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.
From Relic to ROAD-READY A Classic Truck Restoration Tale
By Tanya Manus | Photography by Nicole Frueh & Ian Peters
Chase Frueh loves 1934 Ford pickups. He’s spent more than three years restoring his current classic truck, and he’s transformed it into a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
“I’ve always liked the look of 1934 Ford pickups. They had a look and style I really liked, and I always thought that someday I wanted to have one,” Chase shares.
Chase’s fascination with older vehicles started when he was a student at WyoTech trade school in Laramie, Wyoming.
“I fell in love with old cars. Later, I had a job in Colorado, and I worked for a high-end shop down there. While I was there, I started working on a 1934 Ford pickup, but I never got to finish it,” Chase adds.
The unfinished pickup was his first 1934 Ford. Then he bought another he didn’t finish restoring, but his third 1934 Ford pickup was the charm. Finally, he was able to complete it and turn it into his dream vehicle.
“This was six to eight miles down the road at a friend’s place, and I dragged it home and tried to decide what I wanted to do with it,” Chase explains. “I wanted it to be somewhat traditional with a new style edge to it, and I wanted it as low as I could have it with bigger wheels and tires that you would have seen back in the 1950s and ‘60s.”
The pickup began as a one and a half-ton truck, and Chase has renovated it inside and out. He upgraded the motor and transmission to a more modern Buick 401 and three-speed for better highway cruising, and had the drive train rebuilt.
He ordered a custom-made chassis from Boling Brothers Early Iron in California, and that company led Chase to a father-andson team from Rally America that made custom spoked wheels for Chase’s pickup.
“He made me 18-by-3-inch and 20-by-4-1/2-inch spoked wheels with original Ford center sections in them,” Chase notes. “I ordered tires that are 30-inch in the front and 35-inch in the rear. They’re really big, but the truck is almost down on the ground. It’s got the look I was searching for.”
Chase completed all the bodywork and metalwork himself. “I’m a metalwork guy. I enjoy that side of everything,” Chase affirms.
His pickup has a stock height 1932 Ford grille and handmade low headlight mounts that Chase created himself.
Continuing to mix his favorite styles from various eras, Chase installed a 1951 Ford dash in the truck. Wanting a deeperlooking box than a 1934 Ford pickup would have had, he used the front of the box and rear tailgate from a 1939 Ford, and custom-made the truck bed sides.
“This was six to eight miles down the road at a friend’s place, and I dragged it home and tried to decide what I wanted to do with it,” Chase explains.
“I wanted it to be somewhat traditional with a new style edge to it, and I wanted it as low as I could have it with bigger wheels and tires that you would have seen back in the 1950s and ‘60s,” Chase explains.
The pickup’s bed and interior flooring are Chase’s original designs. In place of carpet in the truck, he installed hardwood oak flooring with aluminum strips, and then created a matching wood-and-aluminum truck bed.
“I’m always trying to come up with different things and ideas,” Chase states. “I just love trying to do something a little bit different.”
Chase’s sense of artistry shines on the pickup’s exterior. He painted it Nardo Gray, a color he chose because it resembles the gray of battleships, and he used a combination of semi-gloss and gloss finish to give the exterior texture and luster.
“I was trying to find an accent color that was really vibrant and crisp against it. I decided to go with a blue, so the wheels and engine are blue, and then there’s hand-painted pinstriping all around the truck in various spots that’s blue,” Chase notes.
The pickup’s upholstery, gray leather with blue suede inserts, is a nod to the exterior colors.
Chase has lived in Walcott, N.D., for about 20 years. He’s a member of the Toppers Car Club, and he’s excited to show his distinctive 1934 Ford pickup at the upcoming 2026 Toppers Car Show on Valentine’s Day weekend.
Stay warm indoors while admiring the region’s coolest vehicles at The Toppers Car Club’s Car Show. The show will be held at the Sioux Falls Convention
Center on Friday, February 13 (4pm to 9pm), Saturday, February 14 (9am to 7pm) and Sunday, February 15 (9am to 5pm) with an awards presentation at 4pm. Visit topperscarclub.com for more information.
Chase praised the Toppers Car Club, which limits its size to about 20 members, for being “a close-knit group of guys.”
“We can get to know each other and do things together, like car shows. We just enjoy being with people that enjoy the same things we do,” Chase adds.
First and foremost, though, collecting and restoring cars is a pastime Chase shares with his father. The oldest car currently in his dad’s collection is a 1934 Ford five-window coupe.
“My dad has always been into cars,” Chase recalls. “It’s always been our thing. We have had quite a few cars over time, and during the winter, we now build our own.”
What Chase is looking forward to the most, now that restoration of his 1934 Ford pickup is complete, is to get behind the wheel and take it for a spin.
“It still hasn’t been driven. I want to show it during the winter and then start driving it after that. I’m tickled with it. I’m excited to get it on the road,” Chase chuckles. “I’m looking forward to putting miles on it.”
TIRES
THE IMPORTANCE OF PROFESSIONAL VEHICLE REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE
By ArticleCity.com
Owning a vehicle requires regular upkeep to ensure its longevity, safety, and optimal performance. Routine maintenance like oil changes, tire rotations, and brake checks can prevent costly breakdowns and extend the life of your car. Graham Tire is renowned for its comprehensive auto repair services. Their certified technicians use cuttingedge diagnostic tools to identify issues early, preventing them from escalating into major problems.
Why regular maintenance is essential
Routine vehicle maintenance is crucial to the health of your car. Many car owners overlook basic services like oil changes or fluid checks, but these minor tasks can have a huge impact on the performance of your vehicle. For instance, failing to replace engine oil regularly can result in sludge build-up, which compromises engine performance and leads to expensive repairs. Similarly, ignoring tire rotations and wheel alignments can result in uneven tire wear, affecting the car’s stability and fuel efficiency.
Graham Tire offers expert diagnostics and repairs for both domestic and foreign vehicles.
Engine and transmission repairs
When it comes to vehicle repairs, engine and transmission issues are among the most complicated and costly problems drivers face. Delaying these repairs can worsen the problem and even lead to engine failure. Common symptoms such as strange noises, difficulty starting the car, or erratic transmission behavior should never be ignored.
Graham Tire offers expert diagnostics and repairs for both domestic and foreign vehicles. Their highly trained technicians are equipped with the latest diagnostic tools to quickly and accurately pinpoint engine or transmission problems. Whether it’s a minor fix or a complete overhaul, they ensure your vehicle runs smoothly and safely.
Customer trust and transparency
Choosing a repair shop involves more than just expertise. It’s about finding a service provider you can trust. At Graham Tire, they take pride in offering transparent pricing, honest
assessments, and excellent customer service. They believe that educating customers about their vehicle’s needs is key to building long-lasting relationships. Whether you need a simple oil change or a complex transmission repair, you’ll always be informed about the work being done and the cost involved.
Protect your investment
A car is a significant investment, and protecting it through regular maintenance and timely repairs is crucial. Neglecting small issues can lead to larger, more expensive problems down the road. By partnering with an experienced auto repair service, you can ensure that your car remains in excellent condition for years to come.
Graham Tire is dedicated to providing high-quality, reliable vehicle repair services. From routine maintenance to complex repairs, they are equipped to handle all your automotive needs with professionalism and care.
Largest Old Truck Collection in the Midwest! Over 200 Showcases with 1,000’s of Pieces of Yesterday’s Memories! Hours
Monday-Friday: 8:00am-4:00pm
Saturday: By Appointment Only Sunday: Closed (Staff-guided tours available by appointment) Trucks, Parts & Equipment
Largest truck inventory in the Midwest! - New, Used & Rebuilt Parts!
- Over 100 Acres of Trucks for Parts! - With 6 Locations to Better Serve You! Providing Parts & Service Since 1939! 800-242-5030 www.vanderhaags.com
KUSTOMZ WITH a K
By Ingrid Hayward
Your custom shop with a custom name
Some shops fix vehicles. Then there is Kustomz Truck Auto & Marine that shapes ideas and dreams.
When Steve Darling opened Kustomz Truck & Auto in 2001, it wasn’t to chase trends or volume. It was to build a local, familyowned shop rooted in craftsmanship, where vehicles are treated as personal expressions, and quality is never compromised.
With Steve, the work begins with a conversation. Sometimes it’s a subtle correction, such as a door ding erased, and other times it’s an entire transformation like a meticulously applied paint finish, a custom interior stitched to perfection, or a bold six-door conversion engineered to feel as though it came from the factory that way.
Kustomz doesn’t limit itself to a single category, because true customization has no boundaries. Boats, motorcycles, cars, and trucks all pass through the shop, each handled with the same care and respect. Every project reflects patience, intention, and pride, values that come naturally to a family-run business with decades of experience. Backed by a dedicated team of 8 to 10 full-time staff, plus extra team members who go the extra mile when needed, every project receives the focus and skill it deserves. The Kustomz' team includes PPGcertified technicians, ensuring top-level expertise for every repair and customization.
“Our commitment has carried far beyond Rapid City. It is something we are known for and something we are continuously proud of,” Steve explains. “Our customers travel from all over the United States and Canada, returning again and again, leaving consistent five-star reviews, not because they’re asked to, but because our work speaks for itself. Trust is earned, one project at a time.”
Here, modern technology meets old-world standards. Auto body and collision repair that preserves value. Paintwork that rewards a second look. Custom builds that feel purposeful, never rushed, and never overdone. “We back our work with a lifetime warranty on paint and body work, because quality and trust go hand in hand. The goal isn’t attention. It’s timeless craftsmanship,” Steve shares.
The vehicles and boats offered by Kustomz Auto & Marine follow the same philosophy: thoughtfully selected, properly prepared, and priced with integrity. Whether you’re searching for a quality used car or a pickup that’s ready for adventure or the local car show, they can help you.
Kustomz can do the shopping for you if you have a full schedule and can’t find the perfect fit. Simply let them know what you are looking for, and they will send over vehicles that match. “We have shipped multiple vehicles to customers as far away as New Zealand, and we can help with that also,” Steve adds.
There’s no assembly line at this shop and no shortcuts. Just skilled hands, honest work, and a deep commitment to the community they’ve served since 2001.
That’s Kustomz with a K. Your custom shop with the custom name.
THE EXTRA MILE
Feel the Power
When building a hot rod power plant today, some people choose to go with forced induction. For our purposes, there are two common types of forced induction: blowers, in which the compressor is driven by a belt powered by the engine, and turbochargers, which use engine exhaust to drive the compressor. Both types have their own characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. Today, we will be discussing blowers.
A common blower choice is the roots-type and is often chosen because of the nostalgic look and improved throttle response. The power benefits can be substantial; however, not all blowers are the same, and one size or type does not fit all. Even though blowers do use engine power to drive the pump, net performance gains can be huge if the correct setup is used. With all the types and sizes to choose from, getting the right combination for your application takes careful planning and design.
Blowers used in street applications are designed for continuous use and run at slightly looser tolerances than racing applications and don’t
produce as much heat in compressing the intake charge. Competition blowers run tighter tolerances and generate considerably more heat, often necessitating cooling the intake charge in some fashion. Because of these and several other factors, it is wise to use the right equipment for the right application, or you end up making your life difficult. Roots blower sizes run from 4-71 to 16-71; other types of blowers are measured by cubic inches of volume.
There are several things to think about before you make your choice: what type of fuel is going to be used, what octane rating, and what is the exact static compression ratio of your engine? This all requires that the combustion chambers be cc’d, measuring the exact stroke, deck clearance, piston dome or dish volume, as well as head gasket bore and thickness. Boost is measured in PSI of positive intake manifold pressure gained. This boost will increase the dynamic compression ratio because the air-fuel mixture is being packed into the cylinders under pressure and can quickly lead to detonation if you miss the mark on fuel octane, timing, or fuel-air ratios.
Blower engines require adequate parts, starting with the block, crank, connecting rods, pistons, and heads, to stand up to the added stress. Then all the correct machining must be performed, and everything has to be balanced and assembled correctly, or you will need a shovel to pick up the parts. To finish this build, the correct camshaft and head design, carburetion or injection, ignition, cooling, and exhaust systems must be used, or you are going to need that shovel. Boost pressure goes down when cubic inches go up, and goes up with an increase in drive ratio. Correct fueling for your blower engine is dictated by the amount of boost, RPM, static compression ratio, and final compression ratio. Miss any of this, and an increase in power is limited at best, and at worst, you’re back on the shovel.
If a blower engine is in your future, let the professionals at Sehr Performance Machine put their years of experience to work, so “THE EXTRA MILE” is in your future, as well.
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Golden ride still has its luster after 40 years 1968 Ford Torino
NAME: Jack Larson
CAR YEAR-MAKE-MODEL: 1968 Ford Torino
ENGINE: 302 V8
TRANSMISSION: Four-speed Toploader
SUSPENSION: Stock
EXHAUST: Dual MagnaFlow
BODY: Two-door hardtop fastback “SportsRoof"
INTERIOR: All original stock bucket seats with center console
Want the whole story on this car? Listen to the Chevy Girl podcast.
By Tanya Manus | Photography by Jack Larson
By Tanya Manus |
Buying his 1968 Ford Torino might be the most satisfying $200 Jack Larson ever spent. In 1986, Jack was driving a Mustang he had restored while he was in vocational school. He was looking for a different car for everyday driving. His mother’s co-worker was selling a car, cheap, and offered to throw in a bunch of snow tires with it. His dad described the car as a “winter beater.” For $200, the car and snow tires were Jack’s, and he had no idea how much he’d love the Torino 40 years later.
“It was in pretty tough shape,” Jack remembers. “I purchased the car, and I put an exhaust on it and a set of tires, and I drove it that whole winter. The more I drove that car, the more I really liked it,”
At that time, Jack was working at a body shop. “The car looked rough, so I patched it together and painted it with the money I had. It looked good. It wasn’t a show-stopper, but it looked OK. I ran it that way until 2018, almost 30 years.”
“You never see these cars much anymore, and the longer you own it, the more attached you get to it,” Jack notes.
Photography by Jack Larson
Torinos were named after the City of Turin, considered “The Italian Detroit.” Jack says the look and style of the car appealed to him.
Over the years, Jack went to salvage yards, junk yards, and swap meets, and if he saw a part that was in good shape, he bought it. Eventually, he collected enough decent parts to fully restore his 1968 Ford Torino.
Jack studied auto body work for a couple of years in technical school. When he decided to restore his 1968 Ford Torino, he was able to complete the majority of the restoration work himself. The metalwork was done by Expert Auto Body & Restorations in Adrian, MN, and returned to Jack to finish.
Jack fully restored the car to its original condition in 2019, except for the exhaust, and added air conditioning. He painted the car its original color, Sunlight Gold Poly.
“A lot of people are surprised I did the work on it. I performed all the work and (painted it) in my two-car garage,” Jack adds.
The restoration took 18 months. “It turned out better than I expected,” Jack shares.
The classic beauty later became a model, appearing as the April image in the PPG Paints 2024 calendar.
It’s more than just pretty to look at, though. Jack still drives it about 2,000 miles a year, sometimes transporting it by trailer to car shows in the region. He takes his Torino to a few car shows, including the Goodguys car show in Des Moines, Iowa, and the Street Machine Nationals in Minneapolis, simply for the pleasure of sharing the car.
When he’s out on the road with it, the Torino attracts plenty of appreciative honks, waves, and thumbs-up.
“Really, to me, it’s all about driving it and having fun. I’m not a trophy hunter. When I take it to shows, it’s more of having my car there, and people can look at it and enjoy it,” Jack states.
Custom Truck Equipment, Inc. We are a state-of-the-art equipment house and equipment distributor for any of your truck equipment needs. We carry Monroe snow and ice control products, FORCE America hydraulic systems, Omaha Standard service bodies, and several lines of dump bodies, cranes and crane bodies, lift gates, hydraulic front wheel drive systems from TDS to get you through the most severe conditions. Any kind of truck accessory you want from your SUV to your big rig.
No job too big or too small.
Memory Driven Fun
By Bob Schmeichel
John Tieszen can’t help but reminisce about how much fun it was growing up on a farm in the 1950s and ’60s. For John, the fun began the day his dad put him behind the wheel of their big old AA Ford grain truck to teach him how to drive at age 7. John said he had to stand up while hanging on to the steering wheel to see where he was going, along with operating the clutch and gas pedals at the same time, and had to strong-arm the wheel on one side to turn it, which was no easy task for a little guy.
The training continued until he had confidence and felt comfortable with driving the old truck. When harvest season came around, his dad told him he could help by driving the truck in the fields beside the combine so his dad could offload the combine hopper into the truck. That way, his dad could keep combining rather than stopping to unload. John’s dad told him, “No matter what you do, don’t run into the combine!”
Apparently, everything worked out fine while giving John confidence in his young abilities and some pride knowing he was helping. Once the grain truck was full, his dad would stop the combine, get behind the wheel of their truck, and drive them to a local grain buyer to sell what they had harvested. John said he remembered that picture of going to town like it was
yesterday, with his dad driving the heavily loaded truck while shifting gears with its loud exhaust, while constantly turning the steering wheel left and right to keep it going straight down the dusty gravel road.
Later in John’s life, in the 1970’s after being married for a short period of time, John decided he wanted to recapture some of those fond memories by building an old Model A truck. As he found out, it wasn’t an easy idea to do with gathering all the parts needed to assemble his vision and have it painted. There always seemed to be some sort of issue because it was old, which is how he wanted it.
John persevered for 10 years and finally got it done in time to drive in a parade in Canistota for their 100-year centennial. By doing that, the old memories came rushing back with the loose steering and the brakes that really didn’t stop the truck all that great. Rather than continuing on with improving the way everything worked, John, now with a growing family, decided to trade the truck off for a better family vehicle, which he did. After doing that, John always had it in the back of his mind to have another Model A with more room inside, like a coupe or a sedan, with newer brakes and steering so it would be fun to drive.
His improved ideas pretty much pushed him towards street rods, where he found a 1930 Model that was advertised for sale online in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 2016. According to the pictures, the car was painted yellow without fenders, had chrome wheels, and a Chevy V8 engine with an automatic transmission. It was advertised as a Milner Coupe. After getting the go-ahead from his wife, John bought the car and had it shipped to Sioux Falls. I always kind of cringe when I hear stories like this, when someone buys a vehicle based only on pictures without seeing it in person.
John, curious about the Milner Coupe claim, looked it up online and saw why it was labeled that way. A rod shop in Indiana had built the car a few years earlier and tried to copy the so-called Milner Coupe, which was the main star in the American Graffiti movie. The one area that the claim failed in was the fact that the car was a 1930 Ford and not a ‘32 Ford as was in the movie. The car had a Man-a-Fre 4x2 barrel carb set up, as the Milner coupe had, but never really ran well, which John would later change to a single 4-barrel carb set up.
There were a number of other things John did to improve the car, including the way he got it. Here is the short list, starting with replacing the wood around the doors and around the windows,
which is no easy task, considering it is nailed in place. After doing that, John repainted the entire body with a John Deere yellow paint color. After that, he removed a fake roll bar in order to move the seat back for a more comfortable leg room seating position, as well as lowering the steering column down so it wasn’t in his face with the steering wheel. He replaced the original Vega steering box that the car was built with with a new one, so the steering is tight and precise now.
It took a bit to figure out what combination was used for the brakes on both ends, but he did it, so the car stops like a new car now. John took the car out to StraightLines to have it rewired, where they also pointed out to John that the rear floor structure was pretty well rusted out, which they recreated to work as original along with being structurally sound again. John installed new headers and replaced the chrome wheels and tires with American Racing Indy wheels and fresh rubber.
I know John has done much more than he tells me to improve his ride, but every little thing he does brings the car to another higher level of enjoyment and dependability while creating a much happier memory, which is not in a remember when direction, but right now!
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
At Mitchell Technical College, your tomorrow begins today. With more than 35 career-driven programs, you’ll learn by doing, not just listening. From hands on labs to real-world experience, every step prepares you for a high-demand career.
This fall, take the next step toward your future. There’s no better way than experiencing Mitchell Tech for yourself.
Visit us in person or online and see how you can get ready at Mitchell Tech.
Whipple Racing Is Now
By Dave Aeilts
What’s in the name change of this 23-year-old Rapid City racing business located at 3110 W. St. Louis Street?
In May 2025, Justin and Anna Hoeft purchased Whipple Racing Products from Robin Whipple, who started the business with her late husband Richard. As of Jan. 1, 2026, the Hoefts changed the name to Yoder’s Speed Shop.
Aside from the name, little has changed besides the fact that Yoder’s now supplies parts for and works on circle track cars, which the previous owners did not.
The speed shop supplies racers with Sunoco racing fuels, PennGrade highperformance oils, and nitrous bottle refills. A Hoosier Tire dealer, Yoder’s also stocks new and used performance parts for drag racing, street cars, and circle track cars. In addition, the speed shop carries a wide selection of Redhorse fittings and hoses.
“Moving to Wyoming, I got into dirt bikes, and that interest eventually transferred to performance racing cars,” Justin notes.
On the shop side, Yoder’s works on everything from maintenance on daily drivers to street rods, hot rods, drag cars, and circle track cars. Justin also offers fabrication services like welding titanium, stainless steel, and aluminum, to mention just a few of his specialties.
“The weirder things get, the more interested I am in working on them,” Justin admits. For his personal hotrod, he recently used throttle bodies from a Polaris snowmobile to build a custom side-draft intake.
With her creative talent, Anna designs all the vinyl wraps for race cars, in addition to business cards, hats, and hoodies.
Justin’s dad worked as a GM tech for 45 years. Justin grew up in Washington State and, as a teenager, moved with his family to Wyoming.
Between then and now, Justin drag-raced snowmobiles and belonged to a team that in 2011 captured the Western Division and World Championships in 1.0 Litre hydroplane racing.
“I was a power sports mechanic for 10 years and the last 13 years have been spent welding and fabricating,” Justin states.
Though he’s raced Midwest Modified and is transitioning to wingless sprint racing this year, Justin admits to having more fun fabricating race cars, snowmobiles, and motorcycles than driving them.
Anna grew up in eastern Montana, right on the North Dakota border. “My dad raced circle track throughout my childhood,” she states. “I’d work on his car and pit for him at the track.” As she got older, her dad got into the drag racing and the street racing world.
“I didn’t begin racing until four years ago with Midwest Modifieds,” notes Anna, who is also transitioning to wingless sprint cars this season. She has also raced sport compacts and street stock.
So, the new owners of Yoder’s Speed Shop not only work on race cars, they race themselves.
What has changed? The name and the addition of circle track to the list of racers they serve. Otherwise, Yoder’s Speed Shop offers the same products and services as Whipple did. “We’re basically doing everything they did before, just adding more,” says Anna. You can reach the Hoefts at 605-787-6338.
Want to meet and get to know Justin and Anna Hoeft? They will have a booth at the Counts Car and Cycle Show at The Monument in Rapid City, February 20-22, and they will sponsor two nights of racing at Box Elder’s Bandit Speedway August 21-22.
8am-noon Sunday & monday: Closed
OLD IRON COMPANY'S GARAGE TOUR
FEBRUARY 14, 2026
810 Jeppeson Road, West Okoboji, IA facebook.com/OldIronCo
TOPPERS CAR SHOW
FEBRUARY 13-15, 2026
Sioux Falls Convention Center, Sioux Falls, SD topperscarclub.com
FEBRUARY 22, 2026 Sioux City, IA facebook.com/groups/350564374753431
ROD & CUSTOM CAR SHOW
FEBRUARY 22-23, 2026 Monticello, IA rodandcustomcarshow.com
FAT INTERNATIONAL ICE RACE 2026
FEBRUARY 27–28, 2026 Moonlight Basin, Big Sky, MT tixr.com/groups/fat-int/events/fat-ice-race-big-sky-151367
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 wheeljam.com
PLAINVIEW CAR, TRUCK, MOTORCYCLE AND TRACTOR SHOW
JUNE 13, 2026– PLAINVIEW, NE facebook.com/p/ Highwaytwentyhotrodassociation-100064321377157/
BLACK HILLS CAMARO RALLY
JUNE 17-20, 2026 – SPEARFISH, SD blackhillscamarorally.com
WILD BILL DAYS CLASSIC CAR & SUMMER TOYS AUCTION
JUNE 19TH-21ST, 2026 - MAIN STREET, DEADWOOD, SD deadwood.com/event/wild-bill-days/
58TH ANNUAL BLACK HILLS ROD RUN
JULY 10-11, 2026 – Blackhawk, SD facebook.com/counts.carclub
55TH ANNUAL BLACK HILLS CORVETTE CLASSIC JULY 15-18, 2026 – SPEARFISH, SD TOUR THE BLACK HILLS blackhillscorvetteclassic.com
NYBERG’S ACE HOT CLASSICS NIGHT
JULY 25, 2026 – SIOUX FALLS, SD nybergsace.com/events/hot-classics-night/ D.A.D.'S AUTO SHOW AND SHINE/BURNOUT CONTEST
August 1, 2026 – Beresford, SD facebook.com/p/DADs-auto-show-and-shineburnoutcontest-100064530169547/
SERTOMA SHINE AND SHOW
August 9, 2026 – Sioux Falls, SD
Lake Lorraine – The CarsForSale Parking Lot noonsertoma.com/events/shine-and-show
86TH ANNUAL STURGIS MOTORCYCLE RALLY
AUGUST 7-16, 2026 – STURGIS, SD sturgis.com
25TH ANNUAL ARLINGTON CAR SHOW
AUGUST 16, 2026 – ARLINGTON , SD facebook.com/groups/107817958730
32ND ANNUAL KOOL DEADWOOD NITES
AUGUST 18 – 23, 2026, DEADWOOD, SD deadwood.com/event/kool-deadwood-nites/
47TH ANNUAL VINTIQUES ROD RUN & CAMPOUT
SEPTEMBER 11-13, 2026 - WATERTOWN, SD facebook.com/Vintiquescarclub/
MIDWEST REGIONAL HOT ROD RALLY
SEPTEMBER 11-12, 2026 - MOVILLE , IA facebook.com/MidwestRegionalHotRodRally
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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
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
