your one stopRestoration Shop
At Cliff Avenue, there are no shortcuts, only craftsmanship. With decades of experience, we’re known for precision restorations, from original bolts and correct plating to flawless upholstery and show stopping paint. Whether you want a concours-level original or a one-of-a-kind custom build,
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With over 130 years combined experience
Revving Up Wild Bill Days Inside McPherson Auction Company’s June Classic Car Tradition
By Joseph Cottle | Photography by McPherson Auction and Realty
Every June, something special happens in Deadwood, South Dakota. Old friends pull into the parking lot of the Deadwood Mountain Grand and pick up right where they left off, maybe talking about the ‘57 Chevy one guy sold last year, or the convertible another finally got to drive all summer long. The 2026 Wild Bill Days Classic Cars, Summer Toys and Memorabilia Auction, hosted by McPherson Auction and Realty Company on Sunday, June 21, is many things: a great place to find your next car, a showcase for remarkable memorabilia, and a destination event tucked into one of the most beautiful corners of the Black Hills. But ask the people who keep coming back, and they’ll tell you it’s really something else entirely.
“It’s kind of like a big family reunion,” says Kevin McPherson, co-owner of McPherson Auction and Realty Company. “In the car world, somebody might have a classic car they bought with us in a previous year, and now they’re ready to sell it and buy something else. Repeat customers. Familiar faces.”
That warmth is baked into the event’s DNA. McPherson
Auction Company has deep roots in South Dakota. Kevin’s father, Dale, started the business in Rapid City in 1949, auctioning everything from livestock to estates. Kevin and his brother Todd grew up inside that family business, and the spirit of it shows. The Wild Bill Days auction began 14 years ago as a companion to McPherson’s longtime anchor event, Kool Deadwood Nites, the legendary late-August gathering that fills the historic gambling town to capacity. Wild Bill Days offers something a little different: a smaller, more relaxed footprint, easier parking, and more room to breathe; room to actually talk to the guy who’s selling the car you’ve been eyeing.
Buyers roll in from Arizona, New Mexico, California, Colorado, and the surrounding states, drawn as much by the hospitality of the Black Hills as by the cars themselves. Kevin describes Rapid City the same way he describes his auctions: fresh air and down-home hospitality. It’s not a sales pitch. It’s just what he knows.
And the calendar plays right into the fun. Buy a convertible at Wild Bill Days, and you’ve still got the whole summer
ahead of you — windows down, top back, nowhere to be. Wait until Kool Deadwood Nites in late August, and Labor Day is right around the corner. The June timing isn’t just convenient; it’s an invitation to actually enjoy what you’re buying.
Alongside the vehicles, this year’s auction will feature 25 high-end memorabilia pieces, including antique signs, neon signs, vintage gas pumps, and collectibles that turn any garage into something worth showing off. It’s the kind of curation that brings out a different type of buyer alongside the car crowd, and it keeps the auction feeling fresh year after year.
For those who can’t make the trip to Deadwood in person, McPherson Auction Company offers simulcast bidding; live online access where bidders can hear the auction in real time and place bids from anywhere in the world. This isn’t
The 2026 lineup is shaping up to be one worth the drive. Roughly 65 vehicles are already spoken for as of this article, with more arriving daily. The range is wide and wonderful: beautifully restored classics, unexpected survivor pieces, custom builds, muscle cars, trucks, daily drivers, and oneof-a-kind collectibles. Among the confirmed consignments: a 1963 Chevy Bel Air, a 1974 Volkswagen Beetle, a 1977 Dodge W200, a 1955 Chevy C10, a 2016 Custom Sprint Roadster, and a 1991 Volvo 940 Turbo, alongside old pickups, Chevy square bodies, convertibles, and hot rods still rolling in.
a new experiment. McPherson was the first auction company in South Dakota (as well as one of the first in the county) to take online-only auctions seriously, launching the platform over fifteen years ago when most competitors weren’t paying attention. They’ve since built a database of 22,000 registered bidders. The infrastructure is there, and it works.
Kevin will be on the microphone himself, calling the auction the way he’s called hundreds of them before. After a career spent selling everything from cattle to commercial real estate to classic cars, he still loves the work for a reason, and he keeps coming back to it because it’s never the same twice.
“It’s something different every day,” Kevin shares. “We deal with a wide variety of items, and we deal with a wide variety of people.”
What Kevin loves most about Wild Bill Days, though, isn’t really the inventory. It’s the room, and when it all comes together, the familiar faces, the new cars, the deals made, and memories started, that’s the real thing.
“When they sell high, and everybody has a good time,” Kevin explains, “that’s what it’s about.”
People who have been making the trip to Deadwood for years show up again with new cars and old friends. That loyalty, buyers turning into sellers turning back into buyers, is what Kevin points to when he tries to explain what keeps these events going decade after decade. It’s a reunion that happens to have really great cars.
The 2026 Wild Bill Days Classic Car and Memorabilia Auction is still accepting consignments. To list a vehicle or memorabilia piece, call McPherson Auction & Realty at 605-348-1369 or visit mcphersonauction.com for more information.
Community & Cruise Nights
Brookings Car Festival Marks 33 Years
By Ingrid Hayward
Every June, something shifts in Brookings. Engines rumble a little louder, chrome shines a little brighter, and for one weekend, the community leans all the way into its love of classic cars. That tradition continues in a big way as the Brookings Car Festival returns for its 33rd annual celebration, set for June 13–14, 2026.
What began in 1993 as a judged competition, founded by the Brookings Car Club, has grown and evolved with the times. After a pause in 2020, the show resumed in 2021 with a revised approach; smaller in scale, more relaxed in atmosphere, and without formal judging. That shift has remained.
Today, the Brookings Car Festival embraces a Show-N-Shine format that emphasizes participation, storytelling and shared appreciation for vehicles of all kinds.
Planning for the weekend starts months in advance, with Brookings Car Club meetings as early as January to map out the details. The result is a two-day event that blends a downtown evening gathering with a Sunday showcase in a park setting.
Festivities begin Saturday evening with the Downtown Drive-In from 5 to 9 p.m. along the 300 block of 4th Street, right in the heart of Brookings. With the street closed off between Main Avenue and 3rd Avenue, it becomes a gathering space where owners roll in, park, and spend the evening connecting with fellow enthusiasts. Local businesses join in with specials, adding to the atmosphere and the fun.
Sunday’s activities shift to Pioneer Park, where the Show-N-Shine takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Gates open at 9 a.m. for participants. The show is positioned in the central portion of the park, just northwest of the band shell. Thanks to strong local sponsorship, entry is free for cars, trucks, and motorcycles.
Eliminating formal judging has broadened the range of vehicles on display. Without competitive pressure, owners are more likely to bring out unfinished projects, daily drivers and unconventional builds that might not have fit the original competitive format. The result is a more diverse lineup of vehicles with distinct histories and character.
The first 200 entrants receive commemorative dash magnets. Beyond that, organizers say the reward is simply being part of the event.
Music, food vendors and hands-on demonstrations round out the afternoon. Benny’s Pinstriping is scheduled to return Sunday, allowing attendees to observe the craft firsthand.
Behind it all is a strong sense of community support. Christopher Gross, president of the Brookings Car Club, makes it clear just how important those partnerships are: “We couldn’t put this event on at Pioneer Park without the support of the Brookings
Parks and Recreation Department and our sponsors. It truly takes the whole community to make this happen.” From the partnership with the Brookings Parks and Recreation Department to the many sponsors who help bring the festival to life, the event is powered by far more than engines alone.
It may look a little different than it did in its early years, but the heart of the Brookings Car Festival hasn’t changed. It’s still about getting your vehicle out of the garage, sharing it with others, and enjoying a weekend built around a common passion.
As for the rest of the summer, the car culture doesn’t slow down. The Brookings Car Club keeps the momentum going with Wednesday night cruise nights throughout the season. For a full list of dates and details, visit brookingscarshow.org.
So as mid-June approaches, the message is simple: shine it up, drive it out, and be part of a tradition that continues to roll strong in Brookings.
The 33rd Annual Brookings Car Festival is Saturday and Sunday, June 13 & 14, 2026
brookingscarshow.org
Brookings Car Club & Festival
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Visit campus or explore online to see how you can Get Ready at Mitchell Tech.
Presented by Valley Corner Bar
Avenue in Valley Springs, SD
is free, and the event is open to all ages. FREE T-SHIRT TO FIRST 50 THAT REGISTER AND SHOW AT AUTOMANIA
-Motor Market PresentsSHOW US YOUR
with Arlen Bonestroo, a body man by trade who agreed to fully restore the car. Like Bob, Arlen had a personal bond with the Nomad. He had tried to bid on it at an auction in 1971, but the auctioneer never saw his raised hand.
Even Better the Second Time Around
By Tanya Manus
Retired farmer Bob Klosterbuer has a soft spot for 1955 Chevys. “My very first car was a 1955 Chevy, so I was in love with ‘55 Chevys,” Bob shares. When he first laid eyes on this particular turquoise-and-India-ivory 1955 Chevy Nomad in 1981, he fell in love instantly and wanted to own it. A month later, Bob did own it, buying it from a neighbor for $5,000. The car had just 28,000 miles on it and came equipped with original factory air conditioning, which Bob notes was the very first year Chevrolet offered air conditioning in their cars.
“In those days, dealers would buy cars without any options, and when the cars got to the dealership, they’d put options on themselves so they could make a little more money,” Bob explains.
Bob took the Nomad to car shows, on short trips, and had plenty of fun with it. But in 1983, a struggling economy forced him to sell the Nomad and several other cars he owned. The
buyer was a man who had been trying to purchase the Nomad for some time. Seller’s remorse set in just one day later.
“It just came over me that the 1955 Nomad meant more to me than I realized. I kept trying to buy it back from him, but he wouldn’t sell it to me,” Bob explains.
For 38 years, Bob persisted in his efforts to reclaim the Nomad.
The man who purchased it, meanwhile, left the classic in a steel building with a dirt floor. The car sat neglected and ravaged by mice, eventually completely torn apart. In 2021, Bob was finally able to buy it back, though what he got was a far cry from the shining car he’d sold.
“It was a mess,” shares Bob’s wife, Leola. “There were animals that had been in that building. It was kind of like a barn find.”
Through their local Tri-Five Chevy group, Bob had made friends
“He had a kinship with the car,” Leola adds. “It gave him a lot of pride to turn it out. He knew how to repair everything to get it back to its original state.”
The restoration started under the hood, where mice had gotten into the cylinder heads, leaving deep rust pits. The 265 cubic inch engine, the very first year for a Chevrolet V8, was salvageable and remains original to the car, along with the original Power Glide transmission, which was completely overhauled. The entire body was media blasted, all chrome removed, and the underside primed with the original red oxide primer. Arlen fabricated patches for two small rust holes above the rear wheels. The rear end was torn apart, the front linkage cleaned up, and the original shock absorbers, still good after all those years, were kept in place.
The factory air conditioning posed unique restoration challenges, as its compressor occupies the spot where the engine’s oil filter would normally go, requiring a special bracket on the driver’s side. “There were so few of those made in 1955, when I showed at Huntsville, a lot of gentlemen came and wanted to know what it was,” Bob explains. “I’ve only seen two of them in my life.” With help from a fellow club member who mailed an envelope of instructions, Arlen was able to get the factory air functioning again.
The interior was completed with a kit by CARS out of Michigan, with original linoleum in the cargo area. The spare tire is original and has never touched the ground. The bumpers were rechromed, and the stainless steel was buffed and polished, with some pieces sent out to be professionally finished. After a two-year restoration, everything inside and out is original except the glass and interior upholstery.
Leola also points out one of the most distinctive details of the beloved Nomad: a “12V” imprint in the headlights, found only on 1955 Chevys. “That’s the only year you’re going to find that headlight. We’re always looking at ‘55s to see if they have original headlights,” she notes.
The restoration was complete in early 2023, just in time for the Chevrolet Nomad Convention in Huntsville, Alabama. Since then, the Klosterbuers have taken the Nomad to several other shows, bringing home first-place and People’s Choice awards from each one.
“I’ve gone to the car shows I wanted to,” Bob continues. “Now I’m ready to take it and enjoy it with my wife. I might take a trip to Bowling Green, Kentucky, for a car show, but that’s the only long ride. Otherwise, we’ll be staying close to home.”
“She is our pride and joy,” Leola states. “She will stay with us forever.”
NAME: Bob Klosterbuer CAR YEAR-MAKE-MODEL: 1955 Chevy Nomad
EXHAUST:
More Than a Car Show
A Weekend Where Classic Cars, Families, and Memories Meet
By Ingrid Hayward | Photography by LIzzie's Lens and the Canton Chamber of Commerce
The rumble of engines, the shine of polished chrome, and generations of car and motorcycle lovers gathering will once again be a part of summer in Canton as the Canton Area Car Show for Generations returns July 25-26, 2026.
What began as a community car show has evolved into something meaningful, a celebration of shared memories, family traditions, and the timeless connection people have with the vehicles and the family that helped shape their lives.
“Every car has a story behind it,” says organizer Bernie Tyrrell. “And usually, that story involves generations of people. The first year, we highlighted a car that my son, my grandson, and I built from pieces and parts; last year, the Ralfs family was featured. This year, there will be three cars built by the Williams family.”
Last year’s event brought more than 300 entries to Canton, filling the streets with classic cars, motorcycles, pickups, rat rods, and home-built creations. This year, they hope for even more participation as families, collectors, and spectators return for a weekend that blends nostalgia and community.
Sponsored by the Canton Area Chamber of Commerce, the event remains completely free thanks to the support of advertisers in the show magazine Bernie puts together.
The “For Generations” theme is woven throughout the entire weekend and is important to the committee made up of Lisa Hinker, Tim Ralfs, Mick and Sonja Tyrrell, Mike and Kris Wathier, Kim Sogn, Bernie Tyrrell, Tyler (Canton Barn), Glenda Wieczorek, Andrew Winter, Kenny Wieczorek, Dawn Kroger, Curt Meendering, and Barb Fossum.
One of the most meaningful traditions returns during Saturday evening’s Cruise Night, when drivers make their way through town and past Sanford Health Hiawatha Heights and the Good Samaritan Society senior living facilities. Tyler from the Canton Barn offers early staging and after cruise, featuring Tim Zack (live). The Canton Barn is also featuring Throttle Thursdays all summer. Please see the ads in this issue.
Residents gather outside or watch from windows as the steady parade of classic vehicles rolls by, reminding them of cars they once owned, drove on first dates, or rode in as children.
“This way the residents at the senior living centers get to enjoy the cars too,” Bernie explains. “This remains a very special part of this weekend for the participants and the guests.”
For many families, the event itself has become multi-generational. Grandparents bring grandchildren to admire vintage cars and muscle cars. Parents share stories about their first vehicles. Young enthusiasts discover classics they’ve only seen in photos.
Saturday, July 25, will kick off with a celebration in the park, marking Canton’s 160th anniversary with vendors, music, inflatables, Mr. Twister, and a Senior Center grill-out from 9 a.m. to 1 pm. There will be a parade at 10 a.m down 5th Street.
A Poker Run beginning at 1 p.m. will benefit the after-prom program at Canton High School.
As evening arrives, Cruise Night takes over Canton from 6 to 10 p.m. Drivers cruise through town while spectators gather at the curbside to enjoy the sights and sounds of classic Americana.
Saturday, when Cruise Night ends, participants can gather at the Canton Barn for a concert by Tim Zack from 9 p.m. to midnight. Admission is $10 per person.
The main car show takes place on Sunday, July 26, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Jack Fox Park. Gates open at 10:00 a.m.
All makes and models are welcome, from restored classics and motorcycles to rat rods and custom builds. Registration remains free. Live music will fill the park Sunday afternoon from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Canton Chamber will be judging the following categories, with trophies being awarded at 2 p.m.: Best of Show, Street Rod, Motorcycle, Unrestored, Muscle Car, Tuners, Antique (before 1949), Sports Car, Odd Fella, Off Road, and The Golden Era (‘50s – ‘70s).
The true highlight remains the cars and the people.
For updates, registration information, and event announcements, visit the Canton Car Show for Generations Facebook page.
“Every car has a story behind it,” says organizer Bernie Tyrrell.
Courtesy of Lizzie's Lens
Courtesy of Lizzie's Lens
Courtesy of Lizzie's Lens
CALENDAR Events
55TH ANNUAL BLACK HILLS CORVETTE CLASSIC
Tour the Black Hills
July 15-18, 2026
Spearfish, SD
4TH ANNUAL SUNRISE CLASSIC CAR SHOW
July 16, 2026 - 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm 5501 Gordon Dr. Sioux City, IA
SCENE OF THE CRASH CAR AND BIKE SHOW
July 17-18, 2026
June 17-20, 2026 Spearfish, SD
June 19, 2026 - Tea, SD JESSE JAMES
June 19-21, 2026
Dakota Thurston County Fairgrounds
Dakota City, NE
VETTES IN THE PARK University of Okoboji Corvette Club
Sampson Corvettes - Sanborn, IA
July 24, 2026 - 11am-3pm Arnolds Park, IA
June 27, 2026 - 9:00 am to 12:00 pm City Park - Del Rapids, IA
July 25, 2026 - 8am-2pm uofocorvetteclub.com
9TH ANNUAL HURLEY CRUISE NIGHT AND BURNOUT
July 24, 2026
Lincoln County Airport - Hurley, SD
CARS & COFFEE OF SIOUXLAND
July 25, 2026 - 8am-11am Lincoln County Airport -
COUNTS CAR CLUB
VINTAGE DIRT DRAGS IN DAKOTA
July 31, 2026
Bandit Speedway - Box Elder, SD
D.A.D.’S AUTO REPAIR SHOW & SHINE
August 1, 2026
Beresford, SD
CHASERS 16TH ANNUAL CAR SHOW
August 1, 2026 - 3pm
Chasers - Sioux Falls, SD
CLARK CLASSIC CAR SHOW
August 1, 2026, Clark, SD Find us on Facebook!
John Mack 605-880-5376
SIOUX FALLS CLASSIC CAR AUCTION
August 1, 2026 - 10AM
Denny Sanford Premier Center Sioux Falls, SD
86TH ANNUAL STURGIS RALLY
August 7-16, 2026
Sturgis, SD sturgis.com
SERTOMA SHINE AND SHOW
August 9, 2026
Cars For Sale Parking Lot Sioux Falls, SD
KOOL DEADWOOD NITES CAR SHOW
August 18-19, 2026
Deadwood, SD
3-DAY CLASSIC CAR AUCTION
McPherson Auction
August 20-22, 2026
Deadwood Mountain Grand
Deadwood, SD
WES RICK MEMORIAL AND BANDIT SHOOTOUT
Presented by Yoder’s Speed Shop
August 21-22, 2026
Bandit Speedway - Box Elder, SD
TERRY KOCH’S RACE SHOW CRUISE NIGHT FUNDRAISER
August 22, 2026
Sioux Falls, SD
STURGIS MUSTANG RALLY SHOW & SHINE
September 1-6, 2026
Sturgis, SD
MONTANA CLASSIC CAR AUCTION
Classic Car Auction Group
September 5, 2026
ONLINE ONLY - classiccarauction.com
STUDEBAKER CAR SHOW
September 6, 2026
Custer, SD
RIBS, RODS & ROCK N’ ROLL
September 11-12, 2026
Vermillion, SD
VINTIQUES ROD RUN & CAMPOUT
September 11-13, 2026
Watertown, SD 8TH ANNUAL MIDWEST HOT ROD RALLY
September 11- 12, 2026
Woodbury County Fairgrounds Moville,
HEDAHL’S AUTO VALUE CAR SHOW
July 11, 2026 - 11am-4pm Redfield, SD
SATURDAY, AUGUST 8
For the last decade plus, the words “Yeah,” “Ok,” and “What” have been synonymous with multi-platinum, Grammy award-winning artist LIL JON. He has been one of the most prominent figures in music and pop culture alike, performing for hundreds of thousands of fans with Usher & Ludacris, Afrojack, Steve Aoki, Pitbull, TLC (on FOX’s American Idol), Yandel, LMFAO and Sydney Samson just to name a few. In 2014, LIL JON proved once again he’s a powerhouse artist teaming up with DJ Snake for their smash hit “Turn Down For What,” which created a massive worldwide craze. The string of hit songs haven’t stopped after that including “Bend Ova” feat. Tyga, “Prison Riot” with Flosstradamus, “Get Loose,” (out on DIM MAK) and recent singles “Live The Night,” with Hardwell “Savage,” with Borgeous and Riggi & Piros and “Take It Off” featuring Yandel and Becky G.
Vintage Dirt Drags in Dakota
Keeps Classic Competition Alive
By Tanya Manus
Classic vehicles, camaraderie, and the pure joy of good-natured competition define Vintage Dirt Drags in Dakota, an annual celebration of automotive heritage in the Black Hills.
Good things happen when car clubs collaborate, and the fourth annual Vintage Dirt Drags in Dakota is better than ever. It’s hosted by two Rapid City clubs — the Counts of the Cobblestone Car Club, founded in 1957, and the Rapid Shifters Car Club, founded in 1953.
The festivities begin Friday, July 31, with an organized cruise through the Black Hills, open to cars, trucks, and motorcycles from 1970 and earlier, free of charge. The public is welcome.
Participants will meet at Founders Park, 1510 W. Omaha St., in Rapid City, with the cruise departing at noon.
The approximately 100-mile route winds toward Hill City and on to Rochford, the Terry Peak area, and Spearfish Canyon before returning to Rapid City, with planned stops along the way, says
“This concept was for an old-school flag drop, side by side, ‘run what you brung’ drag race,” Robert explains. “There was a big influence to keep the event simple with no classifications, no time slips, no awards, and especially no attitudes. It’s all for fun. That’s the whole purpose of what we’re doing.”
“That low-key, low-stress atmosphere is a big part of the races’ appeal,” Robert adds.
Entry fees are $25 for drivers, $25 for non-driver pit passes, $10 for spectators, and $5 for children ages 6-11. Children ages 5 and younger are admitted free. Spectators’ tailgate parking is $15.
Robert Myers of the Counts of the Cobblestone Car Club.
Friday night, cruisers will gather for dinner at the restaurant adjacent to the Pilot J Flying truck stop at Deadwood Avenue and Interstate 90 Exit 55.
Afterward, cruisers will make their way along Deadwood Avenue for an hour or two, or until dark. Vehicles of any year are welcome to join.
“Vintage Dirt Drags of the Dakota attracts classic vehicle enthusiasts from seven states,” Robert shares. For many attendees, the cruise and dinner are as much a draw as the races themselves. The informal gatherings give visitors and locals alike an opportunity to meet, reconnect with old friends, and savor the Black Hills legendary summer scenery.
On Saturday, Aug. 1, it’s off to a day at Bandit Speedway, 1611 Hwy 1416, in Box Elder, where the Dirt Drags races take center stage. Competition is open to vehicles and motorcycles from 1964 and earlier.
Organizers expect 60 to 70 vehicles this year, ranging from polished hot rods to Robert’s own 1930 Ford Model A. Gates open at 8 a.m. for drivers. Each vehicle must pass a safety inspection confirming each driver has a helmet, and each car or truck has seatbelts, a secure battery, and functional brakes.
“We do allow adult ride-alongs if a civilian
purchases a pit pass and has a helmet,” Robert notes. “We have a lot of husbands and wives laughing all the way down the track. It’s so much fun to watch.”
Races are started by flag drop, courtesy of six flag girls who wear authentic 1940s and 50s attire, lending an air of period authenticity. Following a driver’s meeting at 11 a.m. and a parade lap, the first flag falls at noon. Robert praised Bandit Speedway for creating a dirt track specifically for these races. Vehicles are not expected to exceed 60 mph, keeping the competition accessible and safe.
“It’s really hard to express just how great it is to watch or race in the event,” Robert shares.
Racing concludes at 4 p.m. with no formal closing ceremony; just the quiet satisfaction of a day well spent.
For updates and more information, visit the Vintage Sturgis Dirt Drags Facebook page.
CAR SERVICE?
A full car service is a comprehensive inspection covering a wide range of vehicle systems. It is typically recommended every 12,000 miles or 12 months
Maintaining a regular car service schedule is essential for keeping a vehicle running smoothly, extending its lifespan, and preventing costly breakdowns. Two of the most common service types are the full service and the interim service. Knowing when to choose each depends on a vehicle’s age, annual mileage, and typical driving conditions. Understanding the distinctions between the two, and building a schedule that reflects actual driving habits, can save money, improve safety, and reduce the likelihood of unexpected repairs.
What Is an Interim Car Service?
An interim car service is a basic inspection designed to be performed every 6,000 miles or six months, whichever comes first. It is best suited for vehicles that accumulate high mileage or are driven frequently on short trips, such as daily commutes.
Interim services focus on components most prone to wear, including:
• Oil and filter change
• Brake inspection, including pads, discs, and fluid levels
• Tire pressure and tread depth
• Fluid checks, including coolant, power-steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid
• Battery inspection
Because short trips prevent an engine from fully warming up, they accelerate wear and allow contaminants to build up in the oil more quickly than longer highway drives. An interim service helps identify minor issues before they develop into major repairs, making it particularly valuable for high-mileage drivers and those whose vehicles double as work vehicles. Catching a worn brake pad or low coolant level early can be the difference between a modest repair bill and a significant mechanical failure.
What Is a Full Car Service?
A full car service is a comprehensive inspection covering a wide range of vehicle systems. It is typically recommended every 12,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, and includes everything performed in an interim service, plus additional checks and component replacements.
Components inspected or replaced during a full service include:
• Engine oil and filter
• Air filter
• Spark plugs
• Brake system, including a detailed review of pads, discs and brake lines
• Suspension components
• Cooling system, including radiator and coolant
• Transmission fluid and filters
• Exhaust system
A full service is especially important for older vehicles or those that have not been regularly maintained, ensuring all systems operate safely and efficiently. It also allows a mechanic to flag developing issues, such as suspension wear or early exhaust corrosion, that might not trigger warning lights but could worsen significantly if left unaddressed. For newer vehicles still under warranty, keeping up with full services as specified by the manufacturer may also be a condition of maintaining that coverage.
How Often Should Each Service Be Performed?
For most drivers, an interim service every six months or 6,000 miles, combined with a full service every 12 months or 12,000 miles, provides adequate coverage. However, several factors may call for a modified schedule.
Drivers who log high annual mileage or rely heavily on shorttrip driving may need interim services more frequently to stay ahead of accelerated wear. Those who primarily drive on motorways or highways at sustained speeds tend to put less strain on their engines and may find standard intervals sufficient. Conversely, drivers with low annual mileage may find that a single full service per year is adequate.
Vehicle age and manufacturer specifications also play a role. Some newer models with advanced engines and synthetic oil may require less frequent servicing, while older vehicles may need closer attention. Consulting the owner’s manual or a qualified mechanic is the best way to determine the appropriate interval for a specific make and model.
Choosing the Right Service
As a general guide:
• Interim service: Recommended for drivers with high mileage or frequent short trips; schedule every six months or 6,000 miles.
• Full service: Recommended for comprehensive annual maintenance; schedule every 12 months or 12,000 miles.
• Both: Combining an interim service at the six-month mark with an annual full service provides thorough year-round coverage.
Skipping scheduled maintenance, whether interim or full, increases the risk of unexpected breakdowns and expensive repairs. A consistent service schedule helps extend a vehicle’s operational life, maintain fuel efficiency, and preserve resale value. Contact the professionals at Graham Tire to plan your maintenance schedule to ensure a safe, reliable operation for your vehicle.
Saturday, July 25 ▪ 4pm-10pm
SHAPE THE FUTURE.
THANK YOU to our SPONSORS:
•Live Music •Food Trucks & Beverages •Vintage Cars & Trucks Downtown Nyberg’s Ace, Sioux Falls, SD
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defining the extra mile
The extra mile has many different meanings here at Sehr Performance. It is mainly a code that we serve our customers by, as well as an explanation of all the extra things that we do for them. But many of our readers ask me, “What exactly is the extra mile?” So, below is where I will define it in more detail.
We at Sehr Performance have always thought that if you provide a complete and very thorough service, the end result will be a better product. Our extra mile starts when the customer walks through the door. We ask many questions about the exact use and demands of the engine. Then we inquire about the driving style and expected longevity of the power plant. When it comes to doing work for our customers, we are on your side, and we are thorough and complete when deciding the best road to take as well. We never assume or hope something is in usable shape. Instead, we completely clean, measure and examine all components to make an educated decision on how to build the engine to best suit our customers’ needs. All of our experience and knowledge are used to accurately build a package that our customers will enjoy.
There are many different styles and quality differences in engine parts, including parts intended for factory stock replacement use and hard parts intended for higher horsepower and RPM limits. Understanding and knowing what parts to use can sometimes be a confusing and complicated endeavor, but Sehr Performance has a set platform and a proven formula that ensures our customers will enjoy the engine for many years. Many will attempt to save money on parts and ignore or assume engine dimensions are ok, but later run into complications in engine assembly, as well as reliability.
When deciding what machine work is necessary for the intended build, Sehr will thoroughly check all aspects and dimensions of the engine block, crankshaft, cylinder heads, and connecting rods. If anything is out of specification, we will recommend precise reconditioning of all of the needed engine components. We are very complete in our measurements, so it takes a little more time and effort to measure all components correctly, but this way, we are able to get a true picture of the actual condition and health of the engine.
If the engine runs great, it should look great. Our engine detailing procedures have been best of show winners, and it also shows the care and quality that is put into the engine.
Our dyno-tuned engine packages offer many extra-mile features. Starting with correctly oil priming the engine, proper engine and engine component break-in, proper heat control, correct tune during break-in, and complete and thorough attention to all aspects and systems of the engine. We carefully handle the engine and make sure all aspects are correct as we proceed to the engine power pull.
The “Extra Mile” isn’t just a statement here at Sehr Performance; it’s the way we do business!
By Bob Schmeichel
Often Mistaken Identity
Don Jones bought his 1956 Dodge pickup in 1973 out of the back of Jay Shon’s Used Car lot across from the Argus Leader on Minnesota Avenue in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Bringing up that location should bring back some memories! Anyway, he bought the truck for $75 with a shot engine. The body was in good shape and an Amber color that later Don would paint black.
In order to make it drivable again, Don bought a 1964 Dodge car, which he pulled a 318” engine and an automatic transmission out of to put in the truck. Don even installed the push-button shifter into the truck from the car. He found out later the truck rearend was geared too low when he blew the transmission out while playing around with it and decided to install a heavier Ford 9” rear end out of a ‘57 Ford car. It had a 3.00 gear ratio so he could drive it on the highway. With the blown transmission hard to find parts for, Don bought another 1964 Dodge car with a 361” engine and a heavier transmission. The guy who sold Don the car told him he needed to rebuild the engine, even though it started and seemed to run ok. Don described the engine as a neglected greaseball that really just needed attention. He found out it had pretty even compression, so after cleaning the outside of the engine, installing a few new gaskets, spark plugs and plug wires, he installed the bigger engine and trans in the truck without firing it up beforehand. He was pleasantly surprised that the engine ran just fine and served him and his family well for years to come. In fact, he used the pickup quite regularly to pull his race car along with hauling his family of 5 to Jackson,
Then later in life, after having lunch with some of his race car buddies and driving home where they lived near Wall Lake with a snow storm happening, it got a bit scary, making him decide to park it to avoid crashing something that would be hard to replace. After that, he bought a dually truck and an enclosed trailer to continue with racing. During the next few years, because of different turns and directions in life, Don had to continue to find different places to park the ‘56 while hanging on to it.
Now fast forward a few years to 1991, with Don starting a business called “Color Mystic” that started out as a small paint and body shop and eventually became one of the area’s first custom-building hot rod shops. That happened when Don’s son, Mike, came to work for his dad and got pretty heavily involved and well-versed with every aspect of complete hot rod building. After quite a few years of building for others, Mike started bugging dad (Don) to get the ‘56 in the shop and bring it up to date with the hot rod scene. Don agreed, and Mike jumped right in with both feet, tearing the Dodge truck down to the bare frame to start with a clean slate. Don was so surprised when he saw how focused Mike was with the direction, he was taking the truck, and told Mike he could have the truck, but with two requests. They were that the truck had to stay in the family, and he couldn’t chop the top because of the rare curved rear
window. With the surprised, happy agreement, Mike moved forward with his vision.
First on the agenda was replacing the “I” beam front end with a Speedway Mustang II independent front suspension for a better ride, along with front power disc brakes and power steering. Next was replacing the Dodge engine and trans with a newer 350 Chevy engine and transmission, along with changing the original rear springs for ones out of a newer S10 to help the ride and sit a bit lower. Once the frame was a roller with new wheels installed, he started modifying the front sheet metal fascia below the hood to get a sleeker look, along with adding a front roll pan with a recessed license plate area to eliminate the front bumper. After removing any noticeable name plates on the body, he moved back to the doors and eliminated the vent windows in favor of one-piece power side windows. He also removed or, as the term goes, “shaved the door handles” to add to the slickedout look.
Continuing rearward with the rebuild, Mike was able to straighten out the box sides, caused by years of hauling, but decided to build a totally new tailgate, which he did, and had 108 louvers punched into it to give it style and help the air escape at highway speeds. A new lower rear valance was created with a recessed area for the rear license plate, while eliminating the rear bumper. With the new wheels installed and the rear wheels being much wider, Mike widened the rear fenders 3” to accommodate the much bigger tires to look factory muscley. Because of the
widened rear fenders, Mike made new running boards without the original ribbing and added a step plate to each, ending up in the correct area with the widened rear fenders. Mike also frenched the taillights into the rear fenders for a custom touch. Everything was sanded down to bare metal, straightened everywhere, where needed, and primed before being painted black again, along with clear this time.
Mike added a newer GM column with a custom steering wheel, and a Locar floor shifter along with Stewart Warner gauges, an AM FM, Sirius radio in the glove box, and a Vintage AC and heat unit. I know I am only touching on a few things of what Mike did with the truck, but after painting all the metal pieces on the interior of the truck a red color, Mike had Slim’s Upholstery do the rest of the interior in the same color with red leather, which really pops and hits you in the face when you open the door, while not expecting it.
Now, getting back to the title of my story, which relates to this truck’s side view, all too often when viewed from the side, people think it is a Ford or a Chevy until they walk around to the front of it. Then they have to ask, “What is it?” When they hear Dodge, they are scratching their heads while saying,” Really!!” Even with 83,000+ pickups claimed to have been built in 1956 and me being a 77-year-old car and truck nut, I can honestly say I haven’t seen but a few of these Dodge trucks, which to me, makes them kind of rare.
Minnesota, Madison, and Brookings, South Dakota, and Huset’s on a pretty regular basis.
ASK THE MOTOR MEDICS®
Dear Motor Medics, I have a 2011 Honda Civic, and it specifies that I use a fully synthetic oil of very low weight. I have never seen oil with a weight rating this low, so I worry about protection, and it’s also very expensive compared to regular conventional oil. My question is this: can I use conventional oil and go with a heavier weight like a 5W30 and get the same protection at a lower cost? I want to protect my engine but also be as economical as possible.
Thank you,
Brad in Williamsport, Pennsylvania
Dear Brad,
No, that’s about as easy as I can put it. The manufacturers have gone to lower-weight oil to increase fuel mileage through less drag and reduce emissions due to stricter government standards and a demand for better fuel economy. When they changed to the lower-weight oil, they also engineered the engine to run with it. This means that the engine will not lubricate properly with heavier-weight oil. As for the synthetic part, there are many reasons that it is required, some of which are reduced friction for the mileage and emissions, better stability to protect at the lower weight ratings, and less sludge buildup in the engine. If you were to switch to higher-weight oil or use non-synthetic oil, you could risk damage to the engine that would not be covered by the warranty. Always use the manufacturer’s recommended oils in your engine.
Take care, The Motor Medics
Dear Motor Medics,
I drive a 2004 Buick Regal with 110,000 miles, and it feels just broken in, but lately my feelings about the car are leaning more towards just plain broken. I have not had to do much more than general maintenance on the car, including oil changes, coolant changes, transmission fluid changes, and tire rotations. In the last six months, it’s been bigger things like starters, alternators, and wiper motors. I’m beginning to wonder where it will all stop. The latest failing item that has me writing to you because I can’t duplicate it for my local shop is the smoke that comes from my steering column by the steering wheel. It has happened three times at random. I am worried that the car may catch fire. Do you have any ideas, or should I just sell it?
Thank you, Karen in Bennington, Vermont
Dear Karen,
We can help. Older cars can be great if they’ve been well-maintained, but eventually, all will need something. It sounds like you are just in a spell of breakdowns that hopefully will pass. As for the smoke, I suspect that you have an issue with the turn signal switch. This was a common area for a breakdown of the contacts that causes a hotter-than-normal condition, resulting in the grease that coats the contacts smoking. I have never seen one catch fire, but you need to have it and the wiring checked right away. I hope this helps you out.
Take care, The Motor Medics
Medics
Shannon Nordstrom, Russ
Super Tech” Evans, and Chris Carter
IS THERE A MORE ICONIC HOT ROD THAN THE “DEUCE COUPE?” WE THINK NOT!
Our team performed a complete build on this (ALL STEEL) 1932 Ford 3-Window.
• Roof opening filled
• New hand-built door skins
• After market chassis (customer supplied)
• Engine by J&L Engine and Machine, Tea, SD
• Borla Fuel Injection
• Ford AOD transmission by Dales A1, Mitchell, SD
• Custom interior by StraightLines upholstery shop
• Vintage Air
• Dakota Digital Gauges
• Mini sound system
• Other custom details throughout
We are proud to present this timeless classic! Is there a classic in your future? We can handle it. Stop in or give Zach Smith (owner) a call at 605-214-1193 to discuss the possibilities.
