FREE FEBRUARY 2020
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FOR THE AUTO ENTHUSIAST IN YOU
MAGAZINE
Out of the Gate Also Inside: • Mobile Electronics: Extreme Weather & Your Investment. • 2020 St. Louis Auto Show • Garage Talk, Reader’s Rides, Classifieds, Enthusiast Cartoon, & more
Also available online at: www.AutoUrge.com
Contents: 4
Mobile Electronics
5
Garage Talk
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On The Cover: Photo by Ryan Ledesma
FEBRUARY 2020
AutoUrge Magazine Published by: Two Lane Ventures, LLC Publisher: Ron Tucker ron@AutoUrge.com www.AutoUrge.com Printed in the USA
Extreme Weather & Your Investment By Brandon Green of The Car Audio Shop
Contact Us:
Doctor or Mechanic? by Gene Harris of Jim Miles Garage, LLC
info@AutoUrge.com
Feature: Out of the Gate
Ron Tucker Ron@AutoUrge.com 636-442-2616
Lynette Lewis’ 1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1
2020 St. Louis Auto Show Inside this year’s show
Issue #39
Digital Content Producer: Adam Tucker
Advertising:
Correspondents:
Nick Book, Brandon Green
Eric Bischof Eric.AutoUrge@gmail.com 314-384-6869
Creative:
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Reader’s Rides Jeff Snape’s1990 Volkswagen Golf GTI (UK Market)
AutoUrge Business Directory & More From Auto Performance to Electronics and Accessories. A directory of local businesses.
Designer: Victoria Braswell-Heskett design@AutoUrge.com
Photography:
Director of Photography/Head Photographer: Ryan Ledesma Contributing Photographers: Robert Ledesma, Karl Lund
Copy Editor: Taylor Tucker
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Photo by Robert Ledesma -2020 STL Auto Show
mobile electronics
Extreme Weather & Your Investment
I
have been asked quite a bit recently about the effects of the extreme cold weather we can experience here in St. Louis and the audio equipment in vehicles, so I thought we would touch on that subject this month. To be honest, I have seen very few cases of the cold having any long term effects on equipment in my 20 plus years, although we always recommend gradually warming things up in the vehicle interior before getting rambunctious. Anything with moving parts such as speakers, subwoofers, and CD/DVD players would be better served to not be frozen before use (this seems like common sense but you might be surprised at what we get to see). Just like a vehicle’s fluids in the engine, warming things up to a stable operating temperature before use is always recommended and another reason to add a remote start and sound damping material if your vehicle is out in the elements. Extreme heat, on the other hand, can cause many more issues with electronics, and many pieces have built-in thermal protection to prevent damage, should the particular piece become too hot—causing it to lower its power output (such as an amplifier) or completely turn off until proper operating temperature is achieved. Multiple high temperature subjection can cause extensive damage to the electrical components inside modern vehicle aftermarket electronics and should definitely be avoided.
“... we always recommend gradually warming things up in the vehicle interior before getting rambunctious.” So there you have it, a couple quick things to think about when our lovely Missouri weather decides to change drastically on us and reasons why the installation is even more important to get the most out of your equipment for a long time.. ■ Thank you for reading, Brandon Green/ Owner The Car Audio Shop MECP Master Certified Technician www.thecaraudioshop.co Have a question or topic idea for Mobile Electronics? Email us at submit@AutoUrge.com.
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GAR AGE TALK Y
DOCTOR OR MECHANIC?
ou might wonder what a medical doctor and an automotive repair technician have in common, but it’s actually more than you think. While the medical doctor is trained extensively in the ways of medicine, taking years of classroom training and several more years of gaining in-field experience before being certified as ready to “practice” medicine, the automotive repair technician takes a fraction of the formal training time to gain certification to repair vehicles. However, he/ she does require years of experience in the field before being able to properly diagnose, in a timely manner, the root cause of an issue. This is where the commonality comes into play. Proper root cause diagnosis is key to providing an accurate course of action in order to remedy the vehicle (or “patient”). Once the information has been collected, the physician, or technician, will make a diagnosis, and recommend a course of action, which might be something as simple as rest, medication, or a new air filter. In an extreme case, where internal damage has occurred, an invasive procedure might be required. In both cases, training and experience are just as important and are key to resolving the issue. As vehicles become more and more technologically advanced, the process of diagnosing an issue has become increasingly complicated, with not only training and experience becoming more critical, but having the proper tools to perform a complete diagnosis adding to the process. In the coming months, I hope to dive further into the specialized tools that are used, in the
hopes of providing some insight into their use and how they help the technician diagnose a vehicle’s issue. ■ Article by Gene Harris of Jim Miles Garage, LLC
For more information, please visit www. jimmilesgarage.com Have a question or topic idea for Garage Talk? Email us at submit@AutoUrge.com
COVERAGE FOR THE THINGS YOU CARE FOR ■ Automobile insurance ■ Life insurance ■ Business insurance
Chad Williams Farmers Agency
Your Local Agent 4409 MERAMEC BOTTOM RD STE A, SAINT LOUIS, MO 63129 CWILLIAMS9@FARMERSAGENT.COM
Call 314.714.4120 today! For Home, Auto, Life and Business.
Restrictions apply. Discounts may vary. Not available in all states. See your agent for details. Insurance is underwritten by Farmers Insurance Exchange and other affiliated insurance companies. Visit farmers.com for a complete listing of companies. Not all insurers are authorized to provide insurance in all states. Coverage is not available in all states. Life Insurance issued by Farmers New World Life Insurance Company, 3120 139th Ave. SE, Ste. 300, Bellevue, WA 98005.
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Out of
ByRonTucker | PhotosbyRyanLedesma
the Gate
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FEB 2020
T
he Ford Mustang Mach 1 was first introduced as a 1969 model just five short years after the Mustang was first introduced and sold to the public in April of 1964. 1964-68 were considered a compact/sporty “pony” car and were based on the Ford Falcon. The 1969 and 1970 Mach 1’s are considered firstgeneration and were built as a performance-oriented option for the Mustang.
However, the Mach 1 was only available as a V8, fastback or “SportsRoof” body style and included the now-iconic matte black hood stripe with hood pins. Other styling cues were the hood scoop (Shaker optional), chrome gas cap, new revised wheels, rear deck spoiler, rear window louvers, and optional chin spoiler. All Mach 1’s also included a competition suspension, deluxe interior with wood grain details and high back bucket seats.
While the 1968 Mustang Shelby GT500KR introduced the 428 cu. Cobra Jet FE engine, Ford could see the need for a revised Mustang to compete as a performance class vehicle against GM’s Camaro/Firebird, the Plymouth Barracuda and the AMC Javelin.
Little changed in 1970 for the Mach 1 from the 1969 model. The most notable change was the change from four headlights to two. 1970 now had dual-beam headlights within the grill area and the previous inner headlights now included new sport lamps in that location. In addition, on both sides of the grill are twin simulated air scoops.
The name Mach 1 was first used on a 1959 Ford concept car. Continued on next page. The Mach 1 was one of six Mustang models available in 1969.
LynetteLewis’ 1970FordMustangMach1 FEB 2020
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The powerplant options for the Mach 1 included the standard 351 cu in (5.8L) Windsor (for 1969) or Cleveland (for 1970) 2V motor with a 3-speed manual transmission and a 9-inch open rear axle. Optional was the 351W or C - 4V, a 390 cu in (6.4L) and the big displacement 428 cu in (7.0L) Cobra Jet 4V. A 4-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmission was offered as an option along with a “traction lock” rear axle. These first-gen Mach 1’s were available in 1969 and 1970. A new facelift/ generation would be introduced as a 1972 model. There would be a total of four generations of the Mach 1, with the most recent being 2003-2004. This fine example of a first-gen Mustang Mach 1 is Lynette Lewis’ of O’Fallon, MO. Her 1970 Mach 1 is in the unique Calypso Coral color. You might remember the Lewis name as we have featured a few of their cars. Her Mach 1 is date code matching and is a Marti code correct car and fully optioned with a 351 cu in Cleveland and an automatic transmission. This car has ad-on air conditioning—as we do live in the Midwest. Lynette purchased the car 6 years ago and the car had been recently restored – body on. Lynette’s desire and connection to this car stems from her owning a 1969 version in high school. Weather permitting, you can see Lynette’s Mach 1 at various local car shows/meets and Ford’s Unlimited events. See even more photos of this month’s feature car at AutoUrge.com ■
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1970 Fun Facts Automotive Related Facts:
· 1970 Mustang Mach 1 base price $3,271.00. · Cost of a gallon of Gas: 36 cents. · Car 8 Track Stereo Tape Player: $38.99. · 1970 was a difficult year for US automobile manufacturers. Strikes and small-compact-gas friendly foreign cars were making an impact. · The Volkswagen Beetle was the leading import. · AMC introduced the Gremlin - $1,879.00. · Ford introduced the Pinto. · GM introduced the Vega. · Auto insurance companies lobbied to demand the auto mfg.’s to add low-speed bumpers.
General Facts
· US President- Richard Nixon. · DOW Jones dropped to 669. · Age to vote is lowered to 18. · Sports Illustrated: .06 cents. · Average Cost of new house $26,600.00. · 25” Cinema Screen Color TV $739.95. · First Jumbo Jet goes into service. Boeing 747 makes the first commercial flight from New York to London and was operated by Pan-Am. · Apollo 13 mission to the moon accident and safe return. · First computer chess tournament takes place. · The Beatles release “Let it be”. · Popular films: MASH, Patton, Hello Dolly. · Popular toys of 1970 include Hot Wheels Track and Cars, NHL Table Hockey, Frosty Snow Cone Maker and Gigantor Robot.
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AU Mobile Photo
AutoUrge at the
America’s Center & The Dome 2020
SAINT LOUIS AUTO SHOW
AU Mobile Photo
AU Mobile Photo
AU Mobile Photo
AU Mobile Photo
January 23-26 Another new car auto show is in the books. From January 23-26, residents from all around visited this annual event at the Americas Center in downtown St. Louis. This is a much-needed break from the cold weather and a family-friendly event. If you were in the market for a new vehicle, this was the event for you. From an enthusiast’s point of view, there was plenty to check out from the drifting exhibition to a few aftermarket companies’ solutions for your vehicle. The much anticipated new C8 Corvette and Mustang GT500 were in attendance. Many new 2020 models from various manufacturers were also on hand to check out. In addition, there was representation from a few local area clubs and some spectacular member’s cars - including the Porsche Club of America/St. Louis Region, the Original Corvette Club of St. Louis and January’s AutoUrge Magazine Club Highlight—the Horseless Carriage Club of Missouri. Please enjoy these photos we captured from this year’s event. For even more auto show pictures, please visit AutoUrge.com.
More photos on page 14.
Photos by Robert Ledesma unless noted otherwise ■
AU Mobile Photo
AU Mobile Photo
Reader’s Rides
JEFF SNAPE’S1990 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTI (UK MARKET) LAKE ST. LOUIS, MO This month’s Reader’s Rides is a hot hatch icon...the Golf GTI. The Golf was born in 1974 and the GTI version in 1976. In 1978, with the purchase of an automotive plant here in the states, the Golf came to the US as the Rabbit and was sold as such until 1983. VW was the first manufacturer to produce cars in the US paving the way for many others. In 1985 VW released the Golf GTI in the US as the 2nd generation (MK2) Golf option. The GTI was a hit, in fact, it was Motor Trend’s Car of the Year in 1985. Many refer to the Golf GTI as the first true Hot Hatch inspiring a whole new category and a lot of today’s modern-day performance hatches. As of today, there have been many variants of the Golf GTI and is now in its seventh generation (actually 7.5). Today the Golf GTI enjoys the company of a brother car...the Golf R, which features more horsepower and all-wheel drive performance. However, many consider the GTI to be the sweet spot choice that has a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde personality... however in a good way. Any enthusiast driver will agree without a doubt that it is the perfect combination of a daily driver and back road carver. This all brings us to this month’s unique Reader’s Ride...Jeff Snape’s 1990 Volkswagen Golf GTI (UK Market). Jeff is originally from the UK and went with his father to the dealership in Wrexham, North Wales at the age of 8 years old to pick up his dad’s new car—the 1990 Golf GTI. The car served as an “emergency vehicle” equipped with emergency service radios, emergency blue lights, and a siren. You see Jeff’s dad worked as a senior fire officer in Cheshire, England. The car has responded to various accidents, chemical spills, and even terrorist activity. The car also served as the main family car. Jeff’s family always serviced the GTI by a GTI Engineering specialist based at the renowned Silverstone Racing Circuit in England and later by Central VW Audi, a local specialist. At the age of 19, Jeff took over ownership. Then the car sat in storage in Jeff’s parent’s garage for 8 years after Jeff made the move to the US,
as the car was not old enough to be legally imported to the states. Jeff heard from a lot of naysayers to the effect that he would never get the car to the states and he should just sell it. However, Jeff had no doubt they would be reunited. Then last year the car finally became eligible to be imported. Jeff enlisted Jamie Orr of Orchid Euro to transport the car here to the states. They had the car transported back to the Volkswagen factory in Germany and then Volkswagen brought it stateside in their own ship. Upon arrival, Jeff’s car won its class in the first show ever entered here locally. Jeff has a true passion for his GTI and has every service record and the original invoice including the bill of sale. Jeff even has a Heritage letter from Volkswagen certifying its pedigree. Jeff comments that everyone is surprised by his dedication to his GTI by importing his car to the US. Jeff vows to never sell the car despite the numerous offers. It amazes many people that Jeff is able to drive the GTI as it was meant to be driven and that the GTI seems to have not lost a step along the years. Jeff admits the car is near perfect mechanically and cosmetically, however, needs to tackle a few minor corrosion issues. Although it has been a challenge to keep the car, Jeff loves his GTI and it shows. We enjoyed learning about Jeff and his GTI. No doubt Jeff developed the AutoUrge early and is a true enthusiast. Photos by Jeff Snape, unless noted otherwise. Jeff sent us numerous photos of his car’s journey. Visit AutoUrge.com to see even more. We love hearing these types of stories. Contact us today if you would like to be considered for a future Reader’s Ride!
Share your pride and joy with us and possibly see your ride within the pages of AutoUrge Magazine in our Reader’s Rides section. Send us your info at submit@AutoUrge.com and/or visit AutoUrge.com. ■
Photo by Jamie Orr
Photo by Jamie Orr
Photo by Jamie Orr
FEB 2020
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2020 STL Auto Show Continued from page 11
AU Mobile Photo
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Business Directory For our area’s local enthusiasts.
AUTOMOTIVE PERFORMANCE
MOBILE ELECTRONICS
AUTOMOTIVE PHOTOGRAPHY
CLASSIFIEDS
CAR CARE
1995 Mustang GT
TRUCK/JEEP ACCESSORIES
VARIOUS AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES
AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR SERVICES
$7,200 - Edelbrock Intake. Bassani headers. E303 cam. 5 speed. Saleen body Kit. Cervini Newer paint. Runs great, looks great, sounds great. Text for more info or pics! Located in St. Louis, MO. Contact: 636-212-1595
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“THE STRIP”
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