Category Archives: Auto Restoration

Fords on 4th Ave – Torino, Trucks and Fav’s

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So I’m going to warp up the articles on the Fords on 4th Ave car show and getting ready for live tweets from Good Guys show in Scottsdale, Az tomorrow.

In a previous post I mentioned the lack of Mercury’s (other than Cougars) at the show, there were only a couple Thunderbirds and sadly only one Torino. I love  the Torino! I should have kept my 1974 GS with Cobra Jet engine!

1974 Grand Sport Torino

So as a warp up I thought I’d share my (non-Mustang) favorites from the show.

 

First up is the one and only Ford Torino.

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Very Nice 1973 Torino. Love the body style! This one didn’t have any of the badge and I couldn’t tell if it was a Grand Torino. It appeared to have a 351 engine.

 

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Can’t say I like the grill.

 

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Nicely done and mostly stock!!!

 

Here is the oldest Ford in the show:

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1915 Ford Model T.

 

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Doodlebug – defined as vehicle used for work around the farm. My Grandfather had one (1930’s Ford) and we called it the Doodlebug.

 

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This Falcon is amazing!! Nice V8 (351 I believe).

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Yes I know it’s a wagon!!! But check out the quad exhaust exiting in front of the rear wheels. Now that’s very cool!!

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Interior was so nicely done!!!

 

Fairlane 500 Retractable!!!!

Fairlane 500 Retractable!!!!

 

This Fairlane GTA was the bomb!!!

This Fairlane GTA was the bomb!!!

The Econoline had a V8 wedged between the seats!!!

The Econoline had a V8 wedged between the seats!!!

 

Hope you enjoyed this recap of Fords on 4th Ave, here in Tucson, AZ.

Thanks for reading.

Tim

 

Fords on 4th Ave Continued III Galaxies

While there were an abundance of Mustang and other Ford products at Fords on 4th Ave, missing was the Ford sub-culture of Mercury’s. For the past few years you could find a small group of Montereys, Montclairs, Park Lanes …
It’s Car Show Season….YES!!! Fords on 4th Ave!

‘The most wonderful time of the year!!!’ No not Christmas – BETTER! It’s car show season!!! From March though Oct here in the southwest is prime car show.
Fords on 4th Ave Continued II

Although the newer Mustang are awesome, you still can’t be the those of the 60’s and early 70’s, you just can’t! Check out these fine specimens!! Nicely restored.

Fords on 4th Ave Continued III Galaxies

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While there were an abundance of Mustang and other Ford products at Fords on 4th Ave, missing was the Ford sub-culture of Mercury’s.  For the past few years you could find a small group of Montereys, Montclairs, Park Lanes, Marquis, Turnpike Cruisers, and Montegos.   I think I saw first Park Lane and Turnpike Cruiser at that event a few years gone.   They were there this years.

That being the case there were some stunning examples Falcons and their spinoffs, as well as Cougars, trucks and everyone favorite Ford Fairlane/Galaxies 500’s.

 

On of the larger groups were the Ford Fairlanes/Galaxies, everything from the 500’s GTA’s and GT’s it was a great representation of what I think was one of Ford best designs. Check these out:

 

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Cobra Le Mans

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Check out the specs!!!

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One of my favorite wheel types.

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Here one more up close:

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This is a GT.

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That is the 390!!!

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Interior is well restored. Original steering wheel.

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Stacked Headlights and Stacked Tail lights

I do have to show you one custom version – lowered.

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Galaxie 500 Stacked Headlights – Single Tail lights

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Perfect Interior. Nice to see the steering wheel with horn rim.

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Lowered with lots of chrome in the engine bay.

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Here is the group shot.

An awesome sight

An awesome sight!!

 

Still more to come.  Drop me a note if you a favorite Ford!!!

Thanks for reading.

Tim

 

CLASH OF THE CLASSICS: Ford Galaxie versus Chevrolet Impala

Before there were muscle cars, there were big block racers. Designed to do battle on track in NASCAR, they had all the trappings of a big, luxurious car but with the beating heart of rampant V8. The two main proponents were Chevrolet’s Impala and Ford …
Auto collection to be auctioned to benefit Baker Center

The six vehicles include a 1941 Lincoln Continental, a 1951 Hudson Hornet and a 1962 Ford Galaxie. They are scheduled to be auctioned at the Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy on the UT-Knoxville campus on Saturday. Baker, who died last year …
Red Cruze’s latest trip, to the “Dark Side of the Moon”

(I will never forget riding back from Pittsburgh in one of those 1970s blizzards with him driving his perfect 1966 Ford Galaxie. One tough winter driver, and he had no traction control computers aiding him, either.) Now, I await those new motor mounts …

Fords on 4th Ave Continued II

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Although the newer Mustang are awesome, you still can’t be the those of the 60’s and early 70’s, you just can’t!

Check out these fine specimens!!

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Nicely restored 289

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#IWantOne of these G.T. 350’s

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Riding low – Nice custom

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#IWantOne of these GT 500 (1967)

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GT 500 (1967) Scoope-ville

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Original interior – You don’t often see the steering wheel!!!

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In case the 1967 GT 500 is a little rough riding, try the new version!

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The Fox bodies had a few beauties as well.

Hard to tell from this photo but this was done in matte yellow.

Hard to tell from this photo but this was done in matte yellow.

Nice and nicer with NOS

Nice and nicer with NOS

Awesome!!

Awesome!!

 

This car show was primarily put on by the Southern Arizona Mustang Club (SAMC) and although there was a higher percentage of Mustang, a few other Fords showed.  Those are coming up.

Thanks for reading.

Tim

soutern arizona mustang club

4th Of July 2014 Celebrations Around Southern Arizona …

The Southern Arizona Mustang Club showcases their vehicles from 7-9:00 p.m.. FC Tucson 4th of July Kino Sports Complex, 2500 E. Ajo Way, Tucson 85713. Game starts at 7:30 p.m.. Fireworks start 30 minutes after the game …

It’s Car Show Season….YES!!! Fords on 4th Ave!

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“The most wonderful time of the year!!!”  No not Christmas – BETTER!   It’s car show season!!!  From March though Oct here in the southwest is prime car show season.

Normally I start feeding my car show appetite in January, during the car auction month that kicks off with Barrett Jackson in Phoenix, AZ.  With my budget these are just fancy car shows, rather than a shopping trip.  Then I suffer quietly until March when all the shows start kicking-in.   This year I didn’t attend the Barrett Jackson event so I starved until this past weekend when I could attend my first show of the year.  That show was Fords on 4th Ave, Tucson, Az.

I’ve attend this show for the past 4 or 5 years, even entering my 1970 Mustang one year.  It is always a great time!

This year either with the 50th Anniversary of the Mustang, you’d expect to see a lot of the new cars and you would not have been disappointed.  If you follow me on TWITTER (@AGCarRestore) you would have seen live shots.  (You may want to follow me on Twitter, this weekend 3/13 I’ll be tweeting from the Good Guy’s show in Scottsdale, AZ.)

Here is a sampling:

This is the 2015 GT.

This is the 2015 GT.

Back end looks great!!!

Back end looks great!!!

2015 GT

2015 GT

Great looking Hood

Great looking Hood

 

Check out this customized beauty.

Lambo Doors!!!

Lambo Doors!!!

Hood slides forward

Hood slides forward

You have to appreciate the skill!!!

You have to appreciate the skill!!!

Here is a sampling:

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Love the 2+2!!!

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Nice looking art work on this GT!

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More coming up!!!!

Tim

2015 Ford Mustang 50th Anniversary Edition Sporting Huge Dealer Markups

… their own price increases over MSRP for limited edition models, but even though the 2015 Ford Mustang has been in dealerships for months now – there are still some dealerships adding massive markups on the special 50th Anniversary Mustang GT.

If it Ain’t One Thing, It’s Another!!

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If you are wondering what’s been happening with Average Guy’s Car Restoration, Mods and Racing.com, all I can say is, “It’s a long story.” Technology is a wonderful thing (I’ve been in the field for 20 years) but when it goes awry, it get can be as hard as regaining control of Formula 1 car in a 200 mph spin!!!!

Needless to say we are back and minus a few pics and a couple of posts (Ford on 4th Ave series and a couple of Auto Factoids (#AutoFactoids) – which I’ll reproduce) things are normal. (Damn, probably shouldn’t have typed that!!)

My apologies to my 13k registered users and those just stopping by for the interruption. Nothing worse the getting 404 errors.

Thanks for reading. Drop me a note.

Tim

2105 corvette z06

2105 corvette z06

Display engines from GM, Ford and Chrysler add affordable lots to Las Vegas sale | Hemmings Daily

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Keep reading my posts and you’ll eventually learn that I love engines.  There is something so comforting about an 1940-1970 engine all nicely painted and sitting on a stand!!!  Like this 302 from my 1970 Mustang!!

The 302

The 302

 

I could decorate my house with them, of course Mrs. Average Guy’s Car Restoration and Mods would have something to say about that, for sure.  I would if I could!!   Being so inclined, lead me to wanting to share this article out of Hemmings.  Enjoy.

Last weekend’s Rogers Classic Car Museum sale in Las Vegas, Nevada, truly offered something for everyone interested in mostly postwar American automobiles. In addition to the 200-plus cars that crossed the block, the sale featured an affordable array of display engines from American automakers, covering the period from 1949 to 1966. Sold for display purposes only, most engines were incomplete and likely suffering from a variety of mechanical problems, making them potentially unsuitable for use in restorations. Unlike most display engines, none were cut away to show the inner workings of valve trains, or pistons within cylinders, or transmission gear selection. As mechanical sculpture, they were interesting pieces, guaranteed to spark conversation, and ideal centerpieces for a finished garage or rec room.

 

1954 Mercury 256 CID

1954 Mercury 256 CID

Dodge Red Ram Hemi

Dodge Red Ram Hemi

Chase the link below to see the rest of the article and pictures.

via Display engines from GM, Ford and Chrysler add affordable lots to Las Vegas sale | Hemmings Daily.

 

Thanks for reading.

Tim

#Engines

#Classic Cars

Fahrenheit Z06: The Max Operating Temps for the Corvette Z06 Are Insane – Feature – Car and Driver | Car and Driver Blog

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From the March 2015 issue of Car and Driver

via Fahrenheit Z06: The Max Operating Temps for the Corvette Z06 Are Insane – Feature – Car and Driver | Car and Driver Blog.

The 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 posts some impressive performance numbers thanks to its 650-hp, 6.2-liter supercharged V-8. It also posts some impressive BTUs. A byproduct of that flame-breathing engine is heat, and lots of it, generated ­primarily by combustion, friction, and intake-air compression. These and other factors, such as the low hoodline and pinched frontal openings demanded by stylists and aero engineers, contribute to the complex thermal-management task faced by engineers working on nearly all of this car’s varied subsystems. To assure that the Z06’s maximum performance is attended by minimal risk of failure, GM p­erformed heat-related stress analysis and modeling, as well as conventional hot-weather testing in Arizona. Here’s a look at the maximum operating temperatures of Z06 components:

Fahrenheit-Z06-inline3

These are some extreme temp and they will be higher during an Arizona summer

 

Thanks for reading.

 

Tim

 

2015 z06

Chicago Auto Show: 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

With an MSRP of about $79,000, but with trim levels that’ll take up much closer to $100K, the 2015 Z06 doesn’t mess around with measly six cylinder engines that pretend to be powerful with aid of umpteen turbochargers. It offers a massive, supercharged …
2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06: Top 10 Reasons it Shatters the Supercar Category

Racing Tires for the Street: Michelin engineered two tire options for the 2015 Z06. The standard Pilot Super Sport ZPs are sized 285/30ZR19 in front and 335/25ZR20 in back. A Z06 with the Z07 performance option gets Pilot Sport Cup 2 ZP tires in the …

Auto Factoids for the Week of 2/22/2015 – Firebird, Thunderbird, AMX

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Got a few huge debuts this week’s Auto Factoids (#AutoFactoids), so lets get started.

 

Feb 23, 1954 – Ford shows off the Thunderbird for the first time.

Although the Thunderbird wasn’t available until 1955 it was in design.  Originally it was going to be called the Vega!!

1955 T-Bird

1955 T-Bird

 

Feb 23, 1967 – Pontiac debuts the Firebird

The brain child of John Delorean the Firebird started out as the Banshee in two versions (XP 833 convertible or Hard top coupe).  1966 it was a two seater referred to as XP-798.

 

Look some what familar? Corvette maybe?

Look some what familar? Corvette maybe?

Pontiac brass thought so too and these concepts were not approved.

Pontiac brass thought so too and these concepts were not approved.

The XP 798 Firebird concept.

The XP 798 Firebird concept.

1967 Firebird

1967 Firebird

 

 

Feb 24, 1968 – American Motors debuts the AMX

1969 Hurst version...NICE!!!

1969 Hurst version…NICE!!!

 

Feb 25, 1905 – Jose Piquero crossed the Andes in a Caddy!!

Had to dig for this one. Found it on http://forums.cadillaclasalleclub.org.   Back in 1905 a Cadillac was the first car to cross the Andes (the mountain range not Andes, New York) that happened on Feb 25th, but I don’t know why, nor does anyone else seem to know.  I can tell you  the Andes are in South American and average about 14,000 feet in altitude.  The ’05 (that’s 1905 not 2005) Caddy was, well, let’s say “airy”.   That ‘brave’ (pronounced ‘Crazy’) soul was Jose Piquero. But wait, some sources say it wasn’t a Caddy at all, but a Oldsmobile.

So I would imagine in either ride the trip was a tad bit chilly.

1905 Olds

1905 Olds

1905 Caddy

1905 Caddy

 

Feb 27, 1934 – Ralph “Corvair Killer” Nader was born in Conn.

You can celebrate that (anyone?  Bueller, Bueller…) if you absolutely can’t find another reason to have an adult beverage.  I wonder if he fell out of a car seat when he was young?

1962 Lakewood

1962 Lakewood

The last Corvair Vert.

The last Corvair Vert.

I'm seeing the Corvair but can't help notice the Nova's on the rail car.

I’m seeing the Corvair but can’t help notice the Nova’s on the rail car.

 

Feb 28,  1940  – Mario Andretti born in Montona, Italy

Mario Andretti

Mario Andretti

 

Thanks for reading.

Tim

 

1955 thunderbird specs1967 firebird specs

1968 Ford Mustang Fastback – Modified Mustangs & Fords Magazine

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Don’t worry, not all kids are rocking double-decker winged imports with stereo volume that competes with fart can exhaust. There are young hard-core hot rodders building cars their fathers and grandfathers would be proud of. Joe DeBattista of San Bruno, California, is one of those kids. With a father who collected just about anything that related to cars, Joe was always surrounded by automotive paraphernalia. He almost didn’t get a choice if he would be a fanatic.

Joe’s dad, Joe Sr., was a British car lover. That’s all fine, but Joe was more into American Muscle. He was even happy for his plan to be receiving his mother’s ’70 Mustang Coupe when he was old enough to drive. That was until mom, who worked as a secretary at an auto-repair shop, called them to come check out a car. An older woman had brought in a car with a minor carburetor issue to be resolved in order to sell. Joe and his dad were rather uninterested, as Joe would be getting the ’70 coupe. Mom insisted they come see it anyway.

(chase the link to read more…)

via 1968 Ford Mustang Fastback – Modified Mustangs & Fords Magazine.

 

351 Modified

351 Modified

 

Thanks for reading.

Tim

 

 

Hot Rod To The Rescue – A 351 Cleveland Is Eating …

The 351 Cleveland in Scott Mays’ 1970 Mustang Strips Distributor Gears. Hot Rod To The Rescue.
1971 1972 1973 mustang 351 cleveland an other parts – $1 …

1971 1972 1973 mustang 351 cleveland an other parts – $1 (Oak Ridge, MO). 1971 1972 1973 mustang 351 cleveland an other parts – $1 (Oak Ridge, MO) http://semo.craigslist.org/pts/4845021312.html …

Auto Factoids for Week of Feb 15, 2015 – SCCA, Nash-Healey and More

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Here are your Auto Factoids (#autofactoids) for the middle of Feb, 2015!!

 

Feb 15, 1944 – Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) was formed.  For those of you that don’t follow racing you need to check out what SCCA does.  It’s a great organization for local racing, as well as state/regional and even national.  I’m a proud card-carrying member and attend the local chapter Arizona Border Region .  I can attest that this chapter is well run and enjoyable.

Me and SCCA Solo instructor in my C7

Me and SCCA Solo instructor in my C7

 

Feb 16, 1951 – Nash-Healey debuts.     The Healey Nash mash-up produced one of the most beautiful cars of the early 1950’s. They originally met the Queen Mary.  Nash supplied the power train that consisted of the Ambassador’s straight six OHV 234.8 cu in (3.85 L) engine (minus the cast iron cylinder heads – they used their own design aluminum version) and three-speed manual transmission with Borg-Warner overdrive, plus torque tube and differential.  Healey supplied the carbs – two SU and the body.  Actually Healey designed the body to fit their frame, but aluminum body the supplied Panelcraft Sheet Metal.

 

Beautiful Aluminum bodied sport car!!!

Beautiful Aluminum bodied sport car!!!

2 SUtwin 1.75-inch (44 mm) and lighter and higher compression cylinder head - boosting it from 112 to 125 hp. That's a lot for a small car.

2 SU twin 1.75-inch (44 mm) and lighter and higher compression cylinder head – boosting hp from 112 to 125 hp.

 

Feb 17, 1934 – First Drivers Ed Class – in State College, Pa.

 

Feb 18, 1952 – Studebaker 100 years

Studebaker started out with an electric car in 1902 (before that they produced wagons)  and by 1904 began producing gas-powered.

Basically an electric wagon!!!

Basically an electric wagon!!!

1904 gas powered Studebaker.

1904 gas-powered Studebaker.
1952 Studebaker. 2 years later money issues forced a merger with Packard.

1952 Studebaker. 2 years later money issues forced a merger with Packard.

 

1979       – Richard Petty wins Daytona 500 (Number 6 for him)

6th Daytona win 1979

6th Daytona win 1979

The #43 Car for 1979

The #43 Car for 1979

 

1898 –       Enzo Ferrari born in Modena, Italy     (Not sure what he is famous for!!!)

Of course you would!!!

OH!!!!

 

Feb 20, 1954 – Dodge displays it’s Firearrow at the Chicago Auto Show (go on now for 2015)

One of the coolest concept cars!!!   Agree?

Two convertible models

Two convertible models

Clock in the steering wheel center? Crazy Cool!!

Clock in the steering wheel center? Crazy Cool!!

Awesome Interior

Awesome Interior

 

Thanks for reading!   Let us know how you like the Auto Factoid segment!!!

Tim

Auto Factoids for the Week of Feb 8, 2015 – N.Y. To Pairs …

As we run through the middle of the 2nd month of the year, here are your Auto Factoids (#AutoFactoids). A light week this week. Feb 10, 1942 – Pontiac.
Auto Factoids for the Week of 2/1/2015 – Kaiser Week

Here are your Auto Factoids (#AutoFactoids) for the first week in Feb. 2015!!! I think we can call this Kaiser Week as 3 of our factoid are related to the Kaiser auto.
Auto Factoids for the Week of 1/25/2015

Wow it’s the end of January already. Here are your Auto Factoids (#AutoFactoids) for the last week of January 2015. Jan 26th 1920 – Lincoln Motor Company.