Restoration Shop your one stop Restoration Shop
When it comes to restoring cars, cutting corners is simply not an option for us, and our decades of experience in the business makes Cliff Avenue stand out from all the rest. A detailed and high-quality finished project is our signature mark. This is accomplished by perfecting every detail, such as having all the original bolts, plating, colors, upholstery and stunning paint jobs. If you’re not looking for a concourse original but are looking for something customized, our staff has the ability and skill to complete specialized vehicles as well.
Doing Business for Over 20 Years
with over 130 years combined experience
By Joseph Cottle
What started as a handful of car lovers meeting in Fargo garages in the early 1950s has become one of the Midwest’s most respected names in classic cars. The Toppers Car Club, founded in 1953 and host of one of the longest-running indoor car shows in the region, is bringing that legacy south to Sioux Falls. Their upcoming show will feature chrome, horsepower, and one of the cleanest custom builds around: a 1968 Chevy C-10 known for its black cherry pearl finish and the steady hand that brought it to life.
That truck belongs to Darryl Sandhurst, a lifelong enthusiast who poured years of work, countless miles, and a good share of heart into his dream build. He and his wife Julie have worked together as a team with their son Tom and the professionals at
Expert Autobody and Restoration of Adrian, MN, to restore it, sharing the vision for what they wanted the truck to look like when it was finished. It wasn’t the first project they collaborated on, so it was a fun truck to build together. “Just the stance and the look, it’s got a real rich look to it,” Darryl says. “The whole undercarriage is done right, the engine bay is clean, and the bed is so slick. We smoothed it all out, did custom bed liner work, and had panels made by a friend of ours. That’s probably one of my favorite features.”
The truck’s story reaches back decades. In the mid-1980s, Darryl built a ’72 Chevy long box with the intention of one day giving it to his son. Life had other plans. “We ended up selling it,” he says, “and the guy I sold it to later had a shed fire. I was
told the pickup was in that fire.” Years later, however, while driving to a car show, Darryl and his wife Julie spotted the old truck sitting by a grove on a back road. “It was the same one,” he remembers. “I gave the owner my number, but by the time I called back a year later, he’d sold it the week before.”
That heartbreak turned into inspiration. Darryl and his son Tom started looking for a short box instead. A cousin in Minneapolis found one, and Darryl bought it almost immediately. “That was in December 2018,” he says. “We picked it up the next day, and by the summer of 2025, it was complete.”
The truck gleams today in black cherry pearl, a color Darryl picked after seeing it once on a Corvette. “We kicked a
lot of colors down the road,” he says, “but that one just stood out. You don’t see it often. In the sun, it’s a completely different color.”
Even though Darryl isn’t a Toppers member, his connection to the club runs deep. He met longtime member and vice president Shane Triepke more than a decade ago at car shows across the Midwest, and the two hit it off immediately.
“We’ve been friends ever since,” Darryl says. “When the Winterfest of Wheels show got dropped, I told Shane, ‘We’ve got to keep this thing going.’ It’s taken three years to get it back on track, but we’ve been working together in Sioux Falls, making contacts and bringing people on board.”
For Shane, this new Sioux Falls event is about more than cars; it’s about continuity. “Toppers has been around since 1953, and we started doing shows in 1958,” Shane says. “We’ve waited three years to get the convention center back so we could keep it going.”
Shane has been part of Toppers for 26 years, rotating through various roles within the club. His passion for cars started in childhood, when he collected Hot Wheels and built model cars. “I’m 58 years old and still building,” he laughs. “I’ve got seven cars right now, all hot-rodded, all different personalities.”
That love of craftsmanship carries through every build and every show. “These cars have character,” Shane says. “The chrome, the detail, it’s not like the new stuff today. They’ve all got their own personality.”
The Toppers Club itself runs with that same philosophy. Membership is capped at 20, and it’s considered one of the most exclusive and respected car clubs in the region. But exclusivity doesn’t mean elitism. It’s a nonprofit group that quietly funnels its proceeds back into local communities. “We donate to a lot of charities,” Shane explains. “Cancer for kids, the New Life Center, the women’s shelter, homeless programs, Toys for Tots, Christmas drives, you name it. All our money goes back into the community.”
"If you find yourself at the Sioux Falls Convention Center this February, don’t just admire the shine, take a look underneath. You’ll see the craftsmanship, the care, and the community that brought it all together."
That spirit of generosity and service is what convinced the club to bring its signature show south. When the longtime organizer of Sioux Falls’ Winterfest of Wheels stepped away, the convention center fell quiet. Shane, who had worked with her for 15 years, saw the chance to rekindle something special. “I don’t know why other clubs didn’t take it over,” he says. “We wanted to, but we had to wait for the venue. Now we finally get to do it.”
When the doors open this February, visitors will see what Toppers does best: cars that have been built, not bought; restored with care and an artist’s eye for detail. Among them will be Darryl’s black cherry ’68 C-10, the headline vehicle of the show. Beneath the showroom lights, its deep paint will shift between burgundy and bronze, its polished bed and frame gleaming with every reflection.
But for Darryl, it’s not just about showing off. It’s about connection, the same reason he’s been driving all over Sioux Falls, dropping in on potential sponsors and helping Shane’s team keep the show alive. “We’ve met a lot of good people through the years,” he says. “When Shane asked me to help, I said I’d be more than happy to. They’ve trusted me, and it’s working out.”
That trust, between builders, friends, and fans, is what keeps the Toppers Car Club running strong after seventy years. It’s a reminder that for all the chrome and horsepower, what really powers this community is heart.
And if you find yourself at the Sioux Falls Convention Center this February, don’t just admire the shine, take a look underneath. You’ll see the craftsmanship, the care, and the community that brought it all together.
To be a sponsor for the Toppers Car Show, please contact Shane Triepke at 701-729-5212. For car entry forms, contact Kevin Vannas at 701-367-7762. Visit topperscarclub.com for more information.
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-Motor Market PresentsSHOW US YOUR
HALF A CENTURY BEHIND THE WHEEL
A ’67 Chevelle Love Affair
By Tanya Manus | Photography by Corey Gross Photography
For 51 years, Dennis Morton has been inseparable from his 1967 Chevelle Super Sport 396; a relationship that began with a $500 gamble and has endured through decades of Sunday drives, car shows, and the simple joy of turning heads on small-town streets.
The numbers tell part of the story: a 402 cubic inch engine, a Muncie close-range M22 transmission paired with a Hurst shifter, and stock suspension riding on heavy-duty shocks with 15-by-7inch rally wheels wrapped in Cooper Cobra tires. Headers and a new 2-1/2 exhaust system with fresh mufflers give the car its distinctive rumble. But the real story lies in how a young man from Rock Rapids, Iowa, came to own this American muscle car
legend, and why he's never let it go.
In 1974, when Dennis Morton's buddy was looking to buy a brand-new Oldsmobile Cutlass at his local dealership, Dennis saw an opportunity.
"The car dealer would only give him $500 trade-in for the Chevelle, so my buddy said, 'Give me $500 and it's yours,' so I did," Dennis recalls.
That $500 bought more than just a car; it purchased half a century of enjoyment and countless memories.
NAME: Dennis Morton
CAR YEAR-MAKE-MODEL: 1967 Chevelle Super Sport 396
ENGINE: 402 cubic intake
TRANSMISSION: Muncie close-range M22 transmission with a Hurst shifter
SUSPENSION: Stock suspension with heavy-duty shocks and 15 by 7 inch rally wheels with Cooper Cobra tires
EXHAUST: Headers and new 2-1/2 exhaust and new mufflers
Want the whole story on this car? Listen to the Chevy Girl podcast.
HAVE A RIDE YOU WANT TO SHOW OFF?
Dennis didn't treat his new acquisition like a garage queen. When he first took ownership, the Chevelle became his everyday car around Rock Rapids. After he started to fix the car up, it became a car that Dennis drove for fun in good weather. He took it to local car shows and loved getting smiles and thumbs up from people when they saw his car.
The car's odometer tells the tale of moderate use: Dennis is now the third owner, and the Chevelle shows just 77,000 miles.
"When it was brand new, it was bought to go fast because it didn't have power steering or power brakes on it," Dennis explained. "I like the way it drives, the way it handles. If you want to, you can go real fast."
Dennis later had power steering and front power disc brakes installed at Borman Automotive in Rock Rapids, Iowa, making the car more manageable for regular driving.
The Chevelle's transformation into the pristine show car it is today happened within the shop that Dennis’ father worked for. Dennis also worked there for more than a decade. Shortly after purchasing the Chevelle, he painted it in his dad’s shop, restoring the car to its original Marina Blue. The original factory black vinyl top completed the period-correct look.
"After I painted it in my dad's body shop, I put it away. I always had something else to drive," Dennis said, a decision that
helped preserve the car through the years.
By 2019, even a well-maintained classic needed attention. Dennis entrusted the Chevelle to Todd Klosterbuer at Todd's Auto Body in Luverne, Minnesota, for a comprehensive restoration that brought the car back to its former glory.
“The car was taken down to bare metal, and there was no rust at all on it,” Dennis notes.
The Chevelle still has its original body panels, floors, and trunk, and its original black factory interior, including the factory console and clock. It also has the original headliner, rear seat, dash, door panels, and bill of sale. Dennis replaced the carpet and added new front seat covers.
In the restoration process, the Chevelle got new bumpers, grill, and trim moldings. The stainless steel was polished out by Cliff Avenue Upholstery in Sioux Falls.
In addition to the Chevelle, Denis owns a 1964 Chevy Corvair Spyder convertible and a very rare 2018 Chevrolet Colorado Centennial Edition pickup. Dennis doesn’t have kids or grandchildren, and he says the Chevelle is his baby.
“It’s put away for the year now. The car has its own heated and air-conditioned ‘apartment’ (garage). I only drive it in good weather,” Dennis affirms. “I plan to just keep babying it and taking it to car shows in Rock Rapids and Luverne, MN.”
WHEN TO REPLACE YOUR TIRES A PROFESSIONAL GUIDE
Tire blowouts can lead to dangerous situations on the road. While knowing how to handle your vehicle during a blowout is important, preventing the situation altogether is far better. Understanding when to replace your tires is essential for maintaining vehicle safety and performance. For more information, consults the professionals at Graham Tire.
UNDERSTANDING TIRE CONSTRUCTION
Modern tires are engineered with multiple layers designed for durability and longevity. With proper maintenance, quality tires should last several years before requiring replacement.
Key Components:
• Inner Layer: Seals air within the tire, replacing the need for traditional inner tubes
• Carcass Ply: Provides structural strength to withstand road impacts
• Beads: Create a tight seal against the wheel rim
• Sidewall: Maintains tire shape and acts as a shock absorption system
• Crown Plies: Support the tread and maintain road contact
• Tread: The critical surface that provides traction and grip
SIGNS YOU NEED NEW TIRES
Physical Damage
Sidewall damage requires immediate attention. A bubble or bulge in the sidewall indicates serious internal damage and compromised structural integrity. Do not drive on a tire with sidewall bubbles. Replace it with your spare immediately and consult a tire specialist.
Deep cuts in the sidewall should also be inspected by a professional. When it comes to tire safety, it's always better to err on the side of caution.
If you notice a puncture with an object embedded in the tire, leave the object in place and drive carefully to the nearest tire service center. For long distances, use your spare tire. While some punctures can be repaired, those causing structural damage will require tire replacement.
Performance Issues
Consistent air pressure loss indicates a problem. If you're adding air weekly or more frequently, have your tires inspected by a specialist. While regular pressure checks are recommended, abnormal air loss suggests underlying issues.
Unusual vibrations or increased road noise while driving may signal wheel imbalance or more serious tire problems. A qualified mechanic should evaluate these symptoms promptly.
Tread Wear
Insufficient tread depth significantly increases blowout risk and reduces road traction. Regular tire rotation every 5,000 miles helps ensure even wear and extends tire life.
Uneven wear patterns often occur when tires aren't rotated regularly. Front tires on rear-wheel-drive vehicles are particularly susceptible to uneven wear on one edge.
Tread Depth Test: Insert a 10-cent coin into the tread groove. If the outer band of the coin remains visible, your tread is too worn and requires replacement.
Age
Environmental factors, particularly extreme heat and cold, can degrade tires over time regardless of mileage. Monitor your tire warranties closely. With regular rotation and proper maintenance, tires should last through their warranty period. As tires approach their warranty expiration, increase inspection frequency for signs of deterioration.
Your tires are critical safety components that deserve regular attention and proper maintenance. By monitoring for damage, performance issues, tread wear, and agerelated deterioration, you can prevent dangerous situations and ensure optimal vehicle performance. When in doubt, always consult a qualified tire specialist at Graham Tire to keep you and your passengers safe on the road.
THE EXTRA MILE
ElEctronic FuEl injEction
With the cost of the self-learning electronic fuel injection systems coming down, it is becoming a more attractive alternative to fuel today’s hot rod engine. These systems use electronic sensors to read all necessary engine signals to correctly fuel the engine.
Carburetors use a mechanical signal to operate, and because of this, they are more forgiving when things are not just perfectly right; however, they do not always properly fuel the engine throughout the whole RPM range. Consequently, power and torque at particular areas of the RPM range can suffer. This is one of the attractive benefits of EFI, along with better starting capabilities and broader and smoother torque and power curves. These EFI companies advertise an easy, quick, and smooth installation, but if certain things are not taken care of, the EFI systems will not work well. There are several things we have encountered on our engine dyno with these systems, and I thought I would share some of them to help make your installation trouble-free.
One of the first things of importance is the electrical system. Since all of the EFI components
are electrical, a proper and smooth power supply is very important. If the electrical supply is below the needed voltage, then all systems will be slow, and the computer reading the information will reach the learning map late and will learn at an inaccurate rate. If the power supply is irregular, then it only compounds this problem. Another thing to be aware of is electrical wave scatter within the engine bay. There are more wires in an EFI system, and if they are crossing or touching ignition or other wiring, this can disrupt and alter the signal to the learning ECU. Having adequate protection and wire insulation will help protect against this. We have also experienced a leaking ignition system where the electronic impulse scatter interrupted the system.
Another critical but often-overlooked system on an EFI is the exhaust system. The ECU takes the reading of the oxygen sensor to correctly fuel the engine. The more oxygen in the exhaust mixture, the leaner the ECU thinks it is, and then it richens the fuel mixture. The O2 reading happens constantly, and the ECU is continuously adjusting the fuel curve while at the same time learning the needs and characteristics of the
engine so it can often pre-think the requirements of the engine. If there is any form of exhaust leak, this will suck in cold air and give the oxygen sensor a false lean reading, and then it will continuously enrich the fuel mixture, and the ECU will learn this at the same time, so you end up with a very rich-burning engine. If a larger, more aggressive camshaft is being used, then the reversion in the exhaust system is quite great, and at idle and in the lower rpm range, fresh air can be reversed into the header and affect the O2 reading and again richen up the fuel curve. A fully sealed exhaust system is essential to combat this phenomenon and keep your engine running properly.
There are many different things that will affect the way your engine runs, and having some guidance is one of the ways we go the “Extra Mile” for our customers every day.
FROM PEAK PERFORMANCE TO A NEW LOOK
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ISOC DEADWOOD SNOCROSS SHOWDOWN
January 23-24, 2026 – Deadwood, SD, Days Of '76 Event Complex deadwood.com/event/pro-snocross-races/
TOPPERS CAR SHOW
February 13-15, 2026
Sioux Falls Convention Center, Sioux Falls, SD topperscarclub.com
COUNTS CAR CLUB CAR & CYCLE SHOW
February 20-22, 2026 The Monument - Rapid City, SD countscarclub.com
ROD & CUSTOM CAR SHOW
February 22-23, 2026 Monticello, IA rodandcustomcarshow.com
DONNIE SMITH BIKE & SWAP MEET / BIKE SHOW
March 28-29, 2026 Saint Paul, MN donniesmithbikeshow.com
WHEEL JAM TRUCK SHOW
JUNE 4-7, 2026– HURON, SD SOUTH DAKOTA STATE FAIRGROUNDS www.wheeljam.com
BLACK HILLS CAMARO RALLY
JUNE 17-20, 2026 – Spearfish, SD Blackhilscamarorally.com
55TH ANNUAL BLACK HILLS CORVETTE CLASSIC JULY 15-18, 2026 – SPEARFISH, SD TOUR THE BLACK HILLS blackhillscorvetteclassic.com
86TH ANNUAL STURGIS MOTORCYCLE RALLY AUGUST 7-16, 2026 – STURGIS, SD sturgis.com
D.A.DS AUTO SHOW AND SHINE/BURNOUT CONTEST AUGUST 1, 2026 – Beresford, SD facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064530169547
32ND ANNUAL KOOL DEADWOOD NITES
August 18 – 23, 2026, Deadwood, SD deadwood.com/event/kool-deadwood-nites/ Want
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WEDDING SHOWCASE
Sunday, January 18, 2026 | 12:00pm to 3:00pm
• Wedding inspiration & trends
• Live fashion show - gowns & tuxedos
• Food and dessert tasting
• Complimentary signature cocktail
• Swag bag with samples & coupons
The Ballroom at the Sioux Falls Convention Center Think. Plan. Be Married.
Scan to get pre-registered and be eligible for cash prizes and giveaways! or visit unveiledshowcase.com
The Last Year
By Bob Schmeichel
In 1974, Dave Harming’s father was visiting with some of his friends, who were salespeople at Rapid Chevrolet, when they informed him that Chevrolet was going to stop making convertibles after 1975. With Dave’s father being kind of a car guy and realizing what that would mean, he had them order a 1975 Caprice convertible for him. Dave said his dad waited a long time after ordering in October of 1974. and didn’t see it until April of 1975. When it finally arrived, Dave thought it was a gorgeous car, with an all-white interior and exterior.
Then, out of nowhere, a month later, in the middle of May, Dave’s uncle, who owned Kjellsen Chevrolet and Cadillac in Brookings, called Dave’s dad and told him he had a convertible for him. Apparently, a local car collector had ordered this other convertible and had passed away before it was delivered to the dealership. The collector’s wife, dealing with her husband’s death. told the dealership she didn’t want the car. So, Dave’s uncle was offering it to Dave’s father, who informed him that he already had one.
After a bit of bantering back and forth about them being the last convertibles, Dave’s father agreed to buy it. Time went by until November of 1975, when Kjellsen Chevrolet and Cadillac called
Dave’s parents’ home, with his mom answering the phone. They were asking her when they were planning on taking possession of their convertible sitting on their showroom floor. She said we’ll get back to you on that and immediately confronted Dave’s dad, as she knew nothing about another convertible. He explained the situation about them being the last convertible as a good investment. After much discussion, and the dust finally settling, an agreement was made for this new convertible, just being delivered to Rapid City and parked in the garage beside their first other convertible.
Time marched on until 1980, when Dave’s parents got divorced. The divorce was hard on everyone, with Dave’s mom taking the white convertible and moving to California, while Dave’s dad kept the other convertible. After about five years, Dave’s mom called him and asked if he would like to buy her convertible, as it was too big for her to drive anymore and too expensive gas-wise in California at the time. Dave agreed and flew out to California to drive it home.
Over the next 8 years, with Dave taking care of the car, he was offered three times what he paid for it a few times. Eventually, he thought it was a good idea to sell it to fund his daughter's
attendance at college. So, he called a car friend in Rapid City who was happy at the chance to buy this white-onwhite convertible. For both parties, it was a no-brainer. Later, Dave realized what he had given up over the next years without the car, and periodically started teasing his dad about letting him buy his convertible from him. Finally, after Dave’s constant hounding, his dad replied,” Well, you had one, why did you sell it? Followed by a “No!” Then Dave said,” Well, you never drive it or use it!” His dad replied by saying, “That’s beside the point, so drop it!” So, from then on, nothing further was said about his dad’s convertible.
Mount Rushmore when called upon. Dave said the trip back to Sioux Falls was kind of scary with a U-Haul trailer carrying the car that was heavier in the back than the front.
“THE LAST CONVERTIBLE” MARKETING:
Chevy even advertised it as “The Last Convertible,” anticipating stricter federal rollover standards (which never actually came into effect).
PRODUCTION NUMBERS:
In 2018, Dave’s dad developed Macular Degeneration. Dave knew his dad could no longer drive or do things for himself without problems, so Dave and his wife helped his dad get all of his affairs in order by selling his possessions and home while helping him get settled into a senior living home in Rapid City. Once dad was settled in, Dave asked him, ‘What should we do with your cars?’ Dad said to sell them, and hesitated for a moment, saying,” Well, since you helped me with everything and you always wanted the convertible, you can have it.” So, after a few days of getting what was left sold, Dave trailered the car with only 639 miles on it, back home to Sioux Falls. Dave said his dad used his car only a few times in VFW parades, on different holidays, and once in a while to haul dignitaries around who were attending conventions in Rapid City to see
Only about 8,349 Caprice Classic Convertibles were produced in 1975, making it one of the rarer Caprices of the decade.
Approaching the Ellsworth exit going 65 mph, the trailer started to whip. It was like the tail wagging the dog. Luckily, Dave’s wife was following behind to slow on-coming traffic while he got it under control by slowing down and driving 55 mph all the way home. Once at home, Dave had all the fluids changed and had new tires installed, as the original tires had flat spots that wouldn’t go away from sitting so long. From that point on, Dave and his wife, Chris, enjoy the convertible as much as they can, weather permitting, as I witnessed when they joined our club group cruise a few weeks ago to cruise down to the Loess Hills to see the fall scenery.
With around 20 cars total at our first coffee and donut stop, and Dave starting to tell me about his 1975 Chevrolet convertible that had only 3,800 actual miles on it that day, I thought, “Here is my next story.” Dave did clarify one thing for me, though, saying even though 1975 was the last year that Chevrolet built convertibles, the Cadillac division of GM built the last convertible with their Eldorado in 1976.
A farm boy from Salem, Bob’s family moved to Sioux Falls when he was 12 years old. After graduating from Washington High School, he attended USD, where he majored in Commercial Art. A lifelong auto and art enthusiast, Bob wanted to combine his passions into a career. A self-taught mechanic, bodywork, welder and painter, he worked in the industry for seven years. He later went to work for Horner Waldorf Box Company, where he worked for the next 33 years, retiring as Package Design Manager for Smurfit Stone Container. Bob has built dozens of street rods over the years, doing everything except the upholstery work. Bob started the Great Plains Street Rodders Car Club in 1985, and today the club has over 340 members. You can see more of Bob’s paintings and car features on the club’s website: www.greatplainsstreetrodders.com
Don’t Allow Your Running Engine to Become an IDLE THREAT This Winter
By Sgt. Travis Olsen
The winter season means many different things to many different people. Some immediately think of holiday celebrations, or winter weather sports like snowboarding, ice fishing, and snowmobiling. Motorcycle and hotrod enthusiasts like me usually dread winter, as our hobby often has to be put on hold until roads clear up in the spring. The bright side is that it may be an opportunity to do modifications or repairs, at least, hopefully somewhere heated.
Either way, whether we like it or not, most of us still have day-to-day business to tend to even when the temperature plunges below zero. In the law enforcement world, our brains are wired differently, and cold weather means something else entirely to us: car thefts.
We find a high volume of cars stolen during cooler weather, largely due to opportunity. Many of them are stolen as they are warming up in driveways or running outside convenience stores. Idling vehicles are easy targets; unfortunately, because thieves can see them a mile away, running in cold weather, and these lawbreakers practically come out of nowhere and are often long gone with someone’s car before the owner
realizes it. Scarier yet, every year or so, a child is buckled innocently enough in the backseat when a car gets stolen. Luckily, here in Sioux Falls, at least from recent memory, they have been promptly recovered safely, but it is certainly a terrifying few minutes for a parent.
It is not my intent to “victim shame” whatsoever, but unfortunately, we are living in a world where we must at least do some diligence in safeguarding our own property. Stealing a car is 100% due to the thief's behavior. However, as mentioned, leaving your car running provides them a very easy opportunity, similar to leaving your house unlocked for a burglar to walk right in, or leaving something valuable unattended on a park bench. If you are like me, your car is a source of pride that I wouldn’t want a stranger driving off into who knows what with.
I have a similar thought process to leaving valuables and firearms in your vehicle. While it is true that many of these cars are unlocked when valuables are stolen from them, forced entry is not uncommon anymore. In some places around the country, citizens are actually encouraged to remove valuables
"We find a high volume of cars stolen during cooler weather, largely due to opportunity. Many of them are stolen as they are warming up in driveways or running outside convenience stores."
from their vehicles and leave their cars unlocked, just to avoid their windows from being broken by thieves. I still lock my car, with or without anything of value in it, but that is a decision for you to weigh. Either way, I encourage you to remove any valuables or firearms from your vehicles when you don’t have eyes on. I would strongly urge you not to store firearms in your vehicle. Firearms are especially high-value targets for thieves. Unrecovered guns end up in the hands of criminals who use them for further criminal activity. Prevent this by securing your firearms properly.
Have a traffic safety question?
Email heather@michelscom.com with your inquiry, and Sgt. Travis Olsen will offer an explanation in his monthly Motor Market column.
ASK THE MOTOR MEDICS®
TUNE-IN AND TUNE-UP!®
Dear Motor Medics,
I have a 2012 4x4 GMC Yukon that I have been driving for 200,000 miles. I have changed all of the fluids on this vehicle at the recommended service times as indicated by the manufacturer in hopes of preserving the life of the truck. From the beginning, I have been using fully synthetic engine oil, starting with the first fluid change, and as the other fluids came due, I replaced them with the fully synthetic fluid. After all of the care I took to make sure all of the fluids never exceeded their times, I overlooked one: the power steering fluid. Now, with 200,000 miles, it had a failure of the pump. I will be installing a new pump, and I want to use fully synthetic fluid in it. Can I just use fully synthetic transmission fluid? I can’t seem to find a parts store with fully synthetic power steering fluid on the shelf.
Thank you, Mark in Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Dear Motor Medics,
I am having an issue with my current car, which seems to have plagued me on a couple of other vehicles as well over the years. It is a 2016 Ford Explorer 2WD, and I can’t seem to get the front end lined up so that it will drive straight down the road. I have had three different shops check the front end, one aligned it several times, and it still pulls to the left. It does this under acceleration and deceleration as well as cruise, and does so at any speed over 25mph. They tell me nothing in the front end is worn, but they are guessing it could be a left shock. My tires are about two years old and have more than half of their tread wear left. The only issue other than the pull is a slight wobble in the steering wheel at speeds under 20 mph. Do you have any ideas?
Thank you. Darwin in Madison, Wisconsin
Dear Mark,
No, don’t ever use fluids of a type not recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. There are fully synthetic fluids out there that are compatible with a GM system that should do the trick. If you use a fluid in a system for which it was not designed, you can have many unfavorable results, from premature parts wear or undesired operation to major safety issues. Always stick with the fluid that was designed for the system you’re working on.
Take care, The Motor Medics
25362 Hwy. 11, Garretson, SD 605-594-4181 or 888-200-7562 www.nordstromsauto.com
Dear Darwin,
Have they checked the tires for a problem by rotating them side to side for testing purposes? Ask them if they did this. Sometimes tires can fail and cause a severe pull to one side, and swapping sides will change the pull. If so, it’s time for new tires. They should also look at the brakes to make sure they are not dragging, causing a pull. If it is the brakes, they would likely be very hot on one side or the other.
Take care, The Motor Medics
with The Motor Medics ® Shannon Nordstrom, Russ “The Super Tech” Evans, and Chris Carter From the Hosts of the Under The Hood radio show.
Zach and Liz, owners
Wade
Scott
Jared
Nick
Greg
Brock
Alec
Steve
Brad
Noah
Spencer