YOUR ONE STOP RESTORATION SHOP
Automania Puts Fantastic Fords In the Spotlight
By Tanya Manus | Photos by Corey Gross Photography
“Tome,the1933and’32andthe
’40Fordarethebest-looking Fordsthattheybuilt,”Larry isadds.“The1940Ford,tome, initsowncategory.It’sa good-lookingcar.”
The 1930s and ’40s were an era of innovation and style in the automotive industry. In that time period, Ford Motor Company produced some of the best-looking cars in its 121-year history.
Classic car collector Larry Olson is captivated by Fords from the 1930s and 40s, and some of his prized vehicles will be stars of this year’s AutoMania event held in Valley Springs, SD.
AutoMania is the largest free automotive event in the Midwest.
The family-friendly show welcomes all ages to see a stellar display of classic vehicles, muscle cars, sports cars, imports, trucks and motorcycles. Organizers hope the show inspires younger generations’ interest in the automotive industry.
Fords are a special feature this year, according to Bernie Tyrrell, organizer of AutoMania.
“Larry (Olson) has recently added some impressive cars to his collection so I decided I’m going to highlight Larry’s collection. That’s the main feature at the show,” Bernie notes.
A new acquisition Larry will bring to AutoMania is a fivewindow 1940 Ford Coupe with a Hemi motor. Larry bought
it from another collector in Knoxville, Ill., who spent 15 years completely restoring every piece of it. The coupe is repainted a classic 1954 Ford color, Sea Haze Green.
“I’d seen this car in a car show in Des Moines, Iowa, a couple of years ago, and I’ve had 1940 Fords before and this was extremely well built,” Larry shares.
Larry knew a photographer who’d shot pictures of the coupe for a magazine, and he asked the photographer to pass his name and number to the coupe’s owner with a message that if the owner ever wanted to sell the car, Larry was interested.
Patience won in the end. A year later, the coupe’s owner called Larry to talk about selling it. Larry went to Knoxville to see and drive the car.
“It’s a beautiful car. The interior is beautiful. I just had to have it,” Larry states.
In March, he became the coupe’s proud owner. Larry has been collecting classic cars since 1977.
“I was a hot rodder. My first car was a 1937 Ford fourdoor that I bought for 300 bucks. I fixed it up and drove it around, sold it, made some money, bought another one, fixed it up … I could go on and on,” Larry shares.
His collection has grown to include 11-14 Fords from 1932 to 1934, 1940s, a 1957 Ranchero and a 1957 Thunderbird. Cars from the 1930s and ’40s often incorporated design elements from the prominent and glamorous Art Deco style.
“To me, the 1933 and ’32 and the ’40 Ford are the best-looking Fords that they built,” Larry adds. “The 1940 Ford, to me, is in its own category. It’s a goodlooking car.”
Larry will show three to five of his cars at AutoMania, including another 1940 Ford and possibly a Cadillac. His entire collection numbers more than 40 cars.
Many classic cars and trucks that visitors will see at AutoMania have been restored to better-than-new condition by talented professionals. Award-winning pro Bobby Alloway of Knoxville, Tenn., has built nine cars for Larry “down to the last bolt and nut,” Larry smiles, and Alloway is currently restoring a 1951 Cadillac for Larry.
Bernie shares that AutoMania is a chance for visitors to see the spectacular work of two local car builders and restorers, Ron Burchatz of Tea, S.D., and Kevin Bowman of Brandon, S.D.
Ron is a master painter and auto body technician since 1982. He was the instructor for the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair, and since 2019 he's been CEO of RGB Enterprises, LLC in Sioux Falls. There, he developed a new business model for auto repair that covers education, consultation, repairing and refinishing cars.
“Ron will likely have a 1932 Ford that he's building on display at AutoMania,” Bernie adds.
Kevin owns Bowman Real Hot Rods in Brandon. Kevin and Larry have engineered several hot rods including a 1933 Ford Speedster, a 1940 Ford Coupe, and a 1956 Chevy Nomad. Kevin and Larry have entered and won awards at car shows throughout the United States.
Beyond the cars, another show-stopping exhibit at AutoMania will be dedicated to specialty motorcycles. An especially noteworthy display will be a vintage Japanese collection of 15 restored motorcycles. Designated parking for all motorcycles will be available.
AutoMania will open the 2025 show with a Color Guard presentation of the colors and singing of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Guests can enjoy live music from John Grosz and the Radio Alley throughout the
AutoMania event organizer
Bernie Tyrrell and 2025
Honoree Larry Olson.
afternoon. Bernie alerts guests to “Bring lawn chairs so you can relax and listen to classic and current country hits.”
Radio Alley’s female lead singer, Audra Schosser, is a member
Food trucks from Backyard BBQ, Ollie’s, and more will serve a variety of delicious treats. Cool off with a frozen dessert from South Dakota State University’s dairy bar, which will serve locally made ice cream.
Browse and shop a large collection of neon signs and memorabilia from vendor Tin Man. Nearby, AutoMania sponsor Valley Corner Bar will have an open patio, music and public access to the restroom at the bar.
Some porta-potties will be available at AutoMania, and there will be bathroom access at nearby locations including Valley Springs Fire Department and American Legion Post 131.
The 21st annual AutoMania takes place from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 28, at 310 Broadway Ave., in Valley Springs, S.D. Parking is free for spectators and entrants.
Pre-register to enter your vehicle in the show, or drive it to AutoMania on the day of the event. Entry in the show is free; the first 100 who pre-register will receive a free t-shirt. To register in advance online, visit automaniaatvalley.com/register-ride.
Visit automaniaatvalley.com for directions and more information about AutoMania.
Manyclassiccars andtrucksthat visitorswillseeat AutoManiahavebeen restoredtobetterthan-newcondition bytalented professionals.
$25.00 Registration Day of Show
Trophies for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and Best of Show
29 Classes • Door Prizes • Dash Plaques
(All cars must be Ford or Mercury Powered)
By Bob Schmeichel
How many of you ever think about the first car you ever really owned and the new found freedom it gave you with being able to go where ever you wanted? If you answered the question in your head, what little idiosyncrasies memory wise, about your first car that you may have forgot about, pop up?
I am sure for many of us over 60 years in age, your first car was probably ten to twenty years old already when you got it. Did it have an old car smell and little rattles someplace that you couldn’t figure out where they were? Was the heater slow to warm the car inside in the winter time? Did it have a V8 or six cylinder, manual or automatic transmission, and two or four doors?
No matter what it was, it was big stuff then for a young person to just turn the key and go someplace, wither it be cruising the loop down town to be in the middle of a scene at the time similar to the “American Graffiti” movie, up and down Minnesota Avenue, or just sitting in the car at the Barrell Drive Inn while enjoying fries and a Coke, our cars gave us a new found social scene of independence that led to new friends, both guys and gals with similar interest that were car related. After a while your car was viewed as a reflection of your personality based on what you did with it to be noticed. Paint, nice wheels, and tires seemed to be a starting point. Squealing tires always seemed to be the norm back then for attention, which still happens today. Did you ever break parts playing around while showing off?
I believe this was a common experience that happened to most guys in the most in opportune places and time!!
Verlyn Ramse’s first car was a green and white 1955 Chevy two door hardtop with a six-cylinder engine and a three-speed manual transmission. He liked the car a lot for the years he had it in high school and customized it in his own way during the time by louvering the hood and converting the column shift to a floor shifter. He didn’t get into a lot of detail with what he had done to the car with it being so long ago, but after a few years sold it in favor of something with more power. Because of that first car memory, he has always thought in the back of his mind it would be fun to have another ‘55 Chevy.
Now fast forward to the early winter of 2023/24 when Verlyn and his wife Rhonda were in Arizona, being snowbirds avoiding some of the South Dakota winter, when he saw an ad with a ‘55 Chevy two door hardtop very similar to what he had so long ago, for sale in a local publication there. Upon calling about the car, Verlyn asked if he could come over and see it. The guy responded by saying, “Yes.” As he was giving Verlyn directions to his house it surprised Verlyn because it was in Houston, Texas,
and not just across town from where they were in Arizona. Verlyn had the guy send him more pictures of the car, which I am sure sold Verlyn with the idea of getting the car.
The car looked nicely done with a gorgeous cream-colored leather interior. It had a ZZ3 Chevy engine rated @365HP with a 400-turbo transmission, air conditioning and heat, power steering, coil over suspension and power 4-wheel disc brakes on all four corners. The guy said the car was in perfect condition and had no leaks. Verlyn, taking the man for his word, called him back and told him to consider the car sold and that they were on their way to Texas from Arizona. Verlyn decided since they were driving their pickup from Arizona to Texas, he was going to buy a car trailer in Texas to haul the car back to South Dakota in, since it was so nice in the photos. After arriving at the location of the car with a new car trailer in tow and excited, the deal was made and loaded the car into the trailer for the trip back to South Dakota. After getting their new ‘55 Chevy home and unloaded in his garage, and later driving it around while checking everything out, Verlyn noticed quite a few things wrong from what the owner had claimed about it being perfect. This part kind of bugs me because most car people are honest with each other, but I guess the owner just wanted to sell the car with his misleading claims and didn’t care. This is not the first time I have heard about a situation like this where someone gets taken advantage of because of their trusting beliefs.
"After a while your car was viewed as a reflection of your personality based on what you did with it to be noticed."
Being frustrated, Verlyn took the car to StraightLines and had them correct quite a few things that in Verlyn’s mind were evident to bring the car up to the claimed “perfect” status when he bought it in Texas. First off, they installed Dakota Digital gauges along with a totally new wiring harness throughout the car as well as a new Vintage Air AC/Heat and a new radio. The original installed AC was a bunch of mismatched parts that didn’t function at all. In the process of rewiring the car they rebuilt the whole console so it had cup holders, and buttoned up a half dozen fluid leaks that weren’t supposed to be there. Then, they finally cleaned up the front of the car’s paint issues and repainted all of the turquoise color and matched it quite well considering there is blue pearl in the color.
Verlyn now is quite happy with what was done by StraightLines, and can honestly say the car is perfect to himself while feeling right about it. The car has quite a few custom features that I am sure go unnoticed by an average person. It has 17” Foose wheels to start with, which are not cheap. The bumpers are onepiece units with no outside bumper bolts showing which makes the car look slick on both ends. The hood has all the emblems removed and the doors also have the door handles removed which are opened with a key fob that is used also to lowering windows. The whole interior is really gorgeous and has to be seen to be appreciated. Today Verlyn is smiling about his new ‘55 Chevy and the memory of his first car that brought him to what he has today, with new adventures and memories yet to happen for he and his wife Rhonda.
A farm boy from Salem, Bob’s family moved to Sioux Falls when he was 12 years old. After graduation 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.
By Teresa Mentzer
Prepared to succeed
Repairing or restoring a car today requires a higher level of artistic talent and an applied knowledge of mechanics, production and technology.
While talent and knowledge are keys to success in this trade, even more important is having a strong passion for it.
“We are looking for students with a passion for this trade,” states Todd Bretschneider, Auto Body and Paint Technology Department Supervisor at Lake Area Technical College in Watertown, SD.
Often times the car enthusiast has a leg up on others entering the field. They have an eye for detail, a desire to bring a classic chassis back to life, or the need to get an owner’s car back on the road knowing the investment made.
If you are considering a career in auto body and paint technology, Lake Area Technical College offers an excellent program of courses and training. Whether your interest in learning the trade stems from a passion for the automobile or an interest in restoration, LATC will teach you the marketable skills necessary to land a job in the industry.
Area Technical College.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates on average 15,000 openings each year over the next decade for automotive body and glass repairers. Those projected openings are expected due to a shortage of workers who transfer to different occupations or retire.
When you enroll in either 9-month or 18-month program at LATC, you will receive a certification or degree that will offer a variety of job opportunities. With nearly 100% job placement, graduates are gainfully employed soon after completing the training.
Not only will students in the Auto Body and Paint Technology program be prepared to step into a position at an auto body shop, but they are also marketable for other employment in the paint industry. Recent graduates have been hired to paint newly manufactured fire trucks, signage displays and wind tower pedestals.
With the Auto Body and Paint Tech certification in hand, graduates are ready to explore related areas of service in the industry such as estimating and adjusting. This career track offers a great variety of work and opportunities to take on new challenges.
LEARN MORE: In addition to Autobody and Paint Technology, Lake Area Technical College offers programs in agriculture, auto, business, human services, nursing, med/fire rescue, heavy equipment operating, welding and more. Visit lakeareatech.edu for more information.
The career-focused training students receive at Lake Area Technical College is an investment in your future. Not only will LATC certify your skills and expertise, but the focused career training education leads to viable employment. The college is committed to their students and preparing them for a job in the industry when they graduate.
This commitment is outlined in the program’s Student Learner Outcomes. The student will:
1. Perform skills in a safe manner
2. Perform non-structural damage repair
3. Demonstrate proper catalyzing, application and finishing of plastic fillers and glazing
4. Demonstrate proper application of undercoats, primers and sealers
The program allows students to practice paint gun techniques in the classroom without any product usage or VOC discharge.
5. Demonstrate the application of topcoats, basecoats, and single stage paints
6. Demonstrate proper technique when welding sheet metal
To meet these outcomes, Lake Area Tech College offers the latest equipment including two down draft bake booths, a chassis liner frame rack, and a laser measuring system.
If this sounds like what you have always wanted to do, enroll now at Lake Area Technical College and get hands-on training using the latest technology, computerized laser measuring systems, water-borne paints, and computerized mixing systems.
11TH ANNUAL CAR SHOW
Friday, May 30, 2025
Main Street, Howard
Starting at 6pm
New this year: Car Parts Swap Meet
New this year: Car Parts Swap Meet
Saturday, May 31, 2025
11am to 2:30pm • Main Street Howard
Registration is from 9:30am to 11am • Howard Legion Hall
Registration Fee $15 1st Car, $10 2nd Car • Awards at 2pm
• 1940's & Older
• 1950's
• 1960's
• 1970's
• 1980-2009
• 2010 & Newer
• Corvette
• Mustangs
1978 & Older
• Mustangs
1979 & Newer
• Street Rod/Hot Rod
• Mopar
• Trucks
1979 & Older
• Trucks
1980 & Newer
• Camaro/Firebird
1967-1973
• Camaro/Firebird
1974 & Newer
• Bike Stock
• Bike Custom
• Youth (18 & Under)
• Tractor
For Questions, see our Facebook page; www.Facebook.com/howard leaders or Contact: Travis Rus 605-579-0099 or Brandon Jacobson 605-480-1727
CALENDAR Events
Harrisburg High School 5th Annual Car Showcase
May 3, 2025, from 4pm-7pm
Schulte Subaru Cars & Coffee
May 10, 2025 - Harrisburg Freshman Academy School Sioux Falls, SD
World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series
May 11, 2025 - Brandon, SD husetsspeedway.com
Wednesday Eve Cruise, County Fair Food Store
May 14, 2025 - County Fair Food Store, Dell Rapids, SD facebook.com/share/16MAHYRMj7
Tastees Inn & Out Show and Shine
May 18, 2025 - Sioux City, IA facebook.com/share/1MCtqrSSCk/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Granite Threshing Association Grill-Out Cruise Night
May 21, 2025 - Granite Threshing Bee (near Larchwood, IA) facebook.com/share/1BsgCDThV1
SHIFT Roll Up Car Show
May 24, 2025 - Brandon, SD www.facebook.com/share/1BKUUn7xVk/?mibextid=wwXIfr
2nd Annual Dewar Car Show
May 25, 2025 - Dewar, IA
J&L Harley Davidson Annual Cruise Night
May 28, 2025 - Sioux Falls, SD facebook.com/share/1C2DTTaDPW
11TH ANNUAL HOWARD HEADERS CRUISE NIGHT
May 30, 2025 - Main Street - Howard, SD www.Facebook.com/howard
Lowdown Roundup 5th Annual Custom Car & Truck Show
May 30, 2025 - Waterworks Park - Des Moines, IA facebook.com/share/1A56v28v1i
Hub City Auto Parts Swap Meet & Car Show
May 31, 2025 - Brown County Fairgrounds - Aberdeen, SD facebook.com/share/1YEEsr5Y4J
4x4 101 and "All" Car Show
May 31, 2025 - Box Elder, SD facebook.com/share/19ygvfbBwW
- SPONSORED BY -
Show & Shine
May 31, 2025 - Sturgis, SD facebook.com/share/19MjjVVDGv
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
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
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
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
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
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
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, 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 SHOW AND SHINE
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
When you enroll in one of Mitchell Tech’s more than 35 high-demand, high-tech programs, you will experience the best technical education available.
How do we know that Mitchell Tech may be your best choice?
• #1 Best Community College in S.D.
• Many Dual Credit Options Available According to Niche
• Numerous Program Accreditations
• Regionally Unique Programs
• 99% Job Placement*
• The Newest Campus in the Region
• Military Friendly School Since 2010
The bottom line . . . if you want to be the best, you have to work hard, learn by doing and put your skills to work in the real world.
Our mission is to prepare you for a successful, skilled career. Come and visit or check us out online and you will find out how you can Be The Best at Mitchell Technical College.
TALKIN’ TIRES
with
Tackling Transmission Failures
By ArticleCity.com
Transmission failure can be a costly repair, so it’s important to be aware of the warning signs. Some common symptoms of a failing transmission include unusual noises, slipping, grinding, and jerking when engaging and shifting gears.
So, how do you prevent transmission failure? It all starts with learning the warning signs —and knowing how to respond.
7 Signs Your Vehicle’s Transmission is Failing
1. Clunking
The transmission uses a series of clutches and gears to transfer power from the engine to the wheels. As the gears shift, they may make a slight engagement sound—which is normal.
If you start hearing a loud, persistent, clunking noise when engaging gears or changing speed, it could be a sign that your engine or transmission mounts are worn or broken. Mounts keep your transmission and engine in place. When the mount doesn’t function, these components start moving around and could make a clunking or banging noise.
2. Burning Smell
A burning smell is never good.
While it doesn’t necessarily mean that your transmission is about to fail, it does mean that something bad is likely happening somewhere. The most common culprit is an issue with your transmission fluid. Either you do not have enough transmission fluid, it is leaking, or it is degraded or old.
Old or degraded transmission fluid loses its lubrication properties. It also gathers impurities within the transmission over time, turning thick and sludge-like, compromising its effectiveness.
An overheating transmission shortens the life of your transmission and can quickly lead to catastrophic failure. Transmissions are among the most expensive components in
your vehicle, so replacement can be expensive.
3.
Grinding Gears
In a manual transmission, grinding gears commonly indicate that the clutch assembly is damaged or the synchronizers inside the transmission are worn. Additionally, bad driving habits such as aggressive shifting, shifting at the wrong moment, and not pressing the clutch all the way while shifting will all result in grinding gears. Over time this can seriously damage your transmission.
In an automatic transmission, a grinding noise could indicate a bad bearing, chipped planetary gears, or even a torque converter coming apart. These are all major repair items.
Low transmission fluid can also cause gears to wear and grind since there is insufficient fluid in which to cause them to move together seamlessly. A clogged filter in an automatic transmission can cause issues since a buildup of debris can restrict the amount of transmission fluid getting through, causing the same issues as low transmission fluid.
4. No Response
Here’s an obvious sign that something is wrong: If you notice your transmission isn’t responding quickly—or at all—it’s time to take it to a transmission expert immediately.
Various things can cause no response, such as leaking, low transmission fluid, or a defective valve body or solenoid. Sometimes, it can be something as simple as a broken or loose wire to the transmission or an engine or ABS brake problem causing the shifting issue. But regardless of the cause, it’s essential to get it checked out before the problem worsens.
5. Leaking Fluids
The transmission system is a closed system. This means when it’s working as it should, all the fluids stay inside where they
Graham Tire
belong. However, if there’s a leak, transmission fluid can start to seep out.
Leaks often occur near the rubber hoses, seals, and gaskets. These parts can degrade over time, which can cause transmission fluid to leak. If you notice any fluids underneath your vehicle, it could be transmission fluid. Take your vehicle to a trained transmission technician to properly diagnose the issue and repair the leak.
6. There’s a Warning Light On
There’s nothing more concerning than the Check Engine Light (CEL) coming on while you’re driving.
Your engine, transmission, brakes, steering, and suspension have sensors scattered throughout. These sensors are critical in that they feed essential data to the onboard computers. When the readings from these sensors don’t coincide with the usual readings, the CEL illuminates, and performance typically suffers. These sensors pick up on the slightest changes drivers cannot notice. So, never ignore the Check Engine Light.
7. Neutral Is Noisy
Here’s a quick way to test how your transmission is doing: Put your vehicle in neutral and let it run. Do you hear any bumping or other noises? Notice any shaking?
If you do, it’s likely a sign that something in your transmission’s pump or torque converter is failing. There may be a transmission fluid leak, or bearings or transmission pump gears may be worn or damaged, causing them to make noise as they spin. Over time, this continued wear can lead to transmission failure. If it only makes noise when you are driving in gear, that could be a sign of problems with internal planetary gears, bearings, clutches, or worn or damaged drivetrain parts.
Transmission Problems? Visit Graham Tire
Transmission problems can quickly spiral into expensive repairs—or even total failure. The best way to avoid transmission issues is to stay on top of maintenance and have your vehicle regularly inspected by a qualified technician.
Excellent customer service, nationwide warranties, and everyday low prices.
720 N. Main St. Mitchell, SD 57301 (605) 996-7709
115 S. Minnesota Ave. Sioux Falls, SD 57104 (605) 336-2575
4515 N. Cliff Ave. Sioux Falls, SD 57104 (605) 336-0800
2101 W. 41st St. Sioux Falls, SD 57105 (605) 339-3334
2320 6th Ave. SE Aberdeen, SD 57401 (605) 225-2352
2704 Fox Run Pky. Yankton, SD 57078 (605) 665-4406
421 W. Sioux Ave. Pierre, SD 57501 (605) 224-8643
ConcertSCHEDULE
May
Stardust Fest
Sat 5/3 - Central States Fair, Rapid City
Escape from the Zoo
Sat 5/3 - The Den, Sioux Falls
Devon Worley
Sat 5/3 - The Den, Sioux Falls
Prince Tribute Show Live
Sat 5/7 - Orpheum Theatre, Sioux City Night Ranger
Sat 5/23 - SD Military Heritage Alliance, Sioux Falls
Local Musician's Round Table
Thur 5/29 - The Den, Sioux Falls
June
Breaking Benjamin & Staind
Sat 5/31 - Council Bluffs, IA
Renaissance Festival
6/7 to 6/8 - Fair Grounds, Sioux Falls
Rally at the Valley
6/12 to 6/15 - Thunder Valley, Parker
PhaseFest
Fri 6/13 - Canaries, Sioux Falls
Taco & Tequila Festival
Sat 6/14 - Canaries, Sioux Falls
Open Mic/Round Table
6/21 - The Den, Sioux Falls
Paying too much for
Sioux Falls Exhibition Driving Ordinance Changes
By Sgt. Travis Olsen
If you have followed the local news, recently there were some minor changes to Sioux Falls City Ordinance (76.077) which is the prohibition of exhibition driving. Like anything in the legal community often times what is actually put in place and the proverbial “word around the campfire” are often two vastly different things, so I wanted to clear the air, as someone who was instrumental in these changes.
Sioux Falls City Ordinance 76.077 reads as such: “Any person who drives a vehicle within the limits of the city in a manner that creates or causes unnecessary engine noise, or tire squeal, skid or slide upon acceleration or stopping; or that simulates a temporary race; or that causes the vehicle to unnecessarily turn abruptly or sway, shall be guilty of exhibition driving.”
South Dakota State law (32-24-9) on exhibition driving is virtually identical with the exception of the location of the offense which states: “Any person who drives any vehicle upon a highway, alley, public park, recreational area, or upon the property of a public or private school, college, or university in such a manner that creates or causes unnecessary engine noise, tire squeal, skid, or slide upon acceleration or stopping;
that simulates a temporary race; or that causes the vehicle to unnecessarily turn abruptly or sway is guilty of exhibition driving. Exhibition driving is a Class 2 misdemeanor.”
Sioux Falls has a long history of car shows, events and exhibitions, often times off the roadway and it was discovered that many of these events would otherwise be in violation of our City Ordinance, even off the roadway or on private property.
One particular group affected by this is the Sports Car Club of Siouxland (SCCS) established in 1957, which is a volunteer run, non-profit group that conducts autocross events off the roadway. The hobbyists involved essentially run a short cone course with their sports cars against the clock, not against each other. This group is insured, and has safety precautions including safety officials, equipment and vehicle inspections. If you haven’t seen one of their events, they are very professionally run, and their members are passionate and safety conscious. I encourage you to check them out.
Upon recognizing this problem, I was faced with a decision. And to compound the decision-making process, they weren’t
the only group affected. Option A) The easy answer is to tell them, or any other group hoping to have a similar exhibition, that it is a violation of City Ordinance and they would have to host their events somewhere outside the city. This of course wouldn’t help countless events and enthusiasts, and could very well cultivate underground or illicit events anyway. Option B) Putting on the proverbial blinders or “Don’t ask/ Don’t tell” would be ethically unacceptable, and could create the potential for other less professional activities to spring up with the notion of “if they can do it why can’t we?” The best answer here, was definitely Option C) the proper, but more difficult task of modifying the City Ordinance and establishing a permit process, which is what we set out determined to do.
In order to accomplish this, I worked closely with Josh Dockstader, the very patient and understanding President of the local Sports Car Club of Siouxland. We in turn worked with the City Attorney’s Office and the City Council which ultimately read and passed the ordinance changes unanimously on March 11 th 2025. The changes allow for “permitted events” by the
Police Department, off the roadway, and established the permit process. So, in summary, Exhibition Driving is still illegal everywhere all the time, with the exception of authorized permitted events, not on city streets, and only between the hours of 6:00 AM and 10:30 PM. Please reach out to the Police Department Traffic Section if you have an event which you wish to have an exhibition driving demonstration of some kind.
While some events had been going on for years, it was definitely time to make this right. This was a fantastic collaboration and team effort to make a positive change for the local car and motorcycle community, and to keep these great events flourishing in the future, in a proper manner.
Don’t forget to check out the Sports Car Club of the Siouxland. Great fun, great organization and great people.
Until next time,
Sgt. Travis Olsen Sioux Falls Police Department Traffic Section
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.
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2017 Flagstaff 832 FLB S. Outside kitchen, 4 slide outs, Stored inside, asking $15,000
SCHEDULE OF EVENTSsaturday’s EVENTS
free inflatables for the kids all day
9 am toolbox talk with staff
1 - 3 pm king series caravan
3 - 5 pm meet the trucks
8 pm outdoor pavilion for music, dancing, & family games
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605.584.1228 (to book lodging)
Camping, motel rooms and cabins available
THE EXTRA MILE Searching For That PERFECT TUNE
Tuning an engine can be quite a nerve racking and complex process. Often times improving one aspect can alter another and then the performance gain becomes unrealized. An engine tune package refers to the fuel and timing curves provided to get the engine to perform at its best. An engine must receive the correct amount of fuel at the right time to become efficient, and at the same time the ignition timing must be definite and correct to light the fire at the precise moment throughout the full RPM range to provide the best output.
It is very important to understand the limitations of the engine components that the engine was built under and there are many ways to damage an engine with the tune package, so very often the best tune will be close to the edge of engine damage. One must also be aware of the engine parameters that the engine is built with. If the delivered tune package is too aggressive for the build then engine damage can occur. Being aware and more scientific to your engine tune can be the difference from a longlasting powerful engine to an engine that consistently needs repair.
The timing side of the engine tune is something that is specific to every engine. The correct engine spark advance depends on several variables including piston design, chamber design, cylinder head flow characteristics, induction, fuel type, head material, and ignition proficiency. By studying these aspects and others one can get a safe baseline and then it is important to listen to your engine as it can tell you where it will need to go to be most effective. It is also important to note that it is critical to have the
correct voltage to your ignition source, the correct spark plug, adequate ignition wires, and correctly marked top dead center. Without these things, accurate ignition timing will be difficult.
The fuel side of the engine tune is its own function yet needs to work in unison with the ignition. Some of the factors that need to be addressed are the available fuel volume, fuel pressure, induction design, and engine load parameters. It is also essential that the engine is fueled adequately throughout all the engine RPM ranges. As the engine RPM increases, more air is moved and more fuel is needed for effective combustion. If there is too much fuel creating a rich condition, then not only will the engine be sluggish and sound bad, it may also wash down your rings and contaminate the engine oil. If there is not enough fuel creating a lean condition, the engine may perform well, yet it will cause damage to pistons, rings, and valves.
It is important to understand what the engine wants before attempting to tune the engine for better performance. Essentially, good reliable power starts with the correct machine processes, appropriate engine parts and precise assembly, yet it can all be damaged by an incorrect engine tune.
At Sehr Performance we study and take care of all of this for you when you purchase one of our Dyno tuned engine packages. You can be assured you will be receiving the best we can offer in all areas so that you can enjoy the Extra Mile.
-Motor Market Presents-
NAME: Jared Bloomgren
CAR YEAR-MAKE-MODEL: 1965 Ford F100 4X4
ENGINE: 390
TRANSMISSION: Original, rebuilt New Process 435
CHASSIS: Original, rebuilt
SUSPENSION: Stock set-up with custom leaf springs and Bilstein shocks
EXHAUST: Stainless 2.5” with Flowmaster 40 series
BODY: Truck, steal – all original panels
INTERIOR: Upgraded to mostly stock styling
Photos by J. Williams Photography
Tell us a little about the truck and why you chose it. What's your truck’s story?
The History of “OLD BLUE”
Jared Bloomgren’s grandfather, Robert C. Peterson purchased this 1965 Ford F-100 4×4 in 1965 while he was a mechanic at the Bowman Sales & Service in Bowman, ND. The pickup quickly was nicknamed “Old Blue” by several family members and the name stuck.
Old Blue was primarily a farm and ranch pickup that was often seen with a fuel tank and tool boxes in the back and was no stranger to hauling a load of gravel, rock or a tall stack of square bales on the farm and ranch. Old Blue was the only 4×4 in the family so many times, it was the only vehicle that could be relied on during the harsh, ND winters. When the family or neighbors couldn’t get to town,
Rob and Old Blue went hand in hand. You couldn’t see one without thinking about the other. At a very young age, Jared took a liking to the old pickup. It was what he learned to drive a manual transmission in. Jared would walk or ride bike to grandpa’s farm in order to drive Old Blue back to his parents’ house a half mile away to get it all cleaned up only for Old Blue to be back in the field or doing chores on the farm the following Monday. He grew to love this old pickup and threw many hay bales and rocks in the back of the pickup over the years while it idled across the field in the low, 1st gear, not something Jared would think about
Old Blue remained original for the most part, but it needed its 352 V8 engine replaced once in its life and the second 352 was tired but kept running as long as you kept oil in it! The drivetrain remained unchanged throughout the years. Grandpa Rob always joked around with me that he was going to make Old Blue into a pickup trailer, and they always went back and forth with the jokes that pertained to the old pickup. It was something they both loved, the pickup and the jokes!
In 2011, Grandpa Rob went with Jared on a pheasant hunt on the farm. Jared wanted to drive Old Blue. “Why the heck do you want to drive this old junker?!” joked Grandpa Rob. “Because I love this old thing just as much as you! I promise you; I will restore it someday if you let me! It would be so awesome!” Jared exclaimed.
While on their way home from hunting pheasants, Grandpa Rob asked Jared what he would ever do with Old Blue if it was his.
“You wouldn’t make it into some hot rod mudbogger with loud exhaust and radio, would you?!” joked grandpa Rob. Jared went on to tell of his vision, dreams, and aspirations that he had for Old Blue. Some minor modifications, but not varying a whole lot from what the pickup was known to be. Jared talked about how special it would be to restore Old Blue even if Grandpa couldn’t understand why he would want to do such a thing.
Grandpa Rob passed away in June of 2012 and just days before his passing, they talked on the phone and Grandpa was joking about it being time to make that old hunk of junk pickup into a trailer. Jared reminded him of the conversation we had about it being restored someday and Grandpa Rob just laughed. “You’ll have more money into it
than it is ever worth you young whippersnapper!”
It was a short time later that Rob’s Last Will & Testament was read and in it were the words, “Old Blue is to be willed to Jared.”
Jared stuck to his promise to his grandpa and after ten years since his passing, Jared was finally able to make that promise, and his dream a reality. He completed the restoration exactly how he told his grandpa he would do it. It was his blueprint to follow. “A bigger engine with more power, mild lift with bigger tires, air conditioning and a tilt steering wheel, bright paint, and of course, loud mufflers and stereo, grandpa!”
Old Blue remains a legacy within the family and many friends. Many have watched the transformation of this “old junker” into a sight to be seen. Never forgetting Grandpa Rob and the many memories that were made with this old pickup. OLD BLUE!
Old Blue turned out even better than Jared ever imagined it could! He still can’t believe his eyes every time he looks at it! Grandpa Rob would be proud.
What do you have planned for this truck?
It will remain in the family and be passed down to Jared’s son, and one day to his kids and so on - A legacy that will live on forever!
What’s an interesting fact or something people may not know about this ride?
Often times, in the winter, Old Blue would be the only vehicle that could get to town during blizzards. Grandpa Rob would pick up neighbors and give them rides to town for groceries and essentials. Having a four-wheel drive back in the day really meant something as not many people had them back then.
Additional comments:
As Jared was taking apart Old Blue, piece by piece, nearly every nut and bolt, he would find “fixes” that grandpa did to keep the truck on the road. It was always fun to find how old farmers can keep things running!
5THANNUAL
Shine Show AND
ASK THE MOTOR MEDICS®
TUNE-IN AND TUNE-UP!®
Dear Motor Medics,
My Sierra Diesel truck has developed a fuel problem. I use the truck for towing daily and it now has over 200k miles on it. I replaced the fuel injectors about six months ago and the cylinder heads were replaced about 30k miles ago. The truck was running fine and then started losing power over a few hundred miles. I took it to a dealership, and they said that the entire fuel system needs to be replaced because the pump has failed and it has sent metal through the entire fuel system. What do I really need to replace and can the injectors be reused?
Thank you.
Kevin in Fargo, North Dakota
Dear Motor Medics,
I drive a 2009 Chevy van, and I have had multiple electrical failures which have been attributed to rodent damage. The car smells like mice at times, and I have had several wires repaired to fix this issue, but more keep popping up. Recently the check engine light has been coming on and codes come and go. I think we have removed all the mice, but I’m not sure. Is there any way to find electrical shorts quickly and keep the mice out?
Thank you. Joseph in Franklin, Tennessee
Dear Kevin,
These trucks can develop a problem with the pumps, which is more common when the truck has not had a fuel system additive used as a protectant in every tankful of fuel. The additive provides lubrication, which keeps the metal parts of the pump and injectors from wearing. When the pump starts wearing, slivers of metal will be dispersed throughout the system which will in turn damage any moving part by contamination. The only repair is to replace all the fuel system parts. The pump, injectors, fuel lines, tank, everything. Any parts left with contamination will cause a repeat and very expensive failure. Once you have repaired the system, make sure to use a fuel additive and make sure that the pump always has a clean, air free supply of fuel to prevent starvation damage.
Take care, The Motor Medics
Hwy. 11, Garretson, SD 605-594-4181 or 888-200-7562 www.nordstromsauto.com
Dear Joseph,
Electrical issues when intermittent like yours are very troublesome. We would suggest first making sure that those mice are gone for good. Some wires are made using a bio-based covering, so they are very tasty for rodents. Many companies make products like Mouse Out which repel mice. It is sprayed directly on the wiring. As for finding electrical shorts quickly, it is not that simple. Finding shorts takes time, which equals lots of money. Since many wires are hidden in dashes and in hard-to-reach areas, finding a short or a cut wire can be very hard. We recently repaired two vehicles for this very reason, which took many hours each. We found several damaged wires, but once done everything worked perfectly. We then sprayed Mouse Out on all the affected areas and some other spots as mice often return to the same spot for whatever reason. Also, keep all food out of the vehicle.
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.
Performance, Safety & Comfort
Here’s a brief assessment of your overall satisfaction with your classic car or truck.
• Is it performing up to your expectations?
• Is the ride and handling what it should be?
• Is it safe?
• How about creature comforts, would a modern air conditioning system make those summer cruises more enjoyable?
• Are your instruments working and accurate?
• Is the maintenance in general up to current standards?
The proper upgrades will add substantially to your overall enjoyment of your classic vehicle. We can supply all major automotive lines on the market, and our technicians can guide you through what makes sense for your application. Stop in or call Zach at 605-214-1193, or email us at ZACHSTRAIGHTLINES1@GMAIL.COM to discuss your plans. If the answer to any of these questions is “no,” we can help you with that.
StraightLines is your “one stop shop” that can perform enhancements to improve performance, handling, comfort, as well as safety. Engine performance upgrades, crate engines, brake and suspension systems, Dakota Digital gauges, Vintage Air and Restomod Air, electrical upgrades, and sound systems are all part of our expertise. We are also here for you on needed maintenance issues.
