Trader Vic's Returning to Southern California

Fans of 1950s Polynesian culture, rum and tiki statues will soon have reason to celebrate as the venerated Trader Vic's has recently announced plans to re-open later next year on Santa Monica Blvd in West Hollywood (via LA Times).

Car That Ate My Brain 2 Episode 19

 "Hate costs money, love is free"

Ford Brook Park, Ohio Engine Plant 1954 Promo Film

As a kid, we grew up in shadows of "The Ford Plant" in the 1960s and early 1970s and passed by it whenever we visited our grandparents in Brook Park. The site was massive and seemed to go on forever. Today the foundry/casting plant is gone (closed in 2010 after Ford's switch to aluminum) with only one engine plant remaining. Lately, the owners of the Cleveland Browns football team have revealed plans to build a new stadium on the property and move the team from Cleveland.

The map I've included below highlights the brownfields in red and the remaining Engine Plant No.1 in blue.

Stop and Go

 Minor progress made with the new brake setup while I put together a shopping list of fittings and lines I'll need to plumb it all in. Check out our Youtube channel for the video.

Labor Day / a final thought

Never Forget Those Who Built Them

 

Car That Ate My Brain 2 Episode 18

Voodoo Larry and his 51 Witch Dr Merc

Voodoo Larry works his kustom 51 Witch Dr Merc Wagon on his 60th Birthday. The man's an artist. Runs a one man shop up in Illinois.🔥😎

The ’53 Barris Barnfind Gets Cleaned Up!

Is There A Correct Way To Enjoy Hot Rods???

NSRA Street Rod Nationals 2024 "Cars Inside"

On Solid Ground

Got the floor pans done on the Pontiac driver. A major milestone.
Check the TCG youtube channel for videos.

Found: ’53 Barris built Oldsmobile

Diggin' In The Tapes : Live Wire Chronicles Episode 1

VooDoo Larry : First Day Of Spring Trip Around Shop

ITG : Blown Ardun Flathead 1933 3 Window Install

Found Me Some Motivations!

So, with the long summer days upon us I've been escaping down to the shop in the evenings after I've wrapped up my responsibilities at home, mainly to grab a cigar and a beer. And so it finally happened after looking at the Pontiac for months just sitting there, I just had to do something! So I grabbed my hood and gloves and fired up the welder. A nice way to end the month!

Finally got the new heel panel plug welded into place.

Fab'ed up this simple patch for the transmission tunnel. Covered in carpet, it'll never get seen.

Starting to look like something.

Diggin' In The Tapes : Detroit Autorama 2005

BEATERSVILLE 2024

Beatersville Car Show - 2024

Diggin' In The Tapes : PASO Cruisin' Nationals 2005

Stalled out!

If you follow the TCG Youtube channel you know that my wife's health is failing so not a lot is getting done at the shop. Things have pretty much stalled out for now since her health is at the stage where she pretty much can't do anything at all. I'm here to care for her so that means I cook, clean and do all that stuff that needs to be done to keep the house in order.

Earlier this year, my last bits of work on the Pontiac included getting a proper mechanical fuel pump installed, working out some kinks in the fuel line setup, getting a Holley 4bbl clone carb and adapter installed so that I can start it reliably and working on buttoning up the front floor pan patches. Which is where I'll pick up when time allows.

Stay tuned and thanks for following along.

Diggin' In The Tapes : B4 MFS

Getting hung up on the past...

Not that there's anything wrong with that. Some folks can really get into it. And it drives so much of the car hobby. But that's not me. I cannot. But I can, recognizing my own limited skills, still draw a bit of inspiration from those who blazed the trial. While still keeping my feet firmly planted in reality of the here and now.