chassis modules. As such, they are particularly well suited to race cars, hot rods, and classics where these...
Reader Rides: 1958 Dodge Regal Lancer
Owner NameRandy GuyerHome TownMinnetonka, MN Vehicle Year, Make & Model1958 Dodge Regal LancerHow long have you owned this vehicle?Since 2008Where/how did you find this vehicleBarrett Jackson - part of the liquidation of the Jess Ruffalo collectionAny projects planned for this vehicle in the future?NoHas this vehicle won any awards?Many local...
Reader Rides: 1964 Mercury Comet Cyclone
Owner NameBryan Harp Vehicle Year, Make & Model1964 Mercury Comet CycloneHow long have you owned this vehicle?Since1991Where/how did you find this vehicleBought as a basket case in South DakotaAny projects planned for this vehicle in the future?No, just maintenance and repairHas this vehicle won any awards?Trophys from local shows Power...
Reader Rides: 1962 Mercury Monterey
Owner NameKirk HallHome TownRichfield, MN Vehicle Year, Make & Model1962 Mercury MontereyHow long have you owned this vehicle?Since 2009Where/how did you find this vehicleThe car came from upstate NY. I am the 3rd ownerAny projects planned for this vehicle in the future?NoHas this vehicle won any awards?Trophies in the original...
Reader Rides: 1971 Dodge Demon
Owner NameAllen LongmireHome TownDavenport, IA Vehicle Year, Make & Model1971 Dodge DemonHow long have you owned this vehicle?Since 2002Where/how did you find this vehicleIn St. Louis, sitting behind a garage.Power Train Engine size and Horsepower360 stroked to 426 cubic inchesTell us about any engine modificationsMagnum motor, edelbrock heads, hydraulic roller...
Reader Rides: 1966 Chevelle SS 396
Owner NameJim Larson Vehicle Year, Make & Model1966 Chevelle SS 396How long have you owned this vehicle?Since 2004Where/how did you find this vehicleIt was listed for sale in Menomonie, Ontario. It was actually in Menomonie, WI. Only about 50 miles away.Any projects planned for this vehicle in the future?I just...
ÂÂMuscle Car Handling: Springs
The pro touring movement has gotten huge, with upgrades to brakes and suspension becoming the most popular among vintage muscle car enthusiasts. Improving the handling and braking capabilities of these old cars comes with some challenges. Knowing you’re actually improving the car is chief among them! For those who really...
Reader Rides: 1949 Ford F-1 Truck
Owner NameBob HarrellHome TownRochester Hills, MIÂ Vehicle Year, Make & Model1949 Ford F-1 TruckHow long have you owned this vehicle?12 yearsWhere/how did you find this vehicleOur truck has been in our family since 1957, and in a barn in Alabama for 20 years partially restored when we pulled it back...
Ford Differentials: How to Clean Inside of Housing
by Joe Palazzolo  The axle housing is completely empty now, except for the pinion bearing races. Drive them out with a steel punch. Place the end of the punch on the exposed lip of the bearing race and firmly tap and move the punch around the race. (This housing...
Ford Power Stroke Diesel Engine Facts
Ford's Power Stroke Diesel engines have powered thousands of trucks since their debut in 1994. Boasting many innovative and groundbreaking technologies, Power Stroke engines have a solid reputation for durability and power. The engine came standard with a turbo made by Garrett. At first, the engine was turbocharged without an...
Reader Rides: 1968 Ford Mustang
Owner NameTom Gruenfeld Home TownAuburn, WA Vehicle Year, Make & Model1968 Ford MustangHow long have you owned this vehicle?15 yearsWhere/how did you find this vehicleBought it from a freind whose father bought it new in 1968 at Cloberly Ford in Los Angeles CA. Sept 15th 1968, $3290.50.Any projects planned for this...
Oldsmobile Cylinder Head Guide
by Bill Trovato The traditional Oldsmobile V-8 is unique, in that both small- and big-block versions can share the same cylinder head castings. While few would ever recommend bolting small-block heads on a big-block engine, using the big-block heads atop a small-block bottom end is a cool hot rod trick....
