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Installing Sub-Frame Connectors

May 22, 2015

Time: 2 hours

Tools: standard socket set, standard wrenches, power drill and drill bits (if applicable)

Cost: $175-$300

Tinware: sub-frame connector kit and hardware

Tip: Buy quality products. There are lots of companies making sub-frame connectors, but not all of them implement heavy-duty materials and quality construction. Visit RicksCamaros.com, EcklersFirebird.com or EcklersNova.com and search for “Sub-frame connectors”.

Performance gains: Sub-frame connectors are a must for any high-performance small car without a full frame. They offer strength and improved handling under heavy loads.

Posted in Camaro and Technical

1966 Country Squire

May 22, 2015

I purchased the car as a retirement project for $3500. It was missing all the woodgrain, and the moldings were broken and faded with half of the chrome buttons missing. Interior was not bad, but the seats were split and the vinyl was brittle. The car was originally sold from Parkside Ford in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on July 21, 1966.

Understanding Rear Gear Ratios

May 22, 2015

Understanding rear gear ratios

Applicable years: all

Cost: $250-$300

Tinware: ring and pinion set, differential fluid

Tip: It’s best to seek out the help of an experienced professional when changing the rearend gears.

Performance gains: quicker off-the-line acceleration

Installing New Seat Upholstery

May 15, 2015

Time: varies depending on number of seats and style, plan on at least 2 hours

Tools: standard wrenches, hog-ring pliers, flat-blade screwdriver, needle-nose pliers (optional)

Cost: anywhere from $500 and up, approximately

Tinware: upholstery, hog-rings and pliers, seat foam padding (optional)

Tip: Before installing new vinyl seat covers, lay them out in the sun to loosen the material and to relieve any folds or creases in the vinyl from due to packaging.

Performance gains: none that are track-proven, but the added comfort and style far make up for it!

Not Exactly Original: 1962 Bel Air

May 14, 2015

The first car I owned was a 1962 Bel Air 2-door sedan 6-cylinder, 3-speed. I don’t remember exactly when I saw a ’62 Bel Air Sport Coupe for the first time, but I do remember thinking that it was one of the best looking cars Chevrolet ever built.

Many years later, while serving in the military, I began looking all over the United States for a ’62 that I could afford. I eventually found the car I wanted, a 1962 Bel Air Sport Coupe, in Burley, Idaho in 1994. One of the local kids had just inherited the car from his grandmother, who was the original owner. It took two years of contact with him before I was able to buy the car and drive it home.

El Meano: ’69 El Camino

May 14, 2015

This ’69 El Camino was a five-year project that tested my patience and commitment to the auto restoration hobby. I purchased the body from the owner in Nevada in 2005. The intention was to build a pro-street truck unlike all the others seen at car shows. Even though I own seven cars (all Chevy products), I wanted something different. Something I could build without all the high tech electronics, something like we did when we were teenagers.

The Pursuit Of Happiness: '57 Chevy

May 14, 2015

My wife Jane, my family and many of my friends were sure I had lost my mind when I bought my ’57 Chevrolet restoration project car. Every one admires these beautiful old cars, but who in their right mind would spend years, three in my case, restoring one just to drive? The answer to that question is, “Many people would.”

Jeff Gordon To Pace The 500 In A Z06

May 14, 2015

Five-time Brickyard 400 winner and four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion Jeff Gordon will pace this year’s Indianapolis 500 on May 24 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

You’ve probably already guessed what he’ll pilot: A Corvette Z06 with a seven-speed manual. Not bad.

The Prodigal Car: '64 Malibu SS

May 14, 2015

I purchased my Chevelle Malibu SS new from Chase Chevrolet in Stockton, California, in 1964. This was my daily driver for seven years and I put about 60,000 miles on it before selling it. Unfortunately, I had to sell my favorite car once our family began to grow in favor of a station wagon. I would not see my Chevelle again for 26 years.

Living The Dream: 2010 Camaro

May 14, 2015

I’ve been a muscle car lover since I can remember. When I was little, I would buy Hot Wheels cars and the racing tracks to race them. I would dream that one day I would own one. As I grew up I would drool over Camaros and Corvettes. After high school I joined the work force ever so slowly working my way to one day owning the car of my dreams.

Posted in Camaro and Featured