Vol. 20 Issue #51
Dec 17-23, 2020
Price: FREE
The 2020 Detroit Autorama Extreme
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Vol. 20 Issue 51 Dec 17-23, 2020
inside It’s All The Gearhead News You Can Use!
The Staff Jim “Jimmy B” Brandau Jim “Jimmy B” Brandau Larry Williams – Williams Graphics Butch Pate Michael Corazzelli Craig Wise Web Producer Jack Cobb - tnhost.com Advertising Adrienne Arnett Senior Feature Writer Emeritus: Ed Woodard Contributors Jim Kinne, Cartoon Speed Shop, Walker Radiator, Koul Tools Publisher / Editor Feature Writers Art Director-Designer Photography
Advertising Publisher: Jim “Jimmy B” Brandau Car Show & Event listings, Cruise Night Listings, Personal FOR SALE/SWAP ads, Car Club Listings are all listed for free. For all other advertising cost & availabilities contact Jim Brandau at 615-3002003 8am—6pm CST or at gearheadgazzette@gmail.com Editorial content is the sole property of the GEARHEAD GAZZETTE. All information contained in each issue is the sole opinion and comments of the editor. The opinions and comments expressed in this issue do not reflect in any way either written or implied on any of the Sponsors or Advertisers in each issue. No portion of the GEARHEAD GAZZETTE maybe reproduced in any form, without written permission from the publisher .All information relating to dates, times and locations of events is only as accurate, as provided to the GEARHEAD GAZZETTE. The GEARHEAD GAZZETTE will not be held responsible for any errors in the information provided.
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The Fun Starts Here 5 Road Rumblings 6-7 Southeast USA Shows 8 Midwest USA Shows 8 Western USA Shows 8 West Coast USA Shows 10 N’EAST-EAST Coast USA Shows 10 Cruise-In’s in the USA 12-18 Down In The Basement 20 Upcoming Car Shows 24-26 BUY-SELL-TRADE-WANTED 30 0ut The Back Door 33
Cover: Cool Hot Rod at the Detroit Autorama Extreme by Jimmy B Contents Page: Christmas Hot Rod Art from Jim Kinne & Cartoon Speed gearheagazzette@gmail.com www.gearheadgazzette.com www.facebook.com/gearhead-gazzette twitter@gearheadgazzett Instagram@gearheaddgazzette Send submissions via email or direct mail to GEARHEAD GAZZETTE 2685 Buckner Rd Thompsons Station TN 37179
“ Ya Gotta know where to Go….The FUN Starts Here….” “Is there anybody out there willing to carry a torch?”
Last Friday was a sad day for everyone in street rodding….. On Friday December 11th, the street rod, aftermarket, specialty vehicle world got rocked pretty good! A long time street rod, hot rod, specialty vehicle parts company shut its doors for good!
We have heard a lot of speculation on why Walker closed up shop. All of it is just that...speculation. The thing is that Walker is not the only company that deals in the specialty vehicle arena that has closed up their business in 2020. There are others that we have talked about in past issues. Fact is many of these businesses we use and count on, their owners and founders and in some cases the family member(s) who picked up the torch to continue the business are getting older and its time to retire. We all want to retire and enjoy our days in a different way than working the daily grind. Someone or somebody’s need to pick up the torches and make sure these companies and products carry on. Easy for me to say and hard to do. It still needs to be done. Is there anybody out there willing to carry a torch? I hope so...
Walker Radiator Company sent out a letter to everyone and anyone who every did business with them, that they official ceased operations! You can see their letter on page 6 of this issue for yourself. YES there are other radiator manufacturers out there. Many of them are very good with great products. Many of these are based in the USA (which we personally like a lot!) and some off shore too. But this is Walker Radiator.. A stalwart in the street rod industry. Vernon Walker Sr. is a huge part of the NSRA too. Has been since its inception also.
Live It Fully Everyday
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Jimmy B.
“the fun starts here”….
Walker Radiator Closes It’s Doors!
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Koul Tools Nylon Fuel Line Assembly Kit Nylon fuel line can be a pain to work with. While it’s not as “pokey” as assembling a steelbraided hose, it’s not easy by any stretch of the imagination. That is what motivated the team at Koul Tools to develop a tool to easily assemble 5/16-inch and 3/8-inch nylon line onto all of the requisite fittings. “Mechanics and car enthusiasts have been asking for a solution to assemble nylon fuel lines and we’ve responded,” said Dick Raczuk, founder of Koul Tools. What Raczuk came up with is a heavy-duty assembly kit with specially designed clamps to secure both the line and the fitting, which is then mated to the EZ-ON press and the fitting and line are joined through a screw drive. “What’s great about the EZ-ON Hose Press is that the clamps and vise are removable, making it possible to create a solution for almost any type of hose or fitting,” says Raczuk. The assembly kit for the EZ-ON tool is designed to handle straight, elbow, and union fittings, in both 5/16- and 3/8-inch sizes. The EZ-ON press can also be used to assemble more traditional push-lock style hose and hose ends, and if you happen to already own an EZON press for that purpose, you can simply buy the nylon fuel line assembly kit to bolt on to your existing tool. And if you manage to wear out any of the parts of the kit, they are fully rebuildable with parts available on Koul Tool’s website. 7
DEC 2020: NO CAR SHOWS THIS WEEKEND—CHECK THE CRUISE SECTION FOR GEARHEAD FUN
IN THE SOUTHEAST REGION.
DEC 2020: NO CAR SHOWS THIS WEEKEND—CHECK THE CRUISE SECTION FOR GEARHEAD FUN IN THE MIDWEST REGION.
DEC 2020: DEC 19: NEW CANEY TX: HOUSTON DIESELS CHRISTMAS CAR SHOW: Supporting Shriners Hospitals for Children. Event located at 21675 McCleskey Rd. Event runs from 11am-6pm. Top prize for each Trucks, cars, motorcycle, Jeep, classic, hot rod and combo. $1,00 raffle, auction, food, petting zoo, live band, bonce houses, games and more. BRING A TOY! To register for the car show go to
www.houstondiesels.org DEC 18: AUSTIN TX: 1ST ANNUAL COAT & TOY DRIVE: Event runs from 7pm – Midnight. Event being held at Jacksons Choppers located at 2018 East Riverside. DEC 20: SAN ANTONIO TX: TOY DRIVE TRUCK & CAR SHOW: Event runs from 11am – 4pm. Event being held at the Cowboys Dance Hall in San Antonio. Each toy donated is one ticket to many prizes. Social distancing and mask wearing required.
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DEC 2020: DEC 19: CERES CA: CERES DRIVE-IN CRUISE: Meet at the Ceres Wal-Mart at 630pm. Cruise to the drive-in at 7pm. Drive in is showing HOLLYWOOD KNIGHTS movie. DEC 19: HOLLYWOOD CA: 2ND ANNUAL COAT DRIVE & BLESSING OF THE CARS: Event runs from 9am – 3pm. Please wear a mask and social distance. Collection of new or gently worn hoodies, jackets, blankets, toiletries, scarfs, gloves, NEW men's under-
wear and men's socks. Event being held at Holy Family Valley Service Center located at 10825 Moorpark St. DEC 19: STOCKTON CA: CHRISTMAS BIKE NIGHT: Event runs from 5-8pm. Event being held at John Jessups Dream Rides located at 2275 N Wilson Way. Final bike night of the year. We will give away a 2006 Ultra Classic. TO enter you need to drop off a new children's bicycle. 1 Raffle ticket for each bicycle dropped off. DEC 20: SAN FRANCISCO CA: SANTA CRUISE: Join the San Francisco Lowrider Council
as they cruise the Mission delivering toys to the families who have been affected by Covid-19. Meet at 10am at Mission Food Hub located at 701 Alabama St.
DEC 2020: NO CAR SHOWS THIS WEEKEND—CHECK THE CRUISE SECTION FOR GEARHEAD FUN IN THE NORTHEAST-EAST COAST REGION.
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3rd THURSDAY NIGHT CRUISE IN’S : HIXSON TN: HIXSON CRUISE: Cruise is held on the 3rd Thursday of each month. Cruise runs 6pm-9pm. Cruise is held at the Food City 8350 Hixson Pike 37343 in Lakesite (Dallas Bay). Hosted by The Breezy Cruisers . All cars, trucks, motorcycles, and clubs are welcome to come hangout and show off your ride. Be sure to bring a chair. For more info go to https://www.facebook.com/events/278851249904175/ FRIDAY NIGHT CRUISE IN’S : CLARKSVILLE TN: Friday Night Cruise In: Friday night cruise in! We meet up at 672 North Riverside Drive at 8pm. Please be respectable and clean up your trash. The address will take you to Rimtyme. We will be using the Rimtyme lot and the large lot right behind Rimtyme. Absolutely no burnouts, you’ll be banned from any future event without question. Every Friday night weather permitting! 8pm to 10pm. For more info go to https://www.facebook.com/events/2210377829106659/ MOBILE AL: FRIDAY NIGHT CRUISE IN: Cruise is hosted by the Pharaohs Alabama and the Po Boys. Cruise runs from 4pm - ?? Music by DJ JoJo. Cruise is held at the 5 Guys Burgers & Fries located in the McGowin Shopping Center located at 1225 Satchel Paige Dr. Family Friendly Fun EVERY SATURDAY MORNING CRUISIN’: FRANKLIN TN: NASHVILLE CARS & COFFEE CRUISE: Cruise runs from 8-11am. Held at the CARMIKE THOROUGHBRED 20 Theatre Complex located at 633 Frazier Drive. NCC is a free to attend Shine and Show event. If you are a vendor, car club or if you have any questions, please send us a message. For more info go to https:// www.facebook.com/nashvillecarsncoffee/ 3rd SATURDAY MORNING CRUISE IN’S : COLUMBIA TN: CARS AND COFFEE CRUISE: Cruise being held in the Columbia Motor Alley District at 7th & Woodland. Cruise runs from 7-10am 3rd Saturday morning of each month. CLARKSVILLE TN: Clarksville Cars and Coffee: Hosted by the Clarksville Gearhead Car Club. Cruise Location is at the Governor Square Mall, 2801 Wilma Rudolph Blvd. Hours: 9 am to Noon. Rain or Shine. Everyone and all rides welcome, FREE event. More info e-mail, clarksvillegearheads@gmail.com or go to https:// www.facebook.com/events/1752185954912570/
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SATURDAY NIGHT CRUISE IN’S : FARRAGUT TN: FARRAGUT CRUISE-IN: Cruise takes place every Saturday night weather permitting. Cruise runs from 5-8pm. Cruise s held in the old Kroger parking lot at 11208 Kingston Pike right across from the Farragut H.S. Everyone is welcome. Any questions or n3eed more info email to inspector1217@gmail.com 3rd SUNDAY CRUISE IN’S: NORCROSS GA: CRUISE IN AT THE VARSITY: Cruise is held on the 3rd Sunday afternoon all year long. Cruise runs from 3-6pm. Cruise is held at the Varsity Gwinett located at 6045 Dawson Blvd. This is a FREE Cruise-In open to ALL Years-MakesModels! Even if it's COLD outside, you can enjoy some tasty HOT food inside and catch the games on their TV! Bring your friends! These Cruise-Ins are hosted by the Georgia Cool Cruisers and Southeast Wheels Events and sponsored by Streetside Classics. All our events benefit charities. We will be accepting donations (optional) for one of our favorite causes! For more info call 404-732-6842 ASHLAND MS: ASHLAND CRUISE IN: Cruise is held on the 3rd Sunday of each month. Cruise runs from 1-3pm. Cruise is located at the Food Giant parking lot on Hwy 370. Cash, Gas drawing. Cruise in special at Shakerz. MONDAY NIGHT CRUISE IN’S: OOLTEWAH TN: OOLTEWAH CRUISE IN & BIKE NIGHT: Cruise takes place every Monday night from Jan – Dec. Cruise times are 4pm - ?? Cruise is held at Cambridge Square located at 9435 Bradmore Ln. Everyone is welcome to join.
MONDAY NIGHT CRUISE-IN’S: MORRIS IL: WENDY’S CRUISERS CRUISE-IN: Every Monday Night from 5-9 at the Wendy’s on Rt 47. Cruise-In, free small frosty or drink. Dash plaques while they last. Car Cruises, outdoor movies, concerts on the first Monday June –October. We meet all year on every Monday. Call Ken at 815-942-2032, or just show up.
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FRIDAY NIGHT CRUISE-IN’S:
CHANDLER AZ: HAPPY HOUR CAR SHOW & LIVE MUSIC: Cruise held every Friday Night. Cruise is held at the Patio at the Forum located at 2301 S Stearman Drive. Cruise runs from 4-8pm. Free wood fired pizza from 5-6:30apm. Bring your cars or just come and have fun. PASADENA TX: FREDDYS STEAKBURGERS FRIDAY NIGHT CAR, TRUCK & BIKE MEET: Cruise happens every Friday night from 6-10pm. Takes place at the Freddy's location at 4637East Sam Houston Pkwy. Open to all makes & models. Kid & pet friendly. No burnouts and no revving. 3rd FRIDAY NIGHT CRUISE-IN’S: ORO VALLEY AZ: 3rd FRIDAY NIGHT CRUISE NIGHT: Brought to you by Freddys Frozen Custard & Steakburgers (Northside). Cruise takes place at 11143 N Oracle Rd. Cruise runs from 6-9pm on 3rd Friday of the month. Open to cars & bikes from all era’s. All makes and models from car clubs or lone wolf’s. Simple Rules. No burnouts, no loud music, be respectful of others and the property and parking lot must be left clean. Hosted by the Obsessions Car Club. For more info go to https:// www.facebook.com/Northsidecruisein 3rd SATURDAY NIGHT CRUISE-IN’S: SAN TAN VALLEY AZ: SATURDAY AFTERNOON CRUISE-IN: Hosted by the Saturday Night Cruisers. Cruise runs from 4pm - ??. Cruise starts Oct.21st and runs on the 3rd Saturday of the month. Being held at Freddy’s Steakburgers at the corner of Hunt Hwy & Gary Rd. Music, raffles, Peoples Choice Award, Steakburgers & frozen custard and lights…we have lights. Win a $25 gift Certificate from Freddy’s every cruise night. For info call 480-204-6201 HOUSE SPRINGS MO: CRUISIN’ DOWN THE BOULEVARD: Held on the 3rd Saturday night of the month thru Nov. Cruise starts at 5pm and is held at Gravois Springs Plaza located at Hwy MM & Hwy 30 at 10 Gravois Rd. All customs, classics and specialty vehicles welcome. Food, fun, music and prizes. For more info call 314-8496537
FRIDAY NIGHT CRUISE-IN GARDEN GROVE CA: GARDEN GROVE MAIN ST CAR SHOW: Cruise is held every Friday night from 5-8pm. Enter on north side off Acacia Pkwy. Hot Rods, Muscle cars, trucks, trophies, awards, raffles, music, food and vendors. Bring your friends and family for good times. LONG BEACH CA: LONG BEACH CRUISE NIGHT: Held every Friday. Meet at Rosie’s at Dog Beach Parking lot. Leave the beach at 8pm. Head to the IN-N-Out in Signal Hill over around 9pm. For more info go to Long Beach Cruise Night on IG . 16
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FRIDAY NIGHT CRUISE-IN NORTHRIDGE CA: Bob's-Northridge FridayCruz’20: EVERY FRIDAY IN NORTHRIDGE [since 2009!] the local hot rodders and classic car enthusiasts have rolled in to cruise their favorite burger joint. Bring out your hot rod (be it a classic cruiser or modern muscle), unpack your folding chairs and join in while enjoying something from Bob's menu or shopping the local stores! Cruise runs from 4-10pm at Bob’s Big Boy Northridge located at 8876 Corbin Ave. For more info go to https:// www.facebook.com/events/165520048066705/ SATURDAY MORNING CRUISE-IN’S: CONCORD CA: CARS, COFFEE & BIKES: Cruise is held every Saturday morning from 10am – 1pm. Cruise is held at Perfect Brew & Juice located at 1776 Arnold Industrial Way Ste A. Parking lot event. Masks and Social Distancing in effect.
SATURDAY NIGHT CRUISE-IN LOS GATOS CA: CLASSIC CRUISING: Cruising every Saturday Night starting at 7pm. Cruise is on unless it rains. Cruise is held at Classic Burgers of Los Gatos at 15737 Los Gatos 3rd SATURDAY NIGHT CRUISE-IN ORLAND CA: BURGERS & CARS: Takes place on the 3rd Saturday night of each month. Located at 7544 Cutting Ave. Cruise runs from 5-8pm. 3rd SUNDAY MORNING CRUISE IN’S : PETALUMA CA: CARS & COFFEE PETALUMA: Held the 3rd Sunday morning of each month. Cruise runs from 8-10am. Cruise is held at 389 S McDowell Blvd, in the parking lot between Pete’s Coffee and Noah’s Bagels. Open to al vehicles and motorcycles. SONOMA CA: DEVILS BREW CARS AND COFFEE: Hosted by the Devils Darlin’s. Cruise is held on the 3rd Sunday morning of each month. Cruise runs from 8-10am. Cruise is held at the Sonoma Plaza.
MORNING CRUISE IN’S: LIVINGSTON NJ: CRUISE FOR COFFEE: Cruise is held every Sunday morning weather permitting. Cruise runs from 10am-12noon. Cruise is held at The Twisted Tulip at The Shoppes at the Livingston Circle located at 277 Eisenhower Pkwy
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Article & Photography by Jimmy B
When gearheads hear the words Detroit Autorama, the majority of the time they immediately think about the RIDLER Award. They think of this with good reason as its one of only a couple PREMIER awards handed out in the show car world each year. When the doors open to the show each day, gearheads flock to the front of the show and all the gleaming, chrome plated , slick pant craftsman built cars, hot rod s and trucks. They want to check out all those rides going after the BIG trophy. Then there are the rest of the showgoers...a smaller but no less interested gearheads, heading for the very back corner of the main floor. It’s there they get on the escalator to head to “THE BASEMENT” in Cobo Hall and one of the coolest events all year long….The Autorama Extreme.
If you have never been to this show within a show, you might ask, what is this 20
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all about. Let us a tell you a little bit about it.. First let us tell you what it isn’t. It’s no Ridler contenders, no big displays, hardly any stanchions and no carpet under the cars. What it is when you head down the escalator….rockabilly music hits you before you see it, then its cars and trucks with patina, 30-40-50 year old paint that is cracked….tuck and roll interiors with some cracks in the material. It is also some cool customs, drag cars, car clubs parked together, and one bitchin car show inside instead of outside. That’s right ...take away the grass or blacktop and put a roof over it and you have a small taste of what the Autorama Extreme really is. Yes there are cars and trucks with some of the shiniest paint you will ever see, but they WANT TO BE downstairs because they are more worried about having a good time all weekend, versus worrying who they are up against for a class trophy. This is where the traditional style hot rods, customs drag cars hang out all weekend long. This is where the party is at, all weekend long. Add in vendors who are into the more traditional side of our hobby, automotive artists from across the USA, a Pin-Up Girl contest ( not trashy but very classy) live rock-a-billy bands and even legendary car customizer Gene Winfield chopping a top across the whole weekend. If it sounds like a party and a good time...you are absolutely right...it is!. Make plans now to check out the 2021 Autorama Extreme in Detroit and we’ll see you there Daddio!. 23
JAN 2021: JAN 2: COMMERCE GA: NORTHEAST GEORGIA SWAP MEET: Automotive and motorcy-
cle swap meet. Event held at the ATLANTA DRAGWAY located at 500 E. Ridgeway Rd. 250-350 vendors every month. For more info go to www.NEGeorgiaSwapMeet.com or call 706-424-5035 JAN 8-9: SHELBYVILLE TN: HOOSIER ARENA CROSS: Event being held at the Calsonic
Arena located at 721 Whitthorne St. For more info and tickets go to https:// www.hoosierarenacross.com/ JAN 8-10: CHATTANOOGA TN: CHATTANOOGA WORLD OF WHEELS SHOW: EVENT
IS CANCELLED FOR 2021: For more info or to enter your vehicle go to https:// www.facebook.com/worldofwheelsautoshow/ JAN 9: LEBANON TN: 10th Annual Tennessee Motorama: All indoor Show - Rain or Shine Event - Open to all year models - Custom Bicycle Show - Swap Meet - New parts & Vendors. Best of Show wins $500. To be held at Wilson County Fairgrounds, 945 E. Baddour Pkwy. For more info, contact Tommy "Scooter" Williams 615-3641828 or go to http://www.bothbarrels.us/
JAN 9-10: KNOXVILLE TN: 37th Annual Cabin Fever Car & Motorcycle Show: Event to be held at the Knoxville Expo Center, 5441 Clinton Hwy. Doors open to public from 8am - 8pm Saturday and 8am - 4pm on Sunday. 1st 200 receive dash plaques & T shirts. Swap Meet, Vendors, Trophies. For more info contact Troy 865-382-2614 or
Mike 865-922-2171.
JAN 2021:
NO SHOW INFO SENT IN YET FOR JANUARY IN THE MIDWEST REGION
JAN 2021:
NO SHOW INFO SENT IN YET FOR JANUARY IN THE MIDWEST REGION 24
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JAN 2021: JAN 9: MERCED CA: FRED’S CIRCLE TRACK SWAP MEET: Event being held at the Merced County Fairgrounds next to Merced Speedway in the Hilmar Cheese barn. Back gate opens at 7am. Front gate opens at 9am. Front gate admission is $10.00. Modifieds, sprint cars, midgets, drag racers, road racers, hot rods and trailers. For more info call 408-712-8620 or go to www.fredscircletrackswapmeet.com
JAN 2021: JAN 9-10: LEBANON PA: DRAGFEST INDOOR DRAG RACING SHOWCASE & CUSTOM CAR SHOW: Event being held at the Lebanon Valley Exposition Center & Fairgrounds located at 80 Rocherty Rd. Enjoy an exhibition filled with race cars and shop for racing related toys and models & memorabilia. Nostalgia and current drag racing vehicle exhibition. Special guest appearances. For more info call 717-269-2625 or go to www.motoramaproductions.com
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Newt Koch “YOUR PERSONAL SILVER SMITH” is having a GIVE-AWAY Contest! One lucky winner will win their choice of one of three MFGS Engine Rings created in SOLID STERLING SILVER (92.5). AUTO PARTS ENGINE RING GIVEA-WAY Created by Artisans at www.TheSilverHammer.NET by simply signing up for the contest. Newt hand crafts and creates some of the finest pieces of automotive jewelry for both men and woman. If you are looking for that one of kind special gift check out THE SILVER HAMMER website at https://thesilverhammer.net/ for all the really cool wearable art he creates from your ideas. One lucky winner will receive an engine ring and THE RINGS RETAIL PRICING IS VALUED AT $350.00
You must sign up at https://thesilverhammer.net/2729/
by 6pm (EST) on 12/31/2020. The DRAWING WILL BE HELD AT " 7:00PM (EST) NEW YEARS EVE" and the winner will be contacted by Newt!
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Ad’s are FREE and run for 2 months. Send ad’s and 3 photo’s to gearheadgazzette@gmail.com
FOR SALE: 1928 FORD TRUCK: I built the pickup myself. It has been on the road since 2012. I have built about 5 street rods, myself. I am not a kid, as I have been building street rods for a number of years. This rod has a boxed frame that has been extended about 30 inches in length. It goes all the way back to the tailgate. Regular cab size. it has a 4.3 Chev Vortex motor, 700R4 tranny, a S-10 rearend (3.08 gears). 4 bar system front & back suspension, coil over shocks in the rear. 4 inch dropped front axle with 2 inch dropped spindles. Unistear steering (rack & pinion). GM column, Ron Frances wiring, bear claw latches in the door closure, Dolphin dash gauges. Black vinyl bucket seats, tilt GM column, Rides and drives excellent. (931) 707-1064 or 585-7752226 or 931-922-6670 Truck is located in Crossville TN. 38571 Leave a message if I am not home! The truck has a little over 13,000 miles on it! I am asking $33,000 for the truck, cash! (10/22/2020)
FOR SALE: 1971 MONTE CARLO: Completely restored car. New engine, new tires and rims, new chrome bumpers, all new Rubber gaskets. No rust, just painted to much to list. $23500.00 Obo possible trades for older fords. Call 931 -619-2684 (10/22/2020)
WANTED: 41-46 1 piece fiberglass hood. Superior fiberglass used to manf. parts but had a fire & they shut down because the molds got destroyed. email: enchanteddiscu@aol.com or call: 931-879-0242 (12/3/2020) 30
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Out The Back Door The Back Page is about cool cars, hot rods, race cars or?? We’re going to share a cool shot right here each issue. Got one you think should be here...send it to us at gearheadgazzette@gmail.com.
We’ll pick the best for the week and use it right here.
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