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Reviving a Legend How StraightLines Transformed a '72 Chevy K10
Trucks are still one of the hottest items on the restoration scene, and one look at this 1972 Chevrolet K10 will tell you why! But, of course, this is a far cry from how it started out.
PR Olson, owner of Olson’s Pest Technicians in Yankton, SD, bought this truck in 1993 primarily for snowmobiling use in Wyoming. At the time, he didn’t have a lot of money for a spare toy like this but he came across it for sale in Nebraska and bought it. For snowmobile trips, another truck was used to pull a loaded enclosed trailer out to Laramie, WY. Then, PR would hook the rig up to this truck and pull it 30 miles into the mountains for snowmobiling. The truck and trailer would sit out there all winter long. In the “early memories” department, PR
recalls an occasion where the truck overheated, so he pulled to the side of the road and packed the radiator full of snow to cool it down. On another trip, the water pump went out and the truck was left in Pine Bluffs, WY. Later in life, the truck was used around his acreage to cut and haul firewood. Listening to the cassette deck player/radio with speakers rattling around on the floorboards is another distant memory of the truck in its previous life.
After years of hard use and abuse, the decision was made to have the truck completely restored. But this wasn’t going to be a restoration to original standards, there were going to be some serious upgrades
Article and Photography by Tom Olsen
involved! After consulting some friends, it was suggested that PR consult with StraightLines Custom Restorations in Tea, SD. After visiting with the team at StraightLines, they got the job!
Upon arrival at StraightLines it didn’t take long to determine that the most practical approach was to order a completely new reproduction cab, hood, doors, and box. The cost of these components was going to be much less than attempting to blast, cut, and repair the existing heavily rusted body components. The new sheet metal parts were all ordered through Keith Bittner of K&S Sheet Metal.
While waiting for the new sheet metal parts to arrive, teardown on the truck began. The frame and suspension were completely disassembled so that years of accumulated rust and corrosion could be sandblasted away. Powdercoating and reassembly with all new suspension components followed. Brakes and steering components were all upgraded. The gear boxes and transfer case were all sent to Dale’s A-1 Transmissions in Mitchell, SD, for complete rebuilds.
One particularly impressive upgrade was the addition of a LOKAR Classic series LS crate engine! LOKAR is an industry leader in automotive components and accessories. One of their recent offerings is the extremely popular Chevrolet LS style
crate engine, but with updates to give the appearance of an earlier vintage engine. The engine used in PR’s truck is the 6.2L/495hp engine equipped with fuel injection. The engine is dressed with valve covers, “fake” distributor, and other components that give the appearance of earlier big block Chevy engines. (Take a look at LOKAR’s website for additional details on this exciting line of crate engines.) This engine package coupled with a GM 4L60 automatic transmission will provide smooth, reliable power through the entire operating range; a great modern choice!
Even though all exterior sheet metal was new, extensive bodywork is to be expected with reproduction parts for proper alignment and straightness. Custom touches were added during this process with the addition of firewall smoothing, elimination of side marker lights, hidden fuel filler, and other subtle touches. The technicians at StraightLines are more than up to the task and brought the level of body work to well-above original factory standards. The outstanding quality of the exterior finish is a testament to the level of bodywork underneath.
The upscale build of this truck continues with the interior of the cab. Dakota Digital gauges upgrade the instruments to a modern level and a Restomod Air system provides a distinct improvement over the original system. Electric windows were added for convenience. And take a look at the photos of the interior! Pete and Wade, of StraightLines’ upholstery shop, created the custom front seat and console upholstered in grey leather with blue plaid inserts. The seats are also heated and cooled.
The truck is finished in a basecoat/clearcoat custom blue hue with a prominent pearl which really stands out in the sunlight. A subtle accent to this is the grille, trim, and bumpers which are finished in a black pearl custom color. Accenting the stunning exterior colors even further is the custom wood bed in the box. After staining to the desired color, the wood was finished in multiple coats of automotive clearcoat for a lasting, high-gloss finish.
And to get it all rolling down the road, the truck rides on Fuel Wheels “Tech” series 20x9 inch wheels shod with Falken 285/55/20 tires. Again, the dark grey tone of the wheels accents everything else perfectly.
The finished product is a beautiful and functional truck that will provide many miles of reliable service with many of the conveniences found in a much newer vehicle. Given the option, I think many of today’s
Afteryearsofharduse andabuse,thedecision wasmadetohavethe truckcompletelyrestored. Butthiswasn’tgoingto bearestorationtooriginal standards,therewere goingtobesomeserious upgradesinvolved!After consultingsomefriends, itwassuggestedthatPR consultwithStraightLines CustomRestorationsin Tea,SD.
serious car enthusiasts would prefer a classic done to this level over the current crop of late model vehicles.
StraightLines specializes in complete restorations; everything from show quality classics to daily driven street machines. Muscle Cars, race, vintage, and exotics are all within their capabilities. They build to the customer’s needs and desires within budget limitations. Certainly, the truck featured here is restored to a very high level.
They also perform “partial restorations;” sometimes because that is what a budget allows, and sometimes that’s all that’s needed. In consultation with Zach and the team at StraightLines a restoration path can be established that fits any customer’s desires.
The team at StraightLines includes specialist technicians that can handle all aspects of a restoration. Services offered include:
• Body panel restoration and metal fabrication
• Chassis rebuilds, restoration, and upgrades
• Painting
• Assembly and finish
• Sandblasting and rust removal
• Upholstery
• Wood services
• Mechanical service and maintenance
• Engine services/rebuilds/upgrades/crate engines
• Comfort/performance/safety upgrades
StraightLines is a proven and well-known restoration facility that has been in business since 2004. Current owners Zach and Liz Smith have owned the business since 2023, but Zach is a veteran in the business. He worked at StraightLines since shortly after its inception and was project manager for years prior to purchasing the business.
Is there a restoration in your future?
Whatever level you may be considering, you are invited to call Zach at 605-214-1193 or stop into the shop to discuss your ideas. The StraightLines team looks forward to bringing your dreams to reality!
Theframeand suspension werecompletely disassembledsothat yearsofaccumulated rustandcorrosion couldbesandblasted away.Powdercoating andreassemblywith allnewsuspension componentsfollowed. Brakesandsteering componentswereall upgraded.
At LATC
By: Sarah Grassel
Ever since the invention of cars and automotive technology in the late 1800s, the need for knowledge and skill for the upkeep and maintenance has been incredibly strong. Today, automotive technology continues to evolve and change so it’s equally important to train top individuals in the industry.
With a 100 percent placement rate after graduation, Lake Area Technical College fully equips and teaches students to hit the ground running. From general education to more advanced and individually focused coursework, students get a full circle view of the knowledge and skills required to succeed in a career in automotive technology.
Thor Green has been teaching in the industry for almost 15 years, but before that he started on his own journey in automotive technology in 1995. “I enjoy the fast pace changes in technology, and as an instructor, I love seeing the students advance over the two years they are here at LATC,” Thor shares.
While the course is hands-on, there are many soft skills needed to succeed as well, according to Thor. One of the courses that often gets overlooked is COMM 101: Communications and Career Strategies.
In addition to learning the physical upkeep skills required, this communications course teaches some basics of dealing with the public in a business setting. Along the same lines there's a psychology course focusing on human relations and a leadership in the workplace economics course.
Former student Brett Fossum attests for the quality of the program. Originally, he planned on attending a four-year university out of high school, but with a clear, focused direction for where he saw his career leading, Brett ultimately decided that it wasn’t the best fit for him.
“Since my freshman year of high school, I’ve worked in the same automotive shop that I do today,” Brett says. “The opportunity arose from my employer to take a Build Dakota scholarship through the tw0-year program at LATC, and I couldn’t be happier.”
Brett graduated from the program in 2023. LATC takes great pride in preparing their students for a career in the workforce after graduation, but Brett reminds students that you can’t pretend to know everything when you leave. “The industry is constantly changing and new problems are always arising. As
LEARN MORE: In addition to Automotive Technology, Lake Area Technical College offers programs in agriculture, auto, business, human services, nursing, med/fire rescue, heavy equipment operating, welding and more. Visit lakeareatech.edu for more information.
long as you have the capability to learn and be taught in this industry you can be successful.”
Thor adds, “After the first year of generals in the program, our students decide if they want to stay on the traditional path of auto/gas or go the route of light duty diesel.” Out of the two options, gas tends to be the most popular.
However, Brett took the road less traveled. Since he had already had a job in a shop fulltime that worked with primarily gas vehicles, Brett wanted the challenge his knowledge of the light duty diesel for when the opportunity presented itself. “I was going to learn plenty on the job about gas vehicles, but I wanted to be able to diagnose diesel vehicles instead of trying to figure it out on my own later on,” he explains. Turns out, Brett shares that he also came to enjoy working with the heavy-duty vehicles more than the smaller gas ones, too.
Reminiscing on his time in the program, Brett says the best opportunities came from the instructors and hands-onexperience. “We spent nearly
half of the day out in the shop physically working on vehicles instead of talking about the principles behind everything. I think that’s what sets LATC apart,” Brett shares.
Instead of strictly learning in the classroom, LATC focuses on providing real life experiences in a majority of their career and program options. Rather than taking notes, students are spending time in labs and partnering with shops, etc. to work in real life scenarios they face outside of school.
Anyone interested in more information about the automotive technology program can visit LakeAreaTech.edu Just around the corner, the Car Care Event will also be hosted on campus for national car care month. Thor advertises, “We will be doing free inspections for the public from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on April 12th.
Build Dakota Scholarships were established ten years ago to address workforce challenges in South Dakota. At LATC, more than 25 programs are eligible under the scholarship. For more information about Build Dakota, you can email Foundation@LakeAreaTech.com directly. The scholarship deadline is March 31, 2025. When you apply to the scholarship program, one of the biggest commitments is that following graduation, the student would be required to work in their field, in the state of South Dakota, for a minimum of three years. The scholarship successfully takes the stress of financial burden off students so they can focus on their career and truly hit the ground full-force when they complete their degree.
Events
O'Reilly Auto Parts
Rod and Custom Car Show
Feb. 22 & 23, 2025 - Monticello, Iowa
Sioux Falls Snocross National
March 1-2
snocross.com/sioux-fallssnocross-national/
Concrete Challenge March 21-22
Sioux Falls Arena
Dewar Car Show
May 25, 2025 - Dewar, IA
Harrisburg High School 5th annual Car Showcase
May 3, 2025
From 4pm-7pm
World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series
May 11, 2025 - Brandon, SD husetsspeedway.com
Sound of Silence Tesla Rally
May 17-19, 2025 - Custer, SD facebook.com/BHTeslaRally
Wheel Jam Truck Show
June, 2025– Huron, SD
South Dakota State Fairgrounds wheeljamtruckshow.com
5th Annual Remembering Ed Car & Bike Show
June 7, 2025 - Riverside Park, Sioux City, IA
Wild Bill Days
June 13-14, 2025 - Deadwood, SD www.deadwood.com/event/wild-bill-days/
King Series Truck Show
June 13-15, 2025 - Lead, SD
Hwy. 20 Hotrod Association 19th Annual Plainview Car, Truck, Motorcycle, and Tractor Show, June 14, 2025, Plainview, NE
14th Annual Black Hills Camaro Rally
June 18th-21st in Spearfish, SD Blackhillscamarorally.com
Thunder Valley Dragways Drag Racing Legends
July 5, 2025 - Parker, SD
Black Hills Corvette Classic
July 16-19, 2025 - Spearfish, SD blackhillscorvetteclassic.com
85th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
Aug. 1-10, 2025 - Sturgis, SD sturgis.com
31st Annual Kool Deadwood Nites
August 19-24, 2025 - Deadwood, SD deadwood.com/event/ kool-deadwood-nites
21st Annual Ribs Rods & Rock n' Roll! Sept. 5-6, 2025 - Vermillion, SD www.sdbbq.us
2025 Counts Car Club Show
Feb. 20-22, 2026 - at the monument carshowpro.com/event/1964 Rapid City, SD
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MARCH 21 - TEST & TUNE
Gates Open: 1:00 PM
Admission: $20.00 Adult 12 & Under $15.00
Practice: 5 PM to 9 PM
B Classes: $35.00 entry
A Classes: $50.00 entry
MARCH 22 - RACE DAY
Gates Open: 9:00 AM
Admission: $20.00 Adult
12 & Under $15.00
Registration: 9 AM to 12 PM
Hot Laps: 12 PM to 2 PM
Heat Races: 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Main Events: 6 PM
Seafoam Performer of the Day Awards Youth & Adult
ATTENTION SPECTATORS! THIS IS THE RACE TO WATCH!
• Motorcycles: STACYC Bikes 12” & 16”, Mini B, Mini A, 250A, Powder Puff, Open AM, Pit Bike - Open Pro, Vintage, Open Hooligan, Over 30
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JR 1 Age 7 to 11 - Medium & Heavy
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212 Predator
Choices Lost
If you were around then, and really think back to the 1950’s and 60’s when it came to American made cars compared to vehicles of today, it feels like we have lost a multitude of choices. Anyone under 40 years of age wouldn’t necessarily understand my statement, but it is true. To underline my thought, I will explain it further as it pertains to my car story today with relating it to Chevrolet in 1962.
The so- called choices I am speaking about will mean more as they were understood then, which were called options. Most people back then would order a new car at a dealership the way they wanted it built with specific options and pick it up three months later. More specifically when it came to full-sized cars that most families would order, Chevrolet offered six different full-sized body styles, three station wagons, a super sport coupe, and a convertible.
With the different body styles, there were three distinctly different hard roof styles. The Bel Aire hardtop bubble top was one style with a big back window and small roof. Then the Biscayne, more specifically on a two-door sedan was referred to as a flat top without curves, followed up by the Impala, which was a two-door hardtop with a roof design that mimicked a convertible top on the back end. Along with those same full-sized cars Chevrolet offered a 235” 6-cylinder engine along with five different V8 engines ranging from 170 HP to 409 HP. With those engines, three different transmissions were available then, too.
A two-speed automatic Powerglide transmission along with a three and four speed manual transmission were available behind anything. Chevrolet offered 14 different exterior colors with an equal number of interior colors in both fabric or soft grained leather vinyl material. What I have listed here is just the tip of the iceberg when it came to available options, and much of the time today, the value of these older cars is determined by how it was ordered with options or not. There are very few choices if any today with new cars let alone where the parts are from to build them other than America, as compared with cars from 60 years ago.
Larry Stauffacher had a 1962 Chevy Impala in 1968 as a family car that served a dual purpose for him with pulling a trailer with his Huset’s race car on the weekend. I have known Larry since 1971, and I believe his need for speed began with that Huset’s race car. We both started building street rods about the same time since the government started limiting horsepower out of the factory after 1971. We couldn’t buy speed, so we built our own in old cars.
Larry built a 1923 model “T” bucket with a blown small block Chevy and I built a ‘32 Ford sedan with a 375HP 396 Chevy. We DROVE these cars all over the country to different Street Rod National events and competed in auto-cross events
Thereareveryfewchoicesifanytodaywithnewcarslet alonewherethepartsarefromtobuildthemotherthan America,ascomparedwithcarsfrom60yearsago.
placing at the top even with a couple hundred cars competing in each of our long and short wheel base classes. We each continued to build other street rods as years have gone by but with tamer attitudes to just to go on trips to local rod
Then Larry got into newer Corvettes and a 2013 ZL1 Camaro to go fast with again, all while having more projects than a person can do in a lifetime in his garage. The one car that has remained in his garage in the works for 30+ years is a 1970 Nova. Over the years I have kept bugging him to get it done, mainly because he has a brand new, limited edition, ZL1 aluminum 427 BB Chevy engine sitting there to drop in place for forward movement. But then as things go, he got side tracked again a few years ago and built a 1981 Camaro to drag race at Thunder Valley Drag ways and achieved his goal of beating a Ford buddy by running 8.20
seconds @165mph in the quarter mile.
Since doing that he has passed the ‘81 Camaro to his son, Chad, to continue the drag racing scene. Larry, being one of the most ambitious guys I know, has been helping others the last couple years with painting their cars or maintaining them, and I thought he finally decided it was time to start on his long awaiting Nova.
Then, a couple months ago while visiting with another car buddy, Wayne King, they were reminiscing about having some of their past cars back again with Larry mentioning the ‘62 Impala he had 56 years ago. Wayne said he would watch for Larry on the internet, and shortly thereafter found one located in Green, Iowa. It didn’t take long and Larry had another ‘62 Impala in his life again. There is an underlying irony of this car as it is exactly the same as the one, he had so long ago. It was white with a red interior and red stripe, 283 with a power glide, and best of all with only 20,000 original miles. Larry put new tires and wheels on it and will continue to improve whatever little things need attention so he can continue to enjoy an old memory. Now maybe, and that could be a big maybe, with Larry turning 81 in January, he tells me the Nova is next. We have been on a long road together over the years with what each of us has done with cars, but I guess I’ll have to wait and see when the Nova really gets done!
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. A self-taught mechanic, bodywork, welder and painter, he worked in the industry for seven years. He later went to work for Horner Waldorf Box Company, where he worked for the next 33 years, retiring as Package Design Manager for Smurfit Stone Container. Bob has built dozens of street rods over the years, doing everything except the upholstery work. Bob started the Great Plains Street Rodders Car Club in 1985 and today the club has over 340 members. You can see more of Bob’s paintings and car features on the club’s website: www.greatplainsstreetrodders.com.
NAME: Jacen Kaler and Bryce Engle
MOTORCYCLE YEAR-MAKE-MODEL: 1976 Honda CB360T
ENGINE: 360cc Single Overhead Cam Twin Cylinder
TRANSMISSION: 6-speed
SUSPENSION: Showa dual shocks
EXHAUST: VooDoo Moto, Copper Finish
BODY: Custom Red, White, Blue Metallic Paint; Gloss, Satin, and Textured Black Powder Coat
Tell us a little about your ride and why you chose it. What's your motorcycle’s story?
The bike was a non-running marketplace find that was originally intended to be Bryce’s quick-flip winter project. After showing the bike to friend & coworker Jacen, it turned into a budget build for Jacen’s first motorcycle to use the following summer. Before long the project had evolved into a full-blown custom restoration and engine rebuild; the perfect project to endure a long winter. The vision for the bike was to create what could have been an OEM “Café Edition” CB360 right off the showroom floor, but with modern electronics, lighting, and controls. The fenders, although shortened, were retained along with the side covers, airbox, turn signals, and electric start to keep the bike practical, but injected with plenty of Café style to create a clean “OEM-like” bike.
What’s your favorite part about your motorcycle? Is there anything you would change?
My favorite part has to be the paint job. When working with the painter, initially the vison was an OEM-style paint with a little extra spice to really make it one of a kind. Keeping it old school Honda with the red, white, and blue color scheme we used the natural body lines, curves, and straight lines of the tank and side covers to really let the paint job shape itself.
I do not think there is really anything I would have done differently. After spending so much time being so meticulous and picky with every little detail, the bike perfectly matched the dream we were chasing in my opinion.
What plans do you have for this motorcycle?
My plan for this bike is to ride it and ride it some more. There are several local cars shows throughout the year I show it in, but it was built to be ridden.
What’s an interesting fact or something people may not know about this ride?
INTERESTING FACT #1
The longest, hardest, most time-consuming part of the entire build was hand lacing new wheels to the center hubs. So much time was invested into not only learning how to lace a wheel for the first time, but just the actual art of truing the wheel on a stand resulted in many late nights of frustration. The rims and tires are wider than stock and required custom spokes.
INTERESTING FACT #2
Many rubber and plastic parts on the bike are 3D printed. Dealing with fifty-year-old rubber and plastic parts as delicate as a flower resulted in many parts needing to be refabricated. Using a rubber-like TUP filament we were able to recreate many of the rubber components that would have been otherwise impossible to find such as a solenoid rubber housing, battery cradle, and custom blinker mounts. The “CB360T Café” badges were also designed, printed with high strength filament, and hand painted.
For a complete build break down of every single detail visit the link below: https://www.fjrowners.com/threads/winter-sux-ii-project-cb360-resto-mod.158852/
Credits: Custom paint by Nortdoggpaints
Be Smart and Do Your Part for Springtime Motorcycle Safety
By Sgt. Travis Olsen, Sioux Falls Police Department
Springtime is soon upon us, which, as a previous Lieutenant of mine would say, makes me happier than a gopher in soft dirt. Warm weather for me means barbecuing, hot-rodding and motorcycling, which are some of my favorite joys in life.
In the Traffic section of the Police Department, we are tasked with planning for events such as parades, concerts and marathons and the like, for the upcoming year. By spring, our motorcycle officers are generally chomping at the bit to get back on the bikes to patrol our parks and conduct education and enforcement in the City of Sioux Falls.
An area my division is tasked with, unfortunately, is in the realm of serious and fatality crash investigation. The Traffic Section’s mission is to mitigate and thwart these events by way of education and enforcement. As you can imagine, responding officers and investigators become quite passionate about this, after visiting a few of these serious crashes, crashes of which generally could have been avoided. Likewise, the grief befallen on loved ones of these victims is immeasurable, and is a profound impact on first responders as well. Our hearts always go out to the families of these folks whose lives were cut short in these tragedies.
As an avid motorcyclist myself, both on and off duty, crashes involving motorcycles is of serious concern to me. Our crash investigators and reconstructionists dive deep into fatality crashes to determine exactly how and why these crashes occurred, which is quite a science.
Looking at the last two years I am coming to you with a difficult and unfortunate truth, particularly in regards to fatality crashes
involving motorcycles. I say difficult truth, as many people may not want to hear or believe it, but the facts and this particular science can’t be argued. While this platform is not a place to discuss an individual specific event, I can share with you some generalities. In 2023 and 2024 we investigated nine fatality motorcycle crashes in total on the streets of Sioux Falls. Five of these nine crashes were directly speed related on behalf of the motorcyclist, and in several cases, an extreme speed. To clarify, when I refer to them as speed related, my emphasis is that either they were at an extreme speed and/or at a speed above the speed limit where the crash may have otherwise been avoided. Two more of these crashes, speed likely may have been a factor, but inconclusive. In addition, several of these instances the motorcyclist was operating in a risky manner, such as speeding down residential streets, weaving through traffic, sudden lane changes and gunning through yellow lights and in a couple of these cases, a combination thereof. Several of these instances, alcohol use by the motorcyclist was also a factor.
In only one of these nine cases, the motorcyclist was determined to have been a complete victim of circumstance, in which a turning car struck them, and this motorcyclist had not been driving in a risky manner in some form or another.
These are unfortunate facts that many members of the motorcycle community may balk at. I can speculate, by appearance, the notion that one could accuse the officers of embellishing the driving behaviors of the motorcyclist as though they are being targeted, but this is absolutely not the case, and the facts and mechanics of these crashes easily prove otherwise. It should also be noted that discussed above are the fatality crashes that
Going into 2025, I strongly urge my fellow motorcyclists to drive in a safe and defensive manner, use safety equipment, and not complicate the operation of these awesome machines with alcohol and drugs. Likewise, motorists, after months of rarely seeing motorcycles over wintertime, please look twice.
occurred in 2023 and 2024, and non-fatality injury accidents may reflect different results. Over the years I have also had close calls like most motorcyclists, but defensive riding habits and safe operational habits helped me avoid collision.
Motorcycles can be harder to see by those in cars, and especially when a motorcycle is operating at an extreme speed. Likewise, physics will tell us, the faster a vehicle is going, the longer it takes to stop and/or avoid a collision. Allow me to “nerd out” on you for a moment to provide some perspective: A vehicle travelling 100 MPH (which is not unheard of) is travelling 146 feet per second. The average perception-reaction time is about 1.6 seconds. So, a motorcyclist travelling at 100 MPH, upon recognizing a danger, will have travelled around 233 feet down the road, before their brain recognizes and reacts to the problem and even begins to apply brakes. 233 feet, before they even initiate braking, let alone come to a stop.
Going into 2025, I strongly urge my fellow motorcyclists to drive in a safe and defensive manner, use safety equipment, and not complicate the operation of these awesome machines with alcohol and drugs. Likewise, motorists, after months of rarely seeing motorcycles over wintertime, please look twice.
Do you have a traffic safety question?
Please email heather@michelscom.com to submit your inquiry and Sgt. Travis Olsen will offer an explanation in his monthly column.
TALKIN’ TIRES
with Graham Tire
The Ultimate Spring Car Maintenance Checklist
By Articlecity.com
As the weather starts to warm up, it’s essential to do a spring car maintenance checkup to prepare your vehicle for the upcoming spring and summer months.
Check out our ultimate Spring car maintenance checklist to ensure your car is in top condition. We’ve got you covered, from checking the oil level to changing the air filter.
Oil and Oil Filter Change
How can you tell if your vehicle’s oil is low? Look for the low-oil warning light on your dash. If this light comes on, your oil level is too low, and you need to add more.
You may also hear a whining noise from your engine if your oil level is low. If you notice any of these signs, add more oil as soon as possible.
You can also check the condition of your oil by monitoring it yourself. The oil should be a dark brown or black color, and it shouldn’t be too thick or too thin. If it’s significantly different from what the owner’s manual says or looks strange, it’s probably time for an oil change.
Car Battery Test
The best way to test your car’s battery is to use a voltmeter. Place the voltmeter’s positive lead on the battery’s positive
terminal and the negative lead on the negative terminal. If the reading is 12.6 volts or higher, the battery is fine. If it’s 12.5 volts or lower, the battery may need to be replaced.
Another way to test your battery is by starting the car. If it takes longer than usual for the engine to start, or if the engine makes a clicking noise, the battery may need to be replaced.
Test your car’s battery every time you change the oil. This will help you keep track of the battery’s condition and will help you to avoid being stranded with a dead battery.
Check Tire Pressure and Wear
Use a regular tire pressure gauge to check your tire pressure. Remove the cap from the valve stem on your tire, place the gauge over the stem, and release the air until you have a reading.
You can also check for wear by looking at the tread on your tires. If the tread is worn down to less than 1/8th of an inch, it’s time for new tires.
Check Wiper Blades and Wiper Fluid
To check your car’s wiper blades, lift each blade away from the windshield and inspect the rubber. If it is cracked or torn, you will need to replace it.
To check your wiper fluid, open the hood of your car and locate the reservoir. The reservoir should be marked and have a fill line. If the fluid is below the fill line, add more liquid until it reaches the line.
All Lights and Bulbs
It’s important to check your vehicle’s lights and bulbs every month. Ensure that you check the headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazard lights.
The best way to check your car’s lights is to get close and look at them. Walk around your car and test each one. Are they all working? Are any of them burned out? If any of the lights are out, replace the bulb immediately. It’s not safe to drive with a broken light.
It’s a good idea to do this regularly, especially before taking long road trips.
Air Filter Changes
The air filter in your car helps keep the engine clean by trapping dirt and dust. If the air filter is clogged, it can’t do its job correctly and this may cause damage to the engine.
Open the hood and locate the air filter box to check your car’s air filter. If the air filter is dirty and covered in dust, you need to replace it.
For a spring car maintenance check-up, visit Graham Tire. We have a team of experienced mechanics who can help get your car ready for spring. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
customer service, nationwide warranties, and everyday low prices.
N. Cliff Ave. Sioux Falls, SD 57104 (605) 336-0800
W. 41st St. Sioux Falls, SD 57105 (605) 339-3334
57501 (605) 224-8643
SPEED SHOP
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
the details Remember
I talk to people every day that want to build higher horsepower and a quicker vehicle. There are plenty of components available online these days that promise just that, yet not many of those companies discuss the related combinations to support the changes and added stresses on the engine. The promised gains from the stoker kits, camshafts, cylinder heads, intake manifolds, and so on are always dependent on the supporting related components of the engine. Also, there are many little things that can be performed and changes can be made to enhance the power gains and better support the engine’s reliability and longevity. When we are engineering an engine, we look at every aspect of the build to provide not only good, usable power, but also the reliability of the engine as well. Let’s discus some of those factors.
When adding cubic inch to an engine by increasing the stroke, it needs to be noted that we are adding stress to the engine block that the original factory engineers did not initially design that engine to undergo. The strength of the block must be investigated to insure durability of the package. We will observe core shift and cylinder thicknesses throughout the block and if there needs to be action to increase reliability, there are things that can be done. We have processes to enhance cylinder support and there are components to increase engine block support in these situations. It is always better to do these things during the build instead of wishing you did after an engine failure. Also, it is important to ensure the precision
of the line bore, deck heights, cylinder straightness and finish, cam tunnel alignment, and oil galley efficiency. All aspects need to be considered for a reliable engine build.
Installing an updated cylinder head can be an exciting gain for an engine; however, the gains may be minimal if one did not change the enhancement of the camshaft, intake, and exhaust flow. These changes are almost always needed to complete the desired gains. Often the usable RPM range is also changed so the vehicle’s gearing, tire size, converter, and suspension may also need to be changed so the vehicle can properly react to the enhancement. Cylinder head combustion chamber design may also need a piston change so the combustion processes can be as efficient as it is needed. Valve spring design, pressures, and rates most often need to be adjusted to accurately maintain proper valve timing to the engines design and RPM requirements to get the optimal outcome of the engine. Other upgrades can include gaskets, fasteners, induction, oil system, cooling system, component material, fuel and fuel system, ignition system, and drivetrain support just to name a few.
Here at Sehr Performance we are custom engine builders. We design and build the very best engine we can for our customers’ use. We pay attention to every aspect of the build and do not overlook anything ensuring the best possible product for our customers.
ASK THE MOTOR MEDICS®
TUNE-IN AND TUNE-UP!®
Dear Motor Medics,
I bought a new truck with a turbo engine, and it has a “wet” timing belt. I have had the truck for three years and it just passed 100k miles. I have been told that it would be a good idea to change it at this mileage. I was taken back a bit when my dealership suggested this as I didn’t even know that my truck had a timing belt, more less a “wet” timing belt. I have owned several timing belt-equipped cars in my lifetime but never one with a “wet” belt. I was told that it is a major operation to change it and that the engine is an interference engine and will be heavily damaged if it were to break. Can you explain how this belt differs from a regular timing belt and if I really should be looking at a replacement at this time?
Thank you.
Darrin in Hallsville, Texas
Dear Motor Medics,
Hi, guys. My car has had a catalytic convertor fail. I first got the code a couple months back and had it read at AutoZone, and they cleared it, and it came back in two weeks. I bought a code reader and have been clearing it myself and it will stay off if I drive on the highway primarily more than in the city. Do I need to replace it, or can I just keep driving it this way and clearing the codes?
Thank you. Tom in Missouri Valley
Dear Darrin,
We tell our listeners they should ask when they buy a vehicle if it has a timing belt or a chain so they know if they will need to be scheduling a maintenance budget for replacement. Wet belts are contained within the engines and are covered in oil as they run, which helps cool the belt. Some of these engines have the belt on the rear and require major operations to access them and that along with the expense to replace is how they differ.
Take
care, The Motor Medics
25362 Hwy. 11, Garretson, SD 605-594-4181 or 888-200-7562 www.nordstromsauto.com
Dear Tom,
When a catalytic converter gives a code, and it stays off longer on the highway than the city it is usually a good indication that the unit has failed. The extra heat of highway driving helps keep it lit. It is not a guarantee, though. Other things like oxygen sensors or a vacuum leak or any other sensor or engine condition can cause it, too. Make sure that the engine is running in top shape before condemning a converter. If the car has not lost any power and does not have a flashing check engine light, then you could technically drive it, but service is advised. If it has low power, it means that it is getting plugged and that can cause a lot of other issues, so replacing it is a must. Keep this in mind though. If the engine is burning oil or coolant, it will damage a new convertor.
Take care, The Motor Medics
with The Motor Medics ® Shannon Nordstrom, Russ “The Super Tech” Evans, and Chris Carter From the Hosts of the Under The Hood radio show.
