Steve Haley's 1969 Z28 Interior Makeover Completed!

Greetings Fellow Gearheads,

Here is the follow up to Steve Haley's beautiful 1969 Z-28 Interior Makeover which has been completed! Also be sure to click our banner below and check out the video on You Tube!

The total package includes the following:

•Detroit Speed and Engineering Dash with Auto Meter Gauges
•Custom design and build console
•Customer designed and fabricated console insert plates and shifter
•Vintage Air System
•DSE 7 speed wipers
•Corbeau front seat wrapped in Italian leather
•Rear seat foam was shaped for a more contour look and also wrapped in Italian leather
•Bill's specialty billet cranks
•Custom headliner
•Custom package tray
•Billet trunk hinges
•Modo Innovations electric trunk release
•Custom reveal close out panel to finish the trunk

Audio System includes:

•Pioneer touchscreen DVD w/bluetooth
•ARC Audio 6006 6 1/2” component speakers in custom kick panels*
•ARC Audio 6936 6x9 – 3 ways in custom fabricated package tray
•ARC Audio 12” subwoofer. Sub fires through center of package tray.*
•ARC Audio 5 channel amplifier mounted flush in the newly fabricated trunk kit
•Stinger wiring accessories throughout car as well

*Both package tray and kick panel speakers are protected with a decorative and protective mesh grill which compliments the interior.

Classic Car Show & Cruz @ Placer County Fairgrounds

The World Famous Gearhead Garage made yet another appearance! Ok, so maybe were not world famous yet but dream a little dream right!

So we landed at the Placer County Fairgrounds on Friday night, once again, in the beastly 1969 Chevelle. This two-toned black and red rocket of a vehicle is most definitely an eye catcher wherever it travels.

The Classic Car Show and Cruz which was hosted by the Cappuccino Cruisers was a fun but slightly warm event. After a safe landing we made our way over to the lawnmower races. If you've never witnessed this race you are missing out! We then made our way over to the Monster Truck show and had a blast.

A great night of food, music, and new connections for Gearhead Garage!

1973 Javelin back at Gearhead Garage!

Well, the ’73 AMC Javelin project we’re restoring just came back from sandblasting- American Stripping did a phenomenal job! ALL of the exterior, door jambs, trunk & engine bay have completely stripped and primed. The entire underside of the car is FINALLY free of 35+ years of nasty grease & grime.

The original engine has been freshly rebuilt: a balanced rotating assembly w/ forged pistons, ARP rod bolts and a slightly oversized cam will be set into the otherwise stock Javelin (dual exhaust, disc brakes an alarm system, and of course a stereo will likely be the only other deviations from all stock build plan). The transmission and driveline are also completely rebuilt and ready to roll.

At this point, we are busy ordering parts to keep things moving along. The AMC will undergo major bodywork & paint, the chrome has all been sent out to be redone, and all of the factory stainless is getting polished @ Britex.

We’ll keep you posted………

Killer deal on 383 stroker engines!

383 stroker engines now available through Gearhead Garage!



We have found a source thru Summit Racing that provides unmatched pricing on the venerable 420+ HP stroker engine! Pushing out a minimum 440 ft/lbs of torque, these value priced small block crate engines are a phenomenal deal. Available in long –block versions (complete from intake to pan) for $2995 as well as turnkey systems with MSD distributor & wires, Edelbrock carb & aluminum water pump for a mere $3995. Plus, all of these BluePrint engines come standard with an unbeatable 30 month, 50k mile warranty!

We are in the process of installing our second one in as many weeks- boy the 1st one ripped! Don’t miss out on the chance to hop up your ride in a quick, affordable manner.

Details are as follows:

Block:

* 4-bolt main block
* Passenger side dipstick
* Square and parallel decked
* Align-honed main bearing bore
* Cylinders honed on computer-controlled machine to within .0002 in. straightness and roundness
* Cylinders are sonic tested for thickness

Rotating assembly:

* New SCAT cast crankshaft
* Chevy heavy beam rods
* Keith Black hypereutectic pistons
* Hastings moly rings
* Balanced rotating assembly
* Melling high-volume oil pump
* Flat tappet hydraulic lifter camshaft
* Heavy-duty double roller timing set

Cylinder heads:

* New "Vortec" cast iron cylinder heads
* 1.25 in. diameter valve springs
* Hardened retainers and springs
* 2.02 in. swirl-polished intake valves
* 1.60 in. swirl-polished exhaust valves
* Hardened pushrods
* Professional Products dual-plane satin finish intake manifold
* Edelbrock 750 cfm carburetor
* MSD distributor and coil
* Professional Products balancer
* Edelbrock 110 gph fuel pump
* Edelbrock satin water pump
* MSD plug wires
* ACDelco spark plugs
* 9.5 to 1 compression
* Chrome steel valve covers
* Brass freeze plugs
* Dyno-tested--and shipped with results

Good Guys Show Follow Up- Pleasanton, CA

Gearhead had another great show this weekend. The Gearhead cars there were the red 68 Camaro RS/SS Conv't, the black 69 Camaro RS Conv't, the red 71 Chevelle SS conv't, the 2-tone 67 Pro Touring Camaro, the blue 67 Pro Touring Camaro (Sledgehammer) & the blue 62 Nova SS conv't.

The show had all of ususal categories as far as Show n' Shine, Car Corral and Swap Meet but this time also featured an Auto Cross track--this was pure heaven for us Pro Touring guys. Here is video a friend created showing some of cars and some of the racing.

And by the way, our black 69 Camaro RS conv't took 1st place in it's 2nd show in as many weeks (other show was the Thunder in Depot Park) ... But we're not bragging.

Click here for the video.

New Project! 1973 AMC Javelin

Gearhead Garage is taking on a slightly random new project, a 1973 AMC Javelin. This rare, 2- door coupe was brought to us by the original owner and will be completely restored. Although not quite one of our usual choices (it's not a Pro Touring Camaro), it does have a good story.

The owner, who owns a car from each and every decade dating back to 1900, is having us tear it down and restore it to near new or better than new condition for one of his granddaughters. Instead of a new car, the high school student granddaughter has requested to be the new owner of Dad's former car. Good choice, as the grandfather has decided to spend more on this Javelin than he might of spent on a generic new car.

Having sat for the better part of the last 15 years, the AMC is in the process of complete tear down. Every piece is being removed, tagged and bagged. Interior, exterior, drive train, trim, etc will all be revitalized. Instructions are specific, this car will only get four non-stock upgrades: Power Disc Brakes, Throaty Dual Exhaust, Custom Stereo and Complete Alarm System.

The car is scheduled to go to American Stipping for sandblasting on Thursday 5/21. Tune in for periodic updates over the next 6 months.

Concourse d'Elegance

This Sunday, May 17th is the Concourse d'Elegance show sponsored by Shriner's Hospital. This special event features a nice potpurri of vehicles for us enthusiasts including sports cars, classic cars, antique cars, muscle cars, rare exotics, race cars, classic boats, bikes & motorcycles.

Gearhead will be there showing a few of our cars, enjoying the eye candy and trying not to melt (forecast for Sunday is HOT-103 degrees!).

We're going to have a few of our Gearhead specials with us-- 69 Camaro, 62 Nova conv't, 68 Camaro conv't & 72 Chevelle conv't.

Come by, say hi and check out the show if you're able--it should be a lot of fun!

Good Day Sacramento At Gearhead Garage!!

Good Day Sacramento (a local news show) came and paid us a visit this last Saturday. They were actually doing a spot on Lawnmower racing- and our shop is "pimping out" a ride-a-long for a customer that is bringing The National Stabil Racing Series to NorCal.

Like any project coming to the shop, it needs full restoration. Plans include a hopped up engine, modified suspension, custom paint, upholstery and of course wider rims and tires.

Here is the link to the spot.

Good Day plans to return for updates on this project--Stay tuned!

Vertigo on Video!

Vertigo's maiden voyage took place over the weekend--This procharged 406 is fuel injected, backed by a 5 speed and 9" rearend. Dyno runs have put this combo down at over 700 RWHP. Mini-tubbed with a 4 link, this pro touring camaro is one fast street machine. One of the fastest I've driven yet!! Fortunately the 4 wheel Wilwood disc brakes and HydraBoost sytem can slow it down.

Click here to see a video shot this last weekend of Vertigo on the road. Here is a link to the forum on lateral-g.net

Initial runs went off without a hitch. Now we go through the shakedown and work on getting it ready for the Good Guys Pleasanton Show at the end of the month.

SOLD! Muscle Cars

The cars are flying off the shelves around here! This week Gearhead Garage facilitated the sale of 2 rare Pontiac GTO's- a 1966 convertible, a 1968 Coupe as well as a 1959 Corvette. These car sales combined with the shop (Gearhead Garage) being busier than ever, is evidence that a quality business dedicated to customer service can succeed in even the worst of economies!!

Still to come on the sale block:

1964 GTO Tri-Power, 4 speed Convertible $45K
1965 GTO Tri-Power 4 speed Coupe $60K

Also currently for sale is an incredible 1969 GTO Judge Convertible, the last of its kind known in existence. 1 of 108 convertibles, this is THE ONLY Judge Convertible that remains with this highly desirable color combo: Starlight Black ext, white convertible top and parchment white interior. PHS Documented--ultra rare. $225K Fully Restored by Gearhead Garage, Trophy Winner.

We'll Help You With Your Classic Car!

Gearhead Garage is Northern California's foremost classic car authority. Among many other specialized services including complete restoration, performance upgrades, upholstery, audio, body & paint, we offer the following basic services:

•Pre and Post Purchase Inspections
•Suspension Rebuilding, Alignment and Chassis Repair
•Electrical Repairs and Custom Wiring
•Scheduled Maintenance
•General Automotive Repair
•Differential Work (posi units, gear sets, axles, etc.)
•Dual Exhaust Systems: Stainless Steel, Header Installation, CAT-BACK Systems, Aluminized Exhaust Systems, X-Pipes & Custom Mandrel Bent Piping and Tubing.

Lateral-G.net

Is everyone familiar with Lateral-G? If not, I recommend you take a look at the site. Lateral-G.net is the internet’s foremost Pro-Touring forum, a place where like-minded restorers, hobbyists and car enthusiasts alike can all come together. Whether you view current projects, check out the latest cutting edge technology or chat with other car owners and/or builders, Lat-G is a mecca for guys like us!

Various forums offer a venue for discussion about performance, drivetrains, suspension, members’ rides, new products, jokes and even random off-topic banter. You will find the site to be amusing and informative, well structured, and constantly updated. Every month a new car is featured--like Mike Bassi’s “Sledgehammer” was showcased (built by us of course).

Check out the Official g-Machine action thread showing member's rides getting thrashed on the road course, auto-x, dragstrip, and open road. If you have pictures or videos of your g-Machine or someone else's, be sure to check out this thread and post them up! You can also click on tech installation articles and bounce around through various supporting vendors.

All told, Lateral-G is one of the coolest sites on the internet for car guys. Peruse the site to see some of the baddest projects around. Look for new ideas, learn about upcoming events, ask others for advice or even post pictures of your own build. See you in cyberspace!!

Kool April Nites--Show Follow Up

The show was a blast! All of our Gearhead cars made it from Sacramento to Redding and back without a hitch--all were driven, no trailer queens here!

This was really a great show--Well organized, a family friendly environment and great weather. If you have never made it up there--we recommend it!

1969 Pro Touring Camaro Build **UPDATE**

OK, so many new things to mention on the build of this ride--No expense is being spared and we are excited to see the car coming together. Last we checked in with you on this one was over a month ago and a lot has changed. Here is what is happening now-

1969 Pro Touring Camaro RS:

**LS7 Engine and wiring harness have been installed

**Vintage Air Conditioning system has been mocked up, wired and installed, under the dash

**Computer controller and fuse panel have been fabricated to fit under the dash behind the glove box

**All Detroit Speed and Engineering suspension has been installed

**14" Wilwood Brakes are now on, along with the 18" Fikse Racing Wheels

**Body is currently being fitted, post paint: doors are now on, front clip has been hung and RS front end is being assembled

**Tilt steering column custom linkage has been built to connect to the rack and pinion set up

**Marquez Designs billet trunk hinges and tail light assemblies have been fitted and installed

**Interior has been completely POR 15 coated and will soon be covered with FATMAT rattle trap sound insulation

For more pictures, click here!

There is also a thread on lateral-g.net about this car.

Stay tuned for more!

For those of you new to this car, here is the youTube video taken last month on it.

Painless: The Best Choice in a Wiring Harness

• Painless Wiring Harnesses offer easy wiring for your GM muscle car.
  
  Painless Performance 1967-74 GM muscle car harnesses have a pre-wired factory style bulkhead connector that hooks up to the fuse block through the firewall in the stock location. Easy-to-install, factory original, quick connect terminals are included for the in-dash printed circuit board. Pre-terminated plugs for the ignition and turn signal switches are included.
  
  These modified 18-circuit kits include wiring for A/C, heat, brake lights, coil, horn, electric fan, emergency flashers, dash instruments, headlights, radio (constant and ignition hot), turn signals, wipers, dome light, tail lights, third brake light, charging and starting. Plus power door locks, power windows, accessory plug, electric fuel pump, backup lights/cruise control, electric choke, and power antenna.
  
  Gearhead is outfitting the following cars with Painless Wiring as we speak:
  
  69 Pro Touring Camaro Coupe
  69 Pro Touring Camaro Conv't
  69 Pro Touring Corvette
  68 Camaro Drag Car
  77 Chevy Blazer
  69 Camaro RS/SS Conv't
  
  And don't forget! We sell these parts and can get you the best deal--give us a call and we'll take great care of you!

Coys Wheels

Coys Wheels adorn many Gearhead builds. Among others, they are a popular choice for Pro Touring cars because of the classic 5 spoke style is offered in a variety of colors including chrome, polished, gun metal and flat black as well as sizes to create just the right look.

Here are some of the cars we've done featuring Coys Wheels:

1968 Camaro RS/SS Pro Touring Convertible
1969 Chevelle "SS" Coupe
1967 Camaro Coupe
1969 Camaro RS/SS Convertible
1969 Camaro SS Coupe

Custom LS & Fuel Injected Engine Conversions

Gearhead Garage is one of the foremost installers of LSx engines as well as fuel injection conversions in Northern, CA and quite likely in the nation. Here a few of our recent projects:

1968 Camaro RS/SS Pro Touring Convertible with LS2 with Magna Charger

1964 Impala SS Convertible with LS2

1972 Chevelle Coupe with LS2

1971 Chevelle Coupe with LS1 & 6 Speed T56

1969 Camaro RS/SS Pro Touring Coupe with LS7

1969 Camaro RS Z28 Replica Pro Touring Coupe with LS2 with MagnaCharger

1969 Camaro RS Pro Touring Convertible with LS2

1969 Corvette Convertible LS1

1968 Camaro Coupe with LS3

And here are a few of the fuel injected projects we've done and/or currently working on:

1968 383 Stroker with Holley Stealth Ram with ProCharger

1968 Camaro Couple with a 406ci and a Holley Stealth Ram with ProCharger

1969 Chevelle Coupe Edelbrock ProTuner with Custom Kit 700HP

LT1 TPI Engines going into 1975 K5 Blazer and 1970 Chevy SWB 4x4

Just another day at the office!

1968 Pro Touring Camaro Takes 1st Place!

Once again, our beautiful '68 RS/SS Pro Touring Camaro convertible Gearhead car took first place. This time it was at the local Lowe's classic car show held today in Citrus Heights (Sunrise & Greenback).

The thing that makes this show stopper unusual is that it is no trailer queen. This head turner gets driven to shows so we can enjoy all of its modern comforts, power and great gas mileage!!

Here is our YouTube video on this car...

Ididit Steering Columns

Gearhead Garage also sells & installs IDIDIT steering columns for most any application.

Ididit steering columns are a great way to spruce up your interior while providing additional comfort and a better feel. Ididit tilt columns are adjustable to multiple positions at the flick of a lever, allowing for more leg room, easier entry and exit from the vehicle, and a more ergonomic driving posture--perfect for the Pro Touring devotees. Columns are available in polished aluminum, chrome or a natural bare paintable finish.


Ever think of getting rid of your column shift and converting to a floor shifter? Ididit columns are a simple, cost effective way to do away with antiquated, awkward column shift automatic levers and old school "3 on the tree" systems. Plus they come with all new wiring which greatly simplifies getting your turn signals, hazards and horn working correctly.


Add the convenience and reliability of a new column built specific for your vehicle. This steering column is not a universal column that requires modification of your original vehicle to install. Simply remove your old column, saving your original under dash mount as well as the original floor mount. Using one of our installation kits (see table below), install your new steering column in place of the old. Add an aftermarket wheel and the gripping surface of the new wheel will be in the same location as the original.


If you don't currently have a column, Ididit offers a full array of columns, brackets & mounts that can be retrofitted into virtually any vehicle.


Visit our products page to see a complete line of performance parts we sell at competitive prices!

More Wilwood...

Speaking of Wilwood Brakes, here's a video shot by Steve Meade, one of our Gearhead customers, about the Wilwood brake conversion we performed on his Tahoe..

Click here for the video.