Performance in Motion Magazine Vol. 16 No. 2

MAGAZINE • VOL. 16 NO. 2 • FREE

PROJECT

33

HITS THE

ROAD

匀琀愀琀攀 漀昀 琀栀攀 䄀爀琀 匀礀洀洀攀琀爀椀挀愀氀 䐀攀猀椀最渀

匀䤀一䜀䰀䔀 匀吀䄀䜀䔀

䔀䰀䔀䌀吀刀䤀䌀 䘀䄀一 䌀伀一吀刀伀䰀䰀䔀刀

䠀䤀䜀䠀 伀唀吀倀唀吀

圀栀攀渀 愀氀氀 礀漀甀 渀攀攀搀 椀猀 猀椀洀瀀氀椀挀椀琀礀Ⰰ 琀栀攀 匀椀渀最氀攀 匀琀愀最攀 挀漀渀琀爀漀氀氀攀爀 椀猀 琀栀攀 爀椀最栀琀 琀漀漀氀 昀漀爀 琀栀攀 樀漀戀⸀ 伀渀攀 漀昀 漀甀爀 戀攀猀琀 猀攀氀氀椀渀最 昀愀渀 挀漀渀琀爀漀氀氀攀爀猀Ⰰ 琀栀攀 匀椀渀最氀攀 匀琀愀最攀 挀漀渀琀爀漀氀氀攀爀 椀猀 愀瘀愀椀氀愀戀氀攀 椀渀 洀甀氀琀椀 挀漀渀昀椀最甀爀愀琀椀漀渀猀⸀

匀䤀一䜀䰀䔀 刀䄀䐀 䘀䄀一匀

吀甀爀渀ⴀ伀渀

倀⼀一 吀攀洀瀀

唀氀琀爀愀 焀甀椀攀琀 倀愀琀攀渀琀攀搀 戀氀愀搀攀猀

䐀攀猀椀最渀攀搀 琀漀 瀀攀爀昀漀爀洀Ⰰ 攀瘀攀渀 漀渀 琀栀攀 琀栀椀挀欀攀猀琀 爀愀搀椀愀琀漀爀猀

䌀䘀䴀

匀琀愀渀搀愀爀搀 倀爀攀洀椀甀洀 䘀愀渀 匀椀稀攀 䠀椀最栀⼀䰀漀眀

伀甀爀 䠀椀最栀 伀甀琀瀀甀琀 匀椀渀最氀攀 刀䄀䐀 昀愀渀猀 漀昀昀攀爀 愀 猀琀愀琀攀ⴀ漀昀ⴀ琀栀攀ⴀ愀爀琀 猀礀洀洀攀琀爀椀挀愀氀 搀攀猀椀最渀 攀愀猀椀氀礀 倀⼀一㨀 ㄀㠀㈀㄀㈀ 倀⼀一㨀 ㄀㘀㈀㄀㈀ 倀⼀一㨀 ㄀㠀㈀㄀㐀 倀⼀一㨀 ㄀㘀㈀㄀㐀 洀愀欀椀渀最 琀栀攀 昀愀渀 愀 瀀甀猀栀攀爀 漀爀 瀀甀氀氀攀爀⸀ 倀⼀一㨀 ㄀㠀㈀㄀㜀 倀⼀一㨀 ㄀㘀㈀㄀㜀

㄀㈀ᴠ ㄀㐀ᴠ ㄀㜀ᴠ

㄀Ⰰ㐀㔀 ⼀㄀Ⰰ ㈀Ⰰ㄀ ⼀㄀Ⰰ㔀 ㈀Ⰰ㐀 ⼀㄀Ⰰ㠀

倀爀漀戀攀

䄀洀瀀攀爀愀最攀

䌀愀瀀愀挀椀琀礀

㄀㘀㜀㌀ ㄀㠀 먀䘀 吀栀爀攀愀搀ⴀ䤀渀 ㄀㔀 愀洀瀀 ㄀㘀㜀㈀ ㄀㠀 먀䘀 吀栀爀攀愀搀ⴀ䤀渀 ㈀㔀 愀洀瀀 ㄀㘀㜀㌀㄀ ㄀㤀 먀䘀 吀栀爀攀愀搀ⴀ䤀渀 ㄀㔀 愀洀瀀 ㄀㘀㜀㈀㄀ ㄀㤀 먀䘀 吀栀爀攀愀搀ⴀ䤀渀 ㈀㔀 愀洀瀀 ㄀㘀㜀㌀㔀 ㄀㠀 먀䘀 倀甀猀栀ⴀ䤀渀⼀吀栀爀攀愀搀ⴀ䤀渀 ㈀㔀 愀洀瀀 ㄀㘀㜀㌀㠀 ㄀㠀 먀䘀 倀甀猀栀ⴀ䤀渀 ㈀㔀 愀洀瀀 ㄀㘀㜀㌀㤀 ㄀㠀 먀䘀 吀栀爀攀愀搀ⴀ䤀渀 ㈀㔀 愀洀瀀 ㄀㠀㜀㌀㔀 ㄀㠀 먀䘀 倀甀猀栀ⴀ䤀渀⼀吀栀爀攀愀搀ⴀ䤀渀 ㄀㔀 愀洀瀀 ㄀㠀㜀㌀㠀 ㄀㠀 먀䘀 倀甀猀栀ⴀ䤀渀 ㄀㔀 愀洀瀀 ㄀㠀㜀㌀㤀 ㄀㠀 먀䘀 吀栀爀攀愀搀ⴀ䤀渀 ㄀㔀 愀洀瀀

䔀䰀䔀䌀吀刀䤀䌀 䘀䄀一 䌀伀一吀刀伀䰀䰀䔀刀匀 倀圀䴀

䘀䄀一 䌀伀一吀刀伀䰀䰀䔀刀 倀⼀一㨀㄀㘀㜀㤀㔀 䄀䴀倀 䌀䄀倀䄀䌀䤀吀夀㨀 䄀䌀吀䤀嘀䄀吀䤀伀一 吀䔀䴀倀㨀 吀唀刀一ⴀ伀䘀䘀 吀䔀䴀倀㨀 䴀唀䰀吀䤀ⴀ䘀䄀一㨀 倀刀伀䈀䔀 匀吀夀䰀䔀㨀 䔀砀琀爀愀猀㨀

㘀㔀 愀洀瀀猀 匀漀昀琀 匀琀愀爀琀 吀攀挀栀渀漀氀漀最礀 䌀漀渀琀椀渀漀甀猀 昀愀渀 挀漀渀琀爀漀氀 夀攀猀 倀甀猀栀ⴀ椀渀 瀀爀漀戀攀 䤀渀挀氀甀搀攀猀 愀甀琀漀 爀攀猀攀琀琀椀渀最 挀椀爀挀甀椀琀Ⰰ 戀甀椀氀琀ⴀ椀渀㨀 愀⼀挀 漀瘀攀爀 戀甀椀氀琀ⴀ椀渀㨀 愀⼀挀 漀瘀攀爀爀椀搀攀Ⰰ 挀甀爀爀攀渀琀 漀瘀攀爀氀漀愀搀Ⰰ 愀渀搀 漀瘀攀爀栀攀愀琀椀渀最 瀀爀漀琀攀挀琀椀漀渀

䠀䤀䜀䠀 䄀䴀倀

䄀䐀䨀唀匀吀䄀䈀䰀䔀

䐀唀䄀䰀 䘀䄀一 䌀伀一吀刀伀䰀䰀䔀刀

䘀䄀一 䌀伀一吀刀伀䰀䰀䔀刀

倀⼀一㨀㄀㘀㜀㠀㠀 倀甀猀栀ⴀ䤀渀 倀爀漀戀攀 倀⼀一㨀㄀㘀㜀㠀㤀 吀栀爀攀愀搀ⴀ䤀渀 倀爀漀戀攀 㜀 愀洀瀀猀 ⠀㌀㔀 愀洀瀀猀 瀀攀爀 昀愀渀⤀ 䄀䴀倀 䌀䄀倀䄀䌀䤀吀夀㨀 䄀䌀吀䤀嘀䄀吀䤀伀一 吀䔀䴀倀㨀 ㄀㔀 먀䘀 ⴀ ㈀㐀 먀䘀Ⰰ 匀攀挀漀渀搀愀爀礀 昀愀渀 愀挀琀椀瘀愀琀攀猀Ⰰ ㄀ 먀䘀 愀戀漀瘀攀 瀀爀椀洀愀爀礀 ㄀ 먀䘀 戀攀氀漀眀 愀挀琀椀瘀愀琀椀漀渀 吀唀刀一ⴀ伀䘀䘀 吀䔀䴀倀㨀 夀攀猀 䴀唀䰀吀䤀ⴀ䘀䄀一㨀 ㌀⼀㠀ᴠ 一倀吀 漀爀 倀甀猀栀ⴀ椀渀 瀀爀漀戀攀 倀刀伀䈀䔀 匀吀夀䰀䔀㨀 䤀渀挀氀甀搀攀猀 愀甀琀漀 䤀渀挀氀甀搀攀猀 愀甀琀漀 爀攀猀攀琀琀椀渀最 挀椀爀挀甀椀琀 戀爀攀愀欀攀爀Ⰰ 䔀砀琀爀愀猀㨀 愀渀搀 戀甀椀氀琀ⴀ椀渀 愀⼀挀 漀瘀攀爀爀椀搀攀 䄀䰀匀伀 䄀嘀䄀䤀䰀䄀䈀䰀䔀 䤀一 ㌀㔀 䄀䴀倀 匀䤀一䜀䰀䔀 䘀䄀一 䌀伀一吀刀伀䰀䰀䔀刀

倀⼀一㨀㄀㘀㜀㐀㤀 吀栀爀攀愀搀ⴀ䤀渀 倀爀漀戀攀 倀⼀一㨀㄀㘀㜀㔀㤀 倀甀猀栀ⴀ䤀渀 倀爀漀戀攀

Available at all Performance Improvements Speed Shops: Barrie 705-735-1274 Hamilton 905-574-6940 Toronto 416-259-9656 Brampton 905-453-9901 Oshawa 905-725-3533 Call Toll Free 1-877-471-6700

䄀䴀倀 䌀䄀倀䄀䌀䤀吀夀㨀 䄀䌀吀䤀嘀䄀吀䤀伀一 吀䔀䴀倀㨀 吀唀刀一ⴀ伀䘀䘀 吀䔀䴀倀㨀 䴀唀䰀吀䤀ⴀ䘀䄀一㨀 倀刀伀䈀䔀 匀吀夀䰀䔀㨀 䔀砀琀爀愀猀㨀

㈀㔀 愀洀瀀猀 ㄀㔀 먀䘀 ⴀ ㈀㐀 먀䘀 ㄀ 먀䘀 戀攀氀漀眀 愀挀琀椀瘀愀琀椀漀渀 一漀 ㌀⼀㠀ᴠ 一倀吀 漀爀 倀甀猀栀ⴀ椀渀 瀀爀漀戀攀 䄀椀爀 挀漀渀搀椀琀椀漀渀椀渀最 漀瘀攀爀爀椀搀攀 挀椀爀挀甀椀琀 戀甀椀氀琀ⴀ椀渀

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Available at Performance Improvements Speed Shops

PERFORMANCE DIRECTORY

PIM

E VERYB O DY ’ S AUTO M OTIVE MAGA ZINE Published Oddly VOL.16 NO.2

Publisher Editor Writer Proofreader

Bob McJannett Rob McJannett Bonnie Staring Carol “Spike” LaVigne

Contributors Thomas Anderson Mark Bovey Chris Johnston Len Sly Brian Taylor Blair Taylor Dave Thomas

FEATURES The Publisher Says...................................................... Bob McJannett SEMA Show..................................... Rob McJannett & Mark Bovey Vintage Auto Championship........................ Thomas Anderson Classics on the Square................................................................ Len Sly Project: No Time To Wait............................................ Dave Thomas Project33 Hits the Road........................................... Bob McJannett Canadian Street Rod Hall of Fame............ Thomas Anderson Book Review .................................................................................... Len Sly Unfinished Nationals ................................................... Dave Thomas Reluctant Passenger.................................................. Bonnie Staring REARVIEW - Photos from the Past......................................................

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Performance in Motion Publications, 87 Advance Road, Toronto, ON M8Z 2S6 • Phone: 416-259-3678 • Fax: 416-259-6433

COVER

That flamed yellow beast on the cover may look like a Hot Rod, but it handles pretty good on the track! The only thing holding it back is the loose nuts behind the wheel. Dave Thomas is still working on Project Wht Wait, in the upper right.

MOVING? Please let us know! E-mail both your old & new address to: moving@performanceimprovements.com Canada Post please return undeliverable magazines to: 87 Advance Road, Toronto, ON M8Z 2S6 PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40609642 • PERFORMANCE IN MOTION is published irregularly. Circulation is 30,000+ (ISSN 1703-8421) Performance in Motion Copyright ©2016 by Performance In Motion Publishing. 87 Advance Road, Toronto, ON M8Z 2S6 Phone: 416-259-3678 • Fax: 416-259-6433. Be good to the environment, recycle this magazine – give it to your friends! We respect your privacy, and do not sell our mailing list. All opinions are those of our writers, (the usual gang of idiots) most of whom think gas fumes are acceptable as aftershave. The information presented is via said gas sniffers from which there can be no responsibility by the Publishers as to legality, completeness and accuracy. If you enjoy our magazine, be sure to let us know! This magazine may not be reprinted without permission of Performance In Motion Publishing. (We’re nice guys, just ask) • Thanks for everything Rick McHenry • Enjoy your retirement • Fore! •

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Performance in MOTION

The Publisher Says:

What Does the Future Hold?

Well,

another car enthusiast season is closing. Here in our area we have had remarkable weather, lots of clear sunny days to get the ride out and let it stretch its legs. In fact, I have been able to drive my topless roadster into mid-October; hopefully there will still be days I can get it out.

It’s time to look forward, not necessarily to next year, but into the future. What might we all be driving in ten years or more?

Will there even be a place for us on the controlled roads being predicted? Most important, what, if any, will be using to fuel our cars?

The pressure to replace gasoline and diesel fuel brewed from crude oil is growing.

What are the alternatives? Natural gas, bio-fuels such as ethanol, methanol and biodiesel, hydrogen and the current darling of the industry, electric.

Interestingly, statisticians claim in the U.S. the demand for fuel is greatest in the commercial market. It is said that 80% of today’s fuel use is used by commercial transportation; only 20% is used by personal vehicles, cars, light trucks and motorcycles.

There is no reason to think those same percentages also represent Canadian usage.

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To completely change to any one of the alternatives will cost massive amounts of money, trillions in fact. It will also take as long as 50 years to get everything in place.

No politician who wants to be re-elected will be promoting any of these, our city; province and country dept levels would not allow it.

Other than enormous cost what other features will hold back the change?

Natural Gas: produces less energy that gasoline, thus whatever vehicle style you like it will have to have a larger containment system. So less space and more weight in your vehicle. Natural gas also produces carbon dioxide and other pollutants similar to gasoline.

Bio-Fuels: ethanol, methanol etc. are made from feedstocks. That brings on the food vs. fuel debate. Where will we get the land to grow all the necessary crops to produce these fuels in satisfactory quantities?

How many cows will go hungry to allow us to switch?

and green house gases. However severely limited availability and significant costs seem to have caused the drop in interest.

Electric: ignoring the size, weight and current cost of batteries capable of doing the job, here is the real conundrum. Considering that our hydro generation is currently about at its limit, to provide the necessary increased amount of hydro will require massive new hydro generation facilities. Where will they be built (NIMBY) and what will they be powered with, coal, natural gas or nuclear? All polluters in their own way.

So where do we car enthusiasts stand?

Marty McFly’s flying Delorean doesn’t seem to be in our future.

Well, I for one am not selling my hot rod!

My prediction is there will be gasoline available far into our future.

So don’t forget to add fuel stabilizer to your gas tank before putting your ride away till spring. We will see you down the road.

Hydrogen: touted as the best alternative to gasoline it offers virtually no pollutants

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Photos by Rob McJannett & Mark Bovey

M

ere hours after our red-eye flight touched down from Las Vegas, we were hard at work finishing this magazine and getting ready for our Black Friday Sale.

Even though we are still blearry-eyed and covered in Las Vegas dust, we still wanted to give you a taste of what the show is like.

Long story short, this thing is huge!

The SEMA Show, the premier automotive products trade event in the world, draws

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the industry’s brightest minds and hottest products to the Las Vegas Convention Center. There are educational seminars, product demonstrations, special events, networking opportunities and more.

With over 2,500 new parts, tools and components to gawk at across 1 million square feet, you best have comfortable shoes.

The SEMA Show is a “trade-only” event, but among the over 160,000 people we

were bumping into during the show (some pushing strollers and drinking beers at 9 am) methinks some non-industry people are sneaking in.

SEMA has taken advantage of the fascination, turning the end-of-show into a parade Friday now called SEMA Ignited. The streets are closed and the public is invited to the ultimate after-party, proving hot-rodders are always great at recycling!

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Performance in MOTION

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Mike Livia “Copper Head” 1936 Ford Pickup

Vintage Auto Championship Story by: Thomas Anderson • Photos couresy of Vintage, Dave Thomas

I’m

always impressed when a company steps outside the box to do something unusual. Well, Jason Wilson and the rest of the folks at Vintage Auto Insurance have taken a big step away from the normal insurance business.

Based out of Lindsay, Ontario, their parent company Reeds Insurance has been servicing customers since 1896. They are not new to the insurance business!

Since a number of their employees were car enthusiasts, they realized the need to create a division of their business specializing in offering sensible, effective insurance for the collector car, hot rod hobbyist. In 2010 Vintage Auto Insurance was formed.

Since that time they have been very successful, servicing an ever growing customer base. In 2014, Jason Wilson, the manager of Vintage, was looking for a way to give back to the car enthusiast community.

After much thought, he came up with the Vintage Auto Insurance Championship.

During 2015, undercover judges visited

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four selected car events throughout the province, choosing cars to compete for the championship. As well as the fourteen that were chosen, there would be two wildcard vehicles chosen from online voting. In the end they had the Sweet Sixteen finalists.

In early January, online elimination voting began until there were two cars left. When the final votes were cast, the winning car was announced during the Toronto based Motorama car show.

Now this is a serious project, Vintage and Reeds awarded $10,000 prize money to the top six vehicles: $500 went to wild card Richard Huskisson and his 1938 Ford Coupe $500 also to wild card Bill Boynett and his 1980 Custom Corvette $1,000 to semi finalist Jim Madigan and his 1940 Dodge Pickup $1,000 to semi finalist Bob Burk and his 1932 Ford Hiboy Roadster $2,000 to runner up Alec Smith with a 1941 Chevrolet ½ ton pickup.

$5,000 to the winner Mike Livia and his 1936 Ford Pickup.

The 2016 version of the Vintage Auto Championship began in June, again with fourteen cars chosen from selected venues plus two wildcards from online voting. Then the Sweet Sixteen will again begin voting elimination with the final two on display at the 2016 Motorama. Again the winning vehicle will be announced on the Sunday of the show.

So my hat’s off to Jason, Vintage and Reeds for their support of the car enthusiasts, they are setting a bar for others to follow.

To find out just which events are targeted, go to vintageautoinsurance.ca once the venues are chosen they will be announced on their web site.

If you are in need of any kind of insurance give Reed’s or Vintage a try. Support those who support the hobby here in Canada.

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Performance in MOTION

Performance Directory

Alec Smith 1941 Chevrolet ½ ton pickup

Bob Burk 1932 Ford Hiboy Roadster

Jim Madigan 1940 Dodge Pickup

Bill Boynett 1980 Custom Corvette

Richard Huskisson 1938 Ford Coupe www.PerformanceImprovements.com

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Classics on the Square Story & Photos by Len Sly

J

uly 3rd saw the most recent version of the Mississauga Classic Car Club’s “Classics on the Square” car show. The event is held on spacious Celebration Square at Mississauga’s City Hall. Working hand in hand with Mississauga Counsellor Ron Starr plus the aid of the Over N Under car club a great day was had.

The weather was perfect, bright sunshine and not unbearably hot. This year some of the most unusual cars attended, along with a wide variety of all types of enthusiast

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vehicles. No matter what style you like Hot Rod, Custom, Muscle Car, British car, there was something you could feast your eyes on.

Classics on the Square is more than just a car show, while the cars are the stars, there is much more to do and see.

Once again Batman, returned for the kids, bringing along Scooby Doo, Fred, Daphne, Thelma and Shaggy. The kids had great time getting autgraphs and photos. Also back for the third time was the west end based Itchy and Scratchy show band. If you have never

seen these guys you have missed a treat. They are simply a fun band that seem able to play anything you can throw at them.

A tip of the hat goes to the MCCC for all their efforts not only in creating this unique event, but in rounding up door prizes and gifts to go with the 30 awards presented that day. Support of Ronn Starr is also crucial helping to navigate the paperwork waters when ever you are using municipal premises.

For a full list of the awards go to: www.mississaugaclassiccarclub.com

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Performance in MOTION

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Project Why Wait Update Story & Photos by Dave Thomas • Additional photos by Chris Johnston, Brian Taylor and Blair Taylor

he Rolling Songs wrote a song proclaiming that time is on my side, but in reality it isn’t, not in the least.

Like many of you reading this, who are also arms deep in a project, I have realized that time or rather free time, is a bit of a rare commodity. Being a father, husband, rat race participant, freelance writer/photographer, and a more than occasional bmx rider, doesn’t leave me with a whole lot of time to play with and often I’m burning the candle right through the middle, forget the ends.

This means that shop days can be fairly spread out and unfortunately ‘Project Why Wait?’ has often more closely resembled Project Back Burner. But as the saying goes Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither were most custom vehicles so, while in the moment these delays and sabbaticals from

T

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the shop might seem extreme, in the long run they are mole hills not mountains.

Since the last update all the sheet metal has been yanked off of the original chassis, and for the most part that went pretty well trouble free. The largest hurdle was the driver’s side front cab mount bolt which was inaccessible thanks to a hastily done floor patch. A quick zip with the angle grinder and I was able to remove it, however I now have a new floor hole to repair.

Speaking of holes I’m happy to say that, considering their age, the cab and associated panels are fairly clean. The cab corners will need to be done, along with the kick panels, and a few other non structural areas, but it’s closer to solid truck than it is Flintstone car.

Once everything was unbolted, the cab was hoisted into the air and placed on the

chassis introduced last update. Sitting on the modified chassis the truck seems like a much smaller and manageable project closer to what I’m used to.

Performance in MOTION

On the following visit to Taylor’d Customs mounts were the name of the game and the first two I decided to tackle were bed mounts. After making a template out of a diaper box --father’s keep as many as you can the things are darn handy-- I tried my hand at TIG welding to assemble the mounts before Blair zapped them to the frame.

After that I got a chance to reacquaint myself with the MIG welder as I made a cradle for the RCI fuel cell I picked up from Performance Improvements months prior.

Again Blair TIG welded the cradle to the frame and to round out the rear we mounted studs to the frame and link bars for shocks.

Up front all that’s needed is shock relocation, but that is a little more involved so it will have to wait until next visit. However we did weld together shock mounts from

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pieces water jetted by Mach One Water Jet in Pickering.

While the truck waits for the next time I’ve got a day to work on it, I’ve been doing a lot of planning, research, and purchasing and this is where my relationship with PI has been invaluable.

Andy McJannett has been a huge help when it comes to looking for components.

He’s a bit like a parts vending machine, input a sku or part number from just about anywhere on the internet and product appears. However he unfortunately doesn’t run on quarters, preferring much larger denominations instead, and the occasional craft brew.

So far in my garage I have Belltech shocks, M Sport brake bits and the aforementioned fuel cell along with motor mounts and a few

steering odds and sods. Since this is a custom vehicle products are coming from a variety of vehicle applications; the shocks are Dodge if I recall, and my front brake setup is built around end of run second generation Blazer components.

Originally I had grandiose ideas of Wilwood or Baer brakes but the ol’ wallet had a few objections. So instead of going all in out of the gate, I looked for budget conscious options I wouldn’t regret later.

Looking at OEM options on a few G body forums (the new chassis is G body clipped) the Blazer “big brake” upgrade seemed like a great alternative to more expensive aftermarket options. Late model Blazers had dual piston calipers and larger rotors than their s10/Gbody siblings, used sealed hubs, and are easily upgraded to Corvette brakes at

13

a later date. I didn’t jump straight to Corvette brakes because I’d like to run 15” wheels but even ‘stock’ this setup should be more than enough to stop an LS powered truck under normal, and even spirited driving conditions.

Yes, if you noticed a cat did just run out of the bag.

I know, I know, some of you are a little disappointed that I went with such an ‘unoriginal’ power plant but dollar-fordollar, and pound-for-pound, it’s extremely

14

hard to beat the LS motor. For the project I’ve picked up a little tough guy 4.8 with a 4L60 transmission with ECM and harness for less than the price of a 350/350 small block combo.

The little eight that could will be receiving a new intake manifold, heads, cam, and tune that should, according to new project partner Las Vegas based Kreative Street Designz, transform the motor into a rubber burning machine that will do long trips with ease and

light to light runs fast enough to keep people on their toes.

With all the components required to mock up the chassis now in my possession time is all that’s needed before the chassis is off to Stripping Technologies for a lick of paint.

My sights are set on having that done before the year is out so hopefully next update you’ll get to see ‘Project Why Wait?’ just a little further along!

•

Performance in MOTION

NOW Available at all Performance Improvements Speed Shops:

Barrie 705-735-1274 Brampton 905-453-9901 Hamilton 905-574-6940

Oshawa 905-725-3533 Toronto 416-259-9656 Call Toll Free 1-877-471-6700

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Dave Thomas blogs extensively about the Ontario automotive enthusiast scene, visit: stanceiseverything.com. www.PerformanceImprovements.com

15

Bob’s original 1933 Ford (in Front) was the inspiration for Project33. They finally met face to face at the Roadmates Picnic!

Story & Photos by Bob McJannett • Additional photos by Ryan McMartin & Thomas Andrews

We build a Modern tribute to an original Hot Rod

PROJECT33

In

2014 Performance Improvements celebrated 50 years in business. We were trying to come up with the best way to acknowledge this milestone.

In the early days, Bob McJannett had found a 33 Ford 5 window body in pretty good shape (except for the bullet holes.)

With the help of Ken Stewart, Paul Dermo, at Linken Mfg. plus Ron Dolson, Tramp Warner and many others, a chopped and channeled hot rod was built. Painted a distinctive yellow with Tramp’s flames, the car turned many a head. Our 33 was driven all over with great success, and finally sold to Duncan Ackerman.

For the 50th someone suggested we buy back the car. We knew where it was and that it still looked pretty much as it was built.

However, times have changed, it was felt we should have something more representative of the current state of hot rod construction.

Then up popped the Factory Five 33 Hot Rod. Built by the makers of the Factory Five Cobras, this car offered current state of the art performance suspension, steering and brakes. A kit was ordered and we anxiously awaited the truck load of boxes. We were going to build it in our showroom far all to see as we progressed.

As often happens, plans get pushed aside,

business kept us from working on the 33.

Finally one of our friends, Art Hagner who is the Transportation Specialist at Judith Nyman Secondary School, suggested his students would get a kick out of building a hot rod. Eventually a nine student “build crew” took over our unique project.

Our goal was to build a car that would interest as many people as possible. Show them the fun and satisfaction of the car hobby. We were not building a trailer queen.

Our car, would be driven everywhere, in virtually any kind of weather. (We have already bought a set of steelies & snow tires!)

The pieces went to Judith Nyman in

An all-steel 1933 Ford (that had once been used for target practice) was chopped, channeled and turned into one of the 70s coolest local Hot Rods by Linken Manufacturing.

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Performance in MOTION

Project33 the “High School Hot Rod” returned to Judith Nyman S.S. for their charity Fun Fair. Pictured: Rob, Art, Andy & Brian.

November, at the end of the school year the car was delivered back 90% completed, we took over the final touches.

Hidden under the body is a tubular steel space frame with all the high end handling features incorporated into the Factory Five Cobras.

Front suspension is an in-board coil over design with unequal length upper and lower tubular A arms. Also featured are high-end mono-tube adjustable coil-overs with rod end dampers. The rear suspension consists of a 3 link design with Koni coil over shocks and tubular control arms. Once assembled our 33 looks like a traditional Hot Rod but

handles like an expensive sports car.

For a driveline we chose a low mileage GM 5.3L LS engine attached it to a Tremec TKO600 5 speed (that accepts 600 foot pounds of torque) and finally a Ford 8.8 rear end from a 1992 Mustang.

Many manufacturers recognized the value in this project and supplied parts to make it even better. Our hats are off to ARP, Auburn Gear, DEI, Edelbrock, Holley, Moroso, MSD, Painless, Quick Time, Russell, SSBC, Tuff Stuff and Wasp cams for their support.

Tires and wheels are a jumble. Depending on the cars purpose that day, we have a set of Snow Tires on Steelies with spun aluminum

Moon disks, a set of Big & Little Weld ProStars with Mickey Thompson ET Streets and if the car is going to the track we have an extra sticky set on loan from Mark Bovey’s Targa Truck.

Like all Hot Rod guys we couldn’t leave well enough alone, in our effort to duplicate the original 33 we removed the taillights provided and installed 50 Pontiac lights. For seating the Factory Five seats were replaced with Procar and the seat belts provided were replaced with Race Quip harnesses. The dash was filled with So-Cal curved glass instruments.

Once we had it running and everything

Yes it is dirty! No trailer queen here, Project33 is meant to be driven and driven hard! By choosing quality components from MSD, Edelbrock, Painless and many more, we can drive in the Rain and Snow without fear of getting stranded. www.PerformanceImprovements.com

17

seemed OK the car went to Davies Corvette to be prepped for the wrap. That’s right instead of paint we had it wrapped by AVGraphix. Eventually we will change the colour, so rather than paint it “that’s a wrap.”

By now Project 33 was nearly done. It was first seen during construction at the Canadian Motorsports Expo in 2014.

At that point it was still in black gel coat with plywood wheels to get the ride height correct. Soon after the wrap was completed wheels and tires chosen and off we went with our Project 33.

Since that time Project 33 has been driven almost daily on the street, gone to cruise

nights and car events, taken to Toronto Motorsports Park. With no real preparation and non sticky tires it ran 13.6 in the quarter mile. Next was to run the road course, this is where Project 33 really shines.

During 2015 and 2016 there have been a number of trips to Cayuga and Grand Bend to run on the road course. We surprised a lot of people with our success, running faster than numerous cars properly set up with far more money invested.

This led to a car control course run by noted driving instructor Ian Law and his ILR Car Control School at the PowerAde Center in Brampton. We had a ball adding

to our driving abilities and understanding of what our 33 could do. In fact we were invited to Ian’s Charity Exotic Car Day where the spectators could donate money for a ride in one of the cars participating. There we were, a hot rod mixed in with real exotic breeds.

We are proud of Project 33, and feel we have proven our point that you can build a car like this and drive it anywhere. Heads turn where ever it is and there are lots of thumbs up from other drivers So what is in the future? Well as usual there are areas we feel that could be better. 2016 should see some tweaking of the suspension to improve handling even more. A true sticky

Whether at the Drag Strip or on the Race Track, the Factory Five designed chassis ensures Project 33 is a helluva lotta fun. Future plans call for a re-designed roll cage to protect the loose nuts behind the wheel.

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Performance in MOTION

tire to run at the drags is also on the list.

Project 33 can be either a coupe or a roadster (the top can be removed and a windshield bolted in place). To compete with the top off at Canadian Tire Motorsports park (MOSPORT) requires the roll bar to be taller, since we want to run laps there this year we are planning a way to increase the height when needed and still be able to get the top back on when we want a coupe.

Watch for Project 33 and the loose nuts behind the wheel having fun with cars!

•

Special Thanks Art Hagner Judith Nyman S.S. Davies Corvette The SPDA Ian Law ILR Car Control School

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When you drive a true topless car, you need creative solutions to avoid baking in the sun. We may not have been the most “exotic” car at the Charity Exotic Car Ride - but we gave some exciting rides, as this fan can attest! www.PerformanceImprovements.com

19

T

he Canadian Street Rodding Hall of Fame was formed by Jim Cowan in 1993 to recognize the contributions that individuals, clubs and corporations have made to the development of the street rodding hobby in Canada. Its first introduction to the street rod world was at the Atlantic Nationals in 1994. That year 25 long time supporters of the hobby were acknowledged and inducted. Since then through Jim and his steering committee’s constant efforts there have been annual inductions. As of 2016 there are now 50 inductees.

The annual CSRHOF celebratory gala, where this years inductees are announced was once again held in Waterdown Ontario, on October 22. Over 150 people were in attendance to see the Motor City Car Club from Oshawa Ontario join the group.

Motor City is the first complete car club to be inducted. Their list of accomplishments is long and well documented, in fact when Master of Ceremonies Bill Merkley announced the induction he had ten pages of notes to cover. We do not have the space

to give you the whole ten pages but here are the highlights.

The club was the combination of the Kontinentals and the Ignitors in 1962, both based in Oshawa. Together they became Motor City Car Club. Since then they have held parking lot shows, indoor shows, are active in street rod events both in Canada and the north eastern USA and since 1992 with the support of the region of Durham they created AUTOFEST. As well as street rod events they have been involved with Big Brothers and Big Sisters, CIBC’s run for a cure and much more. In fact a number of members dress up as clowns and visit local hospitals bringing smiles to those who are there. As I say the list of accomplishments is long and impressive. In 1994 the club decided to focus there efforts on the Grandview Children’s Hospital.

Grandview specializes in physically and mentally challenged youth. To date Motor City has donated in excess of $300,000.00 to Grandview. Hats off to this year’s CSRHOF inductees Also hats off to Jim Cowan and his

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committee for all their work to keep the Hall of Fame updated and current.

The Gala! Well it was an evening of old friends and new friends getting together to talk about the sport, have a great meal, be entertained by Paul, David and DW Horton who sang and played late into the night.

Next year the event will move to the Cambridge Hotel Conference Center on October 21 2017. If you are a street rodder you should plan to attend.

For more info check www.csrhof.com and www.motorcitycarclub1959inc.com

•

Jim Cowan presenting the award to Motor City President Doug Stapleton.

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Performance in MOTION

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Performance Directory

_REVIEW Dodge Challenger and Charger: How to Build and Modify 2006-Present

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Find out about the latest Performance Improvements Sales and Events by joining our e-mail newsletter.

Chrysler has returned to previous glories with the LX platform cars.

The new Challenger and Charger Hellcats are the strongest domestic production cars currently available at a reasonable price. Powered by the 5.7- 6.1- and 6.4-liter Hemi engines they bring significant performance levels right off the dealership floor. But as always performance minded individuals can do better.

This book by Randy Bolig ( 14 years as the editor in chief of Mppar Muscle magazine) brings you highly detailed instructions for moving the needle higher on these cars. Ignition mods, high performance injectors, head modifications and rotating assemblies are all covered. But there is more, step by step installations of cat- back exhaust, hand held ignition tuners, cold-air intakes and superchargers are also covered in detail.

If you have one of these vehicles or are considering their purchase you should have this book on your work bench.

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With over 500 colour photos they cover a unique performance build in the H&H shop of probable the most advanced Ford Flathead engine destined for one of NASCARs Ray Evernham’s personal projects.

•

SA379 • 144 PAGES • 577 COLOUR PAGES Wrtten by TONY THACKER and MIKE HERMAN

22

Performance in MOTION

Photos and Story by: Dave Thomas

Unfinished Nationals T

his might surprise some of you, given the amount of events I willingly attend in a year, but I do get a bit of event fatigue from time to time. That’s part of the reason I go to events of such a wide variety, it helps to keep things fresh and keep me seeking out new shows to go check out.

The Unfinished Nationals was, up until this year, one of those events that would slip my mind until immediately after it had passed. This year I saw a flyer for the event months prior so I was able to circle the date in red on my calendar and make sure nothing prevented me from attending.

The only wildcard left was the weather of course, which looked more than a little questionable morning of with rain in the forecast. However I told my wife I’d have our son occupied for the day so I ventured forth and hoped for the best.

Luckily (I didn’t have a backup plan nor rain gear for my son) the rain held out and I was greeted by a surprisingly full Paris fairgrounds, and warm weather for a good three or so hours.

24

If you’re the type of person that doesn’t bring your car out to events because it’s not ‘finished’ --hint most project vehicles are actually never quite done-- or the type that doesn’t like shows packed with pampered trailer queens, then the Unfinished Nationals is the show for you.

Projects are welcomed at this show with wide open arms, and everyone in attendance would rather see a half finished vehicle make it to a show rather than spend the rest of it’s years in a garage covered by bed sheets and miscellaneous boxes.

There was a little something for everyone at this event, up, down, fast low, muscle, kustoms, hot rods, lead sleds and trucks, lots of trucks which was of course awesome for a truck lover like myself.

Heck there was even a swap meet if you needed to grab a few parts for your project or some art and knick knacks for your garage, man cave, or kitchen.

As the day wound to a close people were called up for their awards, and the awards were as original as the event itself. Plaques

were handed out for unique categories like the lowest vehicle, furthest traveled, primo in primer, hard luck and Kool Klassic.

Great things happen at events that don’t take themselves too seriously and put having a good time over anything else, and this year’s event was marked by a couple, who has been attending for years, getting engaged that very day. An awesome memory for everyone in attendance that lifted spirits so high that even the rain, that eventually did come about an hour later, couldn’t dampen the mood.

All said and done the Unfinished Nationals have earned a spot on my must attend events for the year, and I just might drag out ‘Project Why Wait?’ for 2017.

See you there?

•

Performance in MOTION

www.PerformanceImprovements.com

25

Unfinished Nationals

26

Performance in MOTION

Available at all Performance Improvements Speed Shops: Barrie 705-735-1274 Hamilton 905-574-6940 Toronto 416-259-9656 Brampton 905-453-9901 Oshawa 905-725-3533 Call Toll FREE 1-877-471-6700

www.PerformanceImprovements.com

THE

RELUCTANT PASSENGER

Who’s at the Wheel?

Four

years from now—give or take, according to industry experts—cars in dealer showrooms will feature the option of being fully autonomous. What that means is at the push of a button or flick of a switch, computers will kick in to take over driving the vehicle.

Some call it the biggest advance in the automotive industry since Ford created the Model T, and wiped out the horse and buggy industry. Others, such as automotive enthusiasts and their reluctant passengers, should ponder the affect this technological innovation will have on being able to actually drive a vehicle in the future.

Where will these advances lead?

Right now, some of today’s vehicles can park themselves, adjust their cruise control speed and even stop to avoid a collision. And with GPS, drivers can figure out where that car show or cruise night is without our alwaysaccurate help.

If you ask me, these advances have taken most of the thrill out of the driver/passenger relationship.

For example, backup cameras eliminate the need for a passenger to get out of a vehicle and use vague hand movements to indicate how much space a driver has to manoeuvre.

On a global sense.

Before you know it, auto manufacturers may decide to stop making cars we can drive altogether. Take away the steering wheels and pedals, and we’ll all become passengers, some more reluctantly than others. Sure, self-driving cars are great and all, especially for individuals with mobility or vision issues, but what will happen to our old-school vehicles?

Some have suggested that human-driven rides will become tomorrow’s recreational vehicles. Like boats and ATVs, only taken out on certain days to be driven in designated areas. Perhaps in all those soon-to-beabandoned driving test centres.

Driving as a historic activity Many of us already roll our eyes at folks who can’t parallel park, even if their life depended on it. So when automated transport becomes the norm, can we expect our ability to operate a motorized vehicle to become a lost art seldom practiced? Something akin to sourcing water with a divining rod, sock darning or map folding?

Will kids two generations from now look at a steering wheel with wonder—the same way today’s kids do with a rotary phone, a wringer washer or a 45-rpm record adapter?

Fully autonomous vehicles are already transporting employees in and out of a nuclear power plant in France. No driver, no steering wheel, no gas or brake pedals— human error’s now out of the equation.

Which, when you think about it, is probably a good idea around a nuclear reactor.

Especially if your name is Homer Simpson.

But what about those of us who enjoy the euphoria created by the combination of our hands on the wheel, the rumble of horsepower and our foot on the gas? Will we be satisfied sitting back and letting a computer take over?

Maybe some of those autonomous vehicles will come with Grand Theft Auto installed on the dash.

Enjoy the ride.

•

About the Author: Bonnie Staring is a comedic triple-threat (writer, performer, coupon user), and she appreciates the road of life a lot more than she might let on. Bonnie has plans to master social media one day, right after she learns how to machine rotors. www.bonniestaring.com

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Performance in MOTION

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Performance in MOTION

Bob McJannett, poses with his T-Bucket in his parents driveway. He later convinced his girlfriend Susan to loan him $1,500 to start Performance Improvements, one of his greatest sales ever.

HOT ROD BOB

Available at Performance Improvements Speed Shops: www.PerformanceImprovements.com

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