We recently welcomed a 1972 Dodge Charger into the V8 Speed and Resto Shop. This classic muscle car, once a beloved high school ride, is set to become its owner’s ultimate retirement cruiser. This cool Charger requires some TLC to reach its full potential.
The Owner’s Vision
The owner’s primary goals for the Charger are clear:
Complete the wiring and tuning: Ensuring the car runs smoothly and efficiently.
Install a custom console: Adding a modern touch with a touchscreen and other features.
Prepare for cross-country adventures: Making the Charger road-worthy for long-distance travel.
The owner’s emotional attachment to the car is evident. This is more than just a vehicle; it’s a symbol of his youth and a companion for his golden years.
Our Approach
At V8 Speed and Resto, we’re committed to bringing the owner’s vision to life. Our team of skilled technicians will carefully address the wiring and tuning issues, ensuring the Charger runs like a dream. We’ll also collaborate with a custom interior specialist to create a console that blends modern amenities with the car’s classic charm.
Join Us on the Journey
We’re excited to share the progress of this restoration project with our community. Stay tuned for updates on the wiring, tuning, and custom console installation. We’ll also provide insights into the owner’s journey and his hopes for his beloved Charger.
The 1969 Ford Cobra is a classic muscle car that has captured the hearts of enthusiasts for decades. This particular Cobra, owned by a passionate Ford enthusiast, is in the process of a meticulous restoration at V8 Speed and Resto Shop.
The Restoration and Modification Plan
The owner has a deep connection to the Cobra, having admired it since his high school days. His goal is to restore the car to its original glory, while adding a few modern touches for enhanced performance and comfort. He envisions a classic, yet refined Cobra that he can enjoy on weekend cruises and at car shows.
The restoration process at V8 Speed and Resto Shop involves a comprehensive overhaul of the car. Here’s a glimpse of what’s in store:
Exterior: The Cobra will receive a fresh coat of paint in its original color, with the iconic black stripes restored to their former glory. The exterior trim will also be meticulously restored or replaced to match the original specifications.
Engine: The engine will be rebuilt to deliver a powerful and reliable performance. The owner has expressed a desire for a power output between 400 and 600 horsepower. Fuel injection will be added for improved efficiency and responsiveness.
Transmission: A 5-speed manual transmission will be installed to provide a more engaging driving experience.
Suspension: The suspension will be upgraded with performance-oriented components, including coil-over shocks, sway bars, and subframe connectors. This will enhance handling and improve the car’s overall performance.
Interior: The interior will be restored to its original look and feel, with upgraded seats for added comfort. The owner also plans to add modern amenities such as upgraded gauges and a premium audio system.
Stay Tuned!
We’ll be documenting the restoration process on our blog and social media channels. Be sure to follow along as we transform this classic muscle car into a stunning example of automotive excellence.
Contact Us
If you’re interested in learning more about our services or discussing your own classic car restoration project, please contact us at 314.783.8325 or resto@v8speedshop.com. You can also visit our website at https://www.v8speedshop.com.
This 1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am is a true time capsule, boasting an incredibly low 12,000 miles on the odometer! The car is finished in a classic Cameo White with Carmine cloth upholstery and is powered by a 403ci V8 engine paired with a three-speed automatic transmission. Although it is in like-new shape, it came to the V8 Speed and Resto Shop for some mainteance and detial work.
Key Features and Options:
WS6 Special Performance Package: This package includes power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes, a quick-ratio steering box, and a larger sway bar for enhanced handling.
Removable T-top Roof Panels: Enjoy the open-air driving experience with this convertible-like feature.
Shaker Hood: A classic Trans Am design element that adds a touch of aggression.
Power Steering, Power Windows, and Power Brakes: Enjoy modern conveniences even in a vintage car.
15-inch Snowflake Alloy Wheels: These iconic wheels are a signature feature of the Trans Am.
Delco Cassette Radio: A throwback to the era’s audio technology.
Air Conditioning: Stay cool and comfortable during hot summer days.
This 1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am is a rare and desirable classic car, offering a blend of performance, style, and low mileage. If you’re a Trans Am enthusiast or collector, we welcome you to peruse this photo gallery and check it out for yourself!
1971 Buick Skylark: A Restoration Project in the Works
This cool 1971 Buick Skylark just arrived at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop, and we’re all excited about bringing helping it along to the next level! The owner’s vision for his Skylark is to bring it back to its former glory, while maintaining its classic character.
The Restoration Plan
Larry’s wishlist for his Skylark is extensive, but the key goals include:
Engine Rebuilding: To address the low oil pressure and compression, the engine will undergo a complete rebuild. The goal is to restore the engine’s performance and reliability without turning it into a race-ready powerhouse.
Interior Restoration: The interior will receive a full makeover. This may include reupholstery, carpet replacement, and repairs to any damaged components.
Brake System Overhaul: To ensure safe and reliable braking, the entire brake system will be inspected and replaced as needed.
Stay Tuned For More Photos And Videos
We’ll be providing regular updates on the progress of this restoration project. Follow us on social media to stay informed and see how this 1971 Buick Skylark transforms.
V8 Speed and Resto Shop is a leading provider of classic car restoration and performance services. For more information about our services or to schedule a consultation, please visit our website or contact us directly.
Making Bob’s Prized ’66 Cadillac More Of A Pleasure To Drive
At the V8 Speed and Resto Shop, we love working on classic cars, but every once in a while, one comes through our doors with a special story—and Bob’s 1966 Cadillac convertible is one of those cars.
Bob brought in his stunning aqua blue ’66 Caddy, and while the car still turns heads with its sleek lines and commanding presence, it’s in need of a little extra care to get it back to full road-worthiness. We had a great chat with Bob when he dropped it off, and here’s what he’s looking for as we get ready to give his Cadillac the TLC it deserves.
The To-Do List
1. Front Bumper Dilemma Bob mentioned the front bumper has “a bit of character”—his polite way of saying it’s seen better days. Whether we replace it or refurbish it, we’re going to make sure it’s back to its former glory. A Cadillac of this caliber needs chrome that shines like new!
2. Upholstery & Seat Springs The interior is where Bob wants this Cadillac to really shine. His request? The inside should look even better than the outside, which is already impressive. We’ll be giving the upholstery a makeover and rebuilding the seat springs so that the ride is as smooth and quiet as you’d expect from a classic Cadillac.
3. Hubcap Fix As many vintage car owners know, hubcaps can be tricky. Bob’s driver-side hubcap has popped off a time or two, so he asked us to install it on one of the rear wheels—hidden under the fender skirts where no one will notice.
4. Functional Factory Turn Signals Part of Bob’s road-worthiness checklist includes making sure the factory turn signals are fully functional. It’s the little details like this that help keep the car safe and true to its original charm.
5. Oil Leak & Royal Purple Oil Like many classic cars, Bob’s Cadillac has developed a small oil leak. He’s requested that we top it off with Royal Purple—his oil of choice. We’ll also look into what’s causing the leak and make sure it’s properly addressed.
6. The Convertible Top Now, here’s where things get interesting. Bob has owned this convertible for a while, but would you believe he’s never put the top down? The motor was replaced six months ago, but Bob wasn’t quite sure how the rear window—he thinks it’s glass—works. We’ll make sure it’s unzipped properly before lowering the top, so Bob can finally enjoy that iconic drop-top Cadillac experience.
A Special Deadline
Bob’s deadline is especially important to us: he wants the Caddy ready by Christmas Eve. His wife has always dreamed of driving around to look at Christmas lights with the top down, and this year, Bob plans to make that dream a reality. It’s a magical goal, and we’re honored to help make it happen.
Here at V8 Speed and Resto Shop, we take great pride in breathing new life into these rolling pieces of history. Whether it’s a major restoration or small maintenance, we’re committed to making sure Bob and his aqua blue Cadillac are road-ready and turning heads again soon—just in time for that festive Christmas Eve drive.
Stay tuned for updates as we bring this beauty back to life!
At V8 Speed & Resto Shop, restoring classic muscle cars is more than just a job; it’s a passion.
One day, a 1973 Plymouth Cuda rolled into the shop, its striking lines a bit dulled by time, and its once mighty 340 cubic inch V-8 engine showing signs of hard miles. This wasn’t going to be just any job. The owner wanted a complete underhood restoration—returning the engine bay and its components to their original glory, if not better.
The first task was removing the tired and greasy engine. It was a beast, but our team made quick work of it, carefully disconnecting all the hoses, wiring, and mounts. With the engine out and set aside, we got our first real look at the underhood area. Years of use had left it coated in grime and grease. The once-vibrant paint that matched the exterior of the car had faded badly, and rusty patches were beginning to creep into the corners of the bay.
After a thorough cleaning, the full extent of the rust and wear became apparent.
Thin, rusty spots were scattered across the engine bay, and the original factory paint was barely recognizable. On these Cudas, the factory had painted the engine bay the same color as the exterior, giving the car a seamless, clean look when it was new. However, years of heat and exposure had taken their toll. It was time for some serious TLC.
The team set to work on rust repair and patch panels. The thin spots were cut out and replaced with fresh metal, carefully welded and blended so that they looked as though the rust had never been there. Once the structural integrity was restored, attention turned to prepping the entire underhood area for a full repaint.
Every bracket, clip, and component that could be salvaged was restored. The alternator and power steering brackets, the coil mount, and even the little things like the battery tray were removed, degreased, sandblasted, and refinished. If a part couldn’t be saved, it was replaced with an exact reproduction to keep the original look intact.
Turning the corner
After the rust repairs, the next step was laying down the fresh paint. Using a premium-grade primer, the entire underhood area was prepped for color. Bodywork was performed in the same way it is on the outside of a show car. The paint mix was matched perfectly to the original exterior hue of the car. We carefully applied multiple coats of paint, making sure the surface was flawless. By the end, the inside of the engine bay gleamed with a mirror-like shine, looking even better than it had when it rolled out of the factory over 50 years ago.
Meanwhile, we had turned our attention to the 340 V-8 engine itself. Every gasket and seal had been replaced, the heads and block were inspected and cleaned, and the internal components were brought back to factory specs. Once the engine was fully restored mechanically, it was time to give it a fresh coat of paint. We mixed up the original light blue color that these engines came with from the factory. The soft hue contrasted beautifully against the vibrant underhood paint.
With the engine now looking brand new, it was time to reinstall it. Carefully, the engine was lowered back into its gleaming cradle. The freshly restored brackets, hoses, and components were meticulously connected, ensuring that everything functioned as perfectly as it looked. Wiring was rewrapped in factory-correct harnesses, and all connections were tested and rechecked.
No more “Open Hood Anxiety” for this ‘Cuda!
The result was outstanding. When you open the hood of the 1973 Cuda now, you’re greeted by a perfect fusion of restored originality and precision craftsmanship. The fresh engine bay is more immaculate than even the exterior of the car, a subtle yet powerful reminder of the care and effort poured into the restoration. The light blue engine, with its gleaming brackets and flawless components, sits proudly in its newly rejuvenated home, ready to roar back to life as though it had never aged a day.
The owner couldn’t have been happier, and the V8 Speed & Resto team? Well, we were already onto the next classic in need of a little love, knowing that nothing beats the feeling of breathing new life into a legend like this Plymouth Cuda.
Check out the complete underhood restoration photo gallery:
Join Mike “Q-Ball” Clarke and Kevin Oeste for a trip to the 2024 Triple Crown of Rodding hot rod show in Nashville Tennessee! Q and Kevin had the pleasure of running the stage, video, and conducting interviews, but also had time to record a mini V8 podcast right from the stage. There’s that plus Automotive trivia and other shenanigans on the latest V8 Radio Podcast!
Ever wonder why your organization should become a Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) or Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) member?
This episode of Hammer Down, the Official SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Podcast hosted by Kevin Oeste and HRIA Chair and HushMat & ZyCoat Owner Tim McCarthy features SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola, SEMA Board Chairman Kyle Fickler (Procharger), and SEMA Board Member Norris Marshall (BluePrint Engines) sharing insights to answer the “what’s in it for me” question.
Tune In To Hear:
Answers to what SEMA and the HRIA are all about
Insights on what the SEMA Association and the HRIA do to help and protect automotive aftermarket businesses
Discuss ways that automotive aftermarket manufacturers, hot rod builders, event organizers, and other businesses can get involved to help the industry be successful.
Our guests are all not only SEMA leaders, but have extensive business experience in the Automotive Aftermarket industry, racing, and are avid enthusiasts.
Whether you’re a seasoned gearhead or just starting your professional Hot Rod journey, Hammer Down delivers informative and entertaining discussion that celebrates the passion, ingenuity, and enduring legacy of the Hot Rod community and how the SEMA HRIA aims to help Hot Rod businesses succeed.
So buckle up, rev your engines, and join us on this thrilling ride through the world of hot rodding. Welcome to Hammer Down!
Check out this incredible modernized Mopar at the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals!
Exo Mod Concepts introduces the D69 Carbon Daytona, a reimagined 1969 Dodge Daytona built on a 2022 Hellcat Challenger Redeye chassis. This amazing machine blends past, present, and future with every body panel crafted from aircraft-quality carbon fiber.
From the hood, fenders, and quarter panels to the decklid and wing—everything is custom-made and meticulously designed. The D69 retains its safety features, including a steel safety cage, airbags, and modern tech while merging the iconic look of the original Daytona with modern performance.
This modern custom packs 807 horsepower and remains under the factory warranty. Rick and his team even stretched the body 10 inches to match the proportions of the original ’68-’69 Mopar Charger. Inside, the D69 features custom leather seats and door panels, adding luxury to the powerful build.
The reception has been phenomenal, and the D69 stood tall at the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals. Don’t miss this unique fusion of classic design and modern muscle!
## Join us at the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals:
