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!

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!!

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!

1968 GTO For Sale!

Clean 1968 GTO coupe. New paint, freshly rebuilt engine- very strong 455 runs smooth and reliably, Muncie 4-speed w/ new clutch, 10-bolt posi rearend. Power brakes work GREAT, power steering, bucket seats & console, new dual exhaust. MANY new parts. Car is solid....hate to sell, but wife won't allow me to purchase a motor home until I sell the Goat :(

For more pictures click here!

http://www.gearheadcars.com/

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...

Marquez Design & Fabrication

Gearhead Garage is an authorized dealer for Marquez Design & Fabrication products. We offer their full line of billet tail lights for Camaros, Blazers, Mustangs and more. We also supply their popular billet side markers, billet emblems, billet trunk hinges, door strikers, hood adjusters and more.



Additional products now include custom interior kits: custom door panels, one piece headliners, custom dashes, package trays and trunk lid covers. Shawn Katt, Gearhead Garage's own veteran in-house upholsterer has wrapped many of these Marquez panels. We have helped with their SEMA display car, Orion, a 1969 ProTouring Camaro. Additionally, we wrapped the door panels used in the GoodGuys Giveaway 1970 Chevelle, to name a few.



Marquez products are cutting edge in style, and high quality in design. Their products offer a great way to create a modern interior feel in a classic car, as well as a much needed alternative to upgrade stock exterior trim, badging & lighting.

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!

HydroBoost for 1967 - 1969 GM "F" Body Vehicles

Hydaboost by HydraTech Braking Systems for 1967 - 1969 GM "F" Body Vehicles

1967 - 1969 General Motors 'F' Body Hydraulic Brake Assist Unit - Model # 3021

NOTE: This model also fits the 1968-1974 GM 'X' Body Vehicles - Nova, Appollo, Ventura...

o CNC Machined T6 billet aluminum direct fit firewall mounting plate design
o This model fits the later GM "short rod / shallow" master cylinder design
o All engines with PS pump on driver's side - compatible with rack and pinion conversions
o For use with disc/drum or disc/disc brakes (not for use with 4 wheel drum brakes)
o Features an adjustable brake pedal rod to allow for a range of brake pedal height adjustment
o Models with PS lineset include overlength hoses with re-usable / re-buildable hose ends
o 7 1/4 " installed length from firewall to MC mounting flange - no firewall modifications required
These are very popular systems for Pro Touring builds because of the increase in braking response, reliability and safety.

Of course, we are an authorized vendor and expert installers of these systems.

Gearhead Garage is Keisler Tremec #1 Installer In USA!!

Yes, you read that correctly!! Gearhead Garage continues to be the top installer of these cutting edge 5 speed transmissions. We are 5 speed conversion experts and would be happy to talk with you about any project you're considering a Tremec for...

For those serious about performance and incredibly solid design, here is more on those transmissions and the company that makes them, Keisler Engineering:

1967-1969 Camaro/Firebird 5-Speed PerfectFit™ Kit-TKO-600(.64)

A truly complete conversion combining the Keisler PerfectFitTM transmission with all of the correct matched parts that have been carefully selected and tested by Keisler for guaranteed quality and performance.

Drivetrain component selection and installation instruction and support is critical to get the job done right. Rest assured, buying from Keisler - the leader in manual transmission systems - is the first step in the best driving improvement you will make to your Camaro or Firebird.

1. TRANSMISSION - NEW TREMEC TKO-600 (600 HP/600 FT-LB), customized by Keisler to perfectly fit your 1967 - 1969 Camaro or Firebird. A number of custom features are included (with no hidden charges) that you won't find anywhere else, including:

Shifter location custom designed for your 1967-1969 Camaro or Firebird.
NO CUTTING - unlike other transmission offerings on the market, Keisler's PerfectFitTM fits your car with no modifications whatsoever - PERIOD!
Custom short-throw internal shifter mechanism designed to provide better-than-stock shifting.
Muncie / Borg-Warner GM bolt pattern and input shaft configuration for direct bolt-in installation.
Gear Ratios: 2.87 1st, 1.89 2nd, 1.28 3rd, 1.00 4th, .64 5th; 2.56 reverse.
Low RPM Cruising - 36% drop in engine RPM in 5th gear (check out our Speed Analyzer).
Precision Assembled, TRIPLE Quality Checked - assembled at Keisler by our trained technicians; 100% inspected for function, leak and visual appearance (check us out).
Nation-Wide Parts & Service - Parts in-stock; service in-house.

2. CROSSMEMBER - Best on the market by providing maximum clearance for exhaust while offering an OE quality look; No-flex/No-problem rigid welded box construction design with integrated isolator perch and gusseted mounting flanges, gloss black epoxy powder paint; this is a far better product than the inexpensive bent tube type crossmembers seen elsewhere.

3. PILOT BEARING - Needle Roller Bearing for long life and high capacity.

4. ISOLATOR - Heavy-duty rubber isolator. Polyurethane upgrade available.

5. BACK-UP LIGHT WIRING HARNESS - Easy coupling to factory wiring.

6. NEUTRAL SAFETY START SWITCH - Can be wired into starter circuit if desired.

7. SPEEDOMETER CABLE & DRIVEN GEAR - Mechanical speedometer cable and correct driven gear PLUS integrated 2-wire electronic output included. Optional electronic wiring harness also available (for use with electronic speedometers or EFI).

8. DRIVESHAFT - Lightweight high strength steel, automatic welded and computer dynamic balanced with premium solid sealed U-joints, painted satin black, certified and serialized. Built in-house on Hines driveshaft manufacturing cell for the ultimate in quality and craftsmanship!

9. SLIP YOKE - Heavy duty Spicer slip yoke.

10. CONSOLE SHIFT PATTERN PLATE - OEM quality 5-speed shift pattern plate for 1968-1969 Camaro console. Brushed silvertone aluminum with raised lettering, just like the original plate.

11. INSTALLATION HARDWARE KIT - High strength Grade 5 and 8 fasteners, properly sorted, bagged and labeled for easy reference.

12. INSTALLATION MANUAL - Highly illustrated step-by-step instruction manual.

13. 6 MONTH WARRANTY - 2 years to activate (in case you are restoring a car)! Extended warranty available at extra cost. Best Customer Support in the Industry.

100% Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed.
The best Customer and Tech Support in the industry.
Lifetime Tech Support from our premier experienced staff.

Gearhead Garage is an authorized dealer and can get you the best deal on the parts. Call us for more information!

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.

Another New Wilwood Product Release - Ford 9" Rear Combination Parking Brake!

WILWOOD DISC BRAKES introduces a new Combination Parking Brake (CPB) rear kit for the Ford 9” rear end with big bearing, new style flanges. Wilwood’s CPB is a hydro-mechanical caliper utilizing hydraulic pressure from the OE master cylinder for stopping power and a cable actuated internal mechanical locking mechanism for the parking brake function. Well suited for applications unable to use an internal shoe style of parking brake. The floating mount allows the caliper to remain in correct alignment over the disc and the radial mount brackets can be configured to mount the caliper at any height within the rotor diameter range or lateral position relative to the hat and rotor offset.

COMPATIBLE VEHICLES:Vehicles with 9” Ford Rear Ends
Product Features:
· Provides Parking Brake Function for Difficult Applications
· Single Piston Floating Design
· Radial Mounting Benefits
· High Temperature Seals
· Uses OE Master Cylinder
· Compatible with Rotor Diameter 11.00”by .810”
· Parking Brake Cable Readily Available
· Caliper will Accept OE Cable on Some Vehicles
· Reduces Unsprung Weight
· Perfect Compliment to High Tech Style
· Available Black, or Optional Colors by Special Order

Gearhead Garage offers a full line of Wilwood Products as well as complete product knowledge and competitive pricing. We are expert installers and specialize in disc brake conversions among many other services.

Call us for more information--we'd love to hear from you!

Wilwood New Product Release - D8-4 Caliper for Corvettes!!

WILWOOD DISC BRAKES Introduces New D8-4 Replacement Calipers for 1965-82 Corvette’s. Wilwood’s front and rear D8-4 calipers are a direct bolt-on replacement for OE calipers on 1965-82 Corvette’s. Forged billet aluminum bodies, stainless steel pistons and competition style high-temperature seals put an end to the rust, bore pitting and seal failures that plague the original caliper design. D8-4 calipers mount in the original location over stock rotors, use the same style OE D8 brake pads and OE master cylinder. Save weight and gain reliability with the D8-4.

COMPATIBLE VEHICLES:1965 - 1982 C2 & C3 Corvettes

Product Features:
· High-Performance OE Upgrade
· Front and Rear Application
· Direct Bolt-on OE Replacement
· Forged Billet Aluminum Body
· Stainless Steel Pistons
· High-Temperature Seals
· Quickly Installs Over Stock Rotors
· Uses OE D8 Brake Pads
· Uses OE Master Cylinder
· Reduces un sprung weight
· Offer significant gains in reliability

Gearhead Garage is an authorized dealer for Wilwood products and offers competitive pricing, expert installation and product knowledge. Give us a call for more information, we're happy to be a resource for you!

1966 El Camino Parts Car For Sale

Gearhead Garage is Parting Out Clean '66 El Camino.

Parts include: Excellent window trims & bed trim, driver fender, clean tail gate, solid doors, good quarter panels, rare Strato-Bench seat, rally wheels, dash, rear bumper and many other parts. Badly damaged in right front.

Watch out for that pole!!

More Pictures Here...

1964 Impala SS Convertible Resto-Mod

Gearhead Garage finishes another custom build--this time it's an incredible '64 Impala retrofitted with a multitude of modern amenities. A complete frame-off, rotisserie restoration built with the emphasis on performance, drivability and comfort...







Check out what we've done:

• LS1 fuel injected aluminum engine, 405 hp
• 4L60E 4 Speed Automatic Transmission
• 3:31 Posi Traction Rearend
• Street & Performance Wiring Harness and Serpentine System
• Griffin Aluminum Radiator
• SPAL Dual Electric Fans
• Full Air Ride Suspension
• 4 Wheel Disc Brakes
• HydraBoost Braking System
• Wilwood Master Cylinder & Proportioning Valve
• 18" Foose Wheels (9 1/2" Rear -8" Front)
  
• Rick's Stainless Steel Gas Tank with Internal Electric Fuel Pump
• Custom Ceramic-Coated Headers
• 2-1/2 " Dual Exhaust System with MagnaFlow Mufflers
• Ididit tilt Column
• Dakota Digital Gauges
• Lokar Billet Pedals & Throttle Cable
• H4 HID Headlights
• Custom Audio Systems with Boston Acoustics Amplifiers and Subwoofers
• In Dash DVD player with Navigation/GPS
• Shaved Door Handles, Keyless Entry, Remote Door Poppers, Custom Alarm System
  
• DynaMat Throughout
• Custom White Interior & Upholstery

Personally delivered by Jason, the Impala has made its owner yet another happy Gearhead customer! Customer service lives on!!