Category Archives: Car Restoration

1969 Shelby GT500 set for Auction off after 40 years in storage | Digital Trends

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By Joe Mahan — March 24, 2014

 

From dust to dust, people and cars come and go, but sometimes the old is reborn … and out of the dust emerges something immaculate.

A 1969 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 428 Cobra Jet is a mouthful to say but it will drop any car enthusiasts jaw. This particular garage-find was owned and perfectly preserved by a now-deceased automotive connoisseur and set for auction — hot on the heels of the submersible Lotus Esprit used by James Bond in “Never Say Never Again” and a ’63 Ferrari GTO that became the most expensive car ever sold.

Larry never washed the car for fear of scratching the paint job or cause even the slightest bit of rust. Yahoo News estimates that the only time the car was ever washed was before delivery. Accordingly, the car is in absolute showroom condition, except for a layer of dust.

GT 500 Love the hood!!

GT 500 Love the hood!!

This snake features a larger, 428-cubic-inch Cobra Jet engine mated to a four-speed manual transmission, which has run only 8,500 miles in total. The spark plugs, belts, fan, and hoses are all original. The only items that are not from 1968 are the tires.

Considering that this highly collectable GT500 has sat idle since 1973, it’s an extreme rarity. The Mustang was originally purchased for just $5,245 in 1969. Now, though, it should sell at auction for over $100,000.

The car will be auctioned off by Ron Gilligan Auctioneering on April 25.

It also looks like pack-rat owner also owned a 1971 Ford Ranchero with only 53,000 miles on it, and get this … a 1974 Ford Econoline Custom 100 van with only 554 original miles. Both vehicles are for sale along with a variety of other mint, perfectly maintained vehicles from the estate.

via 1969 Shelby GT500 set for auction off after 40 years in storage | Digital Trends.

 

Thank for reading.

Tim

Drag Pack-Equipped 1969 Mustang Shelby GT500 To Hit Mecum Kissimmee

This 1969 Shelby GT500 that will hit the auction block later this month is one of those rare Drag Pack-equipped Shelby Mustangs. Only 1,157 GT500 Sportsroofs were built, but 25 of those came with the Drag Pack and 4.30 gears. An of those, only seven …
Beware the Super Snake: Ford reveals Shelby Signature package for 5th-gen …

The automotive world may have shifted its focus to the sixth-generation Ford Mustang, but the previous breed is still going strong. Shelby has just announced the Signature Edition GT500 Super Snake, a rip-roaring tribute to the Mustang’s fifth generation.

Beautiful Photos of the Bastnas Sweden Automotive Graveyard – Supercompressor.com

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Posted on 1/21/15 By Aaron Miller

@aaron_m_miller

1280

Bastnas is a rural ore field in southern Sweden that’s been noteworthy for its mining since the late 1600s. It’s also the place where a pair of brothers decided to start a scrapyard to serve as a final resting place for the cars used by WWII servicemen.

Eventually, even the scrap yard was abandoned and nature has slowly reclaimed its sovereignty. The 15 photos below are part of a much larger set by Thomas Geersing that documents the current state of the Bastnas Scrapyard: beautifully dilapidated.

 

GaveYard1

 

To see the rest of Thomas Geersing's photos chance the link below.

To see the rest of Thomas Geersing’s photos chance the link below.

via Beautiful Photos of the Bastnas Sweden Automotive Graveyard – Supercompressor.com.

Thanks for reading.

Tim

Help finding volvo junkyard in Gary IN – Turbobricks Forums

I met a guy one time who has a Volvo junkyard with many RWD Volvos in Gary IN. I have now spent many hours trying to find his place again but can not. He is not a registered business. Does anyone know of this guy?
The Volvo Junkyard: Organ Donors Keeping Their Swedish …

Yes, old Volvos are the official car of Eugene, the posterboys of everything that defines a true Curbside Classic. They’re everywhere, at least a couple per block, in the right […]

Car Upholstery/Interiors: “Muscle Car Interior Restoration” Book Review

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Every now and then I share a book that I’ve found useful while I’m doing a restoration or managing a restoration for some who loves their car and wants is restored, but doesn’t have the knowledge or time to manage it themselves (in progress a rare 1975 VW standard – article forth coming as we are just about to marry the body back on the chassis).

A few posts back I mentioned the upholstery project I did on my 1970 Mustang (now residing in a small collection in Nebraska).  Along with the upholstery I did a lot of work on the interior – dash, carpeting, headliner…the works.  I was reminded of the books I used for the process and one in particular was authored by Daniel Strohl entitled “Muscle Car Interior Restoration”.

 

There are a few books out there but this one covered the fundamentals very well.  So well, in fact that I’m going to give a copy away to one of my readers.  Drop me a note  at timsweet@cox.net or AGCarRestoration@cox.net or post up on my Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/AGCarRestoration with a pic and some info.

Muscle Car Interior Restoration by Daniel Strohl

Muscle Car Interior Restoration by
Daniel Strohl

 

You can catch Daniel’s writings over on Hemmings.com and the Hemmings Motor News.  As you know I love the Hemmings’ publications.  

Get me a pic of your project (completed or in progress – love the in progress photos) and get chance to pick up a free copy of “Muscle Car Interior Restoration”.

 

Thanks for reading.

Tim

Post Script:  Other than a happy consumer, I have no relationship with Hemmings or Dan Strohl.

 

 

Artico – it’s vinyl upholstery by another name

Leathercloth. Naugahyde. Ambla. These are just a few of the words that car-makers have used to name vinyl upholstery. Name and euphemistically disguise a badly hidden truth in fact, because vinyl has almost always been seen as inferior to cloth trim or …
Warning: Hikers crossing in Bennington, Vt.

If that’s you, don’t miss the Hemmings Auto Museum (216 Main St., 802-447-2496, www.hemmings.com, open May-October, free), a small auto museum featuring vintage vehicles on display. And hiking deserves a second mention, as there are so many great …

 

 

ABANDONED!!! 1939 Packard Henny Hearse – Update 6/24/20

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Five years later this car is now spruced up and sits outside the Boot Hill Gift Shop in the “Town too Tough to Die”  Tombstone, AZ. !

 

I don’t know too many car peeps that don’t have a soft spot for abandoned cars.  Either they stir up distant memories of years gone by or inspire you to think of all the possibilities for that misused piece of iron.  One of my hobbies is to photograph abandoned car when I get the chance.  Whether they are just sitting in a junk yard, or field or even being used as advertising they mark the passage of time.

On the outskirts of Tombstone, AZ. is where you’ll find this car.  It’s easy to spot as it is the ‘landmark’ advertising car to get you to stop at the Boot Hill gift shop.  Clearing abandoned at some point, it was dragged to its current post many years ago and is a bit of a tourist attraction.

 

Greeting you at the edge of the town "that's too tough to die" Tombstone, AZ is this 1939 Packard.

Greeting you at the edge of the town “that’s too tough to die” Tombstone, AZ is this 1939 Packard.

 

 

As you can tell it purely used as prop now.

As you can tell it purely used as prop now.

 

This Packard 120 still retains it 288 Straight Eight engine. Look like with a little TLC it will roar to life.

This Packard 120 still retains it 288 Straight Eight engine. Look like with a little TLC it will roar to life.

 

The 288 (sometime called the Super Eight) produced 150 hps. Not a lot for all that American Steel.

The 288 (sometime called the Super Eight) produced 150 HP. Not a lot for all that American steel.  But speed wasn’t a factor when you are headed to the local ‘boot hill’.

 

It's a fair piece to bring a body to Tombstone, AZ from Texas.

It’s a fair piece to bring a body to Tombstone, AZ from Texas.

 

Although the Arizona heat is tough on car interiors this one still retains all of its details.

Although the Arizona heat is tough on car interiors this one still retains all of its details.  Has the shift column and I’m betting the new for 1939 Overdrive.

 

Henny began using the Packard chassis 1937 replacing the stretched Model A chassis.

Henny began using the Packard chassis 1937 replacing the stretched Model A chassis.

 

This old hearse has a ton of character and prominent place at the edge of town.

 

Thanks for reading.

Tim

On The Road To Pebble Beach In A 1939 Packard

One by one, the engines of 22 classic cars come alive. Some cough with a wheeze, some need coaxing and some hum with precision. Whatever their personality, they all start. This is the first miracle of the road trip. Gathered in a semi-circle around …

Powers, beloved journalist, dies at 93

Murphy owns a 1939 Packard Super 8 Henney Hearse and Powers always wanted a ride in it. Murphy was willing, but somehow it never worked out. A funeral has yet to be scheduled at St. John’s Cathedral, but Murphy vows that when it happens, Powers will …

 

 

 

BLOG: Auto Upholstery 101 | Performance & Hotrod Business

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If you are like me you tend to be excited about some portions of the car restoration hobby and not so much with others.  Digging in to the engine – love it!   Brakes or exhaust – let’s “get ‘er done”!  Upholstery – OH…no…no…noooooooooo!!!

Just the thought of damaging the upholstery is sickening, these materials don’t patch well and I can’t stand the thought of driving around with ripped interior…it’s just unacceptable!!!    Fixing it just isn’t something I look forward too.   I have had success with kits and they are a bit of work, but nothing like what a good custom shop can put out.

You can see my handy work at the links below (some video’s are missing – lost in the cloud when one company bought out another).

Mustang Upholstery Part III

Mustang Upholstery Part IV

Mustang Upholstery Part V

Mustang Upholstery Front Seat Finale

 

 

So when I ran across the article below, I thought that this is something I would benefit from reading.  Even if I’m not going to buy a heavy-duty sewing machine and start my own upholstery shop there will be some good tips to learn.   I won’t be posting them here, so chase the link below and bookmark it.

 

 

BLOG: Auto Upholstery 101

Harry Weimann

December 23, 2014

I’ve been writing “Interior Insights” articles for over three years now. Most of my articles have been focused on the business portion of the automotive upholstery industry. I’ve talked about everything from customer service, looking for new talent to marketing your business.

Starting in 2015, I will be taking a new direction on article topics. I plan on launching a series of articles that deals primarily with basic auto upholstery.

These articles will reach out to the novice as well as experienced individuals who are interested in auto upholstery and want a better understanding. I will cover materials, tools, specific interior components and techniques used when reupholstering a vehicle. I will also touch on all types and styles of vehicles.

This is a lot of ground to cover and a variety of subjects to address. I would appreciate feedback as I write on new topics each month—areas that you would like to know more about. I have years and years of experience and a true love for the auto upholstery industry; I love teaching others what I know.

via BLOG: Auto Upholstery 101 | Performance & Hotrod Business.

Tools of the trade

Tools of the trade – even if you are using a kit

 

Thanks for reading.

Tim

 

Wallace ‘Wally’ Sanders, 79, led career in auto upholstery business

He was born Aug. 28, 1935, in Elgin, son og the late Hiriam Sanders and Mary Wooten Sanders. He was in the auto upholstery business most of his life and will be remembered by many. Mr. Sanders is survived by his sons, David Sanders (Kathy), of Gaston …
Soft skills will help you land that next job

Harry Weimann, director of education at WyoTech Blairsville and a business owner since 1986, says he wishes he would have learned to look for the appropriate skills long ago. “As a business owner for many years, I’ve hired several employees,” Weimann …

Auto Factoids for Week of Dec. 28, 2014

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Here are your Auto Factoids for the last week of Dec 2014.

 

–  Charles Goodyear was born Dec 29, 1800 in New Heaven, Conn.   39 years and 4 days later he developed vulcanization or rubber (Jan 2, 1839)

– Jan 1, 1942 was the date that the us Government banned the sale of all non-essential car and small trucks in an effort to save valuable resources for the war effort.

– Back in 1966 on Jan 1st, Dodge rolls out the Charger.

1966 Charger Love the lines!!!

1966 Charger Love the lines!!!

But it has had some changes over the years.

 

1969 Charger

1969 Charger – Nice!!!!!

 

1987 Shelby version of the Charger.

1987 Shelby version of the Charger.

 

2010 Dodge Charger - not a great looking car.

2010 Dodge Charger – not a great looking car.

 

2014 Charger - looks make you want to yawn...but it can move!!!!

2014 Charger – looks make you want to yawn…but it can move!!!!

 

 

– Chevy debuts its first air-cooled engine on Jan 2, 1923.

Copper/Air Cooled

Copper/Air Cooled

 

– On Jan 2, 1957 Ghia announced the production of the Crown Imperial limo.

 

Here is an 1958 Chrysler-Imperial Limo example.

Here is an 1958 Chrysler-Imperial Limo example.  That’s a nice looking car!!!

Thanks for reading this installment of #AutoFactoids.  

 

Tim

 

 

NOTE:  If you’d like to sponsor an Auto Factoid contact me.  With thousands of views every day you will get noticed!!!!!

 

1984 C4

1984 C4

 

Auto Factoids for Week of Dec 14, 2014

Dec 15, 1861 Charles Duryea was born in Canton, Ohio. He grew up to be an engineer and with his brother Frank, they began production bicycles. By 1893 they test driving the first U.S. gasoline powered vehicle. It was a …
Auto Factoids for Week of June 8, 2014

Let’s get right to the glory and the tragic historical events of this weeks Auto Factoids. June 10, 1927 the Graham brothers purchased Paige-Detroit Motor.
Auto Factoids for Week of May 18, 2014

If you thought last week was light…this week is weak!! Buick became a corporation back in 1903 back on May 19. It eventually became a major General Motors brand.

On the Hunt for the Next Project Car: A Car Guy’s Shopping Trip.

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I don’t know about every car gal and guy, but I don’t enjoy shopping as a rule, clothes, gifts and food shopping is a chore!!   To be honest shopping for new or used cars is not a great time for me.    At times, even car parts shopping can be annoying.  I’m much happier when I get what I need and get back to wrenchin’.

But today was different.  Today’s shopping experience was…well…the perfect setting for my kind of shopping.

 

There is nothing like a 50 degree day here in Southern Arizona and a junkyard where the newest cars there is 1970.   The weather was perfect for climbing over cars, that would normally be like walking on a 150 degree griddle in the summer time, wading through a sea of 1930, 40’s, 50’s, 60’s hub cabs and trailblazing through the tall weeds in search of my next project car.

 

Yes the 1970 Mustang is gone – living a life of leisure in a collection in the mid west and the 1984 C4 is in the hands of a Corvette lover – south of the border.  And after clearing the purchase of a new project car with the she who has to put up with the mess and I am on the hunt.

 

Today I met up with my brother-in-law and my nephew and we did execute a perfect car guy’s shopping excursion. 

 

This was a good sign!!!!

This was a good sign!!!!

 

The salvage yard has been in place for 60 years or more, I’ve known the owner for nearly 30 years and recently the place was damaged by some huge flooding issues.  The owner isn’t in great health is clearing out some of the desirable cars.  

The car gods were shine some light for this shopping trip.

The car gods were shining some light for this shopping trip.

 

He was mainly a Ford car, restoring and collecting Model T’s (including a Model T doing duty as a tow truck) so there are a lot of Fords – Comets, Fairlanes, Falcons, Ford Customs, Thunderbirds and on and on.  There are a few MOPARs there as well, including a 1971 Charger and a Satellite with a 400 under the hood.  There’s a few Chevys as well and Covairs, Impalas and 50’s Caddies and some very cool military Kaiser Jeeps.

We covered a lot of ground and I’m look for a complete car – mostly.  Here in Arizona the heat is not kind to the interiors, so they is little doubt that an interior will be a necessity.  I need to it to have the basics – good frame – engine, front and rear ends in-tack and depending on the car good glass.

So what caught my eye (beside everything I mentioned above)?

 

1961 Comet – Nice little 2 door car with 6 cylinder under the good (oh yes there’s room in there for something bigger for sure!!!).

Nice straight body - got to love those tail lights!!!

Nice straight body – got to love those tail lights!!!

Interior is mostly there!

Interior is mostly there!

 

There was also this Mercury Cougar, clearly used for a race car based on the stickers on the side and the tires.

 

Cougar!!!!

Cougar!!!!

 

 

I also found a car I’ve been interested in getting my hands on for a few years and that’s a 1970 Thunderbird.

IMG_20141227_122021836

 

Here are a few more shots from the yard.

IMG_20141227_121057057 IMG_20141227_121100050 IMG_20141227_115941810 IMG_20141227_115759737 IMG_20141227_115731781_HDR

 

While I’m waiting for the owner to give an idea what he wants for the cars I’m interested in, the hunt continues!!!   This was a great day!!!!

 

Thanks for reading.  

 

Tim

Project Cars

Racing game enthusiasts may have been dismayed when Bandai Namco delayed Project Cars from its holiday release. To ease fans’ wait, the publisher has released a set of screens showing off the racer’s new tracks. Project Cars‘ new tracks are the Mazda …
This eBay Isetta is the best project car ad you’ll ever see

We’ve all seen optimistic “project cars” listed for sale online–worthless run-down husks whose owners still believe there’s value hidden somewhere between the rust and the missing parts. That’s why you need to read this eBay listing for a BMW Isetta …

Abandon Car Oddessy – The Beginning

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There is something about abandon cars that creates a visceral response  in a car guy/gal’s heart.  For me it started as a little kid.  As some of my readers know I grew up with an Auto Body professional, my Dad.  Cars were always being worked on at home and at my Dad’s various shops.  It was at those shops that I studied (really I did) the auto body repair books he used for finding and ordering parts, to memorize the front and rear of every car from the  50’s and 60’s and early 70’s. I could tell you coming or going the make model and year of every car I spotted.

Even before that I recall being captivated by the 1930’s pickup that we drove around my grandfather’s farm.  It was not much more than two seats on a frame with a rusted front end, lift up sides hood covering the engine, no headlights or bumper. We called it the ‘Doodle Bug’ – don’t know why.  Of course that 30’s pickup was well cared for, therefore not technically abandoned, so my first abandon car was 4 door Plymouth Fury 1958, yeah the Christine car. It sat across the road from our house in a patch of tall grass, like an island in the field that my grandfather would mow  with the Doodle Bug.   I recall asking if we could move the car to our driveway, but by Dad said “It needs a carburetor.”  Not to be deterred, I talked my younger brother into helping me to make a carburetor.  Our plan was to take a tin can and pieces of metal from an old fashion ice-cube maker (for the choke plate) and get it running.   I don’t know what happened to that car (except that tin can just didn’t work) wish it was around now.

So that’s when it started.  Now every time I see a abandon car,  I feel the urge to bring it home and make it run.  Actually, it’s more than that, I instantly can picture what it use to look like new and see the potential of what it could be again.

There’s the impetus for the this series.  I’ve spent the last few years spotting and photographing these special vehicles during my wife and my many road trips, even touring around Europe.

This first is from our trip to Italy.   You don’t see too many abandon cars sitting round Europe, there are some.  For instance just outside of Florence, Italy we stopped at a petrol station and saw this abandon van.

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Van outside of Florence, Italy.

Van outside of Florence, Italy.

This van about to reclaimed by Mother Earth!  Best guess is that it’s VW made van.  The only markings is the  Autotre  on the front fender, which is a use car dealership/ franchise   I kept want to take a look at the engine and wonder if it would start.   I then took a look around back and realized it was being used for storage of CO2 tanks.

 

Thanks for reading.

Tim

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8th Annual Tucson Classic Car Show 2014 – Prt III

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Of course I can’t show you all the cars but here are a few that caught my eye.

 

This was a very nicely done '72 Karmann Ghia

This was a very nicely done ’72 Karmann Ghia

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I'd vote this one "BEST INTERIOR" it was so well done!!!!

I’d vote this one “BEST INTERIOR” it was so well done!!!!

DSC_0022

Maybe my favorite Mustang at this show.

Maybe my favorite Mustang at this show.

DSC_0112

Engine compartment was fantastic

Engine compartment was fantastic

I loved this Stang with it's 'come as you are' attitude.

I loved this Stang with its “come as you are” attitude.

Paint job is priceless.

Paint job is priceless.

Can't beat an original 289 HP engine.

Can’t beat an original 289 HP engine.

The sign says "Please Touch"

The sign says “Please Touch”

DSC_0118

 

British cars were well represented with these two well maintained specimens.

This is a well restored and maintained Spitfire 1500.

This is a well restored and maintained Spitfire 1500.

DSC_0090

Check out all that wood!!!

Check out all that wood!!!

Sharp little car.

Sharp little car.

This TR6 was a highlight.

This TR6 was a highlight.

DSC_0094 DSC_0095

More wood!!!!

More wood!!!!

 

I’ve always said that sometime there’s even a mini-car show in the parking lot of  any car show.  Often folks will drive their classic to a car show,  thinking theirs is good enough to enter (Dude, just check out the Mustang above!!!) so they keep it out side.  So don’t forget to looking around after you park, you might even find a good deal.  Check these two:

This Firebird was there and parked outside.

This Firebird was there and parked outside.

Need some work but....!!!

Needs some work but….!!!

Here's the number.

Here’s the number.

You can't see it from this shot but it a Covair Wagon

You can’t see it from this shot but it a Covair Wagon

 

Thanks for reading.  Coming up the main attraction for this car show – 1911 Pierce Arrow Touring Car!!

Tim

 

8th Annual Tucson Classic Car Show 2014

This weekend I attended the 8th Annual Tucson Classic Car Show put on by the Rotary Club of Tucson. I’ve attend the last 5 of these shows, twice as a participant (once.
8th Annual Tucson Classic Car Show – Garagistry Blog

8th Annual Tucson Classic Car Show – Real stories about Classic Cars and the people who own them.

1971 Mach 1 Mustang – Restore

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One of my readers stopped by my Facebook page for Average Guy’s Car Restoration, Mods and Racing and dropped me a note about his 1971 Mustang Mach 1 he is restoring.

He wrote: “Guys – been lurking here and can’t get enough. I’m restoring a 1971 Mustang Mach 1 which I just made a video of – would be great if everyone could hit “LOVE IT” on the video link: http://bet.votigo.com/fbcontests/showentry/Ford-Contest-1/137096”

Here is the video he posted. Lot of work went into this car.

 

Thanks for reading.

Tim

 

1971 ford mustang mach 1

SixDos

RT @Motor_Roar: #MuscleCarMonday 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1 http://t.co/3DDyjrJ8LN

Ford Mustang Mach 1

The Ford Mustang Mach 1 is an performance-oriented option package of the Ford … A 1971 Mustang Mach 1 was featured in the James Bond film, …