John Kraman, the voice of Mecum Auctions drops in to chat with the guys about the exploding classic car auction scene. “We are on one heck of a roll, on pace to set another all-time record north of $600 million in the sale of collector vehicles as the world’s largest collector car auction company.” Learn firsthand about the ins and outs, what’s hot and what’s not, what to expect and what to avoid in this dynamic and thrilling market.
Today’s podcast is all about rolling gears using the notorious third pedal. But make no mistake; it’s not all fun and games. “There’s so much going on with a clutch,” warns Kevin. “There’s a lot of pitfalls, you can go right down into a deep dark hole that you didn’t want to be in if you go down the wrong path.” Luckily, Geoff Gerko, owner of Mantic Clutch USA is on hand to guide the guys down the right path.
The Einstein of Additives and his cool crew are back, and this time Chris Gabrelcik, Kevin Adams and Kyle Fischer bring Kevin and Willie into the Hot Shot’s Secret kitchen for some high-level mixing, blending, and baking. “We want to first of all protect the oil, protect the machinery, protect the fuel system,” says Chris, “but also tweak it to give you a little bit more of what you’re after.” So, grab your lab coat and goggles and get ready to learn everything you ever wanted to know about the science of additives!
Wrenching on cars for a very special cause is something super close to Willie’s heart. For 20 years, he’s been giving back to the Denver community in a truly meaningful and impactful way, donating as many as 70 cars each year to families in need. As you can imagine, it’s a massive undertaking, albeit one he finds incredibly rewarding. “The best is when you give these cars to these people, and you know they’ve got a righteous ride and their gonna last for years.”
Today’s podcast is all about making beautiful noise, and no one knows more about this than Magnaflow’s Rich Waitas. Kevin calls it “the magnificent choir that comes out of the back of exhaust pipes… it’s an art form,” albeit one whose days may well be numbered as EV appears ready to displace IC and the sound it generates. Yet, for all those like Willie who believe that “the right sound means everything,” there is still much to be adored and admired.
Foo Dog Motorcycles in Denver, CO is the brainchild of traveling-musician-turned-classic-restorer Carson Allen, a die-hard fan of vintage 1960s to early 80s Japanese bikes, with a special affinity for those in distress. Of course, parts for these lost legends can be pretty hard to come by, and that’s okay with him. “Preserving the past is really my focus,” he tells Willie and Kevin. “I know that these bikes we put enough love and care and attention to detail into them that they’re never gonna go back to the state they were before.”
When it comes to winterizing your vehicle, the worst thing you can do is…nothing. We’ve all been there: a few days’ procrastination turns into weeks, turns into months, and before you know it, you’re in a world of hurt. Today the guys offer insights on the basic guidelines of seasonal prep and spend some time discussing critter control with MouseBlocker inventor Matt Swift.
The right combination of style and performance can elevate just about anything, not least of all wheels and tires. “It’s one thing to have a great-looking tire,” notes Kevin; “it’s another thing to have a great-looking tire that fits with the wheel, so you get that total package.” Josh Simpson of Hercules Tires and Myles Kovacs of TIS Wheels have embraced this concept to the fullest, collaborating on a line of rims and rubber compounds bound to turn heads. “Being partnered with Hercules, for me it’s like hitting the lottery,” says Myles; “we’re like a fashion brand.”
The Einstein of Additives is back, and this time Chris Gabrelcik is joined by Lubrication Specialties Chemical Engineer Kevin Adams and Director of Branding Kyle Fischer for a lively discussion about the critical functions of fluids. “It’s like the blood that’s in your veins; you don’t even think about it,” notes Kevin. “And these guys are tapped in like no one else to the science behind it.”
On the occasion of their milestone 200th episode, Kevin and Willie reflect on some of their best guests, favorite topics, and most memorable moments behind the mic. From the personal to the professional, from rubbin’ elbows to rubbin’ paint, strap in for a high-octane journey down memory lane with two fun-loving, bench-racing buddies.
There are all types of wheels for different applications from different processes at different price points. Casting, flow formed and forged; aluminum, steel, and composites; three-piece and monoblock. It can all seem overwhelming, especially since wheels have so much power to make or break everything about the driving experience. Joining the guys to demystify the confusion is Dave Schardt, President of Forgeline Wheels. “We say it all the time,” notes Kevin. “The right wheels and the right stance can take just any ride and take it up a couple of notches.”
Willie and Kevin are big fans of grabbin’ gears and heel toeing the clutch, especially when a TREMEC tranny’s involved. “There are few things in a vehicle other than the transmission that can really change the whole dynamic of your driving,” notes Kevin, “and really bring the fun factor in.” Mike Kidd is a kindred spirit who also happens to be TREMEC’s Aftermarket Business Manager, and today he joins the guys for a lively update on all the latest goings on at the company.