When it comes to restoring cars, cutting corners is simply not an option for us. 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, 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.
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DRY ICE PRESERVATION
Restores Rare 1957 BMW ’s Original Shine
By Tanya Manus
An elegant convertible with a fascinating storied history was one of the rarest gems in Heath Rodney's collection. His 1957 BMW 503 Cabriolet went through four years of restoration, including a dry ice preservation process that preserved its shine.
Heath Rodney has a passion for cars and a love for buying and selling them. Calling himself a car dealer at heart, his affection for cars turned into a career. He’s the owner of Vern Eide Motoplex and Vern Eide Powerhouse Sioux Falls. (Powersports Stores)
Heath also has a personal car collection that’s ever-changing, fueled by the thrill of finding the next great ride. Currently, he owns a couple of motorcycles and about six cars.
Heath is particularly fond of BMWs, and the rarer vintage vehicles are, the more likely they are to really capture his attention.
“The 1957 BMW 503 Cabriolet was an incredible find that ‘fell in my lap’ thanks to a longtime car dealer friend,” Heath shares. The dealer knew of Heath’s penchant for BMWs and put him in contact with a man in southern California who was selling the Cabriolet. Heath describes the rare vehicle as “born in Munich, raised in Malibu.”
The 1957 BMW 503 Cabriolet's appearance and technology are impressive. Its history is even more intriguing.
Due to war reparations after World War II ended, BMW was forced to suspend car building until 1952, Heath states. When the company began building cars again, BMW wanted to produce a "gentleman's convertible" that could compete with Cadillac and Mercedes convertibles.
“BMW was a well-known company before World War II, and they wanted to make their mark,” Heath states. “After World War II, the GIs had a fondness for German cars.”
Along with cars for everyday driving, BMW produced a few exclusive “gentleman’s convertibles” with just 139 Cabriolets to be distributed worldwide between 1956 and 1960. Only 13 Cabriolets were built for the United States market, and one of those is Heath’s car.
“For a production car, they don’t get much rarer,” Heath notes.
BMW also produced about 276 Coupes that were considered a brother car to the Cabriolet, and the Cabriolet’s well-known sister car, the BMW 507 two-door roadster.
“These are all handmade cars. They’re all aluminum bodied with engineering way ahead of its time. This (Cabriolet) was one of the most expensive cars that you could buy in 1957 if you could get one. These were between $13,000 and $15,000 back then,” Heath explains.
“The Cabriolets, though luxury convertibles, were technologically advanced and very powerful for their day,” notes Heath.
“It has an aluminum V8 engine, which was unheard of in 1957,” Heath states. “It’s technology that’s done today. Power windows, a power antenna, and a power top. It was probably one of the first cars that had a power top. There’s nothing comparable out there.”
When Heath bought his Cabriolet in 2018, it was a driving car with an older paint job, and the car was showing its age. What started out as a simple repaint became a transformation that restored the Cabriolet to almost as good as new condition.
“The car was repainted, fully reupholstered, got a new canvas top, and underwent miscellaneous mechanical and brake work,” Heath adds. AutoWerks in Tea completed the interior restoration and mechanical restoration, while the dry ice preservation process and other work were done at Vern Eide Motoplex.
Cars never looked better after dry ice blast
Restoring a vintage car to almost new condition requires stripping away decades of wear and debris. For his 1957 BMW 503 Cabriolet, Heath eschewed the typical sandblasting in favor of a dry ice preservation process, and he says his cars never looked better.
“If somebody is going to do some work on the undercarriage of a car, they have to sandblast it, but that’s abrasive. With dry ice, it’s more of a cleaning. It comes out of the hose or gun at -109 degrees F. As these little ice pellets come in contact with the surface, they expand into gas and just naturally blow contaminants off the original finishes. It’s so satisfying to watch,” Heath shares.
Dry ice preservation is a boon for owners who want their classic cars to look their best.
“When you’re dealing in assets like this or if you’re a consumer and you’re trying to present your assets in the best possible way, whether it’s to show or to sell it, this is revolutionary,” Heath states. “It’s an expensive process. What it does is it takes this BMW, and basically, we took 60 years of contaminants off the undercarriage of the car. What it shows is its natural state, how it left the factory.”
Dry ice preservation works on engines and vehicle interiors, too.
“When you take a machine like this BMW and you do the dry ice, it removes all the impurities. You can see the factory torque marks,” Heath explains. “It’s a preservation more than a restoration.”
Dry ice preservation was originally designed for use on aerospace jet engines. Heath learned about the dry ice preservation process from another car collector who "got infatuated with it."
“I’ve been slowly following it and three years ago, I bought all the stuff (for the dry ice preservation process),” Heath adds.
His own cars get the dry ice treatment, and now Heath is introducing the dry ice preservation service at the Vern Eide Motoplex and other dealerships.
"We've had so many requests, and it's time to open it up and share it," Heath notes. "We'll be offering the service to the public."
Meanwhile, restoration complete, Heath drove the 1957 BMW Cabriolet 503 and put it up for auction. Heath has another, even rarer car he’s restoring now. He and childhood friend Dereck Freshour of Villisca, IA, bought a 1937 BMW 328 factory lightweight that was languishing in a barn in Iowa.
“We didn’t really know what we had. It had been rebodied after World War II. They couldn’t build new cars (in Europe), so what they would do is take an old vehicle and put a new body on it, and that’s the only way they could produce and sell cars until 1952,” Heath explains.
What Heath and Dereck discovered was that their Works 1937 BMW 328 is the lost car that raced at Le Mans and the Mille Miglia. Only five were made, and Heath’s is the only one left in existence in its original race configuration. It will likely be the rarest gem ever to find its way to Heath’s collection.
TRAFFIC STOP ADVICE
AN OFFICER'S PERSPECTIVE
By Sgt. Travis Olsen
of red and blue lights from a police car. While I am not here to necessarily provide legal advice, I can offer some food for thought from my years as a Traffic Officer.
From an officer's point of view, they are conducting education and enforcement on laws they are sworn to uphold. Traffic officers are expected to act upon violations fairly and equally. Officers often work areas of high citizen complaints or high crash volumes. The change of driving behavior is their ultimate goal. Sorry to break it to you but no, they don't have quotas.
Upon seeing emergency lights in your mirror, slow down and safely pull to the right (SDCL 32-31-6). Pull into a parking lot or side street if possible.
Remain in your car. Keep your hands on the steering wheel and turn your dome light on if it's night. When the officer
should explain why you were stopped. I can't tell you what to say, but there are surefire ways to guarantee a citation.
Sometimes citizens disagree with the officer's assessment. My recommendation is always listen to the officer's instructions, and if you disagree with the outcome, contest this in court. You can contact legal counsel if you feel this traffic stop was unjust or unethical. You can also speak to a supervisor, but they cannot legally void your citation.
I can't suggest to you whether you should or should not acknowledge your mistake to the officer, but what I can tell you is maturity and professionalism does count for something to us. In my experience, one who argues with the officer and has a roadside tantrum never wins with a warning over a citation.
Another frequent topic, if you are one to carry a firearm with you, is "no" you are not necessarily required to
disclose this (at least in South Dakota - other states do vary on this), but most of us do see this as a courtesy which can win you a few points with the officer.
I have encountered this many times and when someone has their hands on the wheel and politely shares this information this usually translates to me that they want both of us to stay safe and don't want to alarm us if we somehow find out otherwise. This courtesy goes a really long way with an officer.
Mutual respect and professionalism by both parties involved is huge for a positive outcome. There is absolutely no guaranteed way to avoid a citation 100% of the time, short of the obvious drive in a manner, with proper equipment, in compliance with state law and city ordinance.
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 Motor Market column.
It's What They Do That Makes The Difference
By Teresa Mentzer
Even though the 85th Sturgis Rally bikers have ridden off into the sunset, business is still full throttle in Summerset, SD, for Josh Anderson and Scott Flockhart. They keep things roaring year-round at Hose Clamp Customs. Their one-stop shop is located at 7058 Infinity Drive.
"We do it all," adds Scott. "Everything from general maintenance, handlebar installs, paint services, to a full build."
They were plenty busy in the weeks before the Sturgis crowd rode in, but during the rally, too. The HCC crew was primed and ready to help visitors with everything from oil changes to performance upgrades and dyno tuning!
Thanks to a multi-talented and skilled crew, they have revved up what they
can offer to bike enthusiasts both locally and across the country. The quality of craftsmanship displayed in their work has earned them a reputation, one that other shops recognize as well.
"We are the second largest custom bike and repair shop in the area. Even some of our competitors are sending work our way and referring us to their customers," Scott explains.
He is grateful for their endorsements. “Providing such a variety of services sets Hose Clamp Customs apart from other shops,” Scott adds.
After moving into their new shop last spring, they not only have more room to work in, but their team has grown, too. Scott's dad and brother, both retired, now work on bikes. Josh's mom and dad are also bike enthusiasts and are around to lend a hand and keep the tradition alive for the next generation.
Family support has made this joyful ride much easier for Josh and Scott. Family for them means more than immediate kin. An extended family of customers and local businesses plays a vital role in the life of the business. Bonds are built, and valuable relationships are established with bike owners, along with the finished product.
The dividends from these relationships pay more than the bills, according to Scott. Each bike that comes into the shop is someone's prized possession. Regardless of the workmanship and time invested in fulfilling a customer's request, the bike they leave on has been treated with genuine care. The entire crew adheres to a creed of sorts: "Your bike is my bike" when it is in the shop.
The goal of Hose Clamp Customs is to get motorcyclists back on their rides feeling safe, comfortable and satisfied.
"For some bike owners, being on their motorcycles is a type of therapy, an escape. We feel good knowing we are part of making that positive experience happen for them," says Scott.
Prior to last month's rally week, the excitement was building for the iconic premier biker event of the Black Hills. Scott describes the HCC as a madhouse as bikes are being tuned and transformed for the festivities.
Among the pre-rally prep was giving a fresh look to a bike that was once showcased on the cover of a vintage Easyriders Magazine. This before-andafter project appeals to the nostalgic connections that motorcycles hold for owners and enthusiasts in general.
Another owner entrusted his thirty year old bike to the Hose Clamp Customs specialists for a complete rally revival session. After a thorough detail including washing, degreasing, polishing and restoration, this classic was rejuvenated. The old was new
again. More importantly, its history with the owner was left intact. Oftentimes, a bike's journey in someone's life is more valuable than the sum of its parts.
Scott has been building and rebuilding bikes his whole life. He especially loves knowing their history. Josh shares that same passion. Their craftsmanship has brought them awards and recognition. Customers have also entered their custom bikes in various shows and competitions with winning results.
Still, these partners find the best rewards are in the eyes of the owners when they see their bikes after the work is completed. For many, it is an emotional experience. Scott and Josh have great respect for the connection that forms between a motorcycle and its owner, and for the history they all share down the road.
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Mag Cab Dually Boxes 2006-2025 PRICE REDUCED!
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Right up until his retirement and after doing his stint in the service, Dave Lanpher worked for General Electric Aircraft Engine group. With his job, he took his wife all over the world while not really staying very long in one area to establish what felt like a real home. So, when they talked about where they were going to retire, it was going to be in Hawaii, which they did.
One of the other ideas they had always talked about for the last 35 to 40 years
Happy at Home
By Bob Schmeichel
was that it would be fun to build an old vehicle to drive. As they were getting ready to retire in Hawaii, Dave started scouring the web for an old pickup.
Dave quickly found and bought a 1946 Chevy pickup he located in North Carolina in 2022. Since he grew up in South Dakota with family still here, he had it shipped to Sioux Falls and met the truck for the first time when the transport carrying
it arrived. He found out that the photos looked better than they really were. He mentioned that the 327 engine that was in the truck had more water than oil in it. So, with quite a bit of discouragement, he had the truck hauled to StraightLines out at Tea, to do their thing with getting the pickup the way Dave wanted it.
After about six months of work, the transformation was complete starting with adding a Heidt’s front suspension
to the cleaned-up frame, installing a new BluePrint 400HP 355 Chevy engine with a three-deuce set-up and 400 turbo trans backing it, followed up with a 3.73 geared Moser rear end, and Willwood disc brakes on all four corners for stopping power.
They massaged the body and box to be straight while adding new paint and ending up with creating a new interior inside, all to Dave’s preference and liking. Once it was done, Dave flew back to Sioux Falls, put the pickup on a transport, shipped it to California, and put it on a boat to Hawaii.
Dave says the car culture in Hawaii is different in that it feels a bit selective with people there, and finding shops to do maintenance work is just way too hard to find. He said it took him a couple of months to find a shop with a timing light, as most car stuff is computer-related
these days. Eventually, Dave bought a timing light so he could play himself when it came to dialing in the three deuces.
Then, in the spring of 2023, because of some health issues, they moved to California to get them sorted out and behind them. The pickup came with them. After being well again for over a year, Dave said, “Let’s move back home to South Dakota.” And the rest is history, with being at home again and living life to the fullest with family and friends.
Dave mentioned he has a lot of respect for StraightLines because of what they did when he and his wife lived in Hawaii. He had been having issues with his electric fan on his pickup with blowing fuses and after talking quite extensively with Dakota Digital, figured out where the problem lay. The issue was with the fan controller, so a new controller was given to Scott Anderson of StraightLines, who flew to Hawaii on StraightLines’ dime, and installed and adjusted the controller while adding a 40-amp relay to replace the 30-amp relay that was occasionally blowing. After that, the pickup was finally working as it always should have with no issues, and Dave couldn’t be happier as he continues to roll in his pickup, now back home in South Dakota.
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
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At Mitchell Technical College, we offer more than 35 high-demand, high-tech programs designed to give you the best hands-on education out there.
If you want to get ready for a great career, you’ve got to work for it, learn by doing, push your limits, and apply your skills in the real world. That’s what we do every day.
Our mission is simple: prepare you for a skilled, successful career. Recognized as one of the top performing technical colleges in the nation, we offer an experience that checks every box: cutting edge programs, expert and experienced instructors, real-world training, and outstanding value.
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CALENDAR Events
46th Annual Vintiques Rod Run and Kampeska Kampout
September 5th - 7th - 12pm to 4pm - Watertown, SD vintiquescarclub.com
September 27 - 10am - Sioux Falls, SD facebook.com/share/1AzkgyUpMJ/
SWT Teaches
October 11 - 10am - Sioux Falls, SD facebook.com/share/1FM1hg58x3/
Hardee's Saturday Night Motor Madness
October 4 - 4:30pm - Sioux Falls, SD facebook.com/share/19z285wH49/
Hardee's, Saturday Night Motor Madness
(Every Saturday at Hardee's - SF through end of year) facebook.com/share/19fFP2YouY/
Cruiser Car Show
October 4, 2025 - 12pm - Rapid City, SD
Black Hills Sports Car Club Autocross Trials
October 12 - Rapid City, SD centralstatesfairinc.com
ExpandingBeyondAutoSales: Now Your Trusted Source for KIOTI Tractors
For years, Car Swap has been your trusted complete auto dealer and service center. Now, we're taking our commitment to reliability and performance beyond the road. From our Tea, South Dakota location, we're proud to introduce premium KIOTI tractors and Ignite Attachments—bringing the same quality you've come to expect into serious property equipment.
• Advanced Power Shift Transmissions for seamless operation
• Climate-Controlled Cabs that keep you comfortable in any weather
• Durable Construction engineered to handle demanding tasks
New Territory, Same Excellence: KIOTI Tractors
KIOTI tractors deliver proven reliability across their complete lineup, from compact utility models to robust 130-140 HP powerhouses. Most KIOTI tractors feature advanced power shift transmissions and climate-controlled cabs, while all KIOTI products showcase durable construction engineered for demanding tasks.
Whether you're maintaining a large acreage, clearing snow, or managing farm operations, KIOTI's reliability ensures every job gets done right—just like the vehicles we've been servicing for years.
WESTERN SOUTH DAKOTA’S ONLY
WILLIAMSEN•GODWIN
To register your car for the show, scan here.
Sioux Falls Convention Center
Vintage Finds & Fun at Booth 202!
TALKING TIRES
By ArticleBiz.com
7SIGNS YOUR CAR TIRE IS ABOUT TO BURST
Picture this: you're driving down a remote highway when suddenly you hear the dreaded sound of a tire blowout. Being stranded with a flat tire isn't just inconvenient, it can be dangerous and expensive.
The good news? Most tire failures don't happen without warning. Your tires typically show clear signs of distress before they fail completely. Regular tire maintenance not only prevents unexpected breakdowns but also improves your vehicle's braking performance, fuel efficiency, and overall safety.
By learning to recognize these seven warning signs during your monthly tire inspections, you can address problems early and avoid roadside emergencies. If you notice any of these issues, contact Graham Tire immediately.
1. Gradual Loss of Air Pressure
When your tire consistently loses air pressure between fill-ups, it's signaling trouble ahead. This persistent deflation usually indicates a small leak, often caused by a nail, screw, or other sharp debris that has penetrated the tire. While slow leaks might seem manageable, they weaken the tire's structure over time and can lead to sudden failure. Have the tire inspected immediately. Many slow leaks can be repaired if caught early.
2. Insufficient Tire Tread Depth
Your tire's tread is your primary defense against losing control on wet or slippery roads. As the rubber wears down over thousands of miles, the grooves become shallower and less effective. You can quickly assess tread depth using the penny test: insert a penny into the tread groove with Lincoln's head facing down. If you can see the top of Lincoln's head, your tread is dangerously low and the tire needs immediate replacement.
3. Uneven Tread Wear Patterns
Healthy tires wear evenly across their entire surface. When you notice some areas of the tread are significantly more worn than others, your tire is telling you about underlying mechanical problems. This uneven wear typically stems from misaligned wheels, incorrect tire pressure, worn suspension components, or improper tire rotation. Address both the tire replacement and the root cause to prevent the same problem from recurring.
4. Unusual Noises or Vibrations
Your daily drive should be relatively smooth and quiet. When you start noticing strange noises such as thumping, grinding,
or squealing, or feel vibrations through the steering wheel or seat, even on well-maintained roads, your tires are crying for help. These symptoms often indicate internal tire damage, improper wheel alignment, or severe air pressure issues. Don't ignore these warning signs; what starts as a minor vibration can quickly escalate into a dangerous blowout.
5. Bulges or Bubbles in the Sidewall
Bulges or bubble-like protrusions on your tire's sidewall are serious red flags that demand immediate attention. These deformations occur when the tire's internal structure fails, allowing air to push through into the outer layers. This damage can result from hitting potholes, curbs, or manufacturing defects. Once a bulge appears, the tire is compromised and could fail catastrophically at any moment. Replacement is your only safe option.
6. Visible Cracks in the Rubber
Over time, tire rubber naturally ages and degrades, especially when exposed to sunlight, extreme temperatures, and road chemicals. When you see cracks forming in the sidewall or tread area, the rubber has deteriorated beyond safe limits. These cracks indicate that the tire can no longer maintain its structural integrity and is at high risk of sudden failure. Cracked tires cannot be repaired and must be replaced immediately.
7. Age-Related Tire Degradation
Even with perfect maintenance and minimal wear, tires have a limited lifespan. Rubber compounds break down over time regardless of tread depth or usage patterns. Most vehicle manufacturers recommend replacing tires every six years, while tire manufacturers suggest a maximum service life of ten years from the manufacturing date (found on the tire's sidewall). If your tires are approaching these age limits, don't wait for other warning signs to appear. Proactive replacement is far safer and less expensive than dealing with roadside emergencies.
Take Action Before It's Too Late
Recognizing these warning signs early can save you from dangerous situations and costly repairs. Make tire inspection part of your monthly vehicle maintenance routine, checking for these signs along with proper air pressure. Remember, your tires are the only part of your vehicle that touches the road; their condition directly affects your safety and that of other drivers.
Need Professional Tire Service?
Our experienced certified technicians at Graham Tire provide reliable tire repair service, ensuring you get back on the road quickly and safely. Don't wait for a roadside emergency. Contact us today to learn more about our professional tire repair services.
The Journey to a Dream Car
Back in 1988, Richard “Skip” Miller and his wife purchased their first Mustang GT, and they absolutely loved it. The rumble of the engine, the feel of the road beneath them, was everything they had hoped for in a car. But as their family began to grow, practicality won out over passion, and they reluctantly sold their beloved Mustang. Even so, they never forgot that feeling, and the dream of owning another Mustang never truly left them.
Fast forward to 2007, when Ford released something truly special: the Shelby GT 500, built in collaboration with Shelby America. The moment he saw it, he was completely captivated. Everything about it spoke to him, including the aggressive yet refined styling, the incredible performance
HAVE A RIDE YOU WANT TO SHOW
capabilities, the raw horsepower, and most importantly, the legendary Shelby heritage. It became his dream car instantly.
In 2012, Richard discovered a 2012 Shelby GT 500 for sale through Sioux Falls Ford. It was still owned by its original owner and with just over 1,000 miles on the odometer. While he hadn't initially considered the performance white with silver stripes color scheme, seeing it in person changed everything. The combination was striking, and the car came equipped with the Recaro seats he had been hoping for. He knew this was it; his dream car had finally found him.
When he first brought the Shelby home, Richard was adamant
about keeping it exactly as it was, but as any car enthusiast knows, that resolve rarely lasts long. Just six months later, Richard found himself starting to add upgrades, each one carefully chosen to enhance what was already an exceptional machine.
What Richard loves most about the GT 500 is how it perfectly balances new technology with retro styling cues that harken back to the golden age of American muscle cars. The overall performance is breathtaking, but it's the Shelby heritage that truly sets it apart from other high-performance vehicles.
NAME: Rich “Skip” Miller
Want the whole story on this car? Listen to the Chevy Girl podcast.
The personalized license plates reading "HAWKI72" carry deep personal significance. They honor his father's memory, a man who shared his passion for cars and passed away just a year before he was able to purchase this Shelby. His father was an All-American football player for the Iowa Hawkeyes, wearing jersey number 72, and every time Richard sees those plates, he's reminded of their shared love for automobiles and the conversations they had about dream cars they hoped to own someday.
One of the most unexpected joys of owning this car has been the connections it's created within the automotive community. Shortly after purchasing the Shelby, they joined the Sioux Empire Ford Car Club and began participating in car shows and show-and-shine events. The friendships they've formed and the people they've met through these gatherings have been incredible.
CAR YEAR-MAKE-MODEL: 2012 Ford Shelby GT 500
ENGINE: Supercharged 5.4-liter aluminum block V8
Ford performance upgrade added which includes:
• A larger 2.9 L Whipple supercharger
• Ford cobra jet 65mm dual bore aluminum throttle body
• Ford Racing dual fuel pumps
• Ford Racing performance computer tune
• 750 hp and 719 lb.-ft of torque
Other upgrades:
• Shelby extreme duty heat exchanger with dual fans
• Shelby billet high performance rear lower control arms
• BMR watts link
• Ford Racing strut tower brace
• Ford Performance Boss 302 Laguna Seca X brace
• Shelby limited edition 20” CS1 wheels
• Michelin Pilot Super Sport 305/30 ZR 20 rear tires and 265/35 ZR 20 front
• Wilwood two piece drilled and slotted brake rotors
• Hawk performance ceramic brake pads
EXHAUST: Corsa Sport axle-back exhaust (black chrome tips)
• NOWEEDS exhaust diverters
BODY: One of five 2012 GT 500’s produced in performance white with silver stripes and Recaro seats
Upgrades:
• 2013-2014 Shelby GT 500 front grill with a custom black mesh insert
• 2013-2014 Shelby GT 500 chin spoiler
• All exterior lighting has been blacked out or tinted
INTERIOR: Recaro seats
Upgrades:
• Ford Performance rear seat delete
• Real carbon fiber interior trim
The Art of Making Old Iron Run Better Than New
Today we like to talk about engines with big power, big cubic inches and often include a wide variety of exotic power adding components. It is exciting to see these engines built with exotic components and with precise detail. We must not forget, however, where the engineering originated from and give the proper respect to the power makers of the past. These grandfathers of horsepower are still alive, and even though they don’t make the big horsepower numbers of today, they are still very relevant to the vehicles they power and they’re important to the history of the automobile.
Rebuilding these engines can be a daunting and time-consuming task. There is a very limited supply of engine parts for many of these engines and when the parts are available, they can be very costly. If the parts are not available, then they must be made and that will add to the cost as well, but the end result will be a better-running engine.
The first thing is to do the proper research and
determine what the engine design was intended for. The second thing is to determine if the engine will run on today’s fuel. The third thing is to find or build the engine’s hard parts to complete the build.
The machining processes of today are much more accurate and precise than those of yesteryear. Because of this, we can precisely fit the new engine parts and often these parts are made with today’s technology, so it can increase power, torque, and reliability. Since we have a much better knowledge of how the engine works, we can make improvements that will have the engine running better than new. Finding machining engine specifications can also be a challenge, so if they cannot be found, then we must create them. Certain machining procedures and updates must be done like valve seats and valves, piston rings, cylinder hone, piston rings, gaskets, and full complete block preparation, just to name a few, among the many.
Assembly procedures are also different in today’s engine-building world. For example, we must convert the rod bolt torque that Henry Ford created of “what an average man can pull with an eight-inch wrench” to an actual accurate tightening specification. We need to consider piston and bearing clearances that will recognize the fuel and engine oils of today, since these are considerably different from when these engines were originally in service.
If you have an engine in an older car that needs to be updated to give you the freedom and reliable service for the years to come that you expect, then you can rely on us here at Sehr Performance to give “the Extra Mile” to achieve that goal. People come from all over for our engine update rebuilds because we do the work that is required for the best, optimum build.
ASK THE MOTOR MEDICS®
TUNE-IN AND TUNE-UP!®
Dear Motor Medics, I have a question about tires. I drive a 2008 Chevy Silverado 2500 with 17-inch wheels and would like to go to 16-inch wheels and taller wider tires. I want to go with the 16-inch because the tires are cheaper, but I heard they may not work as good. I do want to replace my factory wheels with some cool aftermarket ones, so I was planning on buying them anyways. What things do I need to know before I buy a set of wheels and tires that I like? I am thinking of going with 35-12.50-16 All Terrain tires.
Thank you, Alan, in Redwood Falls, Minnesota
Dear Motor Medics, Camping season has arrived, and I like to pull a fifth wheel camper with my 2016 Chevy Silverado 1500 and a boat behind that. I also use it to pull my small tractor around. The camper and boat are right at my max towable limit of 80 percent but on very hot days when the temps reach 100 plus down here the transmission temps get hotter than I like at 195 to 210 while pulling. If I am unloaded, they seem to stay around 150 even on the hottest of days. I am concerned about the longevity of the transmission with the extra heat. What do you recommend for keeping it a little cooler?
Thank you. Larry in Carthage, Texas
Dear Alan,
While many truck owners have upsized their wheels and tires to accommodate their wishes it is important to take note of a few important items first. When downsizing a wheel, you need to check for proper clearance of brake parts and suspension parts like tie rod ends. You also need to check for proper fender clearance not only while traveling straight but also while turning and at full compression of the suspension. Rubbing tires can cause damage and loss of control. It is also important to note that larger tires will change the shifting patterns of the truck and speedometer calibration so that will also need to be addressed. We recommend working with a tire store that has experience and a reference guide as to what wheels and tires will work for your specific application safely.
Take care, The Motor Medics
25362 Hwy. 11, Garretson, SD 605-594-4181 or 888-200-7562 www.nordstromsauto.com
Dear Larry,
Those temps are getting up there. When you pull anything, it is always good to follow the 80 percent rule. So many people overload past the max causing damage to their vehicles and making it unsafe for both them and others on the road. This vehicle probably has a transmission fluid thermostat no matter which transmission it has, and a cooler built into the radiator. The first step is to make sure that the radiator fins and in between the radiator and condenser area is free from any dirt. This causes much higher temperatures. Also, get a thermostat bypass kit for the transmission. With those two items done you may also consider an aftermarket cooler to lower temps.
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.
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