Don Purdhomme visits the Jay Leno Garage...

Funny...

As long as it does't happen to me.

Merry Christmas everyone...

Here is a li'l something I wrote a few years ago and posted before. Hope your holiday is a good one!

‘T was the night before a car guy Christmas

‘T was the night before a car guy Christmas,
when all around the house

Not an engine was revving,
not even my small block Chevy - a.k.a. “the mouse”.

The wrenches were hung
on the peg board with care,

In hope that St. Nicholas
soon would be there.

The children were nestled
All snug in their beds,

While visions of Weber side draft carburetors
danced in their heads.

My wife in her Victoria’s Secret,
and I in a So Cal Speed Shop cap,

Had just settled our brains
for a long winter’s nap,

When out by the garage
there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from my bed
to see what was the matter.

Down to the driveway
I flew like a flash,

Threw open the door
to check on my car stash.

The moon on the breast
of the new fallen snow

Gave a luster of midday
to all my hot rods below.

When what to my wondering eyes
should appear

But a candy apple red sleigh
and eight high octane reindeer.

With a little old hot rodder,
so lively and quick,

I knew in a moment
it must be St. Nick!

More rapid than Nascars
his coursers they came,

And he whistled and shouted
and called them by name:

“Now, Duece! Now, DeSoto!
Now, Plymouth and Bel Air!

On, Comet! On, Fairlane!
On, Corvette and Corvair!

Like a top fuel dragster
Stay out of the wall!

Now peel out! Burn out!
Lay rubber and all!”

As belly tankers
on dry lake beds do fly,

They meet with an obstacle,
and launched toward the sky,

So up to the rooftop
The coursers they flew,

With that sleigh full of power tools –
Oh yeah and St. Nicholas, too.

And then, in a twinkling,
I heard on my roof

The prancing and pawing
of each reindeer hoof.

As I gathered my head
and was turning around,

Down my old chimney St. Nicholas
came with a bound.

He was dressed in Levis and Dickies
From his head to his feets,

His clothes were all soiled
with oil and grease.

A bundle of vintage speed parts
he had flung on his back,

Like a Pomona Swap Meet vendor
just opening his pack.

His eyes, how they twinkled!
His dimples, so merry!

He had a tattoo of a heart,
in it the name Cherry!

And the beard on his chin was
like one worn by Bo,

It was long, wavy, curly
the color of snow.

A cigar like Bill Hines
he held tight in his mouth,

smoke encircled his head,
like a big ol’ burnout.

He had a old face
and a little beer belly

It shook, when he laughed,
like a bowl full of jelly.


He was one of a kind,
the true O.G. hot rod elf,

I should give him a thumbs up,
I thought to myself.

I knew at that moment
I had nothing to dread

St Nick was a hip cat
he probably drove a flathead.

He ported and polished,
just kept to his engine work,

not until he had balanced and blueprinted,
did he turn with a jerk,

And laying a finger
alongside his nose,

While giving a nod
up my chimney he rose.

He sprang to his sleigh,
to his team gave a whistle,

And away they flew
like a new fangled missile.

But I heard him exclaim,
As he raced out of sight,

“Merry Christmas to all,
and to all a hot rod built right!”

Dream car of the week...

This week's dream car is George Poteet's Bonneville prepped 'Cuda nicknamed Blowfish.

Iron Man 2 trailer...

Rat poison...

With the announcement by GM today that they are discontinuing the Saab name I can't help but feel this has been overlooked...

GM Tonawanda pulls plug on V-8

The end of the line — and end of an era — has arrived for what has been a staple product for more than 50 years at the General Motors Tonawanda engine plant.

On Friday, Dec. 18 the last variation of the “big block” class of V-8 engines that were made since 1959, is scheduled to roll off the line.

A late morning ceremony is planned to primarily honor those of the plant’s more than 800 employees who worked on the latest version, which has been produced since 1999.

The big engine was developed in the U.S. during the 1950s and 1960s and was used to power millions of Chevrolet vehicles over the years.

“As American automobiles grew in size and weight the engines powering them had to keep pace,” said Nina Price, a spokeswoman for the local plant.

The first big block V-8 engine, the W-Series, was first produced in 1958 with the next version, the Mark IV series, being introduced in 1965.

“Following this was the Mark V series big block V-8, which started production in 1989, and finally the L18 V-8 (Vortec 8100) engine started production in 1999,” Price said.

The plant’s current V-8 production equipment was installed for the Mark V series, Price said.

The V-8 was the plant’s longest-running engine line, but new trends in the auto industry made GM’s trademark automotive engine obsolete.

Currently the plant's main engine line is the L850. It also makes inline 4- and 5-cylinder engines.

Dream car of the week...

I don't know much about this highly customized '57 - '60 Ford F100 other than I like it. These once orphaned Fords have really gained popularity in the last few years, but I have always liked them since the first time I saw a black one with white interior as a kid.

There are so many changes to this one from the custom '56 grill, chopped top, shortened wheelbase, rolled pans, belly-burners - just to name a few.

All it needs is some candy coating, metal flake, or panel paint!

I always had a thing for a girl named Alice...

I want one of these...

This is a factory option Ford hood scoop that was offered on the "Big Job" Ford trucks. If anyone out there knows of one please let me know. Thanks.

Sometimes it's cool to be flakey...

Dream car of the week...

Red paint, nerf bars, and polished Halibrands - what a great li'l Ford:

It finally happened...

After an unbelievably long "Fall" I finally awoke to something like this:

I just solved my parking problem...

Dream car of the week...

1955 is by far my favorite year of the "tri-5" chevys and this one is a great example why. It looks great with stock trim, the mismatched "racer" wheel package, and sans hood. The white firewall, black vinyl interior, and dash mounted tach really help drive the message home.

Yeah, what he said...

So tonight as we pulled into our neighborhood Shannon tells me she thinks we need to put up Christmas lights. Now keep in mind a couple of weeks ago it was 60 degrees and now it is 15. Why didn't she have this revelation a month ago?

Hunny, I am more than willing to put up the lights. Keep in mind though at this point I feel more like the guy on the right:

I can't wait...

Deep down - I'm just a big kid!

Dream car of the week...

Candy & panel paint, heavy flake and a plexi roof. Spindle mounts, big n' littles and loads of chrome. Is it any wonder this little hauler shouldn't be the dream car of the week?

Dream car of the week returns tomorrow...

After more than a half year hiatus it back this Friday!

Happy Thanksgiving...

Step off Martha Stewart...

I saw this on the Butler Collision Repair Network blog. I think this is pretty cool with convincing results:



Faux finishs aren't just for HGTV anymore.

Fire in the sky...

A fast-moving meteor lit up the night skies over most of Utah just after midnight Wednesday. Check out some video:

Hot rods are dangerous...

This had to be one heck of a ride.

Why don't we do it anymore...

Last night I got a call from a buddy of mine. He had broke down alongside the road, after dark, and in the cold. I grabbed a few simple hand tools and headed out to help him. As I sat waiting to flip a U turn where he was broke down I watched vehicle after vehicle pass him by with out even a acknowledgment - one car was even a state trooper. After I got over to where he was broken down I commented on how many people passed him by including the trooper. He said he had noticed and that was actually the third officer that had came by.

Now I am not the best at stopping when I see someone broke down, but why has a society pretty much just decided this is not anything we need to do?

A li'l something for all you Chrysler freaks...

Truth be told I have always had a soft spot for Mopars. While surfing the WWW and other blogs out there I came across a blog that is loaded with pictures and stories of original Mopars in their resting places. If you want to view a lot of vintage Chrysler steel (not always in the best shape) and the random insets of others from the "Big Three" you need to go over here and take a look...

I'm not worried...

Man it seems like everyone I know that is interested in old cars is talking about this. Me - I'm not too worried...

SEMA and California Agencies Solve Titling Dilemma for Hobbyist Vehicles

SEMA, working on behalf of California enthusiasts of specialty vehicles (street rods, custom vehicles, kit cars and replicas) and in cooperation with the Department of Motor Vehicles, Bureau of Automotive Repair, Air Resources Board and Attorney General’s office has resolved a complex and threatening issue to this market segment and the industry it serves. “This breakthrough procedure allows owners of certain specially constructed vehicles (SCVs) to avoid the pitfalls of a previously muddy process for legally registering and titling such vehicles in California,” said Steve McDonald, SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs. “Under this process, vehicle owners can avoid a situation that could have led to confiscated SCVs and law enforcement action. Further, the program now permits these vehicles to demonstrate state emissions-compliance requirements.”

Over the years, California’s complex vehicle registration laws have created confusion for hobbyists and the state employees who administer the regulations. Consequently, certain SCVs may be erroneously registered or titled. SEMA has worked with state agencies to address the interests of all parties, including enthusiasts in the SCV market, so that these vehicles can be properly registered and titled in the state.

“Given the looming threat of prosecution that owners of specially constructed vehicles were facing, SEMA’s charge was to find an equitable solution that provided these owners a reasonable period of time to voluntarily re-title their vehicles and pay any necessary back taxes and fees,” said SEMA General Counsel Russ Deane. “After five years of work on these issues, an innovative and ground-breaking solution has been created.”

Last year, SEMA helped enact into law a program whereby the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) would develop and administer a vehicle registration amnesty program. The amnesty program will be in effect from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010 and will apply to vehicles that were previously registered or classified under erroneous or illegal circumstances. Under this new law, the DMV will grant amnesty from prosecution to a vehicle owner if certain conditions are met, including the owner filing a completed application with the department.

More recently, a process was established to allow specially constructed vehicle owners that have been granted amnesty to avail themselves of emissions requirements that recognize the unique nature of these vehicles. While there are still details to be concluded, SEMA has reached a tentative agreement with the state to provide for three methods to achieve compliance.

First, an owner can pay all back taxes and penalties and apply for one of 500 (per year) smog-check exemptions. Under California law, these 500 exemptions for specially constructed vehicles are available each year on a first come, first served basis. For vehicles with an exemption, a smog test referee compares the vehicle to production cars of the era that the specially constructed vehicle most closely resembles to determine the model year. The vehicle owner can then choose whether the inspector will certify the vehicle model year by body type or by the engine model year. Only those emissions controls applicable to the chosen model year are required. California law authorizes a $160 fee for each referee inspection.

Under a second option, SCV owners can pay all back taxes and penalties and then choose to install one of several OEM engines and related powertrain components (including specifications for the construction of a fuel tank and delivery system) that are intended to meet California emissions compliance requirements. GM is currently readying an engine package for this purpose. “In fact, by using one of these engines, it is anticipated that owners of amnesty vehicles will be able to exchange their existing engines for a powertrain that represents the latest in GM’s emissions and performance-related technologies,” commented SEMA Technical Consultant, Jim McFarland. However, McFarland indicated that because certain variables are involved when configuring any engine or powertrain package for emissions purposes, some measure of compliance risk is involved when such components are installed in a range of vehicle types and conditions.

Finally, working under the banner of the “GreenRod Project” and recognizing that the demand for the 500 exemptions greatly exceeds the supply, SEMA configured a kit of emissions-related aftermarket parts that met California smog-check standards during a series of tests on a project vehicle. An owner can pay all back taxes and penalties and, if the owner is not able to obtain one of the 500 available exemptions, a “retrofit kit” of parts can be installed. Major components in the kit include an aftermarket electronic fuel injection (EFI) system, EFI controller, exhaust headers, camshaft, mufflers and catalytic converters. For the purposes of the GreenRod Project, the retrofit kit was installed on a high-mileage 1980 El Camino fitted with a 1986 carbureted, 5.7 liter engine. The 5.7 liter/350 cubic inch displacement small-block Chevrolet V8 engine is one of the most widely-used engine platforms for all types of specially constructed vehicles.

According to McFarland, “While the engine SEMA used to develop the kit was considered a worst case configuration, it still passed smog-check requirements. Variables such as engine condition, accumulated mileage, and related factors affecting emissions from these parts may, in some cases, cause similar engines not to meet acceptable emissions levels. Nonetheless, transitioning from a carbureted environment to a fuel injected environment while utilizing the latest controller technology and emissions parts upgrades available from the specialty equipment industry resulted in dramatic and unprecedented reductions in tailpipe and evaporative emissions on the test vehicle. The retrofit kit actually improved performance and drivability while not limiting power in a full acceleration mode, compared to a carbureted engine. It was perhaps the first time a package of specialty aftermarket parts has been assembled for the purpose of reducing tailpipe emissions which did not reduce power or performance.”

“Given the seriousness of the title and registration issue in California, SEMA’s work with the state agencies to create practical solutions for specialty vehicle owners, both now and in the future, is an outstanding accomplishment,” said So Cal Speed Shop owner, Pete Chapouris.


*************
Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I need to apply for amnesty?

If you have knowingly made any false statement or knowingly concealed any material fact in any document filed with the Department of Motor Vehicles or the California Highway Patrol, you will need to apply for amnesty. Examples of this would be failing to report the actual value of the vehicle and failure to pay the correct sales tax when the vehicle was first titled/registered in California, or incorrectly stating the actual age of the vehicle. As a further example, a replica of a 1932 Ford built in 2002 is not a 1932 vehicle for the purposes of this California amnesty program. It is a 2002 vehicle. In general, if you have reason to believe that there is erroneous information on your vehicle’s title, it should be corrected.

What are the consequences if I do not re-title my vehicle prior to the conclusion of the amnesty period?

If you understated the value of the vehicle to the extent that the State of California lost more than $1,000 in revenue, you could be charged with a felony. If the amount is less or you incorrectly stated the age of the vehicle, you could be charged with a variety of misdemeanors. Recent prosecutions for this type of offense required owners to pay back-taxes and fees averaging $4,000 per vehicle. In some cases, owners were forced to surrender the title to their car. To receive amnesty, any and all back-taxes must be paid in full and the vehicle’s title must be factually corrected.

What documentation should I take to the DMV office when applying for amnesty?

Applying for amnesty will re-start the titling and registration process for your specially constructed vehicle. You will need to submit a new DMV 343 Application for Title and Registration form. You will also be required to file a DMV 5063 Statement of Construction form, listing the origin of the vehicle’s parts and their purchase price. It would be helpful to have a bill of sale for the vehicle or any appropriate receipts for parts/labor that can be used to establish the actual value of the vehicle. If it is likely that your car had a fraudulent title and will need to pass a smog check, it is advisable to apply for one of the 500 smog check exemptions granted per year by the DMV.

How much should I expect to pay for the “retrofit” kit? How much should I expect to pay for the GM engine and powertrain?

The retrofit kit is a collection of emissions-related parts with specifications developed by SEMA for which a variety of aftermarket manufacturers will be able to supply components. On average, the kit should cost approximately $6,000. The labor to install the package will likely cost an additional $5,000. If you choose to use a new engine and powertrain package from GM, the current LS3 package will retail at an estimated $7,900. GM will also offer a number of other emissions-approved engine packages with a variety of performance options and price levels. Estimated installation cost for the GM system is approximately $6,000.

If I use a GM engine, how will I know if I’ve used the correct parts and properly installed them?

GM will include comprehensive instructions that leave little room for error. If you feel that you do not have the mechanical experience to install the package, there are local hot rod shops, independent repair facilities and dealerships capable of installing the parts. Even when parts are correctly installed, there are variables involved when attempting to meet certain compliance requirements, such as engine condition, other modifications and related factors that can affect emissions.

If I choose to retrofit my current engine, how will I know that the parts kit will actually enable my car to pass the smog test?

The retrofit kit that SEMA developed consists of emissions-related parts intended for a range of engine displacements. It was designed to work with engines typically used in specially constructed vehicles. In general, these would be carbureted V8 engines manufactured by GM, Ford and Chrysler. Although these parts enabled SEMA’s project engine to meet emissions requirements, there is no guarantee that they will allow any engine to meet smog check requirements, depending upon variables that include, but limited to the following: mechanical compression ratio limits, improperly installed catalytic converters, excessive wear (valve guides, piston rings and cylinder bores), piston displacement limits and a mal-functioning EGR system.

Is there a way I can get a pre-certification test check to see if my vehicle will pass the smog test?

Yes. California law allows any licensed smog-check station to conduct a pre-test on your vehicle to determine whether it can pass a loaded mode smog test before you submit the car for inspection at a BAR Referee station. The average price for a pre-certification smog test in California is approximately $49. If your vehicle fails the pre-certification smog check, it may be possible to make adjustments that will bring it into compliance. As with any vehicle maintenance, it’s best to use a mechanic you know and trust.

What if I have questions about technical aspects of this program?

SEMA and GM will be available to provide some immediate technical assistance for enthusiasts who apply for amnesty to help them navigate through the process. SEMA has begun communicating with builders of SCVs and engines, enabling them to respond to the most common questions from enthusiasts. SEMA will also compile additional guidance information. These approaches will help expedite solutions to SCV owners seeking to meet California smog-check requirements.

SEX still sells...

Oh man, he's at it again:

1997 Expedition Rotor/Pads - Free!
Park City, UT 84098 - Nov 11, 2009
New! Brake rotor and pads for a 1997 Ford Expedition. Did one side, never did the other and sold the SUV. Don't want to put it in a landfill.Greg435-XXX-XXXX

Never forget them...

Hey, SEX sells...

I like to look at car ads online - I do it probably atleast four times a day. I had to laugh when I saw this:

$200
Jaguar for your Bonneville/race car project.
Park City, UT 84098 - Nov 10, 2009
Wanted to build a Jaguar for Bonneville but plans have changed. 1971 XJ6. Doors, hood, trunk, and windows all there. Interior already gutted and ready for roll cage and race seat.Delivery available.Wife said this would happen, I hate it when she's right...435-XXX-XXXX

Thanks for looking!! Check out my other ads!

Stamp of approval...

Yesterday after working in the garage for awhile I went with my buddy that was test driving a few cars. He wasn't really driving anything I could totally get into (Camry, Civic, Lincoln). While on the way home we stopped at a dealership and he decided to test drive a Hyundai (insert cringe here), and while I waited I decided to check out another car they had on the lot. Here she is after a mildly abusive test drive:



Now I must admit I wasn't that into the new Camaro, but after one drive I am hooked! Don't be surprised if one of these find its way into my garage someday...

Hennessey Motorsports gets their hands on the 2010 Camaro...

It's black and orange - just for Halloween...



And that is only the baby! Checkout youtube for other videos of the higher horsepower and performance 2010 Camaros by Hennessey.

Door art tech...

So a couple of weeks ago I had Andy Kawahara come out and letter the doors and stripe the hood on the '54. I am very pleased with the outcome. Well today I checked out the myrideisme.com website and found a tech article featuring Lorraine!



Take a look here.

Who said they're only good for 100,000...

Where was this in the cash for clunkers craze? Gotta love old cars and lil ol' ladies...

Rainn on Jay...

Shannon and I both enjoyed Rainn Wilson on the Jay Leno Show last night.

As promised...

I just can't wait I had to post this. Although not complete (still needs outlined around the letters) I shoveled the '54 outside before heading to work and snapped this pic on the cellphone. Enjoy:

And you thought we were alone...

Check out the sky over Moscow a few days ago. More can be read about it here.

Lorraine gets a little makeup...

So it's been a while since I have done anything to my '54 F100 I named Lorraine. A couple of weeks ago I contacted a local pinstriper and kicked around the idea of lettering her up like an old shop / push truck. Well it didn't take long to agree on a design and as it is she is out in the garage right now with some very classic door art! The letters still need a little outline and drop shadow so you're gonna have to wait for pictures. BUT I will post the stripe work to hold you over for a couple of days...



Once the rest is done I will link to "the stripers" blog since he has in-progress shots already up.

No Anne Frank here...

Left home alone, and I end up doing something like this:



Yes, it is a hole under our stairs. Now that it is almost done the hard part has begun - will it be a Harry Potter inspired bedroom, place to watch TV when the aliens invade, or mother-in-law apartment... The possibilities are endless!

Bill Jenks of Mooneyes and Potvin passes...

You can read about it here.

Dear Mom and Dad, not having much fun at camp...

Ya know I never went to summer camp. People always make it sound SO bad, but now I really have to wonder just what went on.

Still love the VMAs...

And just a couple of the best performances of last night's show...

Joe and Katy Perry opening the show:

MTV Shows

Taylor Swift's subway serenade:

New Music - More Music Videos

Jay-Z and Alicia Keys closing the show with a salute to NYC:

Jay-Z - New Music - More Music Videos

8 years...

Photo shoot...

Remembering Norma Jeane...

June 1, 1926 – August 5, 1962

Photo shoot...

Addicted to Fashion:

Photo shoot...

Hot Rod Movie poster Monday prt 5...

Hot Rod Movie poster Monday prt 4...

Photo shoot...

Hot Rod Movie poster Monday prt 3...

Ouch...

This brand new 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS was totaled in a collision with a Ford Escape being driven by a teenager with no insurance or a driver’s license.



And as much as this would suck I do find a little humor in the dealer decal.