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 correct bolts, correct plating, correct colors, correct upholstery and stunning paint jobs.
If you’re not looking for a flawless original but are looking for something customized, our staff has the ability and skill to complete specialized vehicles as well.
Find Your Dream Ride At Wild Bill Days
By Tanya Manus
The spectacular classic car or truck of your dreams could be waiting for you at Wild Bill Days. The 2025 Wild Bill Days Classic Car and Memorabilia Auction brings a stunning collection of classic vehicles and vintage memorabilia to Deadwood.
Wild Bill Days commemorates the infamous 1870s American West gunslinger Wild Bill Hickok. McPherson Auction and Realty Co. hosts the annual Wild Bill Days car auction. In its 11th year, the auction will include approximately 75 high-quality and unique cars and trucks, plus vintage memorabilia. This year’s auction is set for 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 14.
“The auction is held inside the Deadwood Mountain Grand, and we drive all the cars through and auction them right there in front of the stage. It’s pretty huge,” states Kevin McPherson, co-owner of McPherson Auction and Realty Co.
Buyers and sellers typically attend from surrounding states and beyond —
Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and more.
Some buyers, however, come from even farther away. The auction is a live event, and it’s also broadcast on McPherson Auction’s website with simulcast bidding so buyers can bid from national and international locations.
got a lot of repeat buyers and customers nationwide,” Kevin explains.
“The pickups will be classic. There will be vehicles from the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s, including pickups, Jeeps, and Broncos,” Kevin adds. “The pickups are very desirable, and they are strong sellers. It’ll be a good auction.”
Collectors of memorabilia are likely to find vintage signs from gas stations and oil companies at the auction, too.
“The auction is not just for buyers and sellers. It’s open to the public, and spectators are welcome,” Kevin shares.
“There are a lot of spectators who come. Some people have never been to an auction before. There’ll be tourists in Deadwood, and we’ll have people attending from foreign countries. There are people from all over the world who will be in Deadwood in June,” Kevin states.
“Deadwood Mountain Grand is a beautiful facility with comfortable seating. Come in and sit down, and just watch what’s going on for a while. Sit there long enough, and you might decide to buy a car!” 11th
SAT., JUNE 14th, 2025 Auction Starts 10 AM MST
The Wild Bill Days auction still surprises some locals and car enthusiasts when they discover it’s part of the Wild Bill Days celebration. This auction is smaller than the one McPherson Auction holds in August during Kool Deadwood Nites, and the Wild Bill Days auction appeals to many car enthusiasts who prefer less crowded events, Kevin adds.
“We mainly started doing this to try to help ease pressure from Kool Deadwood Nites because it’s so huge,” Kevin notes. “For some people, this Wild Bill Days auction is a good option for them.”
The Kool Deadwood Nites auction held in August is a threeday event that attracts bidders and buyers nationwide. For buyers and sellers, the friendships and camaraderie at the auction are as much fun as the classic cars and trucks.
“We always enjoy having the auction at the Deadwood Mountain Grand, and there are a lot of people in the classic car auction world who will be at Wild Bill Days and Kool Deadwood Nites,” Kevin continues. “It’s almost like a family reunion, getting people back together with buyers and sellers. A lot of them we’ve done business with for years.”
76 years in the auction industry
McPherson Auction and Realty Co. is a pioneer in South Dakota auctions and the auction industry. Founded by Dale McPherson in 1949, McPherson Auction and Realty Co. will celebrate its 76th anniversary in 2025. Since 2023, Kevin and Todd McPherson have co-owned and operated the company.
“It’s a family business,” Kevin notes. “When we have the big car auctions, all the family is involved — my wife and kids, and my brother and his kids. It’s a family affair, and everybody jumps in and helps out.
Between them, Kevin and Todd have eight adult children, some of whom fly in to assist with the Wild Bill Days and Kool Deadwood Nites classic car auctions. Kevin’s daughter, Bergan, manages the McPherson Auction and Realty office year-round.
The diversity of the auction business appeals to Kevin.
“That’s one thing I’ve always really enjoyed is all the people we deal with, and all the different situations. We’ve learned a lot of street smarts,” Kevin shares.
Founder Dale McPherson got started in the auction business in Sturgis in 1949, and the company has evolved as a frontrunner in the auction industry, conducting professional auctions in South Dakota for 70+ years.
auction business,” Kevin states. “We were leading the industry and still are in the online auction business.”
“We’ve been leading the auction profession in the online
The Wild Bill Days Auction is one of about 150 auctions McPherson Auction Co. conducts every year throughout South Dakota and in neighboring states. They typically auction real estate, farm and ranch equipment, construction equipment, and large estates, as well as many amazing classic cars and trucks, in Deadwood.
“It’s been fun working with the Deadwood Mountain Grand and the City of Deadwood, and the Chamber of Commerce. It’s going to be a really good year,” Kevin adds.
For a complete schedule of events for Wild Bill Days, visit deadwood.com/event/wild-bill-days/.
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By Sgt. Travis Olsen
A frequent topic I hear about is exhaust and vehicle noise, literally and figuratively. It is a question, and often a complaint, commonplace in my office. I, too, love the sound of a finely tuned machine with a quality exhaust system, and we all can probably agree that it is a big part of a custom build. I especially love the sights, smells, and sounds at the dragstrip, but all those particular sensations belong there at the dragstrip and not on the street. Unfortunately, open headers and straight-pipes are unequivocally illegal. Let’s dive into it.
South Dakota Law (SDCL 32-15-17) states: “No person may drive a motor vehicle on a highway unless the motor vehicle
is equipped with an exhaust system and a muffler both in good working condition and in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual noise.
Exhaust systems on passenger or passenger-carrying vehicles used on any highway shall discharge the exhaust fumes at a location to the rear of the vehicle body or direct the exhaust fumes outward from the side of the vehicle body at a location rearward of any operable side windows. Any motor vehicle equipped with side exhaust according to the original vehicle manufacturer's specifications is exempt from the location requirements. A bus used for the purpose of carrying school children may discharge the exhaust on the left side in front of the rear axle.
Exhaust systems on property-carrying vehicles used on any highway shall discharge the exhaust fumes at a point rearward of the passenger-carrying compartment.
No person may use a muffler cut-out on any motor vehicle upon a highway.
A violation of this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor.
Here is a good place for me to mention that other states and jurisdictions may have other laws and regulations. As an example, Sioux Falls City ordinance has further restrictions, including decibel levels of motor vehicles in chapter 93.008. To summarize here, motor vehicles under 10,000 pounds are restricted to noise limits of 80 decibels in speed limits under 40 MPH, or 84 decibels in speed limits of 40 MPH or more. In addition, further restrictive from State Law, this ordinance goes on to state that the exhaust system must be “free from defects which affect sound reduction” and “not equipped with any cutout, bypass or similar device.” Notice my emphasis here- “free from defects”- in other words, hypothetically, drilling out (intentionally creating a defect) mufflers on your motorcycle, likely is in violation here. Also, notice the difference between state law and city ordinance- state law states you cannot “use” a cut-out, versus a city ordinance, which states you cannot have “equipped” an exhaust cut-out.
When modifying or building a car, truck or motorcycle, I would encourage you to research the laws and ordinances in your jurisdiction when it comes to exhaust. I have spelled out the nuts and bolts for what South Dakota laws state. There are countless scenarios and I would encourage you to reach out direct to your local law enforcement if you have questions or concerns before spending the money on aftermarket exhaust systems.
Chances are, they can’t conclusively say whether this or that brand or model of muffler would violate a noise ordinance, but the style of exhaust or the modification you are debating, they can probably offer you some guidance or point you in a good direction.
Do you have a traffic safety question?
Please email heather@michelscom.com to submit your inquiry and Sgt. Travis Olsen will offer an explanation in his monthly column.
CALENDAR Events
SF Angel Babies 5th Annual Motorcycle Memorial Ride
June 1, 2025 - Sioux Falls, SD facebook.com/events/367952796315508
Handy Man Home Remodeling Center Annual Cruise Night
June 4, 2025 - Handy Man Home Remodeling Center - Sioux Falls, SD facebook.com/share/1BdoU8LeNG
Supercar Convention Center Show
June 4, 2025 - Deadwood Mountain Grand facebook.com/share/168nZdcW59
Summer Community Nights with Family Food Truck Nights
June 4, 2025 - Bandit Ball Field - Box Elder, SD facebook.com/share/1B6oL5Q8z4
Wheel Jam Truck Show
June 5-8, 2025– Huron, SD
South Dakota State Fairgrounds wheeljamtruckshow.com
Rides of Our Youth Vintage Motorbike Show
June 7, 2025 - Sioux Falls, SD vjmc.org/calendar
5th Annual Remembering Ed Car & Bike Show
June 7, 2025 - Riverside Park, Sioux City, IA
39TH ANNUAL SIOUX EMPIRE FORD CLUB CAR SHOW
June 8, 2025 - Sioux Falls, SD
Summer Blast, Our Saviors Lutheran Cruise Night
June 11, 2025 - Our Savior's Lutheran Church - Sioux Falls, SD facebook.com/share/1DBj1kefYX
DSG 3rd Annual Car & Bike Show
June 13, 2025 - Watertown, SD facebook.com/share/18oBTpdnzL
WILD BILL DAYS
June 13-14, 2025 - Deadwood, SD deadwood.com/event/wild-bill-days
KING SERIES TRUCK SHOW
June 13-15, 2025 - Lead, SD
JESSE JAMES DAY CAR SHOW
June 13-15, 2025 - Garretson High School - Garretson, SD
- SPONSORED BY -
HWY. 20 HOTROD ASSOCIATION 19TH ANNUAL PLAINVIEW CAR, TRUCK, MOTORCYCLE, & TRACTOR SHOW
June 14, 2025 - Plainview, NE
Schulte Subaru Cars & Coffee
June 14, 2025 - Harrisburg Freshman Academy School
Sioux Falls, SD
32nd Annual Brookings Car Show
June 14, 2025 - Pioneer Park, Brookings, SD
Center of the Nation Show and Shine
NAPA Auto Parts Belle Fourche
June 14, 2025, Belle Fourche, SD
Glass Doctor Annual Cruise Night, All Car Enthusiants Invited
June 18, 2025 - Glass Doctor of Sioux Falls, SD facebook.com/share/1EHcfs1hYX
14th Annual Black Hills Camaro Rally
June 18th-21st in Spearfish, SD Blackhillscamarorally.com
The Tri-State Cruisers Car Show
June 18th - Le Mars, IA icecreamdays.com/event-schedule
Black Hills Mopars Car Show
June 21, 2025 - Liberty Superstores - Rapid City, SD facebook.com/share/16DhbUQFJe
June Bragging Rights on Thursday Nights
June 21, 2025 - Missouri River Associates, LLC. - Yankton, SD facebook.com/share/18WuerPTx1
Schulte Subaru Cars & Coffee
July 12, 2025 - Harrisburg Freshman Academy School
Sioux Falls, SD
AUTOMANIA 2025
June 28, 2025 - Valley Springs, SD
DELL RAPIDS QUARRY DAYS
June 29, 2025 - City Park - Dell Rapids, SD dellrapidschamber.com/quarry-days/
Emily's Hope Poker Run
June 28, 2025 - Sioux Falls, SD events.emilyshope.charity/event/ 7th-annual-emilys-hope-poker-run/
Thunder Valley Dragways Drag Racing Legends
July 5, 2025 - Parker, SD thundervalleydragways.com
Quoin Bank Car Night
July 9, 2025 - Quoin Financial Bank - Sioux Falls, SD facebook.com/share/19BdFyqJz8
Trans Am Takeover STURGIS
July 11, 2025 - Gas Monkey - Sturgis, SD facebook.com/share/18nA62jCJW
CAR SHOW & BURNOUTS 2025
July 11, 2025 - Larchwood, IA
Black Hills Corvette Classic
July 16-19, 2025 - Spearfish, SD blackhillscorvetteclassic.com
Emily's Hope Cruise Night at Autoland
July 16, 2025 - Autoland - Sioux Falls, SD facebook.com/share/1EK8Srn1U3
SCENE OF THE CRASH CAR AND BIKE SHOW
July 18, 2025 - Dakota Thurston County Fairgrounds
Rad City: 80's & 90's Car Show
July 19, 2025 - Central States Fair - Rapid City, SD facebook.com/share/19AWuRkzDU
HURLEY CRUISE NIGHT & BURNOUT
July 25, 2025 - Hurley, SD facebook.com/p/HOT-Hurley-Nights-100064419831125/
D.A.D.'S AUTO REPAIR SHOW AND SHINE AND BURNOUT CONTEST
July 26, 2025 - Beresford, SD dadsrepairsd.com
Nyberg's ACE 8th Annual HOT CLASSICS NIGHT
July 26, 2025 - Nyberg's ACE - Downtown Sioux Falls, SD facebook.com/share/1YNEzU2MeL
Canton Cruise Night and car Show
July 26-27, 2025 - Canton, SD facebook.com/share/18phLHyxza
July Bragging Rights On Thursday Nights
July 31, 2025 - Missouri River Associates, LLC. - Yankton, SD facebook.com/share/1KcJBTrpTB
2025 Black Hills Throwdown
Aug. 1-3, 2025 - Sturgis Buffalo Chip, SD facebook.com/share/1AAhaTqW5c
85th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
Aug. 1-10, 2025 - Sturgis, SD sturgis.com
Schulte Subaru Cars & Coffee
Aug. 9, 2025 - Harrisburg Freshman Academy School
Sioux Falls, SD
SERTOMA SHINE AND SHOW
Aug. 10, 2025 - Lake Lorraine, Sioux Falls, SD info@noonsertoma.com
Renner Days Monarch's Antique and Classic Car and Tractor Show
Aug. 16, 2025 - Renner, SD
Chasers 15th Annual Car Show!
Aug. 16, 2025 - Chasers - Sioux Falls, SD facebook.com/share/1G7WCvRAso
31st Annual Kool Deadwood Nites
Aug. 19-24, 2025 - Deadwood, SD deadwood.com/event/ kool-deadwood-nites
31ST ANNUAL KOOL DEADWOOD NITES CLASSIC CAR AUCTION
Aug. 21, 2025 - Deadwood Mountain Grand, SD facebook.com/share/19JJ4xmeMh
Studebaker Car Show
Aug. 31, 2025 - Custer, SD facebook.com/share/1BVrQKdEyE
46th Annual Vintiques Rod Run and Kampeska Kampout
September 5th - 7th - Watertown, SD vintiquescarclub.com
21st Annual Ribs Rods & Rock n' Roll!
Sept. 5-6, 2025 - Vermillion, SD sdbbq.us
43rd Annual Black Hills Swap Meet
Sept. 7 ,2025 - Central States Fairgrounds - Rapid City, SD facebook.com/share/1BLFqEmujT
Terry Koch's Race Shop, Cruise Night Fundraiser
Sept. 10, 2025 - Sioux Falls, SD facebook.com/share/15KWNukk8q
WEDNESDAY, JULY 9 • 6PM TO 8PM
"Our job as custom engine builders is to design and create an engine package that the customer will best utilize in the vehicle."
Professional custom engine building can be quite a complex endeavor these days. With the quality and availability of engine parts declining, it is even more important to get the build right so the customer can enjoy their build with confidence. Our job as custom engine builders is to design and create an engine package that the customer will best utilize in the vehicle. There is no sense of building extra power in the RPM range that the engine will rarely be in.
It is also our job as custom engine builders to enhance the durability and problem areas in the original design of the engine. This is where the custom engine build sets itself above the other baseline builds. Where the baseline engine builds concentrate on getting the product out as quickly and as inexpensively as possible, the custom engine build requires time, examination, and extra effort that most engine shops overlook or assume. This is why the less expensive builds will not be as good as they could be.
The custom engine build begins with the customer. We talk with our customers and discuss what vehicle the engine will be installed in, and the related aspects of the vehicle, including transmission style, tire size, and gear ratio. We also investigate how best to power the vehicle for the satisfaction of the customer and to improve the performance of the vehicle. Then, we approach the usable RPM range that the vehicle will be mostly driven in, which is one of the most important things to discover.
It is critical to know all of these aspects before we can design
the correct build. Next, we use our many years of knowledge and experience to best design the engine that will best fit in the whole package. We investigate engine block stability, cylinder head port design, intake manifold dynamics, oil system quality, induction aspects, static and dynamic compression, engine part material composition, and rotating assembly strength, just to name a few. We then correct, refine, and rework all the areas in the engine that will require work to enhance the build. These things take time and extra effort to accomplish, and to our knowledge, are a necessity for a quality engine build. In most cases, this extra attention will pay awesome dividends in the future and create a build that will be the best it can be.
Here at Sehr Performance, we offer customers a high-quality custom engine build that will be designed, machined, assembled, and tested by experienced, certified, and passionate machinists and engine builders. The engine will be complete and tested true for the most complete package possible.
Checking and confirming everything is a process we provide in all of our builds, so we ensure the customer has precise and complete confidence in our work. We have the option and ability to upgrade, strengthen, and reinforce any area that needs to be done and that is why in the long run, the effort of doing things better is the only way we put forth the extra work in all of our builds so that our customers can enjoy the Extra Mile.
• SUNDAY, JUNE 29TH
• CITY PARK, DELL RAPIDS, SD
• REGISTRATION: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
• AWARDS: 3:15 PM
• RAIN OR SHINE
• DJ PLAYING CAR, TRUCK, & TRAVEL TUNES
• ALL MAKES AND MODELS ARE WELCOME
CANTON AREA CAR SHOW for Generations Returns In July
By Tanya Manus
Hundreds of the coolest cars, trucks, and motorcycles will roll into Canton this summer for the return of the Canton Area Car Show for Generations.
Event organizer Bernie Tyrrell and 2024 special guest
"Last year, we had 300 entries. We were hoping for at least 100, and this year all of the members on our committee are thinking we're going to go over 300!" shares Bernie Tyrrell, one of the show's organizers. "You never know how many people are going to come. If you get a beautiful day, you get a beautiful bunch of cars that show up," Bernie adds.
Sponsored by the Canton Area Chamber of Commerce, the show is free for those who wish to enter their vehicles, and admission is also free both days for those who want to attend. "It's totally free," Bernie notes. "We're offering something special to the people who register their vehicles in advance. They get a dash plaque and a goodie bag while supplies last."
The family-friendly event opens Saturday, July 26, with Touch-A-Truck from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Jack Fox Park. This is your chance to get an up-close look at the fire trucks and more used in Canton.
Try your luck in the poker run from 2 to 6 p.m. Proceeds help fund events sponsored by the Canton Area Chamber of Commerce, so activities can remain free of charge for the community.
Show off your coolest rides during the popular Cruise Night from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday. Drivers love to show off their cars, trucks, and motorcycles, while spectators enjoy getting a front-row seat to the action.
"People line up on the Boulevard with their lawn chairs and watch the cars drive back and forth," Bernie explains. "We
ask that people go out to Sanford Health Hiawatha Heights Living Center, and circle the Good Samaritan Society senior living facility so everyone can see it."
"Last year, we had several people who did burnouts in the parking lots, and those folks really enjoyed that," states Lisa Hinker, Director and President of the Canton Area Chamber of Commerce. "We believe a little bit of that is OK as long as it is in control."
"It was pretty fun last year. Our police department and fire department had people burnout right in front of them. It brought back a lot of fun times," Lisa shares.
On Sunday, July 27, the car show takes place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. All cars are welcome regardless of make or model, including rat rods, home-built vehicles, and motorcycles. There's no charge to register or enter vehicles in the show.
"A highlight of this year's show will be the Ralfs family — four generations of car aficionados who live in the Canton area. They'll show their collection of Studebakers, Chevys, and vehicles their family has built," Bernie states.
The South Dakota Army National Guard will also have vehicles on display.
New this year will be the addition of an official photographer. People can have pictures taken of themselves with their vehicles and order them on site directly from the photographer.
A Kids Zone will also be new this year. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., tinflatables will be set up near the playground in Jack Fox Park, where children can participate in a variety of fun activities.
Food trucks will be on site throughout the car show, including
Event organizer Bernie Tyrrell and the 2024 show winner
The Ice Cream Truck selling South Dakota State University ice cream. Shop at booths from several vendors, and see Tin Man's collection of tin and neon signs.
Starting at noon and continuing until 4 p.m., enjoy live music from Last Call. The band plays favorites from the 1950s to 1990s from Jimmy Buffett, The Beatles, Elvis, the Beach Boys, Chicago, Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding, and more.
"We're pretty proud of the music we've got," Bernie adds. "It's a full-fledged El Riad Shrine rock band, Last Call. It'll be in the bandshell in Jack Fox Park."
"Last Call" plays for Corvette rallies and for the Downtown Sioux Falls car show. They're pretty popular with the car guys," Bernie continues.
To register for the car show and updates, and information, visit the car show's Facebook page, facebook.com/ cantonsdcruise. This year, the public will be able to order car show t-shirts online, Lisa notes. Watch the Facebook page for more information about ordering shirts.
SATURDAY, JUNE 14, 2025
32ND ANNUAL BROOKINGS CAR SHOW
• Poker Run benefitting Special Olympics South Dakota/Brookings
• Hands drawn at the Blue Goose in Volga at 4PM
• Registration from noon to 1PM at Nick's Hamburger Shop in downtown Brookings
• Downtown Drive In on the 300 block of 4th Street from 5PM to 9PM
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2025
• Registration at Pioneer Park from 9AM to 11:30AM
• Show-N-Shine from 11:30AM to 3PM
• Live music from 1PM to 3PM
• Participant plaques to first 200 entrants
Food vendors on site Sunday: Shorty's Hot Box & Backyard Grill
-Motor Market PresentsSHOW US YOUR
The car's story
Jeremy purchased his 1976 Dodge Dart Swinger shortly after graduating from high school, inspired by the restoration projects his father and grandfather had completed over the years. He wanted to carry on the family tradition but with his own unique twist. While his father and grandfather had their classics, Jeremy sought something different that would stand out among their collection.
When he first spotted this car, Jeremy immediately recognized its potential beneath the worn exterior. The project took on deeper meaning when Jeremy's grandfather passed away last year, causing him to temporarily step away from working on the car without his mentor's guidance. Recently, Jeremy has returned to the restoration with renewed determination, knowing his grandfather would want to see the Purple Panther completed in all its glory.
The name "Purple Panther" - a fitting name that captures both the car's stunning Plum Crazy Purple paint job and its sleek, powerful stance.
Favorite features
Jeremy absolutely loves the car's distinctive color - Plum Crazy Purple with a metallic flake that catches the sunlight in spectacular fashion. The color shifts and dances depending on the angle and lighting, making it a true head-turner.
Future plans
Jeremy's current focus is completing the interior restoration to ensure everything
NAME: Jeremy Schieber
CAR YEAR-MAKE-MODEL: 1976 Dodge Dart Swinger
ENGINE: 5.2 318
TRANSMISSION: 727
SUSPENSION: Monroe shocks with 2-inch lift springs in the rear
EXHAUST: N Hooker headers with magna flow super 44 mufflers with electric
INTERIOR: Black
HAVE A RIDE YOU WANT TO SHOW OFF?
TALKING TIRES
YOUR CAR NEEDS
By ArticleCity.com
AUTO REPAIR
There’s no worse feeling than when your car starts showing signs of trouble. Whether it’s a strange noise, a warning light on the dashboard, or an unexpected change in how your vehicle handles, these issues always seem to arise at the worst possible time. By being aware of these warning signals, you can prevent further damage to your car and avoid costly repairs down the road.
1. Warning Lights on the dashboard
Your dashboard warning lights are your vehicle’s way of communicating with you. These lights warn you of potential problems that could escalate if not addressed promptly.
Here are some of the most common warning lights and what they mean:
• Check engine light: This could indicate various issues, from a loose gas cap to a faulty sensor.
• Oil pressure warning light: This could mean your engine has low oil pressure, which can quickly result in your engine overheating if not addressed promptly.
• Brake system warning light: If this light comes on, it could indicate an issue with your brake system, such as low brake fluid or worn brake pads.
2. Unusual noises
If you notice any unusual noises coming from your vehicle, it is a sign that something is out of order. Here are some of the noises that may indicate your vehicle needs immediate attention:
• Squealing or screeching noise when braking: This could mean your brake pads are worn out and need to be replaced.
• Grinding noise when shifting gears: This could mean there’s an issue with the transmission or clutch system.
• Hissing noise under the hood: This could
indicate a leak in the engine coolant system, which can lead to overheating and engine damage.
3. Smoke or steam from the hood
Seeing smoke or steam coming from your hood is a clear sign that something’s amiss. While steam often suggests overheating, smoke can indicate more severe issues like an oil leak or an electrical problem. If you encounter this, pull over safely, turn off your engine, and call for assistance. Driving with smoke or steam billowing from your car can cause extensive damage and can even pose a fire hazard.
4. Fluid leaks
Fluids are vital for your car’s operation. If you notice puddles of fluid under your vehicle, it’s crucial to identify the type of leak. Here are the common fluid leaks and what they could indicate:
• Clear water: This is likely just a buildup of condensation from your air conditioning system and is nothing to worry about.
• Brown or black oil: This could indicate an oil leak, which can lead to engine damage if not taken care of promptly.
• Red or pink fluid: This could be transmission or power steering fluid, both of which are essential for your car’s proper functioning.
• Green, orange, or yellow fluid: These colors typically indicate a coolant leak. Ignoring this issue can cause engine overheating and potential damage.
5. Poor handling or braking
If your car’s handling feels off, as if it’s pulling to one side, or you experience steering wheel vibrations, it’s time for a checkup. Similarly, issues with braking, such as a spongy brake pedal or longer braking distances, can be dangerous. These problems might stem from tire issues, alignment problems, or failing brakes.
6. Vibrations or shaking
Persistent vibrations or shaking while driving, idling, or at high speeds can be unsettling. These symptoms often point to tire imbalances, worn-out suspension components, or engine
troubles. Driving with an imbalanced or faulty component will increase the risk of losing control of your vehicle, leading to potential accidents.
7. Sudden drop in fuel efficiency
Have you noticed you’re filling up your tank more often than usual? A sudden drop in fuel efficiency can signal various problems, such as engine issues, clogged fuel injectors, or problems with the fuel system. This will lead to more frequent and costly trips to the gas station.
8. Unpleasant odors
Unpleasant odors emanating from your vehicle can indicate more significant problems. A musty smell could mean mold or mildew in your car’s interior, while a burning smell might signal an electrical issue. The presence of a strong gasoline or exhaust smell could indicate leaks, which can be hazardous to your health and safety.
9. Electrical issues
Problems with your car’s electrical system can be extremely frustrating and dangerous. Malfunctions in the electrical system can lead to various issues, such as failing lights, nonfunctioning power windows, or even complete engine failure. These problems can be caused by faulty wiring, damaged fuses, or a dying battery.
10. Difficulty starting or stalling
Experiencing difficulty starting your car or frequent stalling is another strong indication that something is wrong with your vehicle. It could be a problem with the battery, fuel system, spark plugs, or starter motor. These issues can lead to unpredictable behavior and put you at risk of being stranded.
Being proactive about vehicle maintenance can save you from unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs. By paying attention to warning lights, unusual noises, smoke or steam, fluid leaks, poor handling, and other symptoms, you can catch problems early and keep your car running smoothly.
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2013 Royal office trailer custom built 4 ac's. Asking $22,500.
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All Colors 2025 and down Chevy and GMC, Boxes. Long, shorts & dually
Ram Dually Boxes 2002-2009
Take off Ford Dually boxes. 2025 through 1999
Ram Boxes 2010-2025 New and Used Take off boxes, Ford, Chevy, GMC, Dodge Ram 2025 and down Ford, Chevy, GMC, Dodge Ram. Boxes, bumpers tailgate
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Take off dually boxes. Will separate, dually fender's, tail gates & lights.
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Boxes
2011-2016 Ford Long Boxes. Taken Off When New, Put In Building
Dodge, Ram, Chevy, & GMC Rear Bumpers
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2025 & Down Tailgates Ford, Chevy, GMC, Dodge Ram
Ram Mag Cab Dually Boxes 2006-2025
By Bob Schmeichel
Jeff Peters told me that for years, he has always thought that less is better when it comes to the style of an old hot rod. That is evident with his second hot rod, a ‘32 Ford three -widow coupe hot rod that he had built years ago.
While going in his desired direction with constructing the car to appear as it was driven out of a 1950/60’s era that ran on dry lakes or Bonneville. Much of the nation has gone in that trend direction in the last 25 years with what appears as stripped-down 30’s era cars without fenders and just the mechanical basics to make them go. Also, often times today, many of these old hot rods are put back on the road while still wearing the original faded or peeling paint that they might have been found with. I myself, don’t mind original, old oxidized patina paint which shows a car’s earned age.
Sometimes people will put clear paint over the weathered and aged paint to retain the old look which makes it easier to keep clean along without allowing further deterioration. But lately I have seen too many “rat rods” where rust seems to be the focal point of a ride that says the owner really doesn’t care what others think, which is ok! I have always said it doesn’t matter what others think about your ride, but the fact that you are having fun driving it along with the attention it gets.
I was witness to Jeff’s build direction success with his plain and simple, less is better, red-oxide primered ‘32 Ford, when we both attended the Day in The Hay event in Lincoln, Nebraska, in 2016. He had a bunch of guys approaching him throughout the day at the event asking him about his old hot rod. Because of certain little old school appearing details Jeff added, they were most certainly thrown off guard when he told them it was a new fiberglass Westcott body with a reproduction frame that he had built that way to appear old.
Now I am going to take you back a few years before Jeff’s ‘32 Ford, and the building of his first street rod that he still has today that has changed his “less is better” mindset in just the last couple of years. I am not really sure of the time frame, but it had to be late in 1994, when Jeff came across an original running and driving 1938 Chevy in Sioux Falls for sale. When Jeff asked about the history of the car, he was surprised to hear how it got to the point of being for sale again. It was originally bought off a farm in Iowa by Jack Slaymaker in 1993. Jack later sold the car to Loren Barstead. Loren had the car for a while, and sold it to LeRoy Dyce. LeRoy was heavy into collecting
old Chevys at the time, too, mainly ‘40 Chevys and sold it to Tom Sullivan. Tom decided to put it up for sale when Jeff saw it.
Jeff, knowing all the previous owners, asked Tom why it had so many owners in such a short time frame, only to get a response back because it was a less desirable 4 door, which meant more work to deal with while turning it into a street rod. Even though it had a very small amount of surface rust, it was complete, with four doors and a hump back trunk.
All the car needed was a Thompson machine gun in the trunk to finish off the gangster look that Jeff just loved. A selling price deal was made and Jeff bought the car. Jeff in turn handed the car off to Tom Sullivan’s father in-law to turn it into a street rod over a short time frame with adding a 350 Chevy engine and transmission to replace the old, original drive train. A 9” Ford rear end with 3.0 gear ratio was added along with a Heidt’s Mustang II front suspension with power steering and power disc brakes. A tilt column, Vintage AC/Heat unit was added inside along with an AM/FM radio and a 5-stack disc player. The body was stripped of all its parts and original paint, body work done, and repainted black again. All four fenders, the hood, all four doors, and trunk lid, were all handed off to Marshal Broshears to strip off old paint, repair where needed, and refinish with new black paint.
When everything was back together again, Marshall rubbed the entire car out bringing it to a better than new car look. Once drivable, Jeff ran the car over to Kent Egland in Emmetsburg, Iowa to do the interior which took a couple months. Then in 1996 Jeff started driving the ‘38 on a regular basis until his second street rod, the above
mentioned ‘32 was done. Then it became a matter of choice which one to drive, which the ‘32 was a priority up until two or three years ago. Jeff decided he wanted to do something with his ‘38 Chevy to help make it a standout in a crowd of old cars. He thought it would be fun to add more of the original optional items that were Chevrolet specific in ‘38 and ‘39 only. And this is where Jeff changed his mindset from “less is better” to “more is better” by adding additional bumper guards on both ends of his Chevy along with fender skirts, a sun visor, and a unique appearing radio antenna.
After Jeff connected with Michael Concha in California, who is a guru with old Chevys, Jeff was able to talk him into building a lockable bracket that is no longer available, that allows the middle guard in the back to lower out of the way, to open the trunk. With what Jeff has added to his Chevy’s exterior, it is taking on a West Coast low rider appearance in middle America. Now if I can just get him to lower the back a few inches...
has built dozens of street rods over the years, doing everything
Car Club in 1985 and today the club has over 340
www.greatplainsstreetrodders.com.
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Dear Motor Medics,
I have a 2017 Ford Escape with an EcoBoost 1.6 engine, and I am having a heating problem. Over this winter, the heat has been getting cooler inside the cabin. The engine temperature gauge has not changed, and if I switch to the digital readout, it says 190 once warmed up. I have had the heater core flushed out and the thermostat replaced, and nothing changed. They said they had trouble filling the coolant and getting all the air out while changing the thermostat. Both heater hoses feel warm, too. Can you help me with a diagnosis?
Thank you.
Justin in Owatonna, Minnesota
Dear Motor Medics,
I have a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan, and the driver’s side rear turn signal flashes very fast, and the front does not work at all. I have replaced the bulb in the lamp housing, and that did not help. It has a little corrosion, but I think I got it cleaned up well. I am also having an issue with my horn. I don’t know when it stopped working, but it is dead now. Can these items all be related and maybe be a simple fix?
Thank you. Dan in Redwood Falls, Minnesota
Dear Justin,
Diagnosing heater issues is a step-by-step process. We start at one end and go until we find the issue. In our shop, the first step is to verify enough heat from the engine. This is more than just reading the gauge. You need to use a temperature probe and verify the actual temperature of the engine and heater hose coolant. We need to know if it is flowing and hot. We sometimes go as far as removing the heater hoses and installing a clear hose to verify flow and check the temperature with a heat probe there. Once we know the flow and heat are sufficient, we verify the heater door operation. This vehicle has been known for a block issue that can disrupt the flow of coolant. Ask your shop to check the bulletin for this.
Take
care, The Motor Medics
Hwy. 11, Garretson, SD 605-594-4181 or 888-200-7562 www.nordstromsauto.com
Dear Dan,
When any vehicle has a fast-flashing light, it is typically an indication of bulb failure, and that is how the driver is alerted to the problem. This can also be caused by the installation of after-market bulbs, such as LED lamps that change the resistance of the circuit, causing a fast flash. If you have verified the bulb is out and have changed it, then you need to check the circuit. Even if the bulb is good and you cleaned the socket, the socket may be bad. We go back to the source at the front control module and see if we have power there. If we do, then we know that the socket is bad, or the wiring has a break in it, and can be repaired. If there is no output from the front control module (FICM), then it will need to be replaced.
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.
