Classicautomotiverestoration's Blog

Just in time for 4th of July

classicautomotiverestoration — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:08:37 +0000

I found this article and thought it was a good time to post for the Independence Day holiday weekend. It’s from HowToDoThings.com, and it tells you how to cook food on your car engine. They discuss how things like hot dogs or bratwurst work best so take a look, pack up the car, and dinner will be ready by the time you get to your fireworks viewing spot.

http://www.howtodothings.com/automotive/how-to-cook-food-on-your-car-engine

Happy 4th!

40th Anniversary of the ’69 Camaro

classicautomotiverestoration — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:05:20 +0000

CARS is honored by the privilege of having two of our 1969 Camaros on the cover of the August 2009 issue of Super Chevy magazine. The issue is a celebration of the 40th anniversary of the the ’69 Camaro which includes articles chronicling the rise of the most iconic Camaro. Both cars are featured in a 6 page spread titled “Rebuilding the COPO Past”. One of the two cars is 001 of our 1969 COPO Camaro Continuation in which we pick up production where it was left in 1969. It is build with the Anniversary 427 ZL1 crate motor from GMPP. The other is a new 1969 Camaro convertible with lots of customization. It has the massive 572/720hp crate engine also from GMPP. Both are made with new parts and can be built to order for the customer. To see more pictures of either car and other ’69 turn key Camaros we have built check out our website www.classicautomotiverestoration.com/turn_key_camaro.html

SEMA Wins Protection for Collector Cars and Parts

classicautomotiverestoration — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 14:51:02 +0000

Article from SEMA’s weekly Enews:

SEMA persuaded Congress to place a 25-year limit on trade-in cars and expand recycling opportunities under ‘cash for clunkers’ legislation. Under the controversial bill, consumers will receive a voucher to help buy a new car in exchange for scrapping a less fuel-efficient vehicle. SEMA was able to mitigate the program’s effects by convincing lawmakers to include a requirement that the trade-in vehicle be a model year 1984 or newer vehicle. The provision helps safeguard older vehicles that may possess ‘historic or aesthetic value’ and are irreplaceable to hobbyists as a source of restoration parts.

The measure also allows all parts to be recycled except the engine. Lawmakers were convinced to permit the drive train to be recycled if the transmission, drive shaft or rear end are sold as separate parts. The vehicle scrappage legislation was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives by a 298-119 vote. President Obama has backed the plan and passage in the Senate is expected in the near future.

Proponents claim that the so-called “Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save Act (CARS)” may spur an estimated 625,000 vehicle sales. The program will last for one year.

“SEMA has consistently supported efforts to spur new car sales, but is disappointed that Congress ignored evidence that vehicle scrappage programs will not achieve claimed environmental benefits,” said SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting. “However, we are pleased that lawmakers agreed to spare from the crusher older cars and parts that help drive the restoration aftermarket and the passions of many in the automotive hobbyist community.”

Under the program, consumers who agree to scrap a trade-in car that gets 18 miles per gallon or less (15 mpg or less for heavy pick-ups and vans) will receive a voucher to buy a qualifying new car. The voucher will range from $3,500 to $4,500 based on the new car’s fuel efficiency. The program primarily targets SUVs and pickups since most passenger cars manufactured during the last 25 years get more than the 18 mpg combined city/highway requirement. Vehicle mpg ratings are listed at www.fueleconomy.gov.

The $4 billion program will begin when it is signed into law by the president. The car buyer will receive a $3,500 voucher if they buy a new passenger car that was rated at 4 mpg higher than the older vehicle, or a new pickup truck/SUV that was at least 2 mpg higher than the old truck. They will receive a $4,500 voucher if the passenger car was at least 10 mpg higher and the truck/SUV was at least 5 mpg higher.

“SEMA continues to support initiatives that encourage the installation of specialty equipment to reduce emissions and increase fuel economy,” said Kersting. “Looking to the future, SEMA will work with Congress to pursue more efficient and business-friendly environmental approaches.”

Fact Sheet

Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save Act (CARS)

Consumers may trade in their older vehicles and receive vouchers worth up to $4,500 toward the purchase or qualified lease of a new, more fuel-efficient car or truck. The mpg values are EPA combined city/highway fuel economy as posted on the window sticker. MPG ratings are listed at www.fueleconomy.gov.

Trade-in vehicles must:

Be in drivable condition
Be continuously insured and registered to the same owner for at least one year
Have a combined city/highway fuel economy value of 18 mpg or less
Have been manufactured in model year 1984 or later
Work trucks must be model year 2001 or earlier regardless of mpg

New vehicles:

Must have a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of less than $45,000.

Passenger Cars: The trade-in vehicle must get 18 mpg or less. New passenger cars with mileage of at least 22 mpg are eligible for vouchers. If the mileage of the new car is at least 4 mpg higher than the old vehicle, the voucher will be worth $3,500. If the mileage of the new car is at least 10 mpg higher than the old vehicle, the voucher will be worth $4,500.

Small Trucks and SUVs: The old vehicle must get 18 mpg or less. New small trucks or SUVs (weighing up to 6,000 pounds) with mileage of at least 18 mpg are eligible for vouchers. If the mileage of the new truck or SUV is at least 2 mpg higher than the old vehicle, the voucher will be worth $3,500. If the mileage of the new truck or SUV is at least 5 mpg higher than the old vehicle, the voucher will be worth $4,500.

Large Light-Duty Trucks: The old vehicle must get 18 mpg or less. New large trucks (pickups and vans weighing between 6,000 and 8,500 pounds) with mileage of at least 15 mpg are eligible for vouchers. If the mileage of the new truck is at least 1 mpg higher than the old truck, the voucher will be worth $3,500. If the mileage of the new truck is at least 2 mpg higher than the old truck, the voucher will be worth $4,500.

Work Trucks: Consumers can trade in a pre-2002 work truck (defined as a pickup or cargo van weighing from 8,500–10,000 pounds) and receive a voucher worth $3,500 for a new work truck in the same or smaller weight class. Only 7.5% of the total funds can be used for vouchers for the purchase or lease of a work truck.

The Muscle Car quiz

classicautomotiverestoration — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 20:10:40 +0000

If you’re in the market for a muscle car but not sure which one you want here’s a quiz that might help your search.

http://www.find-your-muscle-car.com/muscle-car-quiz.html

CARS wins the 2009 AHNP Golden Gear Leadership Award

classicautomotiverestoration — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 13:49:27 +0000

Classic Automotive Restoration Specialists Inc. (CARS) is honored to be given the 2009 Automotive Hot New Products Magazine Golden Gear Leadership Award for our 1969 Camaro Continuation Series.

Each year the editors of the magazine choose a company that they believe shows leadership in the automotive industry by producing a product or products that are exciting and unique and have blazed a new trail. Below is the write up as seen on their website:

LEADERSHIP AWARD — CARS, Inc. COPO/Yenko Continuation Series
IMAGE:
Reproducing a vintage part is a big undertaking. Reproducing a whole car is huge. But the car in question, the 1968 COPO/Yenko Camaro, was too enticing, and the opportunity too great to let slide. With a flurry of new parts hitting the market to keep up with the ’69 Camaro’s unparalleled popularity, all the elements were in place.
Using Dynacorn’s repro Camaro bodies and new crate engines from GM Performance Parts, Classic Automotive Restoration Specialists, Inc. has taken the lead in recreating two of the most revered muscle cars in the world — the 69 COPO Camaro and ’69 Yenko sYc Camaro. Using parts from top suppliers like Classic Industries, American Racing, Coker Tires, National Parts Depot, and Master Power Brakes to build the rest of the car, the continuation series is the spitting image of the originals. But there is no crash history, no corrosion, hidden or otherwise, no restoration, correct or otherwise, and no potential of misrepresentation or fraud. You get a factory fresh car with zero miles.
Under the hood is a new GM Performance Parts 427, backed up by a 4-speed manual transmission. It’s just like 1969 all over again.
Options are not nearly as numerous as 40 years ago, but you can choose a 4-speed Turbo 400, 15-inch GM Rallye wheels or new American Racing T70 rims, and of course your choice of either chambered or transaxle exhaust system.
Colors also recreate the 1969 choices — Daytona Yellow, Hugger Orange, Lemans Blue, Rallye Green, Fathom Green, and Olympic Gold.
The price has gone up a bit since 1969 (Yenko continuation cars retail for $139,500), but the new continuation cars will probably be even more exclusive than the originals. For the ambitious undertaking, appreciation for the originals, and breaking new ground in the hobby, Classic Automotive Restoration Specialists, Inc. receive the Golden Gear Leadership Award.
Classic Automotive Restoration Specialists, Inc.
(336) 595-3900
www.classicautomotiverestoration.com

http://www.ahnpmagazine.com/mainlinks/featurespages/goldengearawards.html

Congress Moves Forward with Vehicle Scrappage Program

classicautomotiverestoration — Fri, 22 May 2009 14:25:29 +0000

This is from an article in the SEMA eNews letter:

“By a 50-4 vote, the House Energy Committee approved federal legislation to provide a government voucher to consumers who buy a new car in exchange for scrapping a less fuel-efficient vehicle. Similar legislation is expected to be considered in the U.S. Senate in early June when lawmakers return from the Memorial Day recess. SEMA is urging lawmakers to include a provision to require that scrapped vehicles be less than 25 years old as a means of protecting vehicles that are valued by hobbyists or may be a source of recyclable parts for use on restoration projects.

Under the legislation, a scrapped vehicle must get less that 18 mpg (15 mpg for heavy pickups and vans). The car buyer would receive a $3,500 voucher if they bought a new passenger car that was at least 4 mpg higher than the older vehicle or a new pickup truck/SUV that was at least 2 mpg higher than the old truck. They would receive a $4,500 if the passenger car was at least 10 mpg higher and the truck/SUV was at least 5 mpg higher. The program would mandate that the engine block and drivetrain be destroyed. The program would last up to one year, authorize $4 billion in spending and potentially scrap one million older cars and trucks.

“SEMA is working with lawmakers to mitigate some of the legislation’s unintended consequences and its potential damage to the automotive aftermarket,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA’s president and CEO. “These common-sense proposals will ensure that the government is not spending $3,500 or $4,500 on a vehicle that may only be worth a few hundred dollars but may have potential value to vehicle collectors and to promote the benefits of parts recycling.”

A vehicle that is 25 years old or older is rarely driven and does not contribute to the nation’s dependence on foreign oil. A 25-year exclusion would also guarantee that older cars that have an historic or aesthetic value are not inadvertently crushed.

SEMA’s recommendations are intended to reduce the damage a vehicle scrappage program would impose on thousands of independent repair shops, auto restorers and recyclers, customizers and their customers across the country. SEMA will continue to promote alternative incentive programs that will help clean the environment, provide for vehicle and parts recycling, and preserve collector cars for future generations. For additional information, contact Stuart Gosswein.”

Classic Automotive Restoration Specialists is an active member of SEMA/SAN but would like to do more. We would like to reach out to car club members and classic vehicle owners to stress the importance of staying involved to keep our hobby alive. The most compelling argument against the scrappage of vehicles 25 years or older is in bold font above. In order to keep this arguement relevant we will be offering tips for maintaining your vehicle. Many of these tips are “do-it-yourself”. It is important to keep your car running at peak efficiency. If your club has a newsletter we would be happy to provide you with a copy of these articles as we release them, you can send an email here to request a copy.

Street Rodder Road Tour, Coker Tire Tour

classicautomotiverestoration — Fri, 15 May 2009 21:25:25 +0000

This week we were happy to host the Coker Tire leg of the 2009 Street Rodder Road Tour. The tour started in Chattanooga at the Coker Tire headquarters where they had a show and auction to raise money for the Victory Junction Gang Camp. On Tuesday they presented the camp with $2500, enough for one child to attend camp this summer. After they finished up they headed our way. We knew they would be worn out so we pulled out the grills and served up some burgers and hot dogs. Then gave them and the local chapter of the AACA a tour of our shop and offered one of our lifts in case anyone needed to check something to keep their cars going strong as they continue on to their next destination of Ocean City where the next leg of the tour will pick up. We love to see enthusiasts out promoting the hobby are always happy to show them around and answer any questions.

You can read about all their adventures here: http://www.streetrodderweb.com/roadtour/0905sr_coker_tire_tour_blog_2/index.html

North Carolina Street Rod and Replica Vehicle Bill Approved by House Committee; Moves to House Floor for Vote

classicautomotiverestoration — Fri, 08 May 2009 17:21:27 +0000

Model legislation to create a vehicle registration classification for street rods, replicas and custom vehicles was approved by the North Carolina House Transportation Committee and now moves to the floor for a vote by all House lawmakers. The bill is a product of negotiations between SEMA and the hobbyist network in North Carolina. H.B. 861 retains the key components of the SEMA-model bill while relieving vehicle owners of unfair title branding and inspection concerns. Please also be aware that the Senate version of the bill (S.B. 820) will also soon get a hearing and we will be counting on you to send messages to Senate committee members.

We Urge You to Contact All Members of the North Carolina House of Representatives (Contact Information Below) Immediately to Request Their Support for H.B. 861

H.B. 861 provides specific registration and titling classes for street rods, custom vehicles and replicas. Street rods are of a pre-1949 vintage; customs are of the post-1949 era.
H.B. 861 allows for the use of non-original materials and creates a titling and registration criterion that assigns replica vehicles the same model year designation as the production vehicle intended to be replicated.
H.B. 861 requires that the title of a replica vehicle must clearly indicate that the vehicle is a replica and not an original.
H.B. 861 only holds street rods, customs and replicas to the equipment standards specified by law during the model year listed on the title of the vehicle.
H.B. 861 provides an avenue by which the state can accurately and fairly title and register these specialty vehicles.
H.B. 861 recognizes the immeasurable amount of time, money and attention automotive enthusiasts invest in their hobby cars. Street rods, customs and replicas are the same crowd pleasers that participate in exhibitions and as parade vehicles, and whose owners regularly contribute to charities and civic events. This legislation represents an opportunity to acknowledge this family hobby and to protect it for future generations.

DON’T DELAY! Please contact all members of the North Carolina House of Representatives immediately to urge support for H.B. 861

To do so, please copy and paste the following addresses into the “To:” field of your e-mail:

Alma.Adams@ncleg.net; Kelly.Alexander@ncleg.net; Martha.Alexander@ncleg.net; Lucy.Allen@ncleg.net; Cary.Allred@ncleg.net; Marilyn.Avila@ncleg.net; Jeff.Barnhart@ncleg.net; Larry.Bell@ncleg.net; Hugh.Blackwell@ncleg.net; Curtis.Blackwood@ncleg.net; Dan.Blue@ncleg.net; John.Blust@ncleg.net; Jamie.Boles@ncleg.net; Alice.Bordsen@ncleg.net; Van.Braxton@ncleg.net; William.Brisson@ncleg.net; Larry.Brown@ncleg.net; Harold.Brubaker@ncleg.net; Angela.Bryant@ncleg.net; Justin.Burr@ncleg.net; Pearl.Burris-Floyd@ncleg.net; Becky.Carney@ncleg.net; George.Cleveland@ncleg.net; Lorene.Coates@ncleg.net; Nelson.Cole@ncleg.net; Tricia.Cotham@ncleg.net; Jim.Crawford@ncleg.net; Bill.Current@ncleg.net; Leo.Daughtry@ncleg.net; Margaret.Dickson@ncleg.net; Jerry.Dockham@ncleg.net; Nelson.Dollar@ncleg.net; Beverly.Earle@ncleg.net; Bob.England@ncleg.net; Bill.Faison@ncleg.net; Jean.Farmer-Butterfield@ncleg.net; Susan.Fisher@ncleg.net; Elmer.Floyd@ncleg.net; Dale.Folwell@ncleg.net; Phillip.Frye@ncleg.net; Pryor.Gibson@ncleg.net; Mitchg@ncleg.net; Rick.Glazier@ncleg.net; Bruce.Goforth@ncleg.net; Melanie.Goodwin@ncleg.net; Robert.Grady@ncleg.net; David.Guice@ncleg.net; Jim.Gulley@ncleg.net; Joe.Hackney@ncleg.net; Phillip.Haire@ncleg.net; Larry.Hall@ncleg.net; Ty.Harrell@ncleg.net; Pricey.Harrison@ncleg.net; Dewey.Hill@ncleg.net; Mark.Hilton@ncleg.net; Hugh.Holliman@ncleg.net; Bryan.Holloway@ncleg.net; Julia.Howard@ncleg.net; Sandra.Hughes@ncleg.net; Pat.Hurley@ncleg.net; Verla.Insko@ncleg.net; Darren.Jackson@ncleg.net; Maggie.Jeffus@ncleg.net; Linda.Johnson2@ncleg.net; Earl.Jones@ncleg.net; Carolyn.Justice@ncleg.net; Carolyn.Justus@ncleg.net; Ric.Killian@ncleg.net; James.Langdon@ncleg.net; David.Lewis@ncleg.net; Jimmy.Love@ncleg.net; Marvin.Lucas@ncleg.net; Paul.Luebke@ncleg.net; Nick.Mackey@ncleg.net; Grier.Martin@ncleg.net; Danny.McComas@ncleg.net; Darrell.McCormick@ncleg.net; Pat.McElraft@ncleg.net; William.McGee@ncleg.net; Marian.McLawhorn@ncleg.net; Mickey.Michaux@ncleg.net; Grey.Mills@ncleg.net; Annie.Mobley@ncleg.net; Tim.Moore@ncleg.net; Wil.Neumann@ncleg.net; Bill.Owens@ncleg.net; Earline.Parmon@ncleg.net; Garland.Pierce@ncleg.net; Shirley.Randleman@ncleg.net; Ray.Rapp@ncleg.net; Johnathan.Rhyne@ncleg.net; Deborah.Ross@ncleg.net; Efton.Sager@ncleg.net; Ruth.Samuelson@ncleg.net; Mitchell.Setzer@ncleg.net; Tim.Spear@ncleg.net; Paul.Stam@ncleg.net; Edgar.Starnes@ncleg.net; Fred.Steen@ncleg.net; Sarah.Stevens@ncleg.net; Randy.Stewart@ncleg.net; Bonner.Stiller@ncleg.net; Ron.Sutton@ncleg.net; Cullie.Tarleton@ncleg.net; Thom.Tillis@ncleg.net; Joe.Tolson@ncleg.net; Russell.Tucker@ncleg.net; Alice.Underhill@ncleg.net; William.Wainwright@ncleg.net; Edith.Warren@ncleg.net; Ray.Warren@ncleg.net; Jennifer.Weiss@ncleg.net; Roger.West@ncleg.net; Jane.Whilden@ncleg.net; Laura.Wiley@ncleg.net; Winkie.Wilkins@ncleg.net; Arthur.Williams@ncleg.net; Larry.Womble@ncleg.net; Michael.Wray@ncleg.net; Douglas.Yongue@ncleg.net;
Thank you for your prompt attention. Please e-mail a copy of your letter to Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org

Gynecologist who became a mechanic

classicautomotiverestoration — Mon, 04 May 2009 15:46:40 +0000

Got this joke sent to me…thought it was cute, so I wanted to share

Gynecologist who became a mechanic

A Gynecologist had become fed up with malpractice insurance
and Medicare paperwork, and was burned out. Hoping to try
another career where skilful hands would be beneficial, he
decided to become a mechanic. He went to the local
technical college, signed up for evening classes, attended
diligently, and learned all he could.

When the time of the practical exam approached, the
Gynecologist prepared carefully for weeks, and completed the
exam with tremendous skill. When the results came back, he
was surprised to find that he had obtained a score of 150%.

Fearing an error, he called the Instructor, saying, ‘I
don’t want to appear ungrateful for such an outstanding
result, but I wonder if there is an error in my grade.’
The instructor said, ‘During the exam, you took the
engine apart perfectly, which was worth 50% of the total
mark.

You put the engine back together again perfectly,
which is also worth 50% of the mark.’ After a pause,
the instructor added, ‘I gave you an extra 50% because
you did it all through the muffler.’

North Carolina Street Rod and Replica Vehicle Bill to be Considered in Senate Committee on Tuesday, Apr. 28, 2009

classicautomotiverestoration — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 18:20:35 +0000

To view this email as a web page, please follow this
link

North Carolina Street Rod and Replica Vehicle Bill to be Considered in Senate Committee
on Tuesday, Apr. 28, 2009

A version of SEMA model legislation to create a vehicle registration classification for street rods, replicas and custom vehicles will be heard by
the North Carolina Senate Commerce Committee. The committee will consider a substitute to S.B. 820 (Click here to review substitute). The substitute is a product of
negotiations between SEMA and the hobbyist network in North Carolina. We believe that the substitute version of S.B. 820, if passed, will retain
the key components of the SEMA-model language while relieving vehicle owners of unfair title branding and inspection concerns. SEMA also
believes that the substitute bill adequately addresses the concerns expressed in recent weeks by all parties, while offering the benefits other states
have experienced from these new registration and titling classifications.

We Urge You to Call All Members of the North Carolina
Senate Commerce Committee (Contact Information Below) Immediately to Request Their Support for the Substitute to S.B. 820

S.B. 820 provides specific registration and titling classes for street rods, custom vehicles and replicas. Street rods are of a pre-1949
vintage; customs are of the post-1949 era.
S.B. 820 allows for the use of non-original materials and creates a titling and registration criterion that assigns replica vehicles the same
model year designation as the production vehicle intended to be replicated.
S.B. 820 requires that the title of a replica vehicle must clearly indicate that the vehicle is a replica and not an original.
S.B. 820 only holds street rods, customs and replicas to the equipment standards specified by law during the model year listed on the title of
the vehicle.
S.B. 820 provides an avenue by which the state can accurately and fairly title and register these specialty vehicles.
S.B. 820 recognizes the immeasurable amount of time, money and attention automotive enthusiasts invest in their hobby cars. Street rods,
customs and replicas are the same crowd pleasers that participate in exhibitions and as parade vehicles, and whose owners regularly contribute to
charities and civic events. This legislation represents an opportunity to acknowledge this family hobby and to protect it for future
generations.

DON’T DELAY! Please call members of the Senate Commerce Committee immediately to urge support for the substitute to S.B.
820

North Carolina Senate Commerce Committee

Senator R.C. Soles – Chairman
Phone: 919/733-5963

Senator Floyd McKissick – Vice Chairman
Phone: 919/733-4599

Senator David Hoyle – Vice Chairman
Phone: 919/733-5734

Senator Tony Rand – Vice Chairman
Phone: 919/733-9892

Senator Tom Apodaca
Phone: 919/733-5745

Senator Phil Berger
Phone: 919/733-5708

Senator Doug Berger
Phone: 919/715-8363

Senator Harris Blake
Phone: 919/733-4809

Senator Julia Boseman
Phone: 919/715-2525

Senator Peter Brunstetter
Phone: 919/733-7850

Senator Debbie Clary
Phone: 919/715-3038

Senator Katie Dorsett
Phone: 919/715-3042

Senator Tony Foriest
Phone: 919/301-1446

Senator James Forrester
Phone: 919/715-3050

Senator Linda Garrou
Phone: 919/733-5620

Senator W. Edward Goodall
Phone: 919/733-7659

Senator Steve Goss
Phone: 919/733-5742

Senator Malcolm Graham
Phone: 919/733-5650

Senator Neal Hunt
Phone: 919/733-5850

Senator Jim Jacumin
Phone: 919/715-7823

Senator Clark Jenkins
Phone: 919/715-3040

Senator Martin Nesbitt
Phone: 919/715-3001

Senator William Purcell
Phone: 919/733-5953

Senator Bob Rucho
Phone: 919/733-5655

Senator Larry Shaw
Phone: 919/733-9349

Senator Josh Stein
Phone: 919/715-6400

Senator Richard Stevens
Phone: 919/733-5653

Senator Don Vaughan
Phone: 919/733-5856