Tales of a Gearhead

Matt Swift from MouseBlocker is in the shop to talk about how to keep rodents, varmints, and all other kinds of critters out of your shop, and most importantly out of your project. Then Stacey answers some listener questions about what not to do on a project, touch up paints, the cost of building a project and an update on the HAIRY HAULER.

Eli Kean from Dixie Chopper stops by the studio to talk with Stacey about the world's fastest lawn mower, Stacey's Cornwell Tools mower box project, setting the Guinness World Record for the most grass cut in 24hrs and mower… er… more! Then it's back into the mailbag to answer questions about when to use the original frame for a project, should someone keep their vintage corvette or sell it, and what to do about soft floors.

Stacey answers listener questions dealing with when to use original or aftermarket parts, how to stay motivated toward your project, thoughts on Dodge ditching the HEMI, and cat back exhaust upgrades.

Larry Collins swings by the shop to show Stacey his '65 Aston Martin DB5. Then it's off to the mail bag to answer some listener questions about rust preventive paints, helping your daughter pick out her first car, and what to do with the dreaded Ford 6.8L V-10 engine.

Matt Graves swings by the shop to chat with Stacey about the new products American Powertrain has coming in 2023, his Cadillac "Chicken Coupe", what is a "hot rod", making it through the pandemic, and the future of the industry. *Picture of the Chicken Coupe from MotorTrend; dually from American Powertrain

Tim Tullo from Fatman Fabrication swings by the shop and sits down with Stacey for a conversation that covers everything from their shared love of WW2 & Civil War history, the state of the aftermarket and what sets Fatman Fabrication apart from other companies.

Stacey discusses why it's so important to really think about time when starting a project, making sure you properly understand how many hours it could take to complete, so you don't get frustrated and end up walking away from it. Then it's back into the mailbag for listener questions about what to do when you get an aftermarket part that doesn't quite fit.

Stacey dives into how the 80's cult classic "Better Off Dead" got him thinking about how some things turn into collectibles and others do not. Then, he answers a listener question about what skills are need when starting out in the garage. Finally, he talks about his upcoming Henry J project and an update on the fan favorite project "Heavy Metal".

On this episode, Stacey hits the road and travels to Las Vegas for the Cornwell rally. Recorded live, Stacey interviews various members of the Cornwell team. Topics range from favorite car, weirdest food eaten, favorite tunes to jam while driving and most importantly the age old Texas vs. California battle… Which is better: IN-N-OUT or WHATABURGER?

Stacey breaks down the ins and outs of car flipping and the difference between the enthusiast mindset and the flipper mindset. Then, Stacey shares a Jeepster tale about when he was out with his Dad and brothers and how they showed a bunch of lifted 4x4 trucks that size DOES matter.

Like the old Pimp My Ride meme says… "Yo dawg, we heard you like Jeepsters. So we did an interview with the Jeepster man about Jeepsters …" Stacey sits down with Mark Vilbert from Jeepster Man and you guessed it, digs into all things Jeepster. From Mark's early days starting the company with his son, to merging with Just Jeepers, to favorite builds and beyond. It's the ultimate Jeepster deep dive!

Stacey sits down with Karl Schulman from Garret's Rod Shop to discuss the history of the shop, the changes in industry trends and most importantly, their most recent project, the out of sight 1933 P-33 roadster which will be featured on an upcoming episode of GEARZ. Then it's into the mailbag for listener questions about wiring harnesses and upgrading your suspension for proper towing.

Like Kenny Rogers sang in "The Gambler"… You got to know when to hold 'em. Know when to fold em. Know when to walk away and know when to run. The same goes for projects. Stacey gets into how if that dream project keeps getting away, and when it might be time to start looking for something else. Then we hop on the GEARZ bus for a visit to the LIONS museum in Long Beach, California. And finally, Stacey wraps everything up with the differences between Concourse & Thoroughbred restorations and a quick update on the CHEETAH project!

Fresh off a trip to Pomona, CA, Stacey shares his experience at the Grand National Roadster Show that featured COPPERHEAD in it's Keep On Truckin' exhibit. Then he cracks open the mailbag to answer a listener question from Chet about whether he should add twin turbos to his '93 GMC Sierra, or go all out and do a V8 LS swap. After that, it's tale time about longtime friend of the show, Von Hot Rod.

Stacey pays tribute to the recently passed Ken Block. Then he sits down for a conversation with a very entrepreneurial 17 year old, who has started her own carburetor rebuild company with four of her friends - RILEY'S REBUILDS. After that, Stacey wraps things up with a couple of listener questions about a '73 Cougar suspension kit and the status of those pesky little COPPERHEAD die-casts. *Ken Block photo from his Facebook page

Stacey shares some of his earliest vehicle influences and how a Boy's Life ad for the DUNE-BUG led him to building his first GO-KART, replacing the 5hp Briggs & Stratton with a 350 Kawasaki motorcycle engine and finally a 440 Ski-Do Bombardier engine. After that, Stacey answers a listener question about aftermarket vs OEM panels for a '75 Camaro. Finally, a tale about how Sgt. Rock's trip to the House of Mouse didn't go quite as planned when the Disney suits got an eyeful of Sgt. Rock's big .50 cal replicas.

Stacey discusses the status of potential guests for GEARZ and the podcast. He also has some advice for listener Kurt who wrote in inquiring about a disc brake kit for the 14-inch rims he has on his '64 Sunliner. Then finally its a tale about the time Stacey was almost in the Romeo video featuring Dolly Parton and Billy Ray Cyrus.

Stacey sends out his well wishes to Jay Leno and explains the importance of shop safety, especially while working alone. Then after shaking out out the mailbag, Stacey answers listener questions about header paint, selling a Dodge Dart Swinger, and an Air Ride system for a '22 F-350.

Stacey digs into the announcement of the new BULLITT film starring Bradley Cooper, directed by Steven Spielberg. Specifically what made the original film's chase scene so iconic and why it is important to movie car history. Then it's into the mailbag with a listener question about the COPPERHEAD nitrous gauges.

It's an engine jambaroo on this episode. Stacey digs in to explain agnostic engines, the difference between an engine & motor and finally an update of the Evel Knievel incident from Stacey's youth.

Today's show opens up with a tale about Stacey and his brother venturing into the wilds of Idaho in a search for a $100 dune buggy. Then it's off to the mailbag to answer some van questions about engine and bumper swaps.

Stacey breaks down his recent trip to the 2022 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, how it's bouncing back post COVID, and their plans for a possible SEMA Fest in 2023. COPPERHEAD is back! With its return to the GEARZ shop, Stacey goes over its inclusion in the upcoming 2023 Grand National Roadster Show's Top 10 Influential Trucks, and on an upcoming GEARZ, how to tell a original from a replica.

On this episode we're off to the movies as Stacey goes over a recent poll ranking its top 10 car movies. Some make sense but others don't; either way grab five bags of popcorn because it's MOVIE TIME! Stacey also shares some of his favorite rock music growing up. Finally, he says goodbye to "The Killer" - the one and only Jerry Lee Lewis.

Stacey answers a listener question about possibly changing his 2011 RAM 1500 into a Super Bee. After that, it's firsts time. From Stacey's first guitar, his first paying gigs, and the first time meeting Johnny Cash.

Stacey opens this episode with a question from Brandon, a listener who is trying to figure out where to start on his first project: a '73 Olds Omega. This opens up the larger topic of making sure something is the right project for you. Even though that classic muscle car you saw out in the field may look tempting, you might be better off starting with something from the '90s - '00s.

Stacey explains why it's up you to do your research on a potential purchase and not just listen to a seller's "speculations" on who may have owned the vehicle in the past. Then it's a quick dive into the mailbag to answer listener questions about x-pipes and door VIN tags.

"Be prepared..." It's not just the Scout's motto; it applies to the car person too! On this episode, Stacey helps you do just that when dealing with test drives. Whether you're taking the keys or handing them over, there is a lot you need to know and consider to protect yourself and your project. After that, Stacey goes through the automotive opportunities for someone who is just starting out.

On this episode of Tales of a Gearhead, Stacey walks through the question "What types of tools do you really need?" Then he has some advice to a younger listener about the best ways to look into apprenticeships. And finally, a question that's probably unanswerable, "What is the BEST V8 engine of all time?"

On this episode, Stacey discusses online automotive scamming and the things you need to look out for so you don't lose any of your hard earned cash. Then, it's into the mailbag for some advice on fixing a control arm that doesn't involve using EPOXY and swapping a HEMI Magnum with a HELLEPHANT crate engine.

Stacey digs into the legal issues of auto clones, tributes, replicas and how a Copperhead that made it into the MECUM auction wasn't THE Copperhead. Then it's mailbag time with a simple starter question and the safety criteria you need to consider if you're thinking about installing a vehicle lift in your shop. Tales of a Gearhead is presented by Cornwell Tools.

A listener question about a '64 GTO leads to Stacey to go into detail about the various car classifications and their meanings used in auto auctions. Then, there's a little tease about a really cool motorized Cornwell toolbox project Stacey that can be seen on upcoming episodes of GearZ.

Stacey digs into General Motors' announcement about the new upcoming hybrid and electric corvettes, should you splice two vehicles together and the pros and cons of the Biden administration's plan to allow the use of E-15 gas year round.

Stacey's tales of his early days in Nashville continue. Things kick off with him being selected to play on the Grand Ole Opry with Roy Acuff, his first time meeting Jimi Hendrix Band of Gypsy's bass player Billy Cox, his VERY BRIEF stint as an Elvis impersonator, and finally his battle with a fly while finishing the paint on one of his first award winning builds. Listener questions tackled are replacing the wiring harness on a '73 Cuda, battery 4-1-1, and putting 3/4 ton axles into a 1/2 ton Silverado.

In this episode, Stacey talks about the obstacles you might face while building your dream garage, then dives into a story about the discovery and restoration of the Dodge Charger from the opening credits of The Dukes of Hazzard. Along the way, he answers a great question about welding for beginners!

Today Stacey goes back to where it began, sharing tales about how he always loved mechanical things (which wasn't always good news for his mother's appliances), how discovering rock and roll lead to his lifetime love of playing music, his early days as a musician in Nashville, and how he first got into television. Then it's a quick dip into the mail bag where Stacey shares some advice on restoring a bed on a '56 GMC 2 1/2-ton truck.

Cars can become a big issue in marriages and family relationships. Stacey helps you navigate this potentially touchy subject, then tackles a variety of listener questions!

Stacey goes into detail about what you need to bring with you when you pick up a new project. If it's been sitting in the woods for a decade, you probably need more than just a couple ratchet straps!

Does your project need a new engine? Should you get a crate engine or have one custom built? Stacey helps you answer that important question, and gives a fan some advice about putting a 1956 Ford F-800 on a late-model bus chassis!

That old project has been sitting in your garage for three years now! Or has it been five...? Stacey helps you understand why it takes so long to finish your projects regardless of whether you're doing the work yourself or a shop is doing the work for you. Then, he answers a listener's question about a transmission that's been sitting long enough to vote!

Stacey takes a deep dive into reproduction bodies for your restoration projects, then handles a great fan question about converting a truck from 2WD to 4WD.

Welcome back It's 2022, time to get your project out Welcome back To the podcast that has the subjects you asked about Well, Stacey is gonna tell you how to answer an ad, then give you some rear end/chassis tips that'll make you glad that you took the time to write in. Right here is where it begins. From the custom shop To the shade tree back lot Welcome back, Welcome back, welcome back, welcome baaaaaack

Life is full of questions. Should I start a car collection? Am I a collector or a hoarder? Should I buy or trade? Do I really need to expand my project horizons? Well, this episode is for you… or is it?

It's mailbagaroo time once again! Stacey answers questions about a '72 CJ5 winch bumper, using an electric spray gun to paint your project, how many projects are too many and finally the ins outs & benefits of replacing your car's wiring harness yourself.

On today's episode of Tales Of A Gearhead, Stacey sits down with Karen Davidson. The great-granddaughter of Harley-Davidson's co-founder William A. Davidson. They discuss everything from her meeting and hanging with Evel Knievel as a kid, her studying fashion design in college, to running her own leather business & her past 30 years as Harley-Davidson's creative director. Plus her advice for any young women out there who might be interested in getting into the motorcycle lifestyle.

Chestnuts roasting on a open fire. Jack Frost nipping at your nose… With 2021 coming to a close, Stacey talks about the most recent Tesla recall and the dangers of vehicles & their drivers becoming too reliant on computers. Then it's a wrap up of 2021 and all it's brought from COVID year 2, supply chain issues and the comeback of car shows and events. After that, go top off the egg nog and relax as Stacey and Jonathan share some of their most fond Christmas Tales.

To start things off. Stacey offers some suggestions to listener Cara and how best to approach dealing with the panel & rocker rust issues on her "baby" an '08 Chevy Xtra Cab 4x4 Then Stacey hops into the Way Back Machine to share a Gearhead Tale as old as time. A story of a boy, his struggle to find the perfect Hot Wheels (in this case the Jack Rabbit Special) and finally... FINALLY beat his brother — and most importantly — his older sister in the family's weekend kitchen Hot Wheels races.

Stacey continues his discussion on the importance of knowing automotive mechanical basics - everything from changing wipers, to checking/replacing the oil & coolant, to knowing how to properly change a flat tire. Then its a quick dive into the mailbag to answer a listener's question about whether or not he should swap an LS engine into his wife's Caddy daily driver, that's starting to sound like it MIGHT have issues. Finally everything heads back to the GEARZ shop for a quick look at Stacey's upcoming book "The Little Hot Rod" and a deep dive into the inspirations and artists that helped create the artwork on Sgt. Rock.

Fresh from a trip to Utah interviewing legendary artist and designer Tom Daniel, Stacey gets into the proposed North Carolina law that would ban the "Carolina Squat" on vehicles. After that, Stacey illustrates the importance of knowing basic automotive maintenance by describing how he recently had to repair the clutch on the shop van in front of a most unusual crowd. Then everything wraps up with a physical tale that will send chills down your back.

It's holiday time once again and that means… family. The good, the bad and sometimes the ugly. So with that it mind, Stacey offers suggestions to a listener on what would make a good project for the ENTIRE family, that can create great memories that last a lifetime. Then on the flip side, Stacey has advice for a listener who is being willed a '73 Corevette, but is not sure if they want to keep it. The he wraps things up with some ideas on how to stay motivated not frustrated with your first project.

On this episode Stacey cracks open the crate on the new Chevy ZZ632/1000* crate engine — the largest and most powerful crate engine in the brand's history. A naturally aspirated 632-cubic-inch V-8 BEAST that produces 1,004 horsepower and 876 lb-ft of torque. From there, Stacey dives into all the other things big and small that you need to consider before purchasing a crate engine of any kind. After that, Stacey whips out his McPherson acoustic guitar to do a little follow up on his interview with Jerry Reed and jam out to show what made Jerry's style of playing so special and influential.