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Stranger In A Strange Land - Putting our recent International issue of Chevy Classics Magazine together got me thinking about classic cars in unusual places. Seeing a ’61 Impala in Australia or a ’55 Chevy in Sweden is not all that unusual- after all, both of those countries are well known for housing plenty of classic American iron. Seeing a Roman Red 1960 Corvette cruising the streets of downtown London, England is certainly unusual though– especially one with California plates

Burger Quest. Are You Up For It? I was sitting in my car today at lunchtime, munching on a burger, thinking about another place and time long ago. I was living in Portland, Oregon back in the mid ’90s, and had been doing some freelance writing and photography for Tom Shaw at Muscle Car Review magazine. Seems like back then, ol’ Tom was always wanting some unique stories for his magazine– real human interest stuff. So, my idea ended up turning into a six-page feature in MCR entitled “Burger Quest”. Needless to say, it was a blast putting the story together.

Making cut-to-fit spark plug wires

Time: Approximately 2 hours

Tools: wire cutters, crimping pliers, razor blade, Sharpie marker

What you’ll need: set of quality spark plug wires (boots and terminals included), white dielectric grease, wire socks (recommended), wire looms

Tip: When cutting and installing a new set of wires, mark each end at the boots with its designated cylinder number. This will serve as a great quick reference in the future.

Here’s what you’ll net: more reliable spark delivery to the plugs and a cleaner looking engine compartment: set of quality spark plug wires (boots and terminals included), white dielectric grease, wire socks (recommended), wire looms.

In 1963, I bought a new red Fairlane. I met my wife, dated, went on our honeymoon and brought our daughter home from the hospital in it. In 1968, I traded it off for a ’68 Torino, but I always wanted another 1963 Fairlane. About 14 years ago I found this one. It was in very bad shape. $30,000 later and a lot of hard work, I think it turned out pretty good. It has a strong 302 engine and a C4 transmission. I narrowed the 8" rear end so I could fit larger wheels and wider tires. It has classic gauges, a Flaming River steering wheel and tilt column, and a Lokar shifter with a custom console. Front seats came out of a Mitsubishi Galant. Wheels are Cragar 390s. The color is 2007 Mustang Red. Hope you all enjoy the pictures!

Back in mid-January, I had the privilege of attending the Mecum Auction in Kissimmee, Florida. I’d only been to an auction once before– just a small local event back in Oregon. All I can say about Mecum is, “Wow”. It was one massive tent after another massive tent, housing hundreds of classic cars– all eventually headed to the block over 10 days of auction.  I was there primarily to photograph cars, and that I did– got enough iron shot to last a couple of months, at least. 

Granted, in most parts of the country, car shows are winding down for yet another season. I’ve been to more than my fair share this year, and I feel very fortunate to have been able to do so.  Of course, every show is flush with incredible Chevelles– that’s a given. What’s also a given is the vast array of car show knick-knacks that seem to go hand and hand with our classics. 

arburetor: Quick-Change Vacuum Springs

Time: approximately 30 minutes

Tools: small Phillips screwdriver

Here’s what you’ll need: Holley quick-change spring housing, vacuum secondary spring kit

Tip: During the test and tune process, keep track of which springs help or hinder your carburetor’s performance. They make it easy by color-coding the top of each spring.

Quick Tips: Installing New Fan and Fan Belt in Your Corvette


Time: 1 hour

Tools: standard socket set, standard wrenches, long screwdriver or pry bar

Cost: approximately $40-$70

Tinware: replacement or aftermarket engine fan, aftermarket fan spacer (if needed), fan belt

Tip: Always be careful of loose clothing, jewelry, or hair when working around engine fans. Keep an eye out for any wiring or tools as well. 

Performance gains: increased airflow and cooling capacity, horsepower gains from lack of drag on the motor at high RPM