Caring For A 1967 Plymouth Belvedere GTX at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop

Posted on by V8 Staff

Every car has a story, and this one is special!

The owner of this sweet 1967 Plymouth Belvedere GTX received the car in 1985, and has had it ever since then. But it wasn’t just a car he bought off some used car lot… this one came from his uncle, who bought it new after returning home from the Vietnam war. You can imagine the sentimental value the car holds for the owner and his family, and that is something we do not take lightly here at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop!

It looks great, but…

The car has received an extensive restoration, but the owner isn’t sure that it looks the best it can, so he reached out to our shop for some insights on taking the paint and appearance to the next level. And being a fairly fresh restoration, there are always mechanical fixes that need to be addressed as miles are driven, and the GTX had a few mechanical issues to button up as well.

The “X” Files

The letter X has always been kind of mystical… X marks the spot, x stands for experimental, x represents an unknown or even secret stuff like x factors or x files. This time, the X could stand for Extra, as the GTX came from the Plymouth factory loaded up with goodies intending to make it an all-around performer, with comfort and style as well. Based off the no-frills Belvedere platform, the GTX came stock with the powerful 375 HP 440 cube V8 and was no slouch. Upgrades from the basic Belvedere were all over the car and included performance and appearance items, and this one is wearing Medium Blue Poly paint.

The 67 GTX had the look, with a dual snorkel scooped hood, and many featured two thin stripes that made ‘em even racier. The front end design is tight, with quad headlights and a no-nonsense grille treatment featuring blacked out upper and lower sections. Follow along as we perform some TLC on this GTX at V8 Speed!

1962 Buick Electra Convertible Updates, Automotive Trivia, and More on the V8 Radio Podcast!

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On this episode of the V8 Radio Podcast, Kevin Oeste and Mike “Q-Ball” Clarke are joined by Kevin’s childhood friend Paul as they chat about recent progress Paul has made to his yellow 1962 Buick Electra convertible. This is the car that David Freiburger and Rob Kinnan once owned back in the Car Craft Magazine days. Also, you’ll hear a dip into Kevin’s radio history, and of course there is Automotive trivia and a bunch of other laughs. Check out the latest at https://www.v8radio.com!

Paul’s Buick Pics:

https://v8speedshop.com/62Buick

#v8radio #podcast #carpodcast

V8 Radio Podcast

1962 Buick Electra Convertible Updates, Automotive Trivia, and More on the V8 Radio Podcast!

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LT4 – 10L90 10-Speed Custom Chassis 1969 Chevrolet Camaro RS SS Pace Car Updates at V8 Speed and Resto Shop

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A Pro-Touring / Resto Mod Camaro Lover’s Dream!

The classic 1969 Camaro Pace Car, a California native with a storied past, has undergone a dramatic transformation. Its original drivetrain is a distant memory, replaced entirely with a modern masterpiece. A Schwartz Performance chassis now forms the foundation, boasting an independent rear suspension featuring components from a sixth-generation Camaro. Under the hood lies a monstrous LT4 engine with a dry sump oil system, breathing life through a 10L90 automatic transmission. To keep this beast cool, a C&R Racing radiator and cooling system with SPAL brushless fans ensure optimal temperature control.

The Last 5%

Although this Pace Car – a real one, by the way – has an amazing list of parts installed, the owner wanted some final details addressed before hitting the road with his prized Camaro. We’ll be knocking out a punch list more commonly known as “The Last 5%” – you know, little details that linger at the end of a restoration or performance build that prevent it from being 100% complete and ready to rock. We’re honored at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop for the opportunity to bring this car across the finish line.

Follow the Progress in The Photos!

1986 Chevrolet Camaro IROC Z LS1 Upgrades at V8 Speed and Resto Shop

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1987 Chevrolet Camaro IROC Z LS1 Upgrades at V8 Speed and Resto Shop

LS Power And A 6-Speed In An 80s Icon!

IROC Camaros are cool, and they represent an interesting departure from the more traditional Z28 and SS names typically associated with high-performance Camaros. This blue 1986 IROC came to the V8 Speed and Resto Shop with some great upgrades already done, but the owner wanted more from the car.

Strong Road Racing Heritage And The Legendary Z

Z28s are named after the original Camaro road racer, built for the Trans Am series back in the 1960s. In 1973, several of the biggest names in racing – Roger Penske, Les Richter, and Mike Phelps created a championship that invited some of the best from a variety of different forms of racing, from all over the world. The result was a highly competitive and entertaining series featuring racers from NASCAR, Formula 1, IndyCar, and other sport car racing. They called it the International Race of Champions, what we know as IROC.

1987 Chevrolet Camaro IROC Z brochure image

Not All IROCs Were Chevrolet Camaros

While the Chevrolet Camaro IROC Z is probably the most famous IROC model, four different manufacturers were represented in IROC racing over the years.

Porsche Carrera
- 1973-74
Chevrolet Camaro
- 1984-89
Pontiac Firebird
- 1996-2006
Chevrolet Camaro
- 1974-76
Dodge Daytona
- 1990-93

We All Wanted One In High School

This 1987 IROC is sporting an LS engine conversion, backed by a 6-speed manual transmission, and upgraded Baer brakes. We’ll be performing some other cool mods to the car while it visits the V8 Speed and Resto Shop, so stay tuned. We’re excited about this one, as the addition power and performance is all these cars need to make anyone feel like a world champion race car driver! Besides that, the nostalgia factor is really strong with this car, as many of us drooled over these when they were new.

Follow The Photo Gallery To See The Progress!

Car Guy Confessions Invites Kevin Oeste as Guest

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Recorded at the 2024 Grand National Roadster Show in Pomona, CA

V8’s own Kevin Oeste is honored and excited to join Jeff Smith and Cam Benty on the Car Guy Confessions podcast presented by ARP! Jeff and Cam both have long careers writing Oeste’s favorite car magazines like Hot Rod, Car Craft, Motor Trend, and others. This Podcast shares the story of how Oeste was able to join the ranks at Petersen Publishing and work at Hot Rod along side these two car culture icons. The episode also covers how Oeste met Kelle and they eventually launched V8TV and the V8 Speed and Resto Shop. Thanks to all at Car Guy Confessions for the opportunity for Oeste to join the show! Be sure to like and subscribe for more from our friends at Auto Revolution!

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Special Guest Kelle Oeste and Her Run for SEMA Board Of Directors on V8 Radio Podcast

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V8 Speed and Resto Shop Owner Kelle Oeste is on the ballot for the 2024 SEMA Board Of Directors, and she joins Kevin Oeste and Mike “Q-Ball” Clarke on the latest V8 Radio Podcast to share the news and to talk about what she’s prepared to contribute should she be elected. Kelle has loads of valuable of experience in the Automotive Aftermarket industry and in SEMA committees like the Hot Rod Industry Alliance and the SEMA Show, so it’s a great opportunity for her to increase her volunteer capacity to help even more business like ours. And we didn’t leave out the Automotive Trivia and a few laughs, so it’s another inimitable episode of V8 Radio!

#v8radio #kelle4sema #v8radiopodcast

https://www.kelle4sema.com

https://www.v8radio.com

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V8 Radio Podcast

Special Guest Kelle Oeste and Her Run for SEMA Board Of Directors on V8 Radio Podcast

00:00 / 1:06:02

1968 Chevrolet Camaro Street Machine Upgrades Video and Photos at V8 Speed and Resto Shop

Posted on by V8 Staff

This Camaro is a great example of a 1970s – 1980s style Street Machine!

Wearing an Rally Sport trim package and an SS badges, striping, and hood, this killer blue 1968 Chevrolet Camaro is a feast for the eyes. But what really has us jazzed are all the period-perfect accessories that give this Camaro a look we instantly recognize.

The parts we all wanted “back in the day.”

It all starts with the stance… the jacked-up look which allowed for much wider wheels and rear tires. In this case, a polished set of US Mags aluminum “slots” wrapped with BFG rubber put the power of the small block V8 to the pavement. Note the ladder bar rear suspension supporting a 12-bolt rear axle. Under the hood, the engine is wearing the prerequisite gold iridite plate Moroso valve covers, yellow Taylor spark plug wires, Edelbrock intake manifold, and long-tube headers. It’s a total time-warp.

It’s got the right look on the inside, too.

We converted the Camaro to an automatic transmission at the owner’s request, and added a “horseshoe” shifter to the O.E. style console. The console features the Rally gauge package, and the car is also fitted with a Vintage Air A/C system for even cooler cruising. Houndstooth upholstery, deluxe door panels, and rosewood accents provide even more detail inside.

Overall, this is a very fun Camaro that has the ability to transport not only from point A to B, but also back in time. And although we’ve built all kinds of Camaros here at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop, we’re always happy to see how many different ways these cars can be personalized and made cool.

Check out the video on this sweet 1968 Chevrolet Camaro Street Machine!

1981 Pontiac Trans AM Turbo Upgrades

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Adding some great modern upgrades to a Pontiac Turbo Trans AM without losing the DNA of the car.

1979 Ford F350 Pickup Returns To The Road

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This Ford F350 is practically a member of the family.

The owner of this super-cool 1979 Ford F350 grew up with this truck, as his Dad’s good friend bought it new back in ’79. When the original owner – a former law enforcement officer – decided the truck’s services were no longer needed, the current owner obtained the truck… he was just 16 years old.

An heirloom is born.

This was a great daily driver for a 16 year old. It is powered by a Ford 400M V8 engine with an automatic and 4 wheel drive, but as time went progressed, the owner grew up and needed more practical transportation. However, he held on to the truck, storing it for a future time when the truck could be enjoyed once again. Fast forward a couple decades and a family, and today the ’79 is getting back on the road with the help of the V8 Speed and Resto Shop team!

Follow along as we perform some mechanical TLC to return the big F350 safely to the road!

Contact the V8 Speed and Resto Shop to help breathe new life into your valued classic car or truck!

1965 Backdraft Cobra Upgrades and Custom Interior at V8 Speed and Resto

Posted on by V8 Staff

Re-skinning a Snake, outside and in

The Cobra is one of the true icons of performance cars, and this sweet Backdraft version is powered by a Roush Performance 427 Windsor small block. It was purchased with typical Cobra flash, but the owner likes to personalize his rides, so the Cobra came to V8 Speed and Resto for several rounds of appearance upgrades. First order of business was to black-out all the bright trim, including powdercoating the windshield frame, wheels, and other trim items. It was then treated to a complete repaint in our Paint Shop.

1965 backdraft cobra ac 2018 05 29.0191 1

From Blacked-Out to Bespoke Beauty

This Cobra’s transformation wasn’t complete after the paint job. V8 Speed & Resto’s Upholstery Shop added the perfect contrast with a custom, hand-stitched tan leather interior. The distressed finish echoes the texture of snake scales, and the rich leather aroma welcomes you… until you turn the key and wake up the 427’s growling side pipes. Slide behind the wheel and experience luxury that matches the car’s power.

Custom leather interior crafted by the V8 Speed and Resto Shop

What Can We Build For You?

As you click through the photo gallery documenting the progress of this 427 Cobra, we invite you to consider your own dream car and reach out to the V8 Speed and Resto Shop where we can make it come to life. From bodywork and paint, performance upgrades, or a one-of-a-kind custom interior, our discerning craftsmen and technicians can make it a reality. We invite you to contact us at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop today.