FREE
PLUS: How to Take Better Photos of Cars Using Your Phone
Also available online at: AutoUrge.com
MAY 2020
TM
FOR THE AUTO ENTHUSIAST IN YOU
MAGAZINE
Street Beast z28 Also Inside: • Keep Maintaining Your Vehicle Even If It Sits Idle • May 2019 Feature Throwback: Quicksand • Reader’s Rides, In the Garage, Enthusiast Cartoon, & more
Quicksand Revisited
.COM FOR THE AUTO ENTHUSIAST IN YOU
Letter from the Publisher Dear Readers, As I write this it is the middle of April, we are still under “Stay at Home” orders due to the situation we all find ourselves in. As a publication that works at least a month in advance, it is challenging for us to know where we will all be with this come May and beyond. Therefore we have made the difficult decision to not have a printed/circulated version of the magazine for the May and June issues. The April issue was the last distributed “in the rack” issue for the foreseeable future. We hope to be back to normal after the June issue, however, it is day-to-day. Moving forward: we have always had a digital flip magazine on our website to view and now it will have even more enhancements for your enjoyment. Note: If you want to purchase a print version of this issue, contact us at info@AutoUrge.com for more details. We are looking at a print on demand solution for our print fans. Please support our local businesses as they cannot wait to meet you at your needs. Some have temporarily closed, while others are open with limited hours and some have even started to help with producing PPE’s (personal protective equipment) for our area and beyond. In this issue, you will see an advertisement for the AutoUrge Cover Car Contest that will run from now through May 22nd. The winners will be featured in the June issue! See these ads, our website, and our social media for details. Voting will be done via a Facebook post. Even if you do not win, you could catch our eye for a future Reader’s Ride, etc. We have featured many local clubs in our “Club Highlight” in past issues. Submit your club to be featured now. Our readers look forward to learning more about our local car clubs/organizations. Visit AutoUrge. com or email us at submit@AutoUrge.com with the subject line “Club Highlight”.
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Do you take car photos? We sat down with our Head Photographer - Ryan Ledesma to get his tips on how to “Take better photos of cars with your cell phone”. Look for this video and maybe one of his tips will help you be chosen in our upcoming Photo Contest. The winners of this contest will be featured in a future issue. AutoUrge exists for the area’s automotive enthusiasts and now more than ever we all understand how valuable our local area is and the people within it. We miss seeing and interacting with all of you, however through these contests and highlighting local cars and people we can still have a sense of that automotive comradery we all are used to. As always, if you have any thoughts and/or ideas you want to share, you can email me directly at Ron@AutoUrge.com. Stay safe. Sincerely,
Ron Tucker Publisher AutoUrge a Two Lane Ventures Company, LLC
Contents:
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Letter from the Publisher By Ron Tucker - Publisher for AutoUrge Magazine.
Feature: Street Beast z28 1970 Chevrolet Camaro z28 Restomod \ Street Machine
Quicksand: Revisted We share some never before published photos from the May 2019 Feature photo shoot and more.
In the Garage Updates from the January 2020 segment A locally owned 1968 Camaro project.
Mobile Electronics Brandon Green and his team help out with producing PPE’s - Personal Protection Devices.
Reader’s Rides 1965 VW 1200 - owned by Clyde Johnson JR of St. Charles, MO
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Car Maintainence
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How To
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The Strip
Keep Maintaining Your Vehicle Even If It Sits Idle How to Take Better Photos of Cars Using your Cell Phone This months cartoon and caption contest.
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Photo by Ryan Ledesma
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AutoUrge Magazine
MAY 2020 Issue #41 Published by: Two Lane Ventures, LLC Publisher: Ron Tucker ron@AutoUrge.com www.AutoUrge.com Printed in the USA
Contact Us:
info@AutoUrge.com
Advertising:
Ron Tucker Ron@AutoUrge.com 636-442-2616
Creative:
Designer: Victoria Braswell-Heskett design@AutoUrge.com
Brand Ambassador: Eric Bischof Eric.AutoUrge@gmail.com 314-384-6869
Photography:
Director of Photography/Head Photographer: Ryan Ledesma Contributing Photographers: Robert Ledesma, Karl Lund
Copy Editor: Taylor Tucker
Digital Content Producer: Adam Tucker
Correspondents:
Š Copyright Two Lane Ventures, LLC., 20162020 All content, copy, layout and design is property of Two Lane Ventures, LLC and may not be reproduced without permission. Disclaimer: AutoUrge simply connects sellers with buyers and is not responsible for any fact checking and/or inaccurate information. Publication of an advertisement and/or Free or Paid Classified does not constitute endorsement or approval of any product or service advertised, or any point of view, standard, or opinion presented therein. AutoUrge is not responsible for any claims made in an advertisement and/or classified appearing in its publications and/or on its website.
On The Cover: Photo by Ryan Ledesma
Nick Book, Brandon Green, Gene Harris, Dave Whitworth
Street z28
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Beast Written by Ryan Wagoner Photos by Ryan Ledesma
1970 Chevrolet Camaro z28 Restomod / Street Machine Ryan Ledesma had the opportunity to photograph this car for Driven Rods and Rides of Maryland Heights, MO a while back before it went to its new owner in Oklahoma. Enjoy a look at this one of a kind, rare split bumper Camaro.
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his ride is an absolute beast of a car and only the finest parts were used in this build. Here you have the timeless, ‘70 Camaro body with all the luxuries of today’s must-have technology. With a fresh fire breathing 1,400 horse twinturbocharged 454ci LSX v8 complete with LS7 mastheads, the entire drivetrain has had no expense spared. Starting with a RHS tall deck block, Callies Magnum crank, Callies Ultra HD rods, diamond coated custom pistons, Compcam custom camshaft, Mast intake, ARP fasteners, and a Wegener front-drive system— you can basically hear the cash register dinging. The twin turbochargers are precision 72mm with Pro Charger blow off valves and an air to air intercooler. All that power is delivered through a t56 Magnum 6 speed with Spec Super twin-clutch, a quick time scatter shield, and a custom driveshaft mated to a Strange Engineering Ford 9” rear end with Detroit lockers, Strange third member (3.73 gear ratio) and 35 spline axles. With a fresh complete rotisserie restoration, the body has been fitted with DSE mini tubs, new rear quarters, all new glass, custom L88 fiberglass hood, and beautiful custom paint and bodywork. Additionally, the chassis received multiple high-end upgrades starting with a Heidt’s front subframe assembly, frame connectors, Flaming River rack and pinion, Wilwood 12” disc brakes, and Ridetech adjustable coilovers. Outback you’ll find a Ridetech 4 link system plus more 12” Wilwood disc brakes and Ridetech adjustable coil-overs. All this horsepower needs tons of cooling power, new wiring, and a proper fuel system. Cooling is provided by a massive Ron Davis aluminum radiator backed by dual electric fans. The electrical system consists of a new Holley Dominator EFI system, Auto Wire classic update wire kit, Auto Meter gauges, and Holley sensors and relays. The fuel system starts with a 19-gallon DSE fuel tank, Aeromotive twin phantom fuel pumps, and Holley 160lb injectors. Yes, of course! This ride also has a vintage air kit with full heat and air conditioning that will freeze you out! This Camaro also sounds incredible with its full custom headers and dual exhaust system. The interior has been mildly customized with a practical roll cage which has swing-out arms and back seat section making it easy to get in and out of and much more streetable. None of that crawling over bars crap with this car to get in and out. Also, a sexy new Billet Specialties steering wheel, custom shifter, modern gauges, and carbon dash insert, plus racing harnesses round out this all-new interior nicely. The custom stereo sounds excellent with a new Kenwood Excelon AM/FM/CD/Pandora/SiriusXM/iPod/iPhone/iHeart radio/ Bluetooth unit with aux/USB plugins, with pioneer speakers and a kicker sub and amp in the trunk. This beauty isn’t the same ole Camaro everyone else has or has been seen countless times at your local car show. It would cost well over $150,000 with paid labor and months, if not years, to have a ride of this quality and magnitude built. ■ Want More? We have even More Photos to see of this month’s Feature at AutoUrge.com! ■
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Vehicle Highlights: - 454ci twin-turbocharged LSX v8 -LS7 aluminum heads - Magnum 6 speed - Ridetech suspension - Vintage Air -Wilwood 4 wheel disk brakes - Custom gauges - Mini tubed - Dual exhaust with custom headers - Ford 9� rear end with .373 gears & posi - Mickey Thompson wheels and tires - Custom sound system - Custom cowl hood - Tinted windows - And so much more!!
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QUICKSAND May 2019 Feature -Revisited-
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ach month we try and bring you the best of the area’s locally owned vehicles. One of the hardest parts of this is deciding which of the many amazing photos make the cut for the issue. So, we had an idea, let’s revisit some of these feature cars/trucks from time to time and finally share what didn’t make it into the magazine.
Enjoy these never before seen photos from our May 2019 Feature – Quicksand a locally owned 1950 Chevrolet 3100 Custom built pickup owned by Ken Brauch of Wright City, MO. Did you miss the original issue last year? No problem, we have it live on our site at AutoUrge.com. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn what went into building this one of a kind truck built right here locally in Ken’s pole barn. We have also included some of the original build photos Ken had provided us. Lastly visit AutoUrge.com to see Ken’s most recent updates to his Quicksand truck since we shot this last year. ■
Photos by Ryan Ledesma Ken Brauch, Mark Madden
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The Build Owner submitted “build” photosen
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In the Garage R
ecently seen in the “In the Garage” section of the January 2020 issue, we featured Ken Brauch’s newest project — a 1968 Chevrolet Camaro RS/SS. His car sports an all numbers matching 396cu
big block, 4-speed, and 12 bolt posi rear end. A lot has happened since then. Ken sent us some updates. Enjoy and if you are like us, we can’t wait to see the finished project...and feature it!■
Attention Readers:
For additional pictures and to submit your ride, visit www.AutoUrge.com. To see more of Ken’s build pics, visit AutoUrge.com. Owner submitted photos.
Submit your work-in-progress project to be considered for a future “In the Garage” section. Email us at submit@AutoUrge.com and/or visit us at AutoUrge.com. Please include a brief description and a few photos of your project.
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Making a difference here locally producing PPE’s
mobile electronics
Online Only Video: Check out our online version for a video from Brandon Green.
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e visited with Brandon Green of The Car Audio Shop to discuss how his company is helping out under these circumstances during this time of need.
The Car Audio Shop is taking time, along with normal business responsibilities, to help produce PPE’s or Personal Protective Equipment. They teamed up with Joesph Oetjen of Xclusive Auto Sound of Bellville, IL. Together they are making a difference in our community and beyond. Take a minute and watch the video here or at AutoUrge.com to learn more about their efforts. ■
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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.
Left to Right: Dr. Luten with Alton Memorial Hospital & Brandon Green
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.
MAY 2020
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Reader’s Rides
1965 VW 1200 ST. CHARLES, MO
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he 1965 VW Deluxe Sedan was purchased on June 30, 1965, from Roy Bridges Motors of Birmingham, Alabama by Clyde and Pauline Johnson — parents of Clyde Jr. and grandparents of Tom & Jon Johnson. The purchase price was $1,820.17 which included $22.32 in taxes and $7.00 in the license plate and fuel cost. The car was well equipped with #518 Java Green paint, #83 Mesh Grey Leatherette upholstery, push out rear windows, seal beam headlights, a Sapphire I radio, and rear fender guards. The VW 1200 was an air-cooled 1192 CC, 40 horsepower engine with a four-speed transmission. Pauline used the car as a “grocery getter” and as a symbol of her independence until her passing in August 1988. Clyde Jr. brought the car to its present residence in St. Charles, MO. The car is driven usually once a week and has been shown on many cruise nights, “Show and Shines” and Easter Car Shows. In 2018 it won “Air Cooled Antique Choice” at the annual Schafley Air-Cooled Car Show. The VW remains totally stock and the only changes other than normal maintenance have been a clutch replacement as well as an intake manifold that replaced a rusted out unit. In the late 1960s, the car was repainted due to color fade with the original color. The car has never been involved in an accident and currently has 56,947 miles on the odometer. The car has been a family favorite and has provided many happy memories. This car will remain in the family for generations to come. By Clyde & Tom Johnson Photos provided by the car owner 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. ■
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ith a majority of vehicle owners living in areas of the country that have stay-at-home orders, many vehicles may be sitting idle for days or weeks at a time. The non-profit Car Care Council recommends starting your car at least once a week and keeping up with routine auto care to help prevent potential maintenance issues.
“Just as it is recommended that people stay active during this time of social distancing, your car should get some activity as well,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “If your vehicle sits idle for too long, the battery could die, the tires can develop flat spots and the engine oil may start to deteriorate. Just a short solo drive once a week and a little car care will keep your car running efficiently and safely.” When starting your car weekly, let it run for at least five minutes. If the vehicle is started in a garage, make sure the garage door is open and there is plenty of ventilation. In addition, the Car Care Council suggests monitoring the following areas of your vehicle if it sits idle for long periods of time. Battery – Today’s vehicles have several computers that are always in operation, so if a car sits too long without recharging, the battery could die within a couple of weeks. Tires – Maintain proper tire pressure to improve vehicle performance and gas mileage. Doing so is also important for vehicle safety. Checking the tire pressure frequently is more important if the car is parked for long periods of time. Vehicles that sit idle too long can develop flat spots, so taking a brief drive every once in a while will help prevent bald spots, and recharge the battery, too. Fuel – Today’s modern fuel systems help preserve the life of the gas in your tank and also prevent fuel oxidation. Keeping a full tank of gas helps limit gas-tank condensation. If you are still concerned about the gas in your tank going bad, a fuel stabilizer may help extend the life of your fuel. Oil – If a car sits too long, the oil can deteriorate, so continue to change the oil at the proper time intervals, even if you are not driving your normal mileage. It is always best to check the owner’s manual for the maximum time you should wait between oil changes. Brakes – If a car sits idle, rust can start to form on the brake rotors, especially if the car is parked outside. Driving your car at least once a week will help prevent rust buildup. Cleaning – Removing the grime and sediment that builds up on the outside of your car helps prevent rust, and cleaning the interior is important, too. Wipe down the dashboard, steering wheel, cup holders, door handles, vents, and console with a quality, all-purpose automotive cleaner that will help disinfect the interior areas of your vehicle. For more helpful information about maintaining your vehicle for safety, dependability and value, visit www.carcare.org/car-care-guide to order the Car Care Council’s free 80-page Car Care Guide.come. ■
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How to Take Better Photos of Cars using your
Cell Phone
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ecently we had the opportunity to sit down, via Zoom, with our Head Photographer - Ryan Ledesma. Recently, with all the time on our hands, it is still possible to get out -- even if just in the driveway. While you’re out, you can take photos of your cars using some of Ryan’s tips and suggestions. We discussed how you can take your cell phone and produce even better photos with just a few changes. In this video we discuss the following: Biggest Mistake people make when using a cell phone to photograph a car
Lighting - Sun and Shade considerations Under and overexposure Polarizers- do we need one? HDR and auto-modes Composition. Staging your car for the shoot and paying attention to what will be photographed and how it is placed in relationship to other objects in the image. Detail shots What is macro? And more…. You can click on the video here on this page (if viewing online) or visit AutoUrge.com to view.
Online Only Video: Check out our online version for a video for this article.
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We hope you enjoy the knowledge Ryan shares with us and stay tuned for even more tips and tricks in the near future. We would love to see your creativity at work. If you share your photos on Instagram, etc. use #autourge and/or #autourgetips and show us what worked for you. And…Lastly, apply these tips and enter a photo in our Photo of the Month Contest. The winner(s) will be published in a future issue. Click the Photo Contest ad below to enter or visit AutoUrge.com. ■
“THE STRIP”
Caption Contest
Visit AutoUrge.com, AU Facebook and/or AutoUrge Instagram to Submit”
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