Motor Market Nov 24 by Michels Communications Corporation

DoingBusiness forOver20Years withover130years combined experience

QUALITY From

SKY IS THE LIMIT

Lake Area Tech’s 18-month Professional Fixed-Wing Pilot (PFWP) Associate of Applied Science degree is designed for students interested in a career in the professional pilot industry. The program will prepare individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to the field of aviation relative to employment as a professional fixed-wing pilot. Students will be trained in the areas of: aerodynamics, private pilot simulation, private pilot flight training, private pilot ground school, aviation safety, federal air regulations, instrument rating ground/simulation/flight, commercial pilot ground/flight training, instrument instructor ground/flight training, airspace systems, airspace operations, and flight instructor ground/flight training. Professional pilots often own and manage their own business however, other career possibilities include employment in the following areas: aerial survey, aerial photography, corporate aviation, cargo, air ambulance, aerial application, and with airlines.

The Professional Fixed-Wing Pilot program includes a combination of classroom instruction, simulation lab experiences, and flight training giving our highly-skilled pilots an edge in the job market. How does this happen? From the very beginning of the first semester students are immersed in a training experience both on the ground and in the sky.

PFWP students will choose between two options: the Certified Flight Instructor option or the Unmanned Aerial Systems Pilot.

CERTIFIED FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR OPTION

The Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) option offers graduates the opportunity to gain employment as flight instructors or entry level FAA certified commercial pilots. For those who have a passion for teaching, the LATC CFI option provides a means to fulfill that dream. Flight instructor certification provides an opportunity to build logged flight hour time toward more advanced commercial pilot opportunities (such as the airlines) while getting paid to fly. If teaching is not your thing, our program gets you certified to pursue your passion to fly commercially. Graduates of the LATC Certified Flight Instructor program have the following FAA certifications: Single Engine Land Commercial Pilot, Single Engine Land CFI, Single Engine Land Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII), Multi-Engine Land Commercial.

UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS PILOT OPTION

The Unmanned Aerial Systems Pilot option will prepare graduates to pursue careers operating large unmanned aerial vehicles, commonly referred to as drones, beyond the visual line of sight and in controlled air spaces. The program option has been designated an Unmanned Aircraft Systems-Collegiate Training Initiative program by the Federal Aviation Administration. That distinction means graduates earning a degree with this option will have access to a professional consortium that facilitates sharing best practices in this industry through UAS training tools, resources, and guidelines.

TRANSPORTATION DEGREES

AUTO BODY & PAINT TECHNOLOGY

AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY

• Light Duty Diesel Option

AVIATION

• Aviation Maintenance Technology

• Professional Fixed-Wing Pilot

• Unmanned Aerial Systems Pilot

DIESEL TECHNOLOGY

• Ag/Industrial Tractor or Truck Option

• Cat THINKBIG Option

• CNH Top Tech Option

• Light Duty Diesel Option

• Techknowledge John Deere Option

• Butler MAX Option

Written by: Tom Olsen

In viewing the 1956 Chevrolet “Handyman” wagon featured on our cover this month, the question arises: is it a show car, a cruise night car, or a race car? Now, while it’s shown racing on our cover, it was thought-out and built as a cruiser, and sometimes show car, with the look of a period-correct drag race car. Racing the car came as somewhat of an afterthought after several years of enjoying it in its two primary modes.

In our cover photo the car is shown racing at the annual Tri-Five Nationals held in Bowling Green, KY. Nearly three thousand 55-57 Chevys attend the “Tri-Fives” for three days each year. (Check out americantrifive.com for more information.) My son, Travis, raced the wagon in the “Junior Stock Challenge” featuring period-correct class racers from the late 1960’s and into the early ‘70’s. While we didn’t ultimately win Junior Stock Eliminator, several goals were achieved with the car. And, as a bonus, it was selected as “Announcer’s Choice-Favorite Junior Stocker” of the event. That award, plus several comments from fans stating, “I love that you’re actually running a show car on the track” were both extremely rewarding!

Long-term readers of The Motor Market may recall that we did a 15-article series on the build of this wagon 10+ years ago. StraightLines Custom Restorations performed the body and paint work on the car and the talents of their staff are responsible for the eye-popping exterior. So now the question becomes: what type of finished product are you looking for with your build? Show car, cruiser, or race car…or all three? It is possible, and StraightLines is just the place to do it!

StraightLines Custom Restorations has been in the automotive restoration business since 2004. Over the years, they have become known as one of the top restoration shops in the area. Current owners, Zach and Liz Smith, have been operating the business since 2023.But Zach isn’t new to the business; he has worked for StraightLines since 2007. During the ensuing years he worked his way through all aspects of the business and was project manager in the years prior to buying the business.

As the name suggests, their primary business is restorations; everything from show quality classics to daily driven street machines. Muscle cars, vintage, race, and exotics are all within their capabilities. StraightLines builds to the customer’s needs and desires within their budget limitations. Zach and

his team collaborate with customers from the initial planning of a project all the way through to completion. They will perform as much or as little as a customer desires in a restoration and understand that it’s important to keep a customer informed as the work continues. In restorations, particularly as “unknowns” are encountered, a continual dialogue between the shop and customer benefits everyone. Zach states that most customers regularly check on their project, and a close working relationship often develops between the customer and team members.

While many restorations involve all aspects of a vehicle, others may be a partial restoration. This might be finishing a started project, body and

paint only, or engine and driveline. Often a partial is done, and the customer comes back a year or two later for completion of another aspect. It is understood that most customers are working with a budget of some level, and Zach strives to fit a project into that budget.

In addition to restorations, StraightLines performs a full range of mechanical services. Services include repairs and/ or maintenance to fuel systems, brakes, suspension, steering, engines, transmissions and gear boxes, air conditioning, and electrical systems. Many of these services are performed with the support of trusted area specialty shops which have been relied upon for years.

Upgrades to vehicles represent an ever-increasing aspect of the business. StraightLines can perform enhancements that will improve performance, handling, comfort, and safety. Refinements to engines, brakes, suspension, instrumentation, and interiors all contribute to the enjoyment of a vehicle. Upgrades such as Dakota Digital Gauges, modern air conditioning systems, electronic fuel injection, state-of-the-

art electronics and sound systems, and specialty brakes, suspension, and chassis work are all available.

Another aspect of a restoration is upholstery. After years of struggling to find quality upholstery services available on a timely basis, StraightLines opened their own upholstery shop in 2023. Using custom leather, vinyl, or cloth fabrics, their two upholstery craftsmen create custom interiors including seats, dashes, door panels, headliners, trunk enclosures and consoles. Custom embroidery is available on interior items including carpet and floor mats. Original/stock reproduction interiors are, of course, available as well. Convertible top installation is another specialty area that not all shops want to tackle, but StraightLines can manage it!

To learn more about what industry leading shops are producing these days, Zach and Liz recently attended the Triple Crown of Rodding show in Nashville, TN. This show features many of the best of the best hot rods and trucks, as well as a huge manufacturer midway. Here, Zach was able to view all the latest techniques in the business as well as interact with top

builders. In addition to making connections with others in the industry, techniques for potential future builds may develop. Through this opportunity Zach found that the final product of StraightLines work is comparable to that produced by many of the “big names” in the business. With this knowledge, he looks forward to entering StraightLines’ restorations in upcoming major shows.

What does the future look like as Zach and Liz move forward in the business? Increased name recognition, both locally and nationally, is one goal. As noted previously, displaying restorations at upcoming regional car shows and at major shows around the country is in the future. StraightLines is a sponsor of the Nyberg’s Ace Hot Classics Night car show in downtown Sioux Falls annually, and they also host a popular cruise night at the shop each year. Additional local community

involvement is also planned.

The main goal, of course, is to continue producing an outstanding work product, resulting in a satisfied customer. Zach understands that a satisfied customer is the best advertising one can have. In a restoration, every effort is made to achieve the result a customer is looking for. If an issue does develop, Zach seeks the opportunity to get the matter resolved to the customer’s satisfaction. The pride that a person feels while cruising in their classic or showing it off at a car show (or on the drag strip) is the ultimate best result!

The 1967 Chevrolet C-10 pickup and the 1969 Chevy Camaro shown here are two recent examples of restorations at StraightLines.

Travis and "Little George" Cureton.

Body and paint work followed with the final finish in a custom blue hue. A beautiful new custom wood bed was created, and flush-mounted glass was installed. Technicians installed Holley Sniper Fuel Injection, Dakota Digital Gauges, and Restomod Air. Carpet and door panels by the upholstery shop finished the interior.

The ’69 Camaro came to us following an unfortunate collision with a deer. A fender, doors, and other damaged panels were all replaced. Other body damage from years of use was corrected, then the car was finished in “Silver Storm Metallic” paint. Blackout trim was added providing a menacing look. Detroit Speed mini-tubs and a new rear axle assembly were installed along with new wheels and tires. Dakota Digital Gauges, new wiring, and updated air conditioning finished the project.

These are just two examples of recent projects the team at StraightLines completed. There are several more impressive builds in the works as you read this, including a few that will be truly “over the top!” We will show them to you when they are completed. (Remember the major shows discussed earlier? These will be up to the task!)

or Grandpa’s old truck, or your first car is a thought. StraightLines has done several of these. The possibilities are endless; “from mild to wild,” and they are up to the task. How long have you been thinking about that “someday” project? Don’t put it off any longer, Zach and the StraightLines team invite you to stop in today to discuss your ideas.

"The Heat" racing team.

CALENDAR D L Events C R

november

SEMA

NOV. 5-NOV. 8, 2024 – LAS VEGAS, NV

LAS VEGAS CONVENTION CENTER SEMASHOW.COM

DEADWOOD'S BIG WHISKEY FESTIVAL

NOVEMBER 9, 2024 – DEADWOOD, SD

4:00PM - 9:00PM

SALOON NO. 10

DEADWOOD.COM/EVENT/DEADWOODSBIG-WHISKEY

32ND ANNUAL SIOUX FALLS PARADE OF LIGHTS NOVEMBER 29, 2024 – SIOUX FALLS, SD DOWNTOWN SIOUX FALLS DTSF.COM/EVENT/31ST-ANNUAL-PARADEOF-LIGHTS

HOLIDAY EXPRESS ON THE 1880 TRAIN

NOV. 29 - DEC. 29, 2024 – HILL CITY, SD VARIOUS DATES AND TIMES 1800 TRAIL DEPOT 1880TRAIN.COM/HOLIDAY-EXPRESS.HTML

ISOC DEADWOOD SNOCROSS SHOWDOWN

JANUARY 24-25, 2025 – DEADWOOD, SD DAYS OF '76 EVENT COMPLEX DEADWOOD.COM/EVENT/PRO-SNOCROSSRACES/

Truck Accessories: - SPONSORED BY -

2025 COUNTS CAR CLUB SHOW FEBRUARY 21-23, 2025 – AT THE MONUMENTCARSHOWPRO.COM/EVENT/1964 RAPID CITY, SD

SOUND OF SILENCE TESLA RALLY MAY 17-19, 2025 – CUSTER, SD NO LONGER WORKS. USE THIS: FACEBOOK. COM/BHTESLARALLY

WHEEL JAM TRUCK SHOW JUNE, 2025– HURON, SD SOUTH DAKOTA STATE FAIRGROUNDS WHEELJAMTRUCKSHOW.COM

14TH ANNUAL STURGIS CAMARO RALLY JUNE 18-22, 2025 – STURGIS, SD STURGISCAMARORALLY.COM

BLACK HILLS CORVETTE CLASSIC JULY, 2025 – SPEARFISH, SD TOUR THE BLACK HILLS BLACKHILLSCORVETTECLASSIC.COM

85TH ANNUAL STURGIS MOTORCYCLE RALLY AUGUST 1-AUG. 10, 2025 – STURGIS, SD STURGIS.COM

Name: Lucas Anderson

City, State: Spearfish, SD

Car Year-Make-Model: 1960 Chevrolet Apache

Engine: 305 Block with TPI Fuel Injection

Transmission: 350 Auto

Suspension: Air Ride

Exhaust: 2.5 Open Tubing

Body: Apache

Interior: Purple Vinyl Alligator

Tell us a little about the truck and why you chose it. What's your truck’s story? It was built and painted by Jesse Memories and airbrushed by Daniel Romero. The glass etching was by Jason Smokey and the motor by Jim Sweet. I chose it because I am inspired by Lowriders.

Does your truck have a name? Indigo.

What’s your favorite part about your truck?

Is there anything you would change? My favorite part is the air ride switches and the chameleon paint under the hood. Eventually, I would like to change/ replace the wood in the bed of the truck.

What plans do you have for this truck?

My plans for this truck are to bring it to car shows. What’s an interesting fact or something people may not know about this ride?

It has air brushed murals in the door jam and under the hood.

By: Sarah Grassel

Flying is freeing. It’s also extremely important to the world as we know it. From charter operations to delivery and everything in between, there is a world of opportunity for students who work to become professional fixed-wing pilots.

Pilot, instructor, and head of the Professional Fixed-Wing Pilot program, Carter Glik is very proud of Lake Area Technical College’s program. “I worked at LATC for a year right after I graduated as an hourly flight instructor,” Carter smiles.

After that, he moved up to become a full-time instructor for an additional year before leaving to fly professionally on his own. Carter explains, “I flew charter and medevacs for two years. I always knew I wanted to come back to teach, though.”

Lake Area Technical College offers two programs in aviation including the professional fixed-wing pilot (PFWP) program and aviation maintenance technology. The 18-month PFWP program leaves students with an associate of applied science degree and a significant amount of time in the air. According to Carter, the program is unique for three big reasons:

1. Students fly with each other to build flight time;

2. Tailwheel training and glider instruction are offered in the program;

3. Piloting is expensive. However, LATC prides itself on keeping cost at a minimum by offering simulators and safety piloting with each other.

“I don’t know anyone else who allows students to fly simultaneously off the top of my head,” Carter says.

Overall, the program focuses on three key rules of piloting: aviate, navigate, and communicate. From the start this concept is introduced and instilled in students. Flying into the course, students begin learning aviation straight away. Using simple aircrafts with widely-varying flight characteristics, the pilots in training take away more skill and safety knowledge through hands-on experience.

Carter adds, “Students fly every day they can. We try to hold a one to six airplane: student ratio. What makes our course outline unique is they gain 184 hours of flight time.” Per FAA requirements, they need at least 250 before becoming licensed. The remaining 66 hours are

LEARN MORE: In addition to Aviation, Lake Area Technical College offers programs in agriculture, auto, business, human services, nursing, medical and fire rescue, heavy equipment operating, welding and more. Visit lakeareatech.edu for more information.

spent in the simulator or in air with their friends or colleagues.

During the flight time, students have flown across the country as far as Florida and Texas. All of this is possible through the school’s connection with Watertown Regional Airport and the training facilities on campus. While gaining the basics and understanding during the first year of the course, eventually PFWP students will choose between two options.

Students can graduate as a certified flight instructor or an unmanned aerial systems pilot.

**DISCLAIMER: Lake Area Technical College’s curriculum for Professional Fixed-Wing Pilot program options meets the educational requirements for professional licensure in South Dakota and many other states. Professional licensure and certification requirements often vary from state to state. To learn more about the program, schedule a tour on campus and talk with advisors, students, and instructors. www.lakeareatech.edu/getting-started/schedule-tour

THE EXTRA MILE

5 5

Inexpensive Ways to Take Care of Your Investment

You finally have your custom engine finished and have it installed in the car. You are so excited because it runs well and sounds so good. You have spent a lot of time and money to get your car hot rodding on the road, so now is the time to pay attention and take good care of it. I talk to many people that build engines about the aftercare of their engine. By customers, I am commonly asked the same questions about what are the best things to do to keep their engine running to its full potential. Quite often I find people choose the less expensive route that is against the prescribed engine care and often will lead to premature engine damage or failure.

Here are five inexpensive engine care tips:

#1. Use the correct engine oil! Your engine was engineered to exact specifications and will require specific engine oil, some with ZDDP. This must be used for the engine’s lifetime for reliable protection, not just the first oil change. There are many rumors on what can be done to save money, but these are all false. Remember the chat room experts won`t pay the bill to repair the engine, you will. Even though the correct engine oil may cost an extra few bucks per oil change, it will be way less than the thousands of dollars in

damages that not using it may cause.

#2. Change your engine oil every 2000 miles or once per year. Your hot rod engine makes more power and torque than the factory engine. There are more stress points and the engine wears the lubricating properties harder than the stock engine would. Changing the oil a little more often keeps the engine cleaner and insures the component wear to be held to a minimum.

#3. Use the correct fuel that the engine was engineered for. We want power. We want torque. To get this, we need to take advantage of the available fuel octane. If the engine requires premium, use premium. It may feel harder to fill up your fuel tank and spend an extra $5, but if you choose to save the $5 and run a cheaper fuel, then you risk piston and bearing damage and that can cause major damage and cost thousands to fix.

#4. Service your engine regularly. Your performance engine was built with components that will make higher horsepower than the factory engine. These

components will require some attention and service because the demands placed on them are higher. Rocker arms, valve springs, spark plugs, ignition system, fuel system, plug wires, and air filter are a few things that need to be monitored to keep your engine performing at its best.

#5. Do not abuse your engine! It seems to be a thought that if you build the engine with high dollar parts and with the best machine work that can be done, that your engine will be bullet proof. The fact is that any engine can be damaged or forced to fail with enough abuse. Drive your car with respect and care. You have invested a lot of time and money into it, so pay attention to it and it will provide you with years of fun.

These are the some of the most common things we have discussed with our customers. Each engine we build is customized to our customer. We don’t just build it and send you out the door: we are on your team, we care about what we do, we are building relationships, and we go the extra mile. We are Sehr Performance.

TACKLING TRANSMISSION FAILURE WARNING SIGNS

ArticleCity.com

Under the hood of our cars rests an integral component to making them move —the transmission.

Transmission failure can be a costly repair, so it’s important to be aware of the warning signs. Some common symptoms of a failing transmission include unusual noises, slipping, grinding, and jerking when engaging and shifting gears. So, how do you prevent transmission failure? It all starts with learning the warning signs— and knowing how to respond. Here are seven signs that your transmission may fail.

7 SIGNS YOUR VEHICLE’S TRANSMISSION IS FAILING

Clunking

The transmission uses a series of clutches and gears to transfer power from the engine to the wheels. As the gears shift, they may make a slight engagement sound—which is normal.

If you start hearing a loud, persistent, clunking noise when engaging gears or changing speed, it could be a sign that your engine or transmission mounts are worn or broken. Over time, the noise will only get louder as the damage worsens.

2. Burning Smell

A burning smell is never good. The most common culprit is an issue with your transmission fluid. Either you do not have enough transmission fluid, it is leaking, or it is degraded or old. An overheating transmission shortens the life of your transmission and can quickly lead to catastrophic failure.

If you notice a burning smell, check for leaks and have your vehicle inspected by a transmission specialist as soon as possible.

Grinding Gears

In a manual transmission, grinding gears commonly indicate that the clutch assembly is damaged or the synchronizers inside the transmission are worn. Additionally, bad driving habits such as aggressive shifting, shifting at the wrong moment, and not pressing the clutch all the way while shifting will all result in grinding gears. Over time this can seriously damage your transmission.

In an automatic transmission, a grinding noise could indicate a bad bearing, chipped planetary gears, or even a torque converter coming apart. These are all major repair items.

4. No Response

Here’s an obvious sign that something is wrong: If you notice your transmission isn’t responding quickly—or at all—it’s time to take it to a transmission expert immediately. Various things can cause no response, such as leaking, low transmission fluid, or a defective valve body or solenoid. Sometimes, it can be something as simple as a broken or loose wire to the transmission or an engine or ABS brake problem causing the shifting issue. But regardless of the cause, it’s essential to get it checked out before the problem worsens.

5. Leaking Fluids

The transmission system is a closed system. This means when it’s working as it should, all the fluids stay inside where they belong. However, if there’s a leak, transmission fluid can start to seep out.

If you notice any fluids underneath your vehicle, it could be transmission fluid. Take your vehicle to a trained transmission technician so they can diagnose the issue properly and repair the leak.

6. There’s a Warning Light On

There’s nothing more concerning than the Check Engine Light (CEL) coming on while you’re driving.

Your engine, transmission, brakes, steering, and suspension have sensors scattered throughout. When the readings from these sensors don’t coincide with the usual readings, the CEL illuminates, and performance typically suffers. These sensors pick up on the slightest changes drivers cannot notice. So, never ignore the Check EngineLight. There are hundreds of reasons for the CEL to illuminate. A certified technician can help you pinpoint the problem through proper diagnostics.

7. Neutral Is Noisy

Here’s a quick way to test how your transmission is doing: Put your vehicle in neutral and let it run. Do you hear any bumping or other noises? Notice any shaking?

with Graham Tire

If you do, it’s likely a sign that something in your transmission’s pump or torque converter is failing. There may be a transmission fluid leak, or bearings or transmission pump gears may be worn or damaged, causing them to make noise as they spin. Over time, this continued wear can lead to transmission failure. If it only makes noise when you are driving in gear, that could be a sign of problems with internal planetary gears, bearings, clutches, or worn or damaged drivetrain parts. Take notice of what conditions cause the noise and make sure your transmission technician gets that information to help them with diagnostics.

Transmission Problems? Visit Graham Tire

Transmission problems can quickly spiral into expensive repairs—or even total failure. The best way to avoid transmission issues is to stay on top of maintenance and have your vehicle regularly inspected by a qualified technician.

If you’re having trouble with your transmission, or are experiencing any of the warning signs listed above, don’t hesitate to take your vehicle to a Graham Tire location near you.

PACKEDWith Flavor!

2320 6th Ave. SE Aberdeen, SD 57401 (605) 225-2352

2704 Fox Run Pky. Yankton, SD 57078 (605) 665-4406

421 W. Sioux Ave. Pierre, SD 57501 (605) 224-8643

chassis building, suspension upgrade

custom headers and exhaust

engine swaps and building efi swaps

complete car wiring

hot rod MAINTENANCE

differential/axle building

cooling system

mig and tig welding

back halves, ladder bars, 4-link, roll cages

performance parts and accessories

auto restoration

“When Put to the Test, They’re the Best.”

By Teresa Mentzer

With winter approaching, it’s almost time for a tune up at Dakota Battery and Electric - of the piano that is. Every Christmas, owner Tom Barrett brings his piano to the shop and plays songs for customers over the holidays.

Patrons of this longstanding business are accustomed to such special treatment all year long. They know the coffee pot is always on, a cordial greeting awaits them at the door and the kids can take a Hot Wheels car on the way out. Tom and his son, Casey, are committed to customer service on Deadwood Avenue in Rapid City, SD. Satisfied customers return the favor. Word of mouth and referrals are their best advertising.

father who were mechanics. In the Army he applied those lessons and honed his skills. Dennis Dunlop hired Tom to work at Dakota Battery in the early 90’s. As the business grew, Tom suggested hiring his son who showed an aptitude for auto repair and restoration. Casey, still in high school, came on board in 1995.

“Today, we are in the business of what is called electric rotating,” said Casey. Generally, this involves the functionality of the alternator and the energy it supplies to the electrical system and the battery.

This year marks the 72nd anniversary of Dakota Battery and Electric. What started in 1952 by a former owner in his garage is now the oldest auto electrical repair shop in the area. The father-son duo shares nearly 80 years of experience with the business as employees and co-owners since 2006. Casey’s, daughter, Whitney joined the crew nine years ago.

Tom’s interest in electric systems also started in the garage watching his grandfather and

A commitment to service has been the trademark for Dakota Battery and Electric from the start. Customers look to the Barretts: Tom, Casey and Whitney for solutions to the electrical problems they have with everything from tractors and trailers to cars and generators. If it involves wiring of any sort, they are known for their expertise.

‘Test. Don’t guess.” is not just a slogan for this company. Tom and Casey back up those words in the service they provide to their customers. In order to stay current in the industry, the Barretts invest in the most advanced testing equipment in their area. Not only do these tests help them determine the cause for existing electrical problems, but they also help access the integrity of new parts before they are installed. Taking the guess work out of their profession helps others get back to their own.

“Agriculture is a large category in our service records. My wife and I grew up on the farm and so I know how important it is to get machinery up and running for those

folks,” explains Tom.

Not every customer can come to the shop for service, so Tom helps them troubleshoot over the phone.

“I have a self-help testing guide I offer with some basic tips to start the process of accessing the problem. I want to help educate my customers so they can learn how things work,” says Tom.

Tom and Casey are still learning, too. As members of the Electric Builders Association, they attend trade shows and seminars to update their skill sets. This commitment to learning brings customers to their shop and has contributed to their success.

“Our membership in the Electric Builders Association means a lot to us and to our customers,” adds Tom.

Tom and Casey are also proud to sell US-made DEKA batteries and personally toured the EastPenn factory where they are manufactured in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The Barretts have sold DEKA batteries for 14 years and stand by them for their high-quality performance.

“Most batteries have a three to five-year lifespan,” says Tom. Maintenance such as checking water levels could extend that. “Some will last 12 years, depending on the abuse they take,” he adds.

The lasting power of this business has less to do with wiring and more to do with how the Barretts are wired. They care for their customers, and they will do whatever they can to serve their needs. Congratulations to Dakota Battery and Electric on 72 years. We wish you many more.

Antique Truck Museum

Over 100,000 Sq. Ft.! Over 250 Vehicles!

Largest Old Truck Collection in the Midwest! Over 200 Showcases with 1,000’s of Pieces of Yesterday’s Memories!

Hours

Monday-Friday: 8:00am-4:00pm

Saturday: By Appointment Only Sunday: Closed (Staff-guided tours available by appointment)

Trucks, Parts & Equipment

Largest truck inventory in the Midwest!

- New, Used & Rebuilt Parts!

- Over 100 Acres of Trucks for Parts!

- With 6 Locations to Better Serve You! Providing Parts & Service Since 1939! 800-242-5030 www.vanderhaags.com

When you enroll in one of Mitchell Tech’s more than 35 high-demand, high-tech programs, you will experience the best technical education available.

How do we know that Mitchell Tech may be your best choice?

• Fully Accredited

• Numerous Program Accreditations

• Military Friendly School Since 2010

• Many Dual Credit Options Available

• 99% Job Placement*

• Regionally Unique Programs

The bottom line . . . if you want to be the best, you have to work hard, learn by doing and put your skills to work in the real world.

Our mission is to prepare you for a successful, skilled career. Come and visit or check us out online and you will find out how you can Be The Best at Mitchell Technical College.

Ford-Ward

FAST FAST Ford-Ward

Starting out at a young age, Jeff Christians has been an avid builder and collector of rare and fast Ford vehicles. There are really too many to mention, but a few that stand out in my mind are a meadow lark yellow 1968 Mustang Cobra Jet 428 that is very highly documented. It was created for the Ford Motor Company itself and listed as a special purpose vehicle that was probably used as a test mule for Motor Trend Magazine at the time to sell the idea of Mustangs coming out with larger engines to attack all venues of auto racing.

Another one that really stands out in my mind is Jeff’s 2014 Cobra Jet Mustang that is a completely factory built “RACE CAR,” and is number 37 of 50 built. This car is not street legal, but has everything built at the Ford factory to compete legally in NHRA Super Stock classes. It has an underrated 5.0 TIVCT V8 supercharged engine that has been claimed to have 1000 HP at the rear wheels enabling somewhere in the eight second time frame in the quarter at 160+ mph. I have to believe even with the 3-speed automatic transmission, this car has to be a handful to drive. Jeff said he’s not going to race it, as it would devalue it dramatically, so the only miles the car has on it, is on and off a car trailer for car shows.

hood, Carol Shelby autographed this car in six places as well as having Bob Bondurant autograph it also. Bob drove for Shelby and Ferrari in his younger years.

Jeff also has a very rare 1989 Saleen Mustang that he ordered directly from Steve Saleen after attending races in Las Vegas with Steve and Tim Allen that came with a “dealer installed” supercharger sitting in the trunk. For quick trips to the store, Jeff also has a supercharged Lightning pickup. These are just a few of his collection that brings me up to the story that has led Jeff to be such a big collector of go-fast Ford vehicles.

Jeff also has a couple of 2008 Shelby supercharged Mustangs with both being rare. One, because of the red with silver-colored stripes combination it came with from the factory, and the other more-rare with under 2000 miles on it. It is a 40 th year anniversary silver and blue GT 500 with a KR code. Because it is the anniversary edition with a carbon fiber

Forty-six years ago, after graduating from college while working as an auto mechanic at Einspahr Ford in Brookings, South Dakota, Jeff bought a 1963 ½ Mercury Comet. It was a nice car with a S-22 code, which meant it was an original 260 V8 car with a 4-speed manual transmission, and with the bucket seat sport package. For Jeff, it was a fun car that he was constantly working on after hours to improve the performance with adding headers, changing to lower rear end gears, and later going through a series of larger engines. He was pretty heavy into street racing as many young guys were then, and very seldom lost to anyone who challenged him in those younger years. He laughed telling me about one situation that happened late one night where he had to call his dad to come help

tow is car home. The need for help happened at closing time at 2AM in front of the Pomp Room Bar when Jeff decided to show off by dumping the clutch in the Comet at 4500 rpm. With doing that, he blew the rear end center section of the rearend apart, leaving part of the case with the pinion gear still attached to the drive shaft laying on the ground. When dad arrived, he said dad smiled and asked, “Well, what did you do this time?”

After that, his dad helped Jeff remedy the situation from happening again by narrowing up a heavier 9” Ford rear end. After that, nothing major ever broke mechanically on the car again. As time went on with numerous other engine and transmission changes, Jeff decided to have the car repainted and the interior redone to look like new again. During those years he also added front disc brakes so he could stop better. Then, a few years ago with Jeff thinking you can never have too much horsepower, he decided to do a major drive train change with this Comet he has had for so many years. Jeff, knowing the who is who, when it came to building high performance Ford engines, ordered a 460 cubic inch small block Ford engine built by Bill Mitchell out of Florida. The engine he purchased dynode out at 750 HP and with almost an equal amount of torque. To control all that horsepower Jeff decided to install a heavier top loader 4-speed with a Hurst Shifter and double disc clutch, followed up in the rear end with a complete Strange nodular center section, Detroit locker and 31 spine axles. Because Jeff didn’t want to cut up or change any of the front sheet metal or suspension under the hood around the engine, he went through the motions of having a couple sets of custommade headers built before he got a set that fit within the confines of the engine compartment with the engine in place.

After that was done with the air cleaner in place on the overly large carburetor that makes the engine look small, he discovered

he couldn’t shut the hood. So, a custom-made fiberglass hood was created with a tear drop shape over the carb air cleaner for clearance similar to the ones used on Ford Thunderbolt race cars in the mid 1960’s. When he got the hood, he told me Vern Jenson didn’t like the way the inside of the hood was finished left rough with the fiberglass matting. So, Vern did some extensive body work and sanding on the underside of the hood and primed it making it appear as a factory stock metal hood, which has fooled a lot of people thinking that.

Jeff told me about his first experience with driving this Comet with everything he had done to it, was way more than he expected. He took it out on the highway for a few miles allowing it to warm up first before trying it out. When he decided to test it out, he thought 3000 rpm would be a good starting point from a standing start to see how it performed. He said as soon as he let out the clutch at three grand and stabbed the gas pedal, the whole car immediately spun around 360 degrees on the highway before he knew what happened. Kind of shaken by what happened, he was happy he didn’t have that kind of horsepower when he was younger thinking he might not have been here today. There is a learning curve with any vehicle that has an over abundance of horsepower to control it when moving forward. Jeff is unwilling to install larger wheel tubs so he can install larger tires, but does love it for the sleeper it is now and the fast forward trip he has been on with it up to this point in his life. Oh, and by the way, Jeff also has a 1967 Ford Ranchero, and a 1984 Mercury Capri that he does drag race at Thunder Valley when the urge strikes him with both vehicles touching in the 10 second range.

A self-taught

bodywork, welder and

he worked in the industry for seven years. He later went to work for

Waldorf Box Company, where he worked for the next 33 years, retiring as Package Design Manager for

has built dozens of street rods over the years, doing everything except the upholstery work.

Car Club in 1985 and today the club has over 340 members. You can see more of

the

paintings and car features on the

website: www.greatplainsstreetrodders.com.

A farm boy from Salem, Bob’s family moved to Sioux Falls when he was 12 years old. After graduation from Washington High School, he attended USD where he majored in Commercial Art. A lifelong auto and art enthusiast, Bob wanted to combine his passions into a career.

mechanic,

painter,

Horner

Smurfit Stone Container. Bob

Bob started

Great Plains Street Rodders

Bob’s

club’s

ASK THE MOTOR MEDICS®

TUNE-IN AND TUNE-UP!®

Dear Motor Medics,

I have a 2009 GMC Acadia with 90k miles. We picked it up as a second car for our son to drive to college because of the low miles, but we soon had problems. After just a week the power steering started to whine. We took the car to our dealer where we purchased it, and they said that the pump and rack and lines all had to be replaced. This was an expensive repair, but with 90K miles and looking like new we thought it was a good deal. A week after the power steering repairs the transmission has started to jump when it shifts gears, and they say it needs a new transmission. The dealer says they are good cars, and this is not normal. If we have this fixed is there anything else that is common to fail on these?

— Jackson in Selah, Washington

Dear Motor Medics,

I just purchased a classic car, a 1965 Ford Mustang with a V8. The car is in a fair and drivable shape, but I want it to be more comfortable to drive and I want it to stop better. What does it take to get better brakes, better front seats, and air conditioning? I would also like to think about an overdrive transmission. The car is currently an automatic.

— Lisa in Tyler, Texas

Dear Jackson,

We have seen hundreds of this model in our shop. There are three very common issues we see on these from 09-13 with 09 being the most common of them all. Number one is transmission failure that was a known wave plate issue. Number two was power steering racks and pump, and hoses just leak due to age. Number three, yes, there is another big one, is the timing chains. Aside from these and once fixed, these cars are usually very nice for our customers with little other trouble. Hopefully you picked it up for a good price.

— Take care, the Motor Medics

25362 Hwy. 11, Garretson, SD

605-594-4181 or 888-200-7562 www.nordstromsauto.com

Dear Lisa,

That is a fun car and after driving many of them we can see how you would want these things upgraded. If the car is in great shape already then adding these things will cost some cash, but you can do one at a time as you choose and give a gift to yourself as you go. Brakes are a major upgrade, and kits are available to change the front drums to disc and add a power booster to give it great stopping power. Air conditioning was a under dash unit from the factory, but today we would suggest purchasing a unit from Vintage Air to help you get the right parts for the job. Seats in this car were low back and not comfortable or safe in our opinion. There are countless options for comfy high back seats that bolt in. Finally, an overdrive transmission. A pre-electronic 4-speed overdrive can be installed with some modifications and it will cruise nicely.

— Take care, the Motor Medics