Tales of a Gearhead

Automotive journalist / author Jefferson Bryant is in the shop. In this first part of a two-part interview, Stacey and Jefferson talk about his early days growing up in Oklahoma storm chasing with his dad, his love of Buicks - especially his ’71 Buick GS, which at one point was the world’s loudest true convertible (154.7db), and the various paths that led him into journalism and becoming an author.

Jeff Kelderman from KELDERMAN MANUFACTURING is in the shop, but he is not alone. He brought with him his two favorite birds. No, these aren’t pet parakeets or parrots. One is the actual hero car used in the David Spade cult classic JOE DIRT. The other is a Superbird that Jeff had cloned into a replica of the Joe Dirt Daytona with way more power and creature comforts that he plans to use as a daily driver. Stacey and Jeff dig into Jeff’s love of the film, how it led to him going after it at Barrett-Jackson, and the insane amount of work that went to turning that Superbird into everyone’s favorite heap from the movie.

Stacey continues his conversation with singer/songwriter Chris Hennessee. They dive in on a lot of firsts. First guitar. First lick learned on the guitar. First song learned on the guitar. Then they discuss the bands and players that influenced them, the state of the music industry, how judging art as a contest is never a good thing, and finally Chris’ new podcast FULLY ARMED.

In this episode, musician/songwriter Chris Hennessee is in the shop to swap some tales with Stacey. In part one of this two-part interview, Chris talks about his early days playing the honkytonks on Nashville’s Lower Broadway, how back then Lower Broadway was MUCH different than it is today, and meeting/jamming with a young Jamey Johnson. Stacey and Chris also discuss how their approach to songwriting is very similar to their approach to automotive projects, including Chris’ current ’95 white Ford BRONCO project.

Stacey has YouTuber DYLAN MCCOOL in the shop! They discuss Dylan’s childhood growing up in a MOPAR household, earning $600 at the age of 10 to get his first project car - a ’74 DART SPORT, how his love of teaching applies to his YouTube channel, and why he wouldn't be where he is today without his faith and family.

Josh Dillon AKA “SLEEPERDUDE" is in the shop. Stacey and Josh talk about how he got into cars, starting a YouTube channel, leaving his auto body day job to do YouTube full time, his upcoming projects, and the important roles family and faith play in his life.

Charley Strickland from STRICKLAND MOTOR RACING INC is back in the shop. He and Stacey discuss his long planned next project - THE SURFACE ORBITER 2. “What’s that?” you’re thinking? Well, it’s Charley’s take on the Dobbertin Surface Orbiter, which was an amphibious vehicle designed and built by Rick Dobbertin in the 1990s. The DSO started out from a 1959 Heil milk tank trailer and was modified by Dobbertin over the course of 4 1/2 years. On February 23, 1995, the DSO became the first car to transit the Panama Canal.

Then Stacey answers some listener questions about wanting to add a winch system to a vehicle with plastic bumpers, installing an Edison Diesel Electric Kit, and when to paint, powder-coat, or get a liner.

*Image from Dobbertin Performance

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 

A new year means a new season of GEARZ, and of course, TALES OF A GEARHEAD. Stacey teases what you can look forward to in the upcoming 2025 season.

Then he sits down with his daughter Talon. They talk about what it was like growing up in a house full of wrenches, guitars & amps, her now living in London, and her dual careers as an audiobook narrator & singer/songwriter.

After that, Stacey dives into the mailbag with advice on what to do with all those old drill bits, how measuring for a driveshaft must include proper ride height/weight and how a HEMI swap might just be the best thing for an older DURANGO project.

Dave Gossett from DAVIKKI Ltd is back in the shop. Stacey and Dave have an in-depth discussion about the evolution of the kit car from cheap backyard projects of the ‘70s/’80s to the high end component cars of today, the early builds that got Dave in trouble with Ferrari, the vast improvements of fiberglass through the years, and how all that went into the new RETROFORMANCE M6GT project. Then Stacey answers a listener question about when your project is about to go from a level 1 to a level 2.

Charley Strickland from STRICKLAND RACING INC made the trip all the way up from Fort Worth, TX to chat with Stacey in the GEARZ shop. They discuss his early days building go-karts and junior dragsters in his backyard, street racing to put himself through college, and his time with Fastlane Engineering/circle track racing which led him to his current work – designing top of the line all-aluminum monocoque chassis for Lamborghini Countach, Manta Mirage, and McLaren M6GT replicas.

LaVon Miller from Firepunk Diesel and Kyle Fischer from Hot Shot’s Secret are in the shop with Stacey today. They discuss LaVon’s 90-POUND weight loss journey on the carnivore diet, Firepunk’s decision this year to switch from a diesel S-10 to a diesel Mopar Duster, and how Hot Shot’s Secret has been there every step of the way on this record-breaking season.

After that, Stacey chats with Dave Gossett from DAVVIKI LTD. Only they’re not discussing his work with RETROFORMANCE providing them with the first prototype body for their M6GT replica. Instead, Stacey and Dave get into tales of their past as professional musicians, favorite guitars and players, and how Dave ended up replacing a certain singer who would go on to become world famous for his smooth beard filtered vocals.

Dennis Overholser, the visionary co-founder and inventor of Painless Performance Products, is in the shop today. Stacey and Dennis dive into how Dennis’ early days in the military and his frustration with rewiring projects at the time led him to create Painless Performance Products. It’s a company that to this day prides itself on innovation, quality, and the pursuit of excellence in automotive electrical systems. After that, it’s a quick dive into the mailbag where Stacey answers a listener question about a ‘78 Z-28 front & rearend conversion.

Heavy equipment YouTuber Andrew Camarata stopped by the studio and discussed everything from growing up watching Stacey on Trucks! to creating a 1 MILLION subscriber YouTube channel from a property management business and building a castle out of shipping containers!

Stacey chats with Lonnie McCurry and Malerie Pike from SKYJACKER. They discuss the company’s beginnings, its growth from a small two bay garage to their current 80,000 sq/ft facility, the importance of SKYJACKER’s constant research & development, and how faith & family have made the company everything it is today.

Ben and Dick Strenkowski from RETROFORMANCE are in the shop today. Stacey and the father/son duo dig into RETROFORMANCE’s humble beginnings as a machine/service shop started by Dick’s father, and how that has led to their hot new M6GT project. It’s a redesigned and modernized version of the iconic M6GT that was created by Bruce McLaren to be the fastest road car in the world in 1969. Then it’s off to the mail room, where Stacey answers a listener question about why he doesn’t like to include individual parts prices on projects built on the show.

Stacey sits down with Scooter Williams to talk about his creation: the South’s biggest, baddest hot rod, custom car, rat rod show, AND swap meet – THE REDNECK RUMBLE. This year’s show takes place on Sept. 20 -21, 2024 in Lebanon TN.

“Oh, I think you need all that bass.” - ancient Buck’s Super Stereo World saying.

John Myers from KICKER Audio is in the shop to talk all things car audio. From amps to speaker placement, to DSR technology and beyond. So, dust off that TK-421 modification and get ready to have this episode get an extra three or four quads per channel, but that’s just technical talk.

Turn it up!

In this second part of Stacey’s interview with the guys from LOKAR Performance Products, Skip Walls hops on the mic with Stacey, and they discuss Skip’s early days in California, building up LOKAR, moving the company to East Tennessee, the current state of the industry & where they see it going, and what Skip thinks makes up a hot rod. Then it’s into the mailbag, where Stacey offers some advice to a listener wondering how to get younger people into cars and trucks.

In this first part of Stacey’s two-part interview with Skip Walls and Brian Downard from LOKAR Performance Products. Stacey sits down with his longtime friend and raconteur, Brian. Where all manner of gearhead tales get told. Including Brian’s legendary Christmas ham incident. Might not be for the faint of heart, but it is definitely hilarious and one you won’t soon forget.

Stacey continues his conversation with Abe Wine, owner of SHOPRAT METAL WORKS and co-host of History Channel’s TRUCK NIGHT IN AMERICA. They discuss Abe returning to home help out with the family shop, the dire need for quality mechanics, the importance of learning mechanical skills (especially welding), Abe’s ongoing 1954 FORD F-500 Y-Block project, and finally discipline & the art of apple butter.

Stacey sits down with ABE WINE, owner of SHOPRAT METAL WORKS and co-host of History Channel’s TRUCK NIGHT IN AMERICA. Abe talks about growing up in rural Virginia, the important influence of his uncle & granddad had on his childhood, and the strange & winding road that led him to being on television.

Part two of Stacey’s interview with Derek Bieri from Vice Grip Garage. Stacey and Derek dig into their other great passions - guitar playing and music. They discuss the role music plays in car culture, their favorite guitars & guitar players, Stacey’s time as a session musician in Nashville, A.I.’s effect on the industry, and the importance of family and being true to who you are.

This episode begins with part one of Stacey’s interview Derek Bieri from Vice Grip Garage. They discuss Derek’s youth growing up on a farm in Minnesota & Wisconsin and how that led to his automotive passion, the early days of his shop and the creation of his wildly popular YouTube Channel. Then it’s into the mailbag where Stacey answers some listener questions about removing oil from your vehicle, cleaning and maintaining leather, and the differences between protectants and cleaners.

Jeremy Stoermer from Holley Performance Products is in the shop today. He and Stacey talk about what Holley has going on for the year, upcoming shows & events, plus some good ole fashioned Mopar chat.

Andrew Collins, executive editor of THEDRIVE.COM calls in to talk with Stacey about what THE DRIVE is all about, his early days getting into all things automotive - including his time as an off-road guide in Australia, his thoughts on the new Ford Ranger Raptor, renewable energy and dream projects.

Stacey ZOOMs into the magic of the internet to chat with Tony Muckleroy from JEEPTALKSHOW.com to deep dive about all things JEEP and more!

Stacey talks with Trevor Cornwell from IDIDIT to discuss one of the most underrated BUT also one of the most important parts of any build: the steering column. They also dive into the history of IDIDIT, where they see the future of the aftermarket steering column industry heading and Trevor’s current projects, dream projects, and what makes a hot rod.

Ace photographer Curt Lerner, from GET LIT CREATIVE IMAGING, swings by the shop to chat with Stacey about his lifelong love of automobiles and photography, an upcoming project involving SGT ROCK, and everything that goes into his specialized highly detailed automotive photography. Then it’s a quick grab out of the mail bag. Stacey offers some suggestions on how to get more power out of a ’02 S-10, with a V6 that has over 100K miles.

Like Glenn Frey once sang “The heat is on…” and with the summer months fast approaching. Stacey has in depth conversation with Chris Schwartz from Heatshield Products about all things heat related to a one’s project.

Favorite intriguing vehicles? Stacey has a few. He also has some answers to listeners trying to find a tilt steering column for a ’70 CJ-5, what synthetic oil would be best for a ’64 GTO, and is there a build sheet for Stacey’s old Wicked Willys project.

It’s a new year and Stacey hits the ground running with another listener question lightning round. Touching on everything from ‘80s Chevy speedometers, project regrets, the best engine for a ‘40s/’50s Model A, how to hold onto a project, high mileage vehicles and of course… guitars!

The chimneys are getting swept, the house fuses popping from one too many plugs in the living room outlet, and that special lamp is displayed for the whole street to see. Stacey celebrates the podcast’s 100th episode and shares some of his favorite gearhead Christmas memories. Then he looks ahead to all the great projects he has in store for 2024.

Stacey sits down with Chris Picconi from Classic4x4.com and the host of the “Classic 4x4 Podcast”. They dig into Chris’ background in finance and how that led him to follow his passion of classic 4x4s, as well as the current trends in the auction world and how to properly navigate getting your vehicle ready to go up on the block!

Part 2 of Stacey’s interview with STRANGE MOTION ROD & CUSTOM’s Tim Strange. Stacey and Tim continue their talk about the state of custom auto business, share war stories about doing work on trade, the importance of shop safety, and how a freak accident nearly cost Tim his life.

In the first of a two part interview, custom builder Tim Strange from Strange Motion Rod & Custom sits down with Stacey to talk about his early days growing up on a farm, getting his love of all things automotive working on Harleys with his Dad, his first builds, BMX racing, to his time on television, having his own shop with his wife and the eternal question “what makes a hotrod?”

Don Russell returns to the shop to discuss Cornwell’s new line of ARCA tool boxes. Then, it’s into the mailbag where Stacey offers advice on shop towels, the desirability of 4-doors & long beds, and an engine combo suggestion for a 90’s 4x4 project.

Kyle Fischer from Hot Shot’s Secret and Johnny Gilbert from Stainless Diesel are in the shop to talk about Johnny’s ’63 Corvette Cummins Diesel dragster, guitars, rock & roll, and hot rods. Then, Stacey helps out a listener with a header issue and shares another listener’s story about his father’s P-40 Flying Tiger.

Matt Swift from MouseBlocker is in the shop to talk about how to keep rodents, varmints, and all other kinds of critters out of your shop, and most importantly out of your project. Then Stacey answers some listener questions about what not to do on a project, touch up paints, the cost of building a project and an update on the HAIRY HAULER.

Eli Kean from Dixie Chopper stops by the studio to talk with Stacey about the world’s fastest lawn mower, Stacey’s Cornwell Tools mower box project, setting the Guinness World Record for the most grass cut in 24hrs and mower… er… more! Then it's back into the mailbag to answer questions about when to use the original frame for a project, should someone keep their vintage corvette or sell it, and what to do about soft floors.

Stacey answers listener questions dealing with when to use original or aftermarket parts, how to stay motivated toward your project, thoughts on Dodge ditching the HEMI, and cat back exhaust upgrades.

Larry Collins swings by the shop to show Stacey his ’65 Aston Martin DB5. Then it’s off to the mail bag to answer some listener questions about rust preventive paints, helping your daughter pick out her first car, and what to do with the dreaded Ford 6.8L V-10 engine.

Matt Graves swings by the shop to chat with Stacey about the new products American Powertrain has coming in 2023, his Cadillac “Chicken Coupe”, what is a “hot rod”, making it through the pandemic, and the future of the industry.

*Picture of the Chicken Coupe from MotorTrend; dually from American Powertrain

Tim Tullo from Fatman Fabrication swings by the shop and sits down with Stacey for a conversation that covers everything from their shared love of WW2 & Civil War history, the state of the aftermarket and what sets Fatman Fabrication apart from other companies.

Stacey discusses why it’s so important to really think about time when starting a project, making sure you properly understand how many hours it could take to complete, so you don’t get frustrated and end up walking away from it.

Then it’s back into the mailbag for listener questions about what to do when you get an aftermarket part that doesn’t quite fit.

Stacey dives into how the 80’s cult classic “Better Off Dead” got him thinking about how some things turn into collectibles and others do not. Then, he answers a listener question about what skills are need when starting out in the garage. Finally, he talks about his upcoming Henry J project and an update on the fan favorite project “Heavy Metal”.

On this episode, Stacey hits the road and travels to Las Vegas for the Cornwell rally. Recorded live, Stacey interviews various members of the Cornwell team. Topics range from favorite car, weirdest food eaten, favorite tunes to jam while driving and most importantly the age old Texas vs. California battle… Which is better: IN-N-OUT or WHATABURGER?

Stacey breaks down the ins and outs of car flipping and the difference between the enthusiast mindset and the flipper mindset.

Then, Stacey shares a Jeepster tale about when he was out with his Dad and brothers and how they showed a bunch of lifted 4x4 trucks that size DOES matter.

Like the old Pimp My Ride meme says… “Yo dawg, we heard you like Jeepsters. So we did an interview with the Jeepster man about Jeepsters …”

Stacey sits down with Mark Vilbert from Jeepster Man and you guessed it, digs into all things Jeepster. From Mark’s early days starting the company with his son, to merging with Just Jeepers, to favorite builds and beyond. It’s the ultimate Jeepster deep dive!

Stacey sits down with Karl Schulman from Garret’s Rod Shop to discuss the history of the shop, the changes in industry trends and most importantly, their most recent project, the out of sight 1933 P-33 roadster which will be featured on an upcoming episode of GEARZ.

Then it’s into the mailbag for listener questions about wiring harnesses and upgrading your suspension for proper towing.

Like Kenny Rogers sang in “The Gambler”… You got to know when to hold ‘em. Know when to fold em. Know when to walk away and know when to run. 

The same goes for projects. Stacey gets into how if that dream project keeps getting away, and when it might be time to start looking for something else.

Then we hop on the GEARZ bus for a visit to the LIONS museum in Long Beach, California. 

And finally, Stacey wraps everything up with the differences between Concourse & Thoroughbred restorations and a quick update on the CHEETAH project!

Fresh off a trip to Pomona, CA, Stacey shares his experience at the Grand National Roadster Show that featured COPPERHEAD in it’s Keep On Truckin' exhibit. Then he cracks open the mailbag to answer a listener question from Chet about whether he should add twin turbos to his ’93 GMC Sierra, or go all out and do a V8 LS swap. After that, it’s tale time about longtime friend of the show, Von Hot Rod.

Stacey pays tribute to the recently passed Ken Block. Then he sits down for a conversation with a very entrepreneurial 17 year old, who has started her own carburetor rebuild company with four of her friends - RILEY’S REBUILDS. After that, Stacey wraps things up with a couple of listener questions about a ’73 Cougar suspension kit and the status of those pesky little COPPERHEAD die-casts.

*Ken Block photo from his Facebook page

Stacey shares some of his earliest vehicle influences and how a Boy’s Life ad for the DUNE-BUG led him to building his first GO-KART, replacing the 5hp Briggs & Stratton with a 350 Kawasaki motorcycle engine and finally a 440 Ski-Do Bombardier engine.

After that, Stacey answers a listener question about aftermarket vs OEM panels for a ’75 Camaro. 

Finally, a tale about how Sgt. Rock’s trip to the House of Mouse didn’t go quite as planned when the Disney suits got an eyeful of Sgt. Rock’s big .50 cal replicas.

Stacey discusses the status of potential guests for GEARZ and the podcast. He also has some advice for listener Kurt who wrote in inquiring about a disc brake kit for the 14-inch rims he has on his ’64 Sunliner. Then finally its a tale about the time Stacey was almost in the Romeo video featuring Dolly Parton and Billy Ray Cyrus.

Stacey sends out his well wishes to Jay Leno and explains the importance of shop safety, especially while working alone. Then after shaking out out the mailbag, Stacey answers listener questions about header paint, selling a Dodge Dart Swinger, and an Air Ride system for a ’22 F-350.

Stacey digs into the announcement of the new BULLITT film starring Bradley Cooper, directed by Steven Spielberg. Specifically what made the original film’s chase scene so iconic and why it is important to movie car history. Then it's into the mailbag with a listener question about the COPPERHEAD nitrous gauges.

It’s an engine jambaroo on this episode. Stacey digs in to explain agnostic engines, the difference between an engine & motor and finally an update of the Evel Knievel incident from Stacey's youth.

Today’s show opens up with a tale about Stacey and his brother venturing into the wilds of Idaho in a search for a $100 dune buggy. Then it’s off to the mailbag to answer some van questions about engine and bumper swaps.

Stacey breaks down his recent trip to the 2022 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, how it's bouncing back post COVID, and their plans for a possible SEMA Fest in 2023. COPPERHEAD is back! With its return to the GEARZ shop, Stacey goes over its inclusion in the upcoming 2023 Grand National Roadster Show’s Top 10 Influential Trucks, and on an upcoming GEARZ, how to tell a original from a replica.

On this episode we're off to the movies as Stacey goes over a recent poll ranking its top 10 car movies. Some make sense but others don’t; either way grab five bags of popcorn because it’s MOVIE TIME! Stacey also shares some of his favorite rock music growing up. Finally, he says goodbye to “The Killer” - the one and only Jerry Lee Lewis.

Stacey answers a listener question about possibly changing his 2011 RAM 1500 into a Super Bee. After that, it’s firsts time. From Stacey’s first guitar, his first paying gigs, and the first time meeting Johnny Cash.

Stacey opens this episode with a question from Brandon, a listener who is trying to figure out where to start on his first project: a ’73 Olds Omega. This opens up the larger topic of making sure something is the right project for you. Even though that classic muscle car you saw out in the field may look tempting, you might be better off starting with something from the '90s - '00s. 

Stacey explains why it’s up you to do your research on a potential purchase and not just listen to a seller’s “speculations” on who may have owned the vehicle in the past. Then it's a quick dive into the mailbag to answer listener questions about x-pipes and door VIN tags.

“Be prepared...” It’s not just the Scout’s motto; it applies to the car person too! On this episode, Stacey helps you do just that when dealing with test drives. Whether you’re taking the keys or handing them over, there is a lot you need to know and consider to protect yourself and your project. After that, Stacey goes through the automotive opportunities for someone who is just starting out.

On this episode of Tales of a Gearhead, Stacey walks through the question “What types of tools do you really need?” Then he has some advice to a younger listener about the best ways to look into apprenticeships. And finally, a question that’s probably unanswerable, “What is the BEST V8 engine of all time?”

On this episode, Stacey discusses online automotive scamming and the things you need to look out for so you don’t lose any of your hard earned cash. Then, it’s into the mailbag for some advice on fixing a control arm that doesn’t involve using EPOXY and swapping a HEMI Magnum with a HELLEPHANT crate engine.

Stacey digs into the legal issues of auto clones, tributes, replicas and how a Copperhead that made it into the MECUM auction wasn’t THE Copperhead. Then it’s mailbag time with a simple starter question and the safety criteria you need to consider if you’re thinking about installing a vehicle lift in your shop.

Tales of a Gearhead is presented by Cornwell Tools.

A listener question about a ’64 GTO leads to Stacey to go into detail about the various car classifications and their meanings used in auto auctions. Then, there's a little tease about a really cool motorized Cornwell toolbox project Stacey that can be seen on upcoming episodes of GearZ.

Stacey’s tales of his early days in Nashville continue. Things kick off with him being selected to play on the Grand Ole Opry with Roy Acuff, his first time meeting Jimi Hendrix Band of Gypsy’s bass player Billy Cox, his VERY BRIEF stint as an Elvis impersonator, and finally his battle with a fly while finishing the paint on one of his first award winning builds. Listener questions tackled are replacing the wiring harness on a ’73 Cuda, battery 4-1-1, and putting 3/4 ton axles into a 1/2 ton Silverado.

In this episode, Stacey talks about the obstacles you might face while building your dream garage, then dives into a story about the discovery and restoration of the Dodge Charger from the opening credits of The Dukes of Hazzard. Along the way, he answers a great question about welding for beginners!

Today Stacey goes back to where it began, sharing tales about how he always loved mechanical things (which wasn’t always good news for his mother’s appliances), how discovering rock and roll lead to his lifetime love of playing music, his early days as a musician in Nashville, and how he first got into television. Then it’s a quick dip into the mail bag where Stacey shares some advice on restoring a bed on a ’56 GMC 2 1/2-ton truck.

Cars can become a big issue in marriages and family relationships. Stacey helps you navigate this potentially touchy subject, then tackles a variety of listener questions!

Stacey goes into detail about what you need to bring with you when you pick up a new project. If it's been sitting in the woods for a decade, you probably need more than just a couple ratchet straps!

Does your project need a new engine? Should you get a crate engine or have one custom built? Stacey helps you answer that important question, and gives a fan some advice about putting a 1956 Ford F-800 on a late-model bus chassis!

That old project has been sitting in your garage for three years now! Or has it been five...? Stacey helps you understand why it takes so long to finish your projects regardless of whether you're doing the work yourself or a shop is doing the work for you. Then, he answers a listener's question about a transmission that's been sitting long enough to vote!

Life is full of questions. Should I start a car collection? Am I a collector or a hoarder? Should I buy or trade? Do I really need to expand my project horizons? Well, this episode is for you… or is it?

It’s mailbagaroo time once again! Stacey answers questions about a ’72 CJ5 winch bumper, using an electric spray gun to paint your project, how many projects are too many and finally the ins outs & benefits of replacing your car’s wiring harness yourself.

On today’s episode of Tales Of A Gearhead, Stacey sits down with Karen Davidson. The great-granddaughter of Harley-Davidson’s co-founder William A. Davidson. They discuss everything from her meeting and hanging with Evel Knievel as a kid, her studying fashion design in college, to running her own leather business & her past 30 years as Harley-Davidson’s creative director. Plus her advice for any young women out there who might be interested in getting into the motorcycle lifestyle.

Chestnuts roasting on a open fire. Jack Frost nipping at your nose…

With 2021 coming to a close, Stacey talks about the most recent Tesla recall and the dangers of vehicles & their drivers becoming too reliant on computers. 

Then it's a wrap up of 2021 and all it’s brought from COVID year 2, supply chain issues and the comeback of car shows and events. 

After that, go top off the egg nog and relax as Stacey and Jonathan share some of their most fond Christmas Tales.

Stacey’s interview with the one and only Jerry Reed continues, as they dig into Jerry’s latest and greatest passion - working the Wounded Warriors charity, the importance of family in his life, his just finished Christmas single “Christmas at the Mall”, his guitar collection and finally some more tales about his early days in Nashville doing session recordings with Chet Atkins.

Today Stacey talks about the MAVERICK’s return, the Aftermarket doing well while the OEMs are dealing with chip shortages and catastrophic flooding and finally plays a game of “What if….” While going through RUSH drummer Neil Peart’s auto collection that recently went up for auction.

Stacey offers some advice to a listener who is wanting to return to the restoration biz after many years away. Then he goes into the dream projects you wish you could do vs the ones you have. After that, Stacey shares a tale about his first paint project - an old rail buggy his dad brought home. Then finally wraps everything up with some of the inspirations for Copperhead and the V8 Interceptor. 

Fresh from his appearance at the Ohio Cobra Club, Stacey recaps what a fun time he had and how it truly is one the best car events around for people of all ages. Then into the mailbag he goes to answer a listener question about what are some the best off-road lighting systems.

Stacey breaks down the differences/challenges between “reality” and “how-to” automotive television. Then gets into the joys of small projects, as well as dipping into the mailbag to answer a listener question about dropped forged tools. He wraps everything up with a gearhead tale about how the Rat Roaster rumble seat could be the ultimate endurance test.

Ain’t no party like a listener question party, because a listener question party don’t stop! The mailbag is out and the questions are getting answered!

Stacey is your guide, as he leads you through all the lefts, rights, ups, downs, twists, turns, dos and don’ts of navigating the labyrinth that is getting a vehicle with no title and no VIN tag properly registered. So, grab that stale loaf of bread out of the kitchen and leave a breadcrumb trail so you don’t get lost!

It’s time to head to the swap meet and your favorite junkyard... Stacey is devoting this whole episode to what you need know when you're out looking for that perfect deal.

Stacey sits down with Joey Cudmore and talks about his early days on the NASCAR circuit and how it lead him into becoming one the biggest FIREADE dealers in the country. From the track, to the pit, to a new upcoming race series to be aired on CBS they dig into all.

Then, Stacey hits the mailbag with advice for listener Glenn - and all of us - when we have a project that’s been stranded at the local shop FOR YEARS.