Tales of a Gearhead

Stacey's interview with the one and only Jerry Reed continues, as they dig into Jerry's latest and greatest passion - working the Wounded Warriors charity, the importance of family in his life, his just finished Christmas single "Christmas at the Mall", his guitar collection and finally some more tales about his early days in Nashville doing session recordings with Chet Atkins.

On this episode, Stacey pulls a jewel out of the GEARZ vaults. The final interview with country legend Jerry Reed. Jerry and Stacey sat down and talked about everything from how Jerry met Burt Reynolds, to making "Smokey & The Bandit", the writing and recording of his greatest hit "Eastbound & Down", to recording with the king, Elvis Presley and the fate of Jerry's Bandit Trans-Am that was given to him by Burt and Bandit director Hal Needham.

Stacey shares his tale of how preparing to spend an afternoon at the track with racing legend Mario Andretti, was it's own stressful pit stop in a race against the clock. After that, he tackles the listener questions: "How to buy a used project?" and "Is it ever ok to leave rust on a vehicle?"

Don and Blake from Cornwell Quality Tools drop by and talk new boxes and tool storage.

Today Stacey talks about the MAVERICK's return, the Aftermarket doing well while the OEMs are dealing with chip shortages and catastrophic flooding and finally plays a game of "What if…." While going through RUSH drummer Neil Peart's auto collection that recently went up for auction.

Stacey offers some advice to a listener who is wanting to return to the restoration biz after many years away. Then he goes into the dream projects you wish you could do vs the ones you have. After that, Stacey shares a tale about his first paint project - an old rail buggy his dad brought home. Then finally wraps everything up with some of the inspirations for Copperhead and the V8 Interceptor.

Fresh from his appearance at the Ohio Cobra Club, Stacey recaps what a fun time he had and how it truly is one the best car events around for people of all ages. Then into the mailbag he goes to answer a listener question about what are some the best off-road lighting systems.

Stacey breaks down the differences/challenges between "reality" and "how-to" automotive television. Then gets into the joys of small projects, as well as dipping into the mailbag to answer a listener question about dropped forged tools. He wraps everything up with a gearhead tale about how the Rat Roaster rumble seat could be the ultimate endurance test.

Ain't no party like a listener question party, because a listener question party don't stop! The mailbag is out and the questions are getting answered!

Stacey is your guide, as he leads you through all the lefts, rights, ups, downs, twists, turns, dos and don'ts of navigating the labyrinth that is getting a vehicle with no title and no VIN tag properly registered. So, grab that stale loaf of bread out of the kitchen and leave a breadcrumb trail so you don't get lost!

It's time to head to the swap meet and your favorite junkyard... Stacey is devoting this whole episode to what you need know when you're out looking for that perfect deal.

Stacey sits down with Joey Cudmore and talks about his early days on the NASCAR circuit and how it lead him into becoming one the biggest FIREADE dealers in the country. From the track, to the pit, to a new upcoming race series to be aired on CBS they dig into all. Then, Stacey hits the mailbag with advice for listener Glenn - and all of us - when we have a project that's been stranded at the local shop FOR YEARS.

With the recent story of a driver of a 2004 Ford F-350 Super Duty towing a 30-foot camper losing control, swerving over a guardrail and ending up dangling off a bridge over the Malad Gorge in Idaho... the only thing preventing them from crashing into the river over a 100 feet below, was the safety chains. Stacey discusses all the things you must consider to be able to tow something safely. Whether it's a little 10-foot U-haul or a full blown RV camper. After that, it's a dive into the pros, cons and things you maybe haven't considered about the impacts of electric vehicles. Then, Stacey answers a listener question about installing fog light on a Toyota Tacoma.

Stacey gets into the risks of street racing. Not just for the people racing and watching, but also how it could affect legislation down the road. That could mean bad news for everybody in the car world. After that, it's time to break open that piggy bank or dig up those coin jars out from under the porch because… Big Oly, the world's most famous Ford Bronco is going up for auction! Stacey digs into the history of Big Oly and tells a tale of hanging with Parnelli Jones at the wild BAJA 100 and what that classic Bronco could possibly end up going for on the auction block. Let's go!

Stacey talks about the recent changes to replica/kit car laws that should be music to a lot of enthusiasts' ears. From there Stacey pays respect to the passing of legendary stuntman Remy Julienne. Which opens a broader topic of how movies effect car culture and vice versa, Stacey's favorite car scenes and a round of movie car "what ifs" with a little dash of trivia.

Stacey starts things off by getting into the thought process behind deciding the right color for a project. From there, he remembers the passing of the first person to break the sound barrier, the legendary Chuck Yeager. Then, its into the mailbag where Stacey answers questions about his preferred metal to work with, why a truck can be one of the best project vehicles to get and one of his closest calls while turning wrenches in the backyard. Finally, Stacey wraps it up with a tale about one of his most unique TV experiences... The Bradley Fighting vehicle.

As this long year draws to a close. Stacey sits down with legendary fiddle player and old friend Tim Watson. Together, they share tales from their days working at the old Opry Land park as show musicians. To Tim's days as a standup comedian and session & touring player with everyone from Mel Tillis, Willie Nelson to Tammy Wynette. Then as these shop visits always do, they delve into their shared passion for all things automotive.

It's a listener question jamboree as Stacey answers whether or not Ben from Iowa should keep his '72 Ranchero stock or modify it. Which gets Stacey into the history of the Ranchero along with the '57 Cameo & Camino and the importance of driving original vehicles like that accordingly. After that Stacey answers listener Dominique's question about the things to look for when buying a vehicle.

Stacey climbs into the way back machine and deep dives into all things Hot Wheels. Yes, those little die-cast speed demons from our youth. Stacey shares his memories of the ones he always wanted, to their subliminal influence on his designs today, some history about the original designers who came up with all the wild styles and how Hot Wheels and other vehicle related toys can be a great gateway to engage kids to become interested in, and therefore, helping to keep automotive culture alive and well.

Stacey remembers Scottish icon, the great Sean Connery and gets into what made him and his Bond films so memorable. From the cool gadgets and even cooler cars. After that, Stacey celebrates another icon - this one American - the F-18 Hornet. With the Blue Angels recent announcement that they are retiring the F-18 Hornet for the F-18 Super Hornet. Stacey shares the tale of his visit to the Blue Angels and what it was like to preparer and then take a ride in one of the classic hot rods of the sky!

Stacey starts things off discussing the new electric Hummer and what would be the better ways to spend it's nearly $100K price tag. Then it's mailbag jamboree time, with Stacey fielding questions about a '68 Ford F-600 rear end replacement, taking a '92 Chevy Sportside pickup from a 5-lug to a 6-lug and Nova body replacement options. Finally, Stacey wraps the episode up with a tale about a shortened VW bus that worked and a chopped Thunderbird that didn't!

Stacey talks about the recent production car land speed record claimed by the SSC Tuatara. Using his time out at the Silver State Classic as an example, Stacey also shares his experience of what it's like to be in a car on public roads and reach speeds of near 180mph. Diving into the mailbag, Stacey helps out "Big Dave" with advice on custom frame recommendations for a '61 Nash Metropolitan and Robert's questions about upgrading his Silverado to disc brakes.

Stacey continues remembering the late great Eddie Van Halen, discussing how Eddie building his own custom guitars with what he had available in the studio carries over to us hotrodders out in the garage. Stacey then answers listener Shaggy's question about "What is a good first project vehicle?" and then answers listener Robby's question about the best items to bring when digging through the junkyard. Finally, Stacey shares a quick story about some of the critters and creepy crawlies he has ran into while out looking for that perfect project.

Stacey shares his thoughts on the great Eddie Van Halen, who sadly passed away this month from a long battle with cancer. After that, Stacey discusses the importance of the concept car and how the far out designs you see on stage at the auto shows can end up down the line as some of the most practical features on your daily driver. Finally, Stacey answers some listener questions about wiring harnesses and weather stripping.

Stacey sits down with talented musician and comedian Tim Watson. They discuss how Tim got his start in the music business and how he has been blessed to be in the right place at the right time more than once. Of course, they also talk cars and how they have always been a part of Tim's life.

Stacey sits down with James and Meisha from Sparkburn Hotrods and they discuss the hot-rod / music connection, the effect that the Corona Virus has had on the Automotive world, their thoughts on what our automotive future looks like and how you can blend your personal relationship into running a business together.

Stacey answers listener Sherry's question about the viability of her 1967 Chevy C-10 project. He also gives advice about what to look for in a potential project vehicle. He also answers listener Dominick's question about knowing what you're looking at an auction which segues into more of his checklist for potential projects.

Stacey answers listeners Dennis & John's questions about how to make a "barn find." He also gives advice about both finding Jeep CJ projects and sourcing a new engine for a CJ. He makes a recommendation regarding the viability of listener Carlos' rust laden F-100 and suggests options to listeners Dawn & Dave for clearance of a shaker hood on a Pontiac after an engine swap.

On this episode, Stacey answers listener Matt's question about how to get a "good" paint job without paying for more than you bargained for and he offers listener Sherry advise on her dilemma over her '67 C-10 project. After that, we get Stacey's reaction to the first promo for the New Ford Bronco Family.

On this episode, Stacey sits down engineer & hot rod legend Gale Banks and talks about what it was really like driving & building hot rods in the 1950's. Then they talk about drag racing, rock & roll and land speed competition. After that, Stacey remembers Music Legend Charlie Daniels.

Stacey sits down with Pinstriping legend von Hotrod and talks about their influences and how things are different today compared to when they were young. Then they talk about things that transcend a lot of the boundaries that are making headlines today especially in car culture. After that, Stacey has some advice for listener Terry on welding replacement body panels.

Stacey dives into the fun topic of popular toys, noting how, more often than not, most modern toys are electronics oriented, however a recent poll turns up a surprise number one popular toy! Then he has news about a toy from the past that is making a comeback which leads him into a personal story about his encounter with a childhood hero. After that, Stacey has some advice for listener Steve on ways to tame "Death Wobble". Listener, James, asks for some chilling advise for his S 10 project. Finally, Stacey offers up some thoughts for Mike and his Classic Chrysler New Yorker project.

On this episode, Stacey gives you the skinny on the 2 main kinds of "Wheelers & Dealers". He relates some of his own experiences in deals gone, good and bad. After that, Stacey has some advice regarding new re-popped body panels vs OEM. Time was OEM was like Gold but the current crop of aftermarket parts are more plentiful and the quality can be just as good as OEM, sometimes better! Then finally, Stacey pays tribute to one of the founding fathers of Rock & Roll, Little Richard. HE was a true original and his influence is still felt today.

Stacey dives into the age old hot topic - "Clones vs. Replicas". Going back to how they started, to how they've affected perceptions of the industry over the years and the very passionate opinions that people have about them to this day. After that, Stacey has some beginner welder advice for listener Tex from New Mexico. Then he offers up some kitchen hacks to a frustrated listener who can't find an auto cleaner strong to help with the nasty interior on his new project. Then, Stacey offers up various DIY & low cost alternatives to buying an expensive alarm system for Robert who has just picked up a classic car and doesn't want it stolen.

Car people are problem solvers by nature. On this episode, Stacey proves that by sharing how his buddies at Wisconsin Hot Rod Radio didn't let the current COVID-19 pandemic stop them from raising funds for the Tennessee tornado relief efforts. Stacey also goes into why it's so important that today's adults are making sure that they're fulfilling their responsibility to teach today's youth the skills and knowledge required to be problem solvers themselves. Then finally out of the mailbag, Stacey has some tough advice for poor Pete and his many particular problems with a '87 Jeep Wrangler with a "grenaded" Dana '35.

Stacey goes into the hidden costs that come with buying a crate engine for your project. Also how he learned the hard way when he bought some Edelbrock headers for his first project. Stacey also digs into your questions and offers suspension advice for a '75 Chevy Laguna, wiring recommendations for a '70 Chevelle and how that old pack of gum in your glove box can save the day.

Stacey interviews his long time buddy Malcolm Pritchett from West KY Collision in Hopkinsville Ky. Malcolm uses his 30 years of experience in the collision & repair game to share his thoughts on the state of industry, staying on top of new technology & techniques, misconceptions the public tends to have about body men and how today's used car market is allowing people to look into project vehicles that would've been impossible just 5 - 10 years ago. Stacey also shares his thoughts on automotive auction reality TV shows and how they can give people an inflated idea of their projects worth. Finally, Stacey answers a listener question about ladder traction bars vs bolt ons for a '65 Chevy II. Which ties into a tale about how quick thinking and even quicker repairs to project that was done on the cheap, saved a shoot with Mario Andretti from certain disaster.

The dive into Stacey's new Amazon Prime exclusive show "Stacey David's Restoration Series" continues! Focusing in on the highest & most difficult level - "Level 5 - The Custom Build" Also, Stacey shares a story of a how a friend's Daytona coupe dream project turned into a nightmare money pit. Finally Stacey answers a listener question about converting a '04 RAM 2400 4x4 from a HEMI to Diesel.

Stacey continues to dive into his new Amazon Prime exclusive show "Stacey David's Restoration Series". With the focus being "Level 4 - The frame off restoration and build" Then, a brief look into the MAHINDRA ROXOR copyright ruling. Stacey also answers a listener question about attempting a frame swap on a '53 Chevy long bed truck and all the potential problems that come with it. Finally, Stacey shares a tale about how an easy-peasy 30 minute job devolved into a multi-hour nightmare.

On this episode, Stacey continues to dive into his new Amazon Prime exclusive show "Stacey David's Restoration Series". With the focus being "Level 3 - The Restomod - Just like the name implies. it's part restoration and part modification." Stacey also answers listener questions on aftermarket vs. OEM parts, switching to a smaller steering wheel on a 2002 Mustang GT and dealing with vapor lock on an '85 F150 Finally, Stacey shares a tale about one of his first cars ('30 Model-A Coupe) and all the wrong things that the previous owner did to the frame.

On this episode, Stacey continues to dive into his new Amazon Prime exclusive show "Stacey David's Restoration Series". With the focus being "Level 2 - Mechanical & Cosmetic Restoration - fixing or restoring a vehicle back to original condition with upgrades." Stacey also answers listener questions on doing a transmission swap on a '90 Chevy Suburban, '52 Chevy pickup column shift issues and how to not let a project get away from you. Stacey shares a story about his high school Mustang as an example of learning the hard way. Finally, Stacey discusses Steve McQueen's Bullitt Mustang selling for 3 million dollars and the recent passing of legendary RUSH drummer Neil Peart.

Stacey dives into his new Amazon Prime exclusive show "Stacey David's Restoration Series" (https://www.amazon.com/Laying-out-and-planning/dp/B082PBLQBS/) and explains what it means to take on a level one "get it running and drive it project". Also, Stacey shares his thoughts on the film "Ford vs Ferrari", the findings of the Jessi Combs crash investigation and Elon Musk's Cybertruck debut. Finally, Stacey answers a listener question about a '73 Trans-Am and shares a tale about why mentoring young people is important and how it just might save your sandwich. This episode is sponsored by LMC Truck and Cornwell Tools.

Stacey sits down and chats with The American Tri-Five Association's Jerry Dixey about all things tri-five Chevy and more. https://www.americantrifive.com/tri-five-week.html Stacey also answers a listener question about rewiring a '72 Scout. Which leads to a tale about when Stacey was in high school and attempted his first wiring harness replacement on his 1930 Model-A Coupe.

The premiere episode of "Tales of a Gearhead," host, Stacey David, discusses the new mid-engine C8 Corvette and why he thinks it may not be as controversial as some think. Then, Stacey dives into some listener questions, gives his mechanical advice and shares some stories that every gearhead can relate to and are sure to give you a chuckle.