Bill tries out a custom set of spark plug wires for #ProjectBeepBeep.
Thanks for reading.
Tim
#ProjectSportsRoof
#ProjectBeepBeep
Bill tries out a custom set of spark plug wires for #ProjectBeepBeep.
Thanks for reading.
Tim
#ProjectSportsRoof
#ProjectBeepBeep
I like stats!!!
0-60 mph, 0-100 mph stats, bore and stroke, torque stats and the world-wide stats for this site.
I like to take time to thank the viewer from around the world from time to time.
With over 40 different countries tuning in to check of progress on #ProjectSportsRoof and #ProjectBeepBeep I think it’s
cool to see such wide-spread interest.
So here’s some stats.
80% of the viewer are from the US.
3% are from Canada
2% from the UK
1% from Mexico, France, and Australia, Russia, German
Other countries, Saudis Arabia, Spain, Italy, Poland Netherlands, S. Korea
South Africa, India, Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, New Zealand, Japan.
And here’s a big thanks:
THANKS!!!


1968 Ply Road Runner
Project BeepBeep

While I’m still adjusting to my new career (putting work on #ProjectSportsRoof on hold) Bill is helping a neighbor with his El Camino.
![]() Sand is a hazard here the great southwest and your engine isn’t going like that!!! |
![]() A good fuel filter can save your engine. |
When Bill called me to chat about the sand issue, we discussed where that sand might have originated, after all we do live here in the desert of southern Arizona and sand has a habit of getting in to just about everything. We thought that a Seafoam treatment might be in order, although I think that might be a long shot. So Bill and George changed the fuel filter and George is going to add the Seafoam to about a half a tank of gas and drive until almost empty, then pull the filter, check for sand and replace with a new filter. If the sand is still an issue, I suggest dropping the tank for a good cleaning.
The 1979 El Camino was the second year for the more compact design, based on the Malibu platform. The standard engine choices were a six cylinder and the 305 and 350. They had a cost of around $5000.00.
A HUGE, thanks to Neighbor George for sharing he awesome ride!!
Thanks for reading.
Tim
#ProjectSportsRoof
#ProjectBeepBeep
Welcome back to the #ProjectBeepBeep. We are still following Bill’s progress on the front disc brake conversion for his 68 Plymouth Road Runner.
Did I say this is the final chapter? Well….
“I had to call in an expert; fellow I work with is a Mechanical Engineer and used to work as a Porsche/BMW mechanic before and during college. Together we got the wheels on the ground in about two hours. He recommended a last-ditch effort with the brake lines; we tightened all lines until the tube nuts were deformed. Also found an off center flare on one of the brake lines and he had a machine that fabricated the new line. Difficult to bleed; we bled the system 11 times (I counted) and went through lots of brake fluid (almost two quarts).
Took BeepBeep to the MOPAR show at Larry Miller Dodge almost immediately after getting the wheels on the ground! Car stops on a dime and gives you nine cents change. Don’t miss power assist at all. This car will STOP!
Check it out:
I need an alignment next, but otherwise I really have no other problems to report. Everything working; oil PSI is 35 at idle, 55 at running down the road, and temp was a tick under 195F all day long.
Time to enjoy this ride!”
Bill, thanks for the all the video and the tips you given the reader!
Looking forward to your next ‘little’ project on BeepBeep.
Tim

Welcome back to #ProjectBeepBeep!
Bill is trying to finish up this the disc brake conversion and as things happen when you are dealing with our mechanical best friends, when you think its ready to go, things go south.
Look for the discussion on Dot 3 and Dot 5 brake fluid and tips for creating your own brake bleeding system. And keep an eye out for DIY master cylinder bench bleeding tubes.
All excellent to note!! Oh…and dig out that jack!!!
Lots more coming up on Project BeepBeep, so check back often.
Thanks for reading.
Tim

Welcome back to #ProjectBeepBeep.
The 68 RoadRunner now has it brake lines installed and it’s ready for some fluid….or is it?
Bill takes us through the lines installed.
(Yes, I know it’s 1968 RoadRunner not a ’69)
Lots more coming up for #ProjectBeepBeep.
Thanks for check back in!!!
Tim

Introducing #ProjectBeepBeep – Code H 1968 Road Runner
Project BeepBeep – ’68 Road Runner -Disc Break Conversion Part 2
Project BeepBeep – ’68 RoadRunner – Door Panel Tips
Project BeepBeep – 68 RoadRunner – Disc Brake Conversion Part 5 and Some Dash Work
Beautiful 1966 Corvair Monza Convertible.
Asking Only $8000.
I know this car, it was restored by a family member has been under his car for years.
Here is the VIN breakdown:
Chevy -1
Monza – 05
Convertible – 67
1966 – 6
Los Angels production – L
Details:
Engine: Rebuilt – all engine seals (deck and shroud) are new, carbs rebuilt. Runs well. Engine bay is rest free!
Convertible Top: Solid – Soft rear window.
All Class is clear.
No rust on frame. All new floor pans.
Paint is 7 out of 10.
Interior is well restored.
Original hub caps.
Chrome in good shape.
Here are some pics:

Beautiful Monza Vert!

Beautiful Interior (that’s water on the seat from the bath. (no leaks)

Paint 7 out of 10

Nice and straight body.



Puddle is water from the bath.

Looks like new!!

Engine Rebuilt. All new seals.

Water drips on the seat from putting the top up after a wash.
















Radio Works!

Nice gauges!! All functional.


If you have any questions contact me @ timsweet@cox.net or 520-405-5314.
Tim
Light week this week but here are your #AutoFactoids for the week of May 21, 2017.
May 22, 1929 – Goodyear Blimp took its maiden flight. Still provides some of the best auto racing coverage!!!
![]() Goodyear Blimp. |
![]() First Goodyear Factory |

Mr. Goodyear
May 23, 1875 – Alfred P. Sloan Jr. was born in New Heaven Conn. He headed up GM as President and guided it through some iconic car designs. He was instrumental in establishing the idea of make styling changes annually and planting the idea of (something we consumer dislike) planned obsolescence. He also established a pricing structure by sub-brand (Chevy, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Buick, Caddy) —referred to as the ladder of success, so that they did not compete with each other, and buyers could be kept in the GM “family” as their buying power and preferences changed as they aged.
![]() Alfred P. Sloan – Time Magazine Dec 1926. |
![]() Alfred P. Sloan |
May 26, 1906 – Mauri Rose born in Columbus, Ohio. This Racing Hall of Famer driver, placed second in the 1927 Indy 500. Actually won the Indy in 1941, but that was a tough victory, spanning two Maserati-powered Elgin Piston Pin Specials cars, after the first one had mechanical issues. He tossed a fit and the car owners pulled one of the other drivers from the race and give Rose that car.
![]() |
![]() |
The Pin

The Elgin Pin
What powered that thing? The Elgin’s “Power Plant”

The Pin’s power plant.

Mauri in the Blue Spark car!
Thanks for reading.
Tim
Auto Factoid for Week of Nov. 30, 2014
Auto Factoids – Week of May 31, 2015 – Ford, Olds, Model T
AUTO FACTOIDS & C.N.N for Week of 7/26/2015 – Studebaker to Viper
Auto Factoids and C.N.N for week of Sept 6th 2015 – TBird and Studebaker
Auto Factoids and C.N.N for week of Sept 6th 2015 – TBird and Studebaker
Auto Factoids for the Week of April 23, 2017
April 25, 1970 – First Mazda in the US
I remember seeing the first Mazda cars in the U.S. I was 12 or 13 and I recall thinking – Why? We still had the big 60’s cars and really didn’t see a need for the small cars. The first rounds fo the Japanese imports were well thought of, perhaps unfairly and reliability was an issue. But the Mazda has come a long way. I remember back in 1989-90 when the Mazda Miata (MX-5). It was a “girls” car (so I thought…don’t judgement) and dealerships were charging quite a bit over invoice and getting that price, at least out in California. But have things changed. See the times they put down in SCCA events and even at my local SCCA chapter where I run my Corvette, I don’t think less of this generation of Mazda.
The car had some ‘socialization’ issues and it took a few years to get a good network of dealerships in the U.S. However, by the mid 1970’s Mazda’s were emission compliant and figured out how to get 90 hp out of just 70 cubic inches.

1970 Mazda Luce Coupe
April 28, 1916 – Ferruccio Lamborghini born in Renazzo di Cento, Italy.

Ferruccio Lamborghini
Renazzo isn’t far from Modena, Italy, which is ‘Mecca’ for Italian cars. Ferruccio’s family were grape farmers and didn’t just jump in to designing cars, but started out in the tractor business Lamorghini Trattori. Then he started an oil heater factory that turned into an air conditioning factory. In fact he didn’t start Automobili Lamborghini until 1963. It’s a shame those car never caught on!!

Lamborghini Tractor
![]() 2017 Lamborghini Centenario |
![]() 1963 350 GTV |
Note: It takes me a couple of days to put these together – not working straight though, mind you – as I was getting ready to finish this up I ran across an article May 2017 edition of Hemmings Motor News (my personal favorite automotive magazine publisher) on the 1959 Lamborghini DAL 35 Super Tractor. The company is now part of SDF and they also sell other band name tractors like SAME, Dutz-Fahr and a couple of others. According the Hemmings article they use the Lamborghini Bull logo.
April 28, 1953 – Kaiser-Frazer buys Willys.
Kaiser-Frazer car production was a mixed bag in the 1950’s. Some typical 50’s cars were produced and some exciting like the Henry J and the Kaiser Roadster of 1954 and the Kaiser Darrin. The Frazer name had faded away by then and Kaiser purchased Willys for $63,381,175 and formed the Kaiser Willys Corporation. They exited the passenger car market to focus on utility vehicles, including the Areo-Willys. Kaiser took their business overseas to Argentina, Israel, Netherlands and continued make utility vehicles until 1962. By 1963 the company was called the Kaiser Jeep Corporation and was sold to American Motors in 1970.
Last of the passenger cars Areo-Willys
April 29, 1959 – Ford builds 50,000,000 car.
That car was a 1959 Ford Galaxie that came out of the Dearborn factory. It was a white 4 door sedan with the 292, engine. It was actually a Ford Fairlane 500 Galaxie and the first time Galaxie was used on a Ford car. Fast forward – but not too far – and the Fairlanes, Fairlanes 500, and the Galaxies were to become monster muscle machines in the mid to late 60’s!!!

Ford Fairlane 500 Galaxie – 50 Millionth Ford
Thanks for reading. Stay tuned for another episode for Average Guy’s Car talk.
Tim

Auto Factoid for Week of Nov. 30, 2014
Auto Factoids – Week of May 31, 2015 – Ford, Olds, Model T
AUTO FACTOIDS & C.N.N for Week of 7/26/2015 – Studebaker to Viper
Auto Factoids and C.N.N for week of Sept 6th 2015 – TBird and Studebaker
Auto Factoids for the Week of 2/1/2015 – Kaiser Week
Auto Factoids for the Week of 2/22/2015 – Firebird, Thunderbird, AMX
Hey guess what’s back? Auto Factoids.
Here they are for the week of April 16. 2017
April 16th, 1908 – Oakland car company sold it’s first car. Oakland was formed in 1907 by Edward M. Murphy. He was originally a buggy maker and then sold a 4 cylinder car designed by Alanson P. Brush. It was a 4 cylinder car.

I believe they actually began producing cars in 1907.
The mother of all debuts, the Ford Mustang was on April 17, 1964. Little did any one know what a success that little car would be. There were 3 engine available for the 64 1/2 Mustang, the 170 inline 6 cylinder, the 260 V8 and the 289 V8. There were 97, 705 hard tops produced and 28,883 convertibles.
![]() 1964 1/2 Vert |
![]() 1964 1/2 Coupe |
April 17, 1969 another Ford debut the Ford Maverick. Just 5 years the Mustangs release Ford tried again to capture the magic my debuting the Maverick. The Maverick was offered only in two door platform on a Falcon chassis and sported only one engine, the 170 cid. That engine was called the Falcon 6 cylinder with produced about 100 hp. Over 127k were produced in the first year.

1969 Maverick Clay moc-ups. I think the top model would have been a great look. Although it did look a bit like the Mustang
Lincoln becomes a separate division of Ford in 1955 on April 18th. It came in a Custom and Capri series. It took the form of 2dr, 4dr and convertible. Believe it, or not the 4415 lbs car was considered “Sport” model.

Two door Capri
18 April 1964 Sunbeam debuts the iconic Tiger. The Sunbeam Tiger a collectible car. It only came in a convertible with 260 V8.

Referred to Sunbeam Tiger MKII or Series I
On April 22nd back in 1954 Hudson and Nash merged to from American Motors Corporation (AMC). This would mark one of the last independent auto makers and brought us such coolness as the Marlin, AMX, Javelin, Rebel and don’t forget the Pacer and Gremlin. Here are two examples of the AMX from a local car show here in
![]() 1971 AMC AMX |
![]() 1969 AMC AMX |
Thanks for reading.
Tim
#AutoFactoids
#ProjectSportsRoof