Tag Archives: 2020

Rides for a Reason

November 24, 2020 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

It seems everybody has resorted to hosting virtual car shows as COVID-19 hampers efforts to get out and about. The SEMA Show went to the virtual SEMA360 and plenty of places including the Petersen Museum have held “virtual” drive-ins. Recently the National Auto Body Council held their version “Rides for a Reason”.

The Rides for a Reason featured cars, trucks, and motorcycles judged through submitted photographs by some impressive judges, including the Ring Brothers, Dave Kindig, and Ray Everham.

The show featured nine categories and had some impressive rides to pick from. The entry fee proceeds went to the impressive charity works of the National Auto Body Council; assisting the needy, first responders, and efforts to eliminate distracted driving.

Let’s get to the picks- Check out the gallery below for more photos

Antiques/Vintage

A 1930 five window Ford coupe took the honors.

Hot Rods/Rat Rods and Customs

1941 Willys fits the bill to win in this category

Classics – 50′, 60’s and 70’s

Yes, that was the classic car time as proven by this 1973 Karmann Ghia.

Old School Muscle cars- 60’s and 70’s

This 1966 Oldsmobile Cutlass looks perfect for this category. Ring Brothers must have had a hard choice to make.

Modern Muscle 80’s to current

A teacher from a tech college took the honors with his 2015 Mustang GT

Trucks

How about a 2005 Avalanche for an unconventional decision.

Motorcycles

Hard to argue with the 2007 Suzuki 450, Ricky Carmichael edition that is still mint and has never been ridden.

Wild Card

Well in a COVID-19 world why not have a wild card category, especially if this 2006 Charger took the honors?

Best paint

This 2015 Mustang was a double winner with the black and candy apple red hues.

The nine finalists now vie for the Best of Show. Which one would you pick?

Photos courtesy NABC

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Detailing, Manufacturer news, Tool Chest

NAPA Deal 10-10-20 Only Save 25% Maybe Get $20 Back

October 10, 2020 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

Today, Saturday 10-10-20 NAPA is having a 25% off sale on nearly everything, both in their stores or at NAPAonline.com Great chance to stock up on needed supplies

But wait there’s more NAPA savings

We’re big fans of the NAPA gold filters. So you could stock up with the 25% off NAPA sale. But buy the triple crown of NAPA filters aand you can get a $20 debit card as a rebate.

The “triple crown” of filters is buying an oil, air and cabin filter. Easy to change out and generally the air and cabin should be swapped out every two years.

Sorry for the short notice but at least the rebate on the three filters is good through the end of October!

Auctions, Car show, Uncategorized

River City Rods’ 1972 Chevrolet C30 Franklin Camper

October 9, 2020 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

River City Rods and Fabrication have been making waves with their custom builds at the SEMA Shows for the past few years. Every Chevy gear head loved “Brown Sugar” that rolled out for the 2019 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada and was recently up for sale on eBay. But they also built a 1972 Chevrolet C30 RV Truck for the 2017 SEMA Show that had some interesting post-SEMA experiences.

River City Rods 1972 Chevrolet C30

The 1972 Chevrolet C30 was based on an original Franklin Coach camper that was treated to a custom suspension and new internals. The crew at River City threw in a LS3 GM Performance engine and a Bowler five speed automatic transmission. Arizona based GSI did the chassis work and used an AccuAir air ride system.

Of course the interior had to be eye popping and that included a 50 inch television and barn wood motif. There was a bar in the back as well. The blue paint was eye-catching and plenty of lookers enjoyed the retro look at the SEMA Show.

After the SEMA Show

Well sometimes the show cars from SEMA disappear after the show and you wonder what happened to them. In this case it didn’t take long to see the Chevrolet C30 back in the public’s eye.

Barrett-Jackson had it offered at their Scottsdale, Arizona show in January of 2019. It drew plenty of interest and was hammered sold for $126,500. But not so fast partner.

In September of this year it was offered up by a dealer through Bring A Trailer. The seller claimed that the buyer at Barrett-Jackson backed out of the deal and while Barrett-Jackson offered to make the deal stand, the dealer took the truck back.

So it ran on the Bring A Trailer auction but only was bid up to $56,555. Quite a drop from a heady Barrett-Jackson hammered price. So the dealer took it off the auction site and went to eBay.

River city Rods -1972 Chevrolet C30 on eBay

On eBay the dealer had it listed with a buy It Now price of $89,900. The seller claimed over $200,000 was invested in the build. After being on the site for a few days it was ended by the seller. Many car sellers on eBay will often state they are offering the car for sale elsewhere, like on their own website, and might remove the vehicle from the auction early. My guess is the dealer received an offer outside of eBay and hence ended the auction without an official sale from that auction site.

So if the dealer was able to get it sold this time, maybe it will surface soon again for the public to view?

Would you use this ride for an RV in the post-COVID 19 days?

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Manufacturer news, Uncategorized

Goodyear Brakes Breaks Into The Brake Parts

September 17, 2020 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

Whoa, partner.

There is a new player in town when it comes to brakes. Goodyear Brakes, a licensee of the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, now offers up to the consumer DIY auto enthusiast a set of calipers, rotors, brake pads with all the related hardware for many vehicles, from daily drivers to SUVs to light trucks.

Their website GoodyearBrakes.com is designed to support both do-it-yourself and do-it-for-me customers. In an interesting twist, the brand is trying out the direct to consumer avenue by offering their items solely through Amazon.com and other Internet based sellers. Expect to see consumer focused advertising and social media to push the branding efforts.

Goodyear Brakes

Goodyear Brakes manufactures and distributes a full line of brake system solutions. The brake pads are manufactured for them by a company with more than 50 years of experience in friction science. The rotors are made to Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) standards by other manufacturers while their calipers are actually remanufactured units.

Goodyear Brakes offers brake pads, brake rotors and calipers. They also offer bundles of the pieces for a one-stop shop experience.

Goodyear Brakes Website

Their website will specify the correct brake pieces based on your car and VIN. The website also offers up some helpful guides for the shade tree mechanic. In addition Bruno Massel, a TV host and NHRA racer is featured with some videos to help consumers know what is involved when changing out the brakes.

Presently the direct to consumer channel is the only way to acquire the Goodyear brakes. That is an interesting approach, as most repair shops are not going to be able to let a car sit around for a few days while the parts are enroute. For the DIY’er ordering and waiting a few days for delivery would not be a sticking point, especially if the pricing is right.

Brakes are a vital component of cars and with consumers holding on to cars longer, the need for brakes will crop up more often. Now Goodyear Brakes offers consumers a new option for brake components.

Would you be willing to break out a new brand?

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Images courtesy of Goodyear Brakes

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Auctions, Uncategorized

Worldwide Auctioneers Auburn Auction Absolutely Awesome

September 14, 2020 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

Even under “normal” situations a car auction company would be ecstatic with a 90% sell through rate. Worldwide Auctioneers must be over the moon to reach that level at their recent Auburn auction.

Yes folks, Worldwide Auctioneers concluded their 13th annual Auburn Auction in Indiana during the 2020 Labor Day Weekend, with 90% of consignments finding new homes. Given the complexity of arranging bids and the fiscal times we are in, that is phenomenal!

Worldwide Sold a 1935 Auburn

As expected at an Auburn auction, an Auburn Speedster set the bar. High sale went to a meticulously restored and multiple award winning 1935 Auburn 851 SC Boattail Speedster with body design by Gordon Buehig and a supercharged engine with a top speed of 100 mph. It sold for $1,072,500. (Like always all prices include the buyer’s premium)

Rick Dore’s Shangri-La

But we fell in love with the sweeping majestic custom that famed customizer Rick Dore built. This beauty was a one-off 1936 Cadillac “Shangri-La” Custom Roadster. It featured a hand-formed aluminum body fabricated by the famous Marcel Custom Metal workers on a short 116 wheelbase. The roof comes off to allow for a roadster look to this lady in Indian Inkwell Blue. It sold for a sweet $550,000.

Another car that we loved was a 1966 Chevelle Pro Street. The paintwork was on point and the attention to detail was as expected, top notch. The Chevy was badged as an SS with a 496 engine and came with a two speed Powerglide. It was strip ready with a roll cage and sold for $41,800.

A fantastic Model A 1932 Ford was not the typical “Auburn auction” but sure caught our eye. So did the 400 cubic inch engine matched to a 700R4 automatic transmission. Suicide doors and a striking paintjob with pinstriping helped collect $49,500 from the winning bidder.

Worldwide Auctioneers Outcome

The Auburn Auction finalized at nearly $8 million in total sales. Presented as both a live and online event, the Auburn Auction offered options for every controlled health level, with onsite bidding, online bidding available via three different online partner platforms, and absentee and telephone bidding available to pre-registered, qualified buyers.

We enjoyed their January, 2020 auction in Tempe, AZ during all the Phoenix area auctions. Here’s hoping that “regular” auctions return to the scene soon with Worldwide Auctioneers leading the way.

Photos courtesy of Worldwide Auctioneers.

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Tool Chest, Uncategorized

WD-40 Specialist Goes Blue and Yellow

September 4, 2020 Route 66 Pub Co 1 Comment

We all probably have at least one WD-40 product sitting near the tool box. Hard to beat their “Multi-Use” “spray for penetrating some stubborn rust or silencing that obnoxious squeak. The company has actually documented over two thousand uses for that one product. The WD-40 cans for their consumer products sport the characteristic blue and yellow shades along with a red cap or top.

Charity cars from SEMA

That color scheme is also utilized when WD-40 has crafted one of their many display cars for SEMA and other venues. These vehicles are always so distinctive and end up being auctioned off for good charity causes. Hard to beat the look and colors.

WD-40 Specialist Products

But did you know that WD-40 also had a “specialist” or professional lineup. The specialist products offer superior, heavy duty performance with Specialist Gel Lube, Silicone, White Lithium Grease, WD-40 Specialist Penetrant with a Flexible Straw, Contact Cleaner and Dry Lube, among the twenty plus products in the lineup. I absolutely love their electrical contact cleaner and their no drip lubes.

But the professional lineup had a different black and yellow color scheme with a yellow cap. So folks seeking out the familiar WD-40 lineup often failed to spot the WD-40 on the seller’s shelf. Let’s admit it there are a ton of products that stores offer, but really can they beat the WD-40 brand for performance and reliability?

WD-40 Goes Blue and Yellow

So the folks at WD-40 decided to make it easier for consumers to find the WD-40 stuff. They are converting the packaging for the Specialist products to reflect the familiar yellow and blue colorings with a red top/cap/squeeze trigger. That way the WD-40 colors will always stick out. As your favorite store replaces their inventory the blue and yellow colors will show up.

Personally, we were surprised to learn that WD-40 offered so many products under their Specialist line. WD-40 is so convinced that the Specialist line is the best, they offer a money back guarantee. How can you beat that? But now it will be easier to locate the San Diego, California based brand at your favorite store. Plus it will be easier to find near your tool box, unless it is also blue and yellow!

What’s your favorite WD-40 product?

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Manufacturer news, Uncategorized

Great Subscription Offer from Round-Up Publications

April 27, 2020 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

The good folks at Round-Up Publications know a thing or two about good deals. Their magazines are packed with deals tighter than five teenagers in a trunk sneaking into a drive-in movie. Remember those?

For a limited time the publisher is offering an exclusive offer. Get a year’s subscription to not one, not TWO but all THREE of their award winning magazines. Yes folks, you’d get a year of Classic Car Round-Up and Truck Round-Up. These are monthly issues so that translates to twenty four sets of great deals and car articles.

But WAIT there’s more. You also get a year’s subscription to Auto Round-Up magazine, the star ship of the fleet from the publisher. This comes out every two weeks so you’ll get 26 issues delivered to your door.

Round-Up Magazines

With that many magazines, your mailman will need a back brace. Plus you’re bound to find at least one amazing deal on one amazing car or truck or …

Besides the great ads for cars and trucks, there is always a mass of parts and supplies offered for sale. So don’t delay and get your order in. Operators might not be standing by, but the electrons of the WWW – world wide web are. So hop to it!

Here is the link for ordering this awesome set of magazines.

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Tool Chest, Uncategorized

Smart Straw from WD-40 Helps Habitat for Humanity

March 12, 2020 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

Admit it. We’ve all done it. After using a can of WD-40 spray to loosen a rusty nut you misplaced the small red straw. Oh you thought you taped it back to the blue and yellow can. Or maybe you slid a rubber band on the can to hold it but somehow it disappeared. Heck I’ve even kept a few spares after the can is used up! WD40’s Smart Straw solved that issue.

Smart Straw

Well WD-40 solved that issue when they came out with the Smart Straw can. The straw is a permanent part of the can and just flips up when needed. So no more misplaced red straws. Another great solution from WD-40.

Habitat for Humanity Donation

But if you need another reason to try out this innovative product, Lowe’s and WD-40 have hammered a partnership to help out Habitat for Humanity International. Through April 30, 2020 when you buy a 12 ounce can of WD-40 with the Smart Straw at Lowe’s, the folks at San Diego, CA based WD-40 will donate 50 cents to Habitat for Humanity. That’s pretty generous of the people at the Blue and Yellow can and they maxed out their donation at $50,000.

The folks at Habitat for Humanity are out there in your neighborhoods helping to make a new home a reality for everybody. So now you can grab a can of WD-40 (you know you need an extra can right?) and help out a wonderful cause at the same time while shopping at Lowe’s.

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Car show, Uncategorized

Got Flames – NHRA’s Arizona Nationals

February 25, 2020 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

The action was red hot at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, near Phoenix, AZ when the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) showed up on Friday February 21 through Sunday, February 23, 2020. The Wild Horse Pass Motorsport Park is south of Phoenix and a short hop down the freeway from the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. Technically it is on the Gila River Indian Community. Despite rain on Saturday, it did not dampen the spirits of racers or fans and NHRA squeezed in a round of pro qualifications for the Arizona Nationals between the rain storms.

Rain Shortened Qualification

So with two rounds of qualifications on Friday to lead the race ladder, the full field was set for a sold out crew of race fans on Sunday. By now you probably know that Erica Enders, Tommy Johnson Junior and Steve Torrance won in the pro ranks. Plus there were plenty of winners in the sportsmen classes as well.

Flames

One of my favorite times at a drag strip is when the skies get dark and the exhaust flames shooting out from the headers are more visible. While the Arizona Nationals are generally run in the day light, the lighting gets dark enough to see some flames. We always enjoy hanging around taking some shots as sunset approaches and checking out the flames. Hope you do too!

Jet cars

Plus of course if you are a race track promoter you have to have jet cars! At the end of the day’s races, what better way to close out the night but to have not just one or two jet cars but THREE jet cars zoom down the track? The heat these engines throw off is actually felt in the stands as the jet cars belch white smoke and streak down the track.

The races ran smoothly and how many racetracks can claim a sold out show? So NHRA must be doing something right, huh.

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Car show, Uncategorized

Leg Show T-Bucket

February 5, 2020 Route 66 Pub Co Leave a comment

The Grand National Roadster Show wrapped up the three day show, announcing the winner of America’s Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR) on Sunday January 26, 2020. The winning entry is certainly an awesome Arizona build and I admire the craftsmanship.
But (and you knew there would be a but right?)

Leg Show T-Bucket

I could not take my eye off a T-bucket that seemed to be a tribute to the original Leg Show T-Bucket. This roadster was as outrageous as the original and just screamed at you. I had commented to others that this bucket was the hit in my youth but was too far out there to be the final AMBR winner this year.

Craftsmanship of Leg Show T-Bucket

But hats off to the owners, Walter and Thenia Sigsby. This T-Bucket had some great workmanship and the paint and shiny pieces glowed under the lights in Pomona, CA. The Jaguar rearend was easy to see in this design and the Dan Fink grill was top notch. Due to the stanchions, I couldn’t see much of the Ron Mangus interior but what we could see was awesome. Turns out the gas tank was done by Jim Babbs who had also worked on the original Leg Show T in 1970.