Tales of a Gearhead

Stacey talks with Trevor Cornwell from IDIDIT to discuss one of the most underrated BUT also one of the most important parts of any build: the steering column. They also dive into the history of IDIDIT, where they see the future of the aftermarket steering column industry heading and Trevor’s current projects, dream projects, and what makes a hot rod.

Ace photographer Curt Lerner, from GET LIT CREATIVE IMAGING, swings by the shop to chat with Stacey about his lifelong love of automobiles and photography, an upcoming project involving SGT ROCK, and everything that goes into his specialized highly detailed automotive photography. Then it’s a quick grab out of the mail bag. Stacey offers some suggestions on how to get more power out of a ’02 S-10, with a V6 that has over 100K miles.

Like Glenn Frey once sang “The heat is on…” and with the summer months fast approaching. Stacey has in depth conversation with Chris Schwartz from Heatshield Products about all things heat related to a one’s project.

Favorite intriguing vehicles? Stacey has a few. He also has some answers to listeners trying to find a tilt steering column for a ’70 CJ-5, what synthetic oil would be best for a ’64 GTO, and is there a build sheet for Stacey’s old Wicked Willys project.

It’s a new year and Stacey hits the ground running with another listener question lightning round. Touching on everything from ‘80s Chevy speedometers, project regrets, the best engine for a ‘40s/’50s Model A, how to hold onto a project, high mileage vehicles and of course… guitars!

The chimneys are getting swept, the house fuses popping from one too many plugs in the living room outlet, and that special lamp is displayed for the whole street to see. Stacey celebrates the podcast’s 100th episode and shares some of his favorite gearhead Christmas memories. Then he looks ahead to all the great projects he has in store for 2024.

Stacey sits down with Chris Picconi from Classic4x4.com and the host of the “Classic 4x4 Podcast”. They dig into Chris’ background in finance and how that led him to follow his passion of classic 4x4s, as well as the current trends in the auction world and how to properly navigate getting your vehicle ready to go up on the block!

Part 2 of Stacey’s interview with STRANGE MOTION ROD & CUSTOM’s Tim Strange. Stacey and Tim continue their talk about the state of custom auto business, share war stories about doing work on trade, the importance of shop safety, and how a freak accident nearly cost Tim his life.

In the first of a two part interview, custom builder Tim Strange from Strange Motion Rod & Custom sits down with Stacey to talk about his early days growing up on a farm, getting his love of all things automotive working on Harleys with his Dad, his first builds, BMX racing, to his time on television, having his own shop with his wife and the eternal question “what makes a hotrod?”

Don Russell returns to the shop to discuss Cornwell’s new line of ARCA tool boxes. Then, it’s into the mailbag where Stacey offers advice on shop towels, the desirability of 4-doors & long beds, and an engine combo suggestion for a 90’s 4x4 project.

Kyle Fischer from Hot Shot’s Secret and Johnny Gilbert from Stainless Diesel are in the shop to talk about Johnny’s ’63 Corvette Cummins Diesel dragster, guitars, rock & roll, and hot rods. Then, Stacey helps out a listener with a header issue and shares another listener’s story about his father’s P-40 Flying Tiger.

Matt Swift from MouseBlocker is in the shop to talk about how to keep rodents, varmints, and all other kinds of critters out of your shop, and most importantly out of your project. Then Stacey answers some listener questions about what not to do on a project, touch up paints, the cost of building a project and an update on the HAIRY HAULER.

Eli Kean from Dixie Chopper stops by the studio to talk with Stacey about the world’s fastest lawn mower, Stacey’s Cornwell Tools mower box project, setting the Guinness World Record for the most grass cut in 24hrs and mower… er… more! Then it's back into the mailbag to answer questions about when to use the original frame for a project, should someone keep their vintage corvette or sell it, and what to do about soft floors.

Stacey answers listener questions dealing with when to use original or aftermarket parts, how to stay motivated toward your project, thoughts on Dodge ditching the HEMI, and cat back exhaust upgrades.

Larry Collins swings by the shop to show Stacey his ’65 Aston Martin DB5. Then it’s off to the mail bag to answer some listener questions about rust preventive paints, helping your daughter pick out her first car, and what to do with the dreaded Ford 6.8L V-10 engine.

Matt Graves swings by the shop to chat with Stacey about the new products American Powertrain has coming in 2023, his Cadillac “Chicken Coupe”, what is a “hot rod”, making it through the pandemic, and the future of the industry.

*Picture of the Chicken Coupe from MotorTrend; dually from American Powertrain

Tim Tullo from Fatman Fabrication swings by the shop and sits down with Stacey for a conversation that covers everything from their shared love of WW2 & Civil War history, the state of the aftermarket and what sets Fatman Fabrication apart from other companies.

Stacey discusses why it’s so important to really think about time when starting a project, making sure you properly understand how many hours it could take to complete, so you don’t get frustrated and end up walking away from it.

Then it’s back into the mailbag for listener questions about what to do when you get an aftermarket part that doesn’t quite fit.

Stacey dives into how the 80’s cult classic “Better Off Dead” got him thinking about how some things turn into collectibles and others do not. Then, he answers a listener question about what skills are need when starting out in the garage. Finally, he talks about his upcoming Henry J project and an update on the fan favorite project “Heavy Metal”.

On this episode, Stacey hits the road and travels to Las Vegas for the Cornwell rally. Recorded live, Stacey interviews various members of the Cornwell team. Topics range from favorite car, weirdest food eaten, favorite tunes to jam while driving and most importantly the age old Texas vs. California battle… Which is better: IN-N-OUT or WHATABURGER?