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Gears
Fall 2014
Grinding
Presenting:
A quarterly newsletter written with greasy hands and busted knuckles for the friends and family of Gearhead Garage
Inside:
Welcome to Grinding Gears
Record Setting Auctions
LS Conversions
Featured Projects
Craftsman Spotlight
Back On The Street
Gearhead Events
Car Show Calendar
Introducing Grinding Gears
Welcome to our fall edition of Grinding Gears, a quarterly
newsletter from Northern California’s premier muscle car
builder, Gearhead Garage.
Grinding Gears was created to keep the friends of
Gearhead Garage up to speed on the latest muscle car
technology as well what we’ve got going on here at the shop.
Some of the topics we’ll cover in every issue include
industry information & technology, hot Gearhead projects,
craftsmen profiles, and what’s happening on the car show
circuit.
The Grinding Gears readers will have an ongoing look
inside the muscle car industry as well as what and how we
do what we do here at Gearhead Garage.
We look forward to getting you in gear!
Robyn & Jason Walroth
Good News For The Muscle Car Collector
by Jason Walroth
The market for American Muscle is hotter than
ever! Recent sales and trends are showing that
there is more demand for quintessential American
Muscle Cars today than we’ve ever seen in previous
years. Despite a slight dip in values attributed to
the recent economic recession, prices are climbing
steadily. It seems that people are willing to pay
a premium for rare collector’s cars and highly
modified customs. I often explain today’s market
to customers as a sort of reverse bell curve,
or “Fishbowl”, where: on one end you’ve got
desirable, rare, number’s matching cars. On the
other end, you’ve got heavily modified, tasteful
customs and ProTouring cars. These represent
the most valuable vehicles, with everything else
clustering in the middle, depending upon rarity,
pedigree, quality of workmanship, options, etc.
1967 L88 coupe was hammered down at $3.5
million ($3.85 million including buyer’s premium)
during Barrett-Jackson’s renowned eight-day
auction extravaganza.
The outstanding second-generation C2 Corvette
We’re plenty used to seeing classic cars selling for
was considered to be one of the finest 1967 L88’s
millions of dollars. It’s just that they’re usually
in the country by Roy Sinor, a well-known and
European: Ferraris, Bugattis, Mercedes and the
recently-retired National Corvette Restorers Society
like. There are some rare American exceptions,
judging chairman, and one of the experts Barrettusually wearing the names Duesenberg or Shelby. Jackson uses for Corvette consultations. Bidding
But what we have seen recently are a few of the
was fierce and fast as it took the performance
most expensive American cars ever sold at auction. Corvette less than one minute to reach a price of
A new world record was set in January 2014 for a
three million and less than another minute to break
Chevrolet Corvette auction sale when a red-on-red
the standing record by almost ten percent.
To many, the “Holy Grail” of muscle cars is the highly
coveted Plymouth Barracuda. On June 16th, 2014 a
1971 Hemi Cuda Convertible, sold for $3.5 million as
well. Chassis #BS27R1B315367 – that Mecum Auctions
sold after eight solid minutes of feverish bidding for
a high bid of $3.5 million at its auction in Seattle,
Washington. That figure positively eclipses the $2.2
million paid for a strikingly similar Hemi Cuda fetched
nearly seven years ago in Scottsdale and another that
was the first muscle car to break the million-dollar
mark in 2002.
You can feel the pulse, the market is improving. These
are two extreme examples, but insiders, restorers and
enthusiasts all seem to agree that American Muscle cars
are a force to be reckoned with!
Modernize Your Classic
Thanks to today’s technology, you can now have it
all- horsepower, fuel economy, torque and reliability.
GM really hit the mark with their GEN III small
block engines, released in 1997. Commonly known
as the “LS” series of engines, this ground breaking
new powerplant configuration has become the go-to
choice for many of today’s baddest builds. Ranging
from the all aluminum 350hp LS1 to the 638hp
supercharged LS9 powerhouse, these engines are
lighter, smaller, more rigid and much more efficient
than their predecessors. And, maybe best of all, they’re
not likely to leak oil, thanks to their o-ring sealing
technology.
by Jason Walroth
At Gearhead Garage, we’ve become very well versed in
this modern LS technology. A recent scan of the shop
included 11 LS powered cars under our roof- mostly 1st
Gen Camaros and early Chevelles, a 1977 Trans Am with
builder, we specialize in blending modern technology, styling
a smog-legal E-Rod LS3 conversion, and a rare 35th anniversary and performance into an “old-school” wrapper. To date, we’ve
WS-6 T/A. As Northern California’s premier muscle car
performed roughly 100 LS conversions!
LSI 9 Images from autoblog.com
Whether you prefer a quiet reliable cruiser, or a high
performance canyon carver, there are MANY engine
suppliers on the market. Options include purchasing
a new crate motor from GM Performance, TurnKey
Engine Supply, Mast Motorsports or through an online
supplier, Alternatively, you can choose to procure a
“take-out”engine from a local salvage yard. Either way,
you’ll find that you can configure an LS to suit your
specific needs.
For that classic hotrod rumble, you can easily upgrade
to an aggressive lopey camshaft, and if you’re into
speed, there are numerous supercharger and turbo kits
available. Don’t underestimate the power potential
of these small sized engines- I have fooled many
customers into thinking they were riding in a big block
powered Camaro when taking them for a ride in my
LS2 powered ’68 RS/SS Convertible.
The following excerpt, taken from a recent email
to a customer, helps to shed some light on the
accompanying parts & labor operations that are
required when converting to an LS engine:
Labor for LS conversions ranges from $3k to $10k.
Price is based upon scope - a basic install that doesn’t
require a new fuel tank, throttle pedal modification,
new shifter, a cooling system upgrade, or body mods
to fit the bell housing and new transmission into the
proper location will generally come in on the lower end
of the scale.
New parts cost more, but generally install easier. At the
salvage yard you can get a used takeout engine/tranny
combo rangeing from $5000 - 10,000. Depending upon
mileage, transmission type, and engine type- LS1 LS2
LS3 LS6, you could find a real diamond in the rough.
Additional parts often required to complete the
conversion include:
• Electric fans (and maybe an aluminum radiator).
LS engines have no way to drive a cooling fan, and
installations are cleaner with both radiator ports to be
on the passenger side. They also require a steam tube.
Costs range from $350 for fans to $1000+ for a nice
aluminum radiator & fan combo.
• Any LS conversion will require an electric fuel pump
capable of 50psi. This requires re-plumbing the fuel
system to accommodate an external pump & filter and/
or a modified tank with internal pump (preferred). In
either case, it is necessary to install braided hoses &
fittings between the tank and the engine’s fuel rails. In
most cases, we’ll incorporate the existing factory 3/8
feed line. A basic system uses $500+ in parts, add $1200+
for a custom stainless tank w/ internal pump assembly.
• LS conversions generally require headers &
conversion engine & tranny mounts. Drivelines will
also need shortened- this all starts at $1000.
• The new computer/engine harness gets trimmed
and sent out for re-manufacture. The ECM wiring
modifications allow the computer to mount cleanly
inside the car. Finally, we reprogram the computer with
a new base-tune. This costs roughly $1k.
Long story short, parts will usually range from $6k-10k
and corresponding labor will generally shadow that
pricing. As such, most engine/tranny conversions come
in between $12-20k with most basic installs landing at
about $15k parts and labor. Installation can be turned
around as quickly as 2-3 weeks.
© General Motors
RestoMod
1955 Chevrolet Sedan
by Jason Walroth
Around here, we get to work on some really cool projects
for some seriously awesome people. Although we are
primarily known for building high end cars, we work just
as hard to build a Gearhead “Community”, full of fun
customers, vendors, family and friends. This recently
completed ’55 Chevy project checks both boxes: wicked
ride and mega-cool customer!
When repeat customer Steve Haley purchased this 210
Sedan, he figured he would just update a few things.
Despite starting with a solid driver, he couldn’t leave
well enough alone. Initial discussions included a 5-speed
conversion and a Wilwood brake upgrade. 1 year later,
the ’55 has been totally transformed into a modern,
pro-touring street machine. The 5-speed and Wilwood
brake conversion led way to a full Art Morrisson chassis,
complete hand built stainless exhaust system & headers,
full rotisserie level paint & body, a super clean custom
interior and audio system featuring a number of “one-off”
parts designed with, and machined by, Steve himself.
What initially started as a few simple bolt-ons, and a basic
customer interaction soon led to a full blown custom build.
Building cutting edge rides is only half the enjoyment of this
profession. At the end of the day, it’s just as much about the
people we work with as it is about the cars themselves.
Thanks Steve!
TECHNICAL SPECS
•Art Morrisson Chassis w/4-link rear suspension
•Fabricated firewall & hidden electric wipers
•468 big block w/aluminum heads & roller cam
• Halibrand knock-off wheels: 15x12 rears & 15x8 fronts
•Tremec TKO600 5-speed w/hydraulic clutch
•ARC Audio components, amplifier & subwoofer
•Ford 9” rearend
•Dakota Digital VHX dash gauges
•AutoRad aluminum radiator support, radiator &
•Power windows & all new smoked glass
SPAL fans
• Hydroboost w/Wilwood 12.19” disc brakes, front & rear
•Vintage Air AC system & Frontrunner serpentine drive •E-Stopp electric parking brake
•Full custom leather interior w/new GTO seats
•Ididit tilt column w/Billet Specialties steering wheel
Modern Classic
1965 Buick Skylark
by Jason Walroth
Some of you may recognize this project- it’s a super clean
1965 Skylark GS conv’t that we restored a year ago.
It just came back for the final Gran Sport treatment,
which included changing the whole front clip, again, to
incorporate all of the correct GS grille, trim, fender portals,
etc! You may ask yourself why……? Well, here it goes:
Like so many of our builds, this car has a cool story and
tons of sentimental value!
“This is the most expensive FREE car I’ve ever been given”
states one of the proud owners - Alan White of Bakersfield,
CA. He recently contracted us to restore this rare GS
convertible for his wife, Robyn, who was given the car by
her father. Under the understanding that she’d have to foot
the bill for a restoration, she had the car, lovingly known
as “Pauline,” transported to us here @ Gearhead Garage in
Sacramento. Exactly 1 year later, they were able to cruise
around in one of the cleanest ’65 Buicks around. A full frame
off rotisserie build, packed with NUMEROUS performance
upgrades & creature comforts was completed this summer,
and we just dropped her off at home in SoCal.
The car has been in the family since it was purchased new
back in 1965. Robyn’s grandmother daily drove “Pauline”
for more than 40 years…….until the car was finally parked
& stored for years for its own protection. Turns out that
Grandma took it to the store to run some errands, during
which “someone apparently crashed into the car” while she
was shopping. Not so much: Robyn’s Dad saw Grandma
sideswipe the car & take out the carport as she backed out
of the driveway headed out for groceries! Since this wasn’t
the first time that Pauline had suffered unexplainable
damage, Dad decided it was time to “rebuild” that pesky old
carburetor. Since parts were “unavailable,” wink-wink, the
droptop sat for many years.
As you could imagine, the car had suffered its fair share
of bumps & bruises before it made its trek to Sacramento
for restoration. An accident way back when resulted in
the front clip being replaced with a plain Skylark front
group. Upon restoration, it proved very difficult to locate
all of the rare GS specific trims, fenders & bumper. As such,
she was initially reassembled with the basic Skylark front
sheetmetal so that the White’s could enjoy the car while
the seemingly impossible parts were gathered. After many
months of cruising the convertible, they finally brought it
up for the finishing touches earlier this year. Violà, she’s
done, again, and better than ever!
TECHNICAL SPECS
•401 Nailhead w/roller cam
•March serpentine pulley system
•TH700R4 overdrive transmission custom
adapted to the Nailhead & shoehorned into
the modified trannny tunnel
•Moser 12-bolt posi rearend
•4-wheel Wilwood disc brakes w/Hydroboost
•Speed-Tech complete TrackTime Assault package with tubular control arms and coil-overs
•Vintage Air A/C Conversion
•Complete ARC Audio stereo system
•GPS tracking, Alarm & Power Lock
•German Canvas top
•Aluminum radiator w/SPAL electric fans
•Tilt steering and much, much more
Pro-Touring Power
1967 Chevrolet Chevelle
“Buyer Beware Gets Best of Show!”
by Brandon Kelley
New to the block, this stunning 1967 Pro-Touring
Chevelle recently placed 1 st at the 2014 Hot August
Nights Lake Tahoe Show and has been greatly
admired at a number of other local Northern
California shows.
Before the Hot Auguts Nights show, we performed
a number of necessary mechanical and cosmetic
repairs on this car. The car was purchased by our
customer recently at a well known auto auction. A
hard yet very common lesson was learned by our
customer. Buying a car “sight-unseen” with the
clock ticking at a high-end auction without hopes
of a pre-inspection or at least a test drive, one can
imagine the risks involved. After the hammer fell
and all the excitement ended the car was delivered
to us for a quick “post-purchase check-over”. We
unfortunately found a number of unexpected/
undisclosed issues with the car that needed
immediate attention. Long story short it took
MANY hours not to mention close to 50% of the
purchase price to turn this gem into what it is today.
Now we are proud to say the car is a very solid and
reliable driver that not only shows well, but drives
down the highway safely and reliably.
As it should be.
Congrats to our customer for his recent award and
we raise our glass to many more future “smiles-permile” and show triumphs!
Craftsman Spotlight
Shawn Katt
by Sam Toll
Stop by the shop on any given day and you will likely see
Shawn with three or four cars in his department in the
process of getting the works. A thirty year veteran of
the automotive interior industry, he joined forces with
Gearhead on day one. His roots run deep in the car hobby
going back to High School (just like the rest of us).
A homegrown talent, Shawn was lucky enough to
take the first ever Auto Interior class taught by Mr.
Linde at Foothill High here in Sacramento. Mr Linde
traveled to Wyoming and took a WyoTech Interior
class the previous year with the express purpose of
returning to Sacramento to teach his students how to
be interior craftsmen. In the class with Shawn were
other Sacramento interior craftsmen including Vince
Delgado and Nate of Nate’s Audio and Upholstery. These
guys have installed hundreds of killer interiors in cars
throughout the valley and have worked for each others
shops throughout the years.
Shawn with his car “back in the day”
The picture above shows Shawn with his car in
High School and the next page has his current hot
rod, attesting to his tastes then and now.
Shawn is a family man having successfully raised
two girls, who really enjoys the outdoors. When
he isn’t at the shop creating award winning work
he can be found out on the mountain bike trail or
panning for gold. His sluice box hasn’t been out this
year but he enjoys camping while digging around
the California Foothills prospecting for gold. While
he finds nuggets in the foothills, his real treasures
are found inside the cars our clients drive.
S o m e o f S h aw n’s A w a rd w i n n i n g
C ra f t s m a s h i p a n d h i s c a r to d ay.
Back on the Street
This summer was action packed at Gearhead Garage. In addition to our full load of restoration
work, these are some of the projects we delivered over the last three months:
1970 Camaro - Installed Disc brake upgrades Heidt’s tubular front control arms
w/QA1 front coil-overs to a recent Gearhead restoration.
1970 Oldsmobile 442 - Upgrade to aluminum radiator with dual fans, regular
maintenance and valve-train adjustments.
1967 Camaro - Paint & body upgrades; custom engine tuning. Previous full
resto that included an 800hp,supercharged fuel injected 496 5-sp Tremec TKO
600 trans, minitubs, 4-link, custom interior & paint.
1968 Camaro - Installed 430hp Blue Print 383 stroker with aluminum heads
and roller camshaft, auto trans rebuild & various wiring upgrades.
1967 Chevelle - Installed electric exhaust cut-outs, dual SPAL fans, 1-wire high
amp alternator, boxed rear lower control arms, Moser 12-bolt posi rearend.
Complete body & paint.
1968 Camaro - Performed major body & paint collision repair to make an awful
accident seem like it never happened. This is the kind of job we hate to see
come in but love to see roll out.
1967 Camaro - Turn Key 580hp LS3 427 & 5-sp Tremec TKO 600 trans,
aluminum radiator with dual fans, custom fuel system, Ford 9” rear axle
& gears, American Autowire wiring, LED tail lights, hydro-boost system,
Chassisworks front/rear tubular suspension w/adjustable coil-overs,
custom exhaust, full custom interior.
1970 Monte Carlo - Plumb, wire & fire up GMPP LS3 EROD 430hp engine
& auto trans, check tubular front/rear coil-over suspension & align, plumb
& adjust aftermarket brake system, plumb AC system, install custom
gauges.
1969 Camaro - Constructed a very wild one-off custom interior, custom
sound system & other “round 2 items”. This vehicle is a joint effort
between us & our client (an auto body shop) & already has many one-off
upgrades.
1964 Oldsmobile F-85 Convertible - Installed original 330 engine into one
of our older restos. Car has subtle resto-mod touches, paint, body, interior,
custom trunk kit, convertible top, custom wheels.
1969 Camaro - 4-wheel Wilwood 12.19” disc brake conversion with
hydroboost, straightened bent sub-frame, Hotchkis tubular control arms
& QA1 coil-overs, Hotchkis sub-frame connectors, tilt steering, DSE quick
ratio steering box, upgraded rear gears & posi, re-wired stereo system &
minor cosmetic repairs.
1970 Chevelle SS 454 - Seal & tune 454 engine, (Very stout 4-bolt main
engine with forged aftermarket H-beam connecting rods), upgraded carb to
Quick Fuel SS-750, TH400 trans, hook up factory AC, reupholster seats &
headliner, replace dash & upgrade gauges w/Dakota Digital (New) Classic
Series gauges, custom trunk kit & audio.
1967 Camaro - Install customer-supplied engine, transmission, rear axle &
suspension, est 500hp Small-Block carbureted engine, full suspension &
alignment, sub-frame connectors, plumb fuel & brake system, complete 3”
exhaust system.
1968 Camaro - Hurst Drivelines Tremec TKO 600 5-speed manual
transmission conversion with hydraulic clutch upgrade.
1965 Riviera - Finished many aspects of existing 500hp+ stroked LS2
engine & 6-spd manual trans installation.
1969 Camaro - Straighten front radiator core support & replace radiator.
Prior upgrades include Turn Key Crate LS1 Engine conversion w/450hp
camshaft upgrade, TH700R4
1937 Ford - Install Total Cost Involved (TCI) Mustang II IFS kit w/power rack
& pinion & power disc brakes.
Gearhead Events
August 22nd thru 24th - Pleasanton
We make a point of going to all the Goodguys shows in Pleasanton. We had a
great weekend and saw the best Northern California has to offer in Muscle Cars
and met fellow enthusiasts. If you haven’t been to a Goodguys show, come visit
us at the last show of the season at Goodguys 25th Autumn Get-Together on
November 8-9.
Some of what you’ll see at the GoodGuys
• Swap Meet • Goodgals Arts & Crafts Gallery
• WEME Miniature Engine Display
• Nitro Thunderfest
• Model & Pedal Car Show
• Pinstripers Brush Bash & Auction
• Live Music Entertainment
• Tether Car Races
• AutoTrader Car Corral
• Vendor & Manufacturer Exhibits
Free Kids Entertainment - Revell Model Car Make n’ Take,
PPG Kids Coloring Contest, Clowns & More!
September 12th - Auburn
One of the best events in the Sacramento area is the Auburn Cruise Night.
Located in the heart of Old Town Auburn, this event is celebrating its 30th year
of bringing collector cars and the public together for a wonderful evening. We
really enjoy this event because of the number of folks from all over the region,
great family atmosphere and of course all the great cars. If you plan to bring
your car (and you should), arrive early. They don’t officially begin parking the
cars until 5:00, but we recommend getting there early to get a good spot and
aviod the crush. Please stop at our booth and say howdy.
Fall Car Shows
Th
Che ings Cha
ck B
n
efor ge
Leav e You
e
9/1
Placerville, CA
Hot Rod and Cool Bike Cruise Night
Monthly Cruise-In
9/2
Elk Grove, CA
Mike’s Diner Cruise-In
Weekly Cruise Night
9/3
Reno, NV
A&W Cruise-In
Weekly Cruise Night
9/4
Newcastle, CA
Show & Shine at Dennys
Monthly Cruise-In
9/5
Chester, CA
28th Annual Street Rod Extravaganza
Car Show
9/7
Eureka, CA
Samoa Championships
Drag Race
9/9
Elk Grove, CA
Mike’s Diner Cruise-In
Weekly Cruise Night
9/10
Reno
A&W Cruise-In
Weekly Cruise Night
9/12
Auburn, CA
Auburn Cruise Night
Monthly Cruise-In
9/15
Placerville, CA
Hot Rod and Cool Bike Cruise Night
Monthly Cruise-In
9/16
Grass Valley, CA
Alta Sierra Pizza and Grill Cruise Night
Monthly Cruise-In
9/17
Reno
A&W Cruise-In
Weekly Cruise Night
9/18
Lodi, CA
A&W Root Beer Cruise Night
Weekly Cruise Night
9/19
Santa Rosa, CA
Fosters Freeze Cruise-In
Weekly Cruise Night
9/20
Ukiah, CA
Fabulous Flashback Car Show - Swap Meet
Car Show; Swap Meet
9/23
Elk Grove, CA
Mike’s Diner Cruise-In
Weekly Cruise Night
9/24
Folsom, CA
Cappuccino Cruisers
Weekly Cruise Night
9/25
West Sacramento, CA
Whitey’s Drive-In Cruise Night
Show & Shine
9/26
Rancho Cordova, CA
Vintage Friday’s Car Show and BBQ
Monthly Cruise-In
9/28
North Highlands, CA
Sac Town Scions Charity Car Show
Car Show
9/28
Sacramento, CA
Classics by the Capitol
Car Show
9/28
Petaluma, CA
Fourth & Sea’s Sunday Cruise-In
Show & Shine
9/29
Vacaville, CA
Fosters Freeze Cruise Night
Monthly Cruise-In
10/1
Folsom, CA
Cappuccino Cruisers
Weekly Cruise Night
10/2
Newcastle, CA
Show n Shine at Dennys
Monthly Cruise-In
10/6
Placerville, CA
Hot Rod and Cool Bike Cruise Night
Monthly Cruise-In
10/7
Elk Grove, CA
Mike’s Diner Cruise-In
Weekly Cruise Night
10/8
Folsom, CA
Cappuccino Cruisers
Weekly Cruise Night
10/12 Sacramento, CA
NorCal Cycle Swap
Motorcycle Swap Meet
10/15 Folsom, CA
Cappuccino Cruisers
Weekly Cruise Night
10/16 Roseville, CA
All American Speedway Independence Day Weekend Oval Racetrack Race
10/18 Folsom, CA
Cruisin for Kids
Car Show
10/19 Lodi, CA
A&W Root Beer End of the Season Cruise-In
Annual Cruise In
10/20 Placerville, CA
Hod Rod and Cool Bike Cruise Night
Monthly Cruise-In
10/21 Grass Valley, CA
Alta Sierra Pizza and Grill Cruise Night
Monthly Cruise-In
10/23 Folsom, CA
Cappuccino Cruisers
Weekly Cruise Night
10/24 Rancho Cordova, CA
Vintage Friday’s Car Show and BBQ
Monthly Cruise-In
10/25 Citrus Heights. California
10th Annual Octoberfest Car Show and Toy Run
Car Show
10/26 Petaluma, CA
Fourth & Sea’s Sunday Cruise In Classic Car Show
Show & Shine
10/27 Vacaville, CA
Fosters Freeze Cruise Night
Monthly Cruise-In
10/28 Elk Grove, CA
Mike’s Diner Cruise-In
Weekly Cruise Night
10/29 Folsom, CA
Cappuccino Cruisers
Weekly Cruise Night