Nostalgia gets the best of our host Kevin Oeste as he stumbles across a car he’s been seeking for 32 years… and it’s a van!   A custom 1979 Dodge Maxivan, to be specific, very similar to the one his family bought back in 1984.   On this episode of the V8 Radio Podcast, Mike “Q-Ball” Clarke is super excited to hear the whole story on this magic bus, and hopefully you’ll dig it, too.    What’s Kevin going to do with it?   We’ll find out!  There’s always some laughs and a couple good Automotive Trivia questions on the V8 Radio Podcast!

https://www.v8radio.com

#v8radio #podcast #customvan

The Return Of The Van, Automotive Trivia, and More on the V8 Radio Podcast!
V8 Radio Podcast
The Return Of The Van, Automotive Trivia, and More on the V8 Radio Podcast!
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Significant cars are considered part of the family, and Otto Robert’s 1955 Ford Thunderbird recently played the role of “Best Ride” in his Son’s wedding!   We wish the new couple all the best, and appreciate the importance of moments like these.   We’re honored for the opportunity to buff and detail the Thunderbird for the occasion!   The “Road Of Marriage” is best when traveled in a cool car!     Did you include your classic  in YOUR special day?  

❤️Congratulations and Best Wishes to the Roberts Family!

Picture Provided by https://www.thedreamerseye.com/

#happilyeverafter #weddingcar #v8speedshop #familycar #heirloomcar 

Let us know if we can help with your special car… or special day!

See our photos of the car here:

This 1965 Shelby Cobra by Backdraft came to us when the owner wanted all the chrome and bright aluminum pieces powdercoated black. In addition, we installed a killer audio system so the driver can hear tunes over the Roush 427! We also performed some paint work on the car after a fender was damaged.  

 

 Contact the V8 Speed & Resto Shop with all your Classic or Muscle Car needs today!

Contact the <a href=

817 S. MAIN STREET – RED BUD, IL 62278

From the Cars, Stars, and Roll Bars site: “Kevin Oeste, Owner of V8 Speed and Resto Shop, has been a friend for many years and it was great to have him set aside time to be my featured guest. He is a lifelong automotive and motorsports enthusiast who’s passion was sparked at an early age. After receiving a degree in Broadcast Communication from Illinois State University, Kevin was able to merge his two passions by getting hired at Hot Rod Magazine in Los Angeles, eventually producing Hot Rod TV on Speedchannel. Shooting NCMA races and events like the Hot Rod Power Tour led him all over the country, eventually meeting his wife Kelle 6 states from home after his 1962 Ford Galaxie 500 XL convertible broke down on the Power Tour.

In 2005, Oeste and Kelle launched the V8 Speed and Resto Shop in Red Bud, IL, a world-class restoration, custom, and performance center currently employing 25 dedicated professionals building award-winning cars for discerning customers all over the world. Kevin handles the media and helps customers visualize their dream cars, and Kelle is the operational force that runs the business. Their first car was a 1969 Camaro SEMA show car, and it’s been full throttle ever since.

The mission statement of the V8 Speed and Resto Shop is “To connect people with the best times of their lives through things with wheels.” Kevin and Kelle Oeste remain immersed in automotive business, media, events, and culture, noting that it’s not about the cars… it’s all about the people and their stories. It seems they’ve written quite a story for themselves along the way.”

#hotrod #NHRA #SEMA #csrbvegas

2022 V8TV Drive In Cruise Event Walk Through Video Live Replay V8TV

Join us as we take a walk through the cool cars at the 2022 V8TV Drive In Cruise event! This classic car show at the Belleville Skyview Drive in was the sixth drive-in cruise. Continue reading “2022 V8TV Drive In Cruise Event Walk Through Video Live Replay V8TV”

The 2022 V8TV Drive In Cruise was a success, although a bit wet at times.   We were happy to finally fulfill the destiny of having Mike “Q-Ball” Clarke’s 1967 Pontiac GTO, Pauls Wieshuber’s 1962 Buick Electra, and Kevin Oeste’s 1962 Ford Galaxie 500 XL all at the Drive In event!   There were hundreds of cool cars at the show, and it turned out to be a great night.    (The ride home was a bit wet!)   Paul and Mike had a few minor fixes, but overall the trip went smoothly.   Hear all about it, plus some riveting Automotive Trivia questions and much more on the V8 Radio Podcast! 

https://www.v8radio.com

https://www.driveincruise.com

#v8radio #carpodcast #musclecars #drivein

Cool Cars at the 2022 V8TV Drive In Cruise, Road Tripping the Buick and GTO, Automotive Trivia V8 Radio Podcast
V8 Radio Podcast
Cool Cars at the 2022 V8TV Drive In Cruise, Road Tripping the Buick and GTO, Automotive Trivia V8 Radio Podcast
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The V8 Speed and Resto Shop Transforms a 1969 Corvette Roadster

This 1969 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster wasn’t just getting a makeover, it was undergoing a complete metamorphosis at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop. Gone was the original small-block Chevy 350 V8 and 4-speed transmission, replaced with a heart-pounding 427 cubic inch big-block engine and a smooth-shifting Tremec TKX 5-speed transmission. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the extensive upgrades:

Engine and Drivetrain:

  • Powerhouse Upgrade: The as-delivered 350 V8 was swapped for a Chevrolet Performance ZZ427 crate engine, churning out 480 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque. This legendary big-block promises exhilarating performance.
  • Modern Transmission: A Tremec TKX 5-speed transmission replaces the 4-speed, offering a wider gear range and smoother shifting for a more enjoyable driving experience.
  • Clutch and Flywheel: A smooth hydraulic clutch from Modern Driveline provides easy action and strong clamping force.
  • Fuel Delivery: A Holley Terminator X EFI system replaces the carburetor for precise fuel metering and improved performance.
  • Cooling System: A new radiator, hoses, and electric fan ensure the powerful engine stays cool.

Brakes and Suspension:

  • Stopping Power: The stock brakes were replaced with a Wilwood big brake kit featuring red calipers and larger rotors for superior stopping power. New brake lines, hoses, and a proportioning valve complete the upgrade.
  • Hydraulic Brake Booster: This brake power booster provides smooth action, low pedal effort, and vastly increased clamping force than the original vacuum boost unit at a smaller size.
  • Enhanced Handling: Bilstein shocks and a comprehensive suspension rebuild with polyurethane bushings improve handling and provide a more responsive ride.
  • Aggressive Stance: Rocket Racing wheels wrapped in high-performance BF Goodrich tires provide a bold look and enhanced handling. The Diamondback Classics customized tires feature a period redline to adds a sporty touch of red.

Interior Upgrades:

  • Luxury Comfort: The interior received a complete overhaul. The seats were reupholstered in-house in luxurious Phantom Black leather with perforated inserts for breathability and contrasting blue stitching. New door panels, carpets, and a center console create a fresh and stylish atmosphere.
  • Modern Conveniences: A Vintage Air A/C system keeps the driver cool on hot days. A Zip Corvette radio with upgraded speakers provides entertainment. USB charging ports allow for convenient device charging. A Dakota Digital cruise control system was installed for added comfort on long drives, with Dakota Gauges keeping the driver up to speed.

Exterior Transformation:

  • Arrow-Straight Bodywork: The Corvette’s fiberglass body construction requires special techniques to repair and refinish, and the V8 Speed and Resto Shop performed extensive repairs and refinements to the body to improve fit and finish.
  • Show-Stopping Paint: The original paint job was replaced with a stunning custom blue chosen by the owner. A red-outlined metallic charcoal stripe enhances the deep blue body. The flawless finish and meticulous application make this Corvette a real head-turner.
  • Aggressive Stance: Rocket Racing wheels wrapped in high-performance BF Goodrich tires provide a bold look and enhanced handling. The Diamondback Classics customized tires feature a period redline to adds a sporty touch of red.
  • Functional Aesthetics: An L88 hood adds a touch of muscle car history, while functional upgrades like ceramic-coated headers and original Corvette-style side pipes sing the song of the 427.

Additional Details:

  • The car also received a complete wiring overhaul with a new battery and various electrical upgrades.
  • Many original parts were meticulously restored or replaced with high-quality reproduction parts, ensuring the car retains its classic character.

This meticulous restoration project by the V8 Speed and Resto Shop transformed a classic Corvette into a modern muscle car masterpiece. With its powerful engine, upgraded drivetrain, luxurious interior, and show-stopping paint job, this Corvette Roadster is ready to conquer the road in style and comfort.

1969 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster Displayed at The Garage Museum

Museum Piece For The Street

After completion, the V8 Speed and Resto Shop team was honored to have the ’69 Corvette Roadster invited to be part of an amazing multi-generational Corvette display at the Garage Automotive Museum in Salina, Kansas. The blue ’69 was right at home flanked by other outstanding Museum Corvettes, but this car is destined to be driven on the open roads of America.

Let’s Build Your Dream Ride

The V8 Speed and Resto Shop Team understands personally significant vehicles and the freedom they deliver. We can transform your existing ride, or design and craft a custom bespoke automobile tailored specifically for you. We invite you to contact us today to start the conversation.

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1969 Chevrolet Corvette Build Photo Gallery

This 1967 Chevrolet Camaro convertible is receiving a variety of repairs and upgrades at the V8 Speed and Resto shop. Plans call for a new fuel injected engine and automatic transmission, restored subframe and all new suspension, upgraded Dakota digital gauges, a complete under hood detail and paint treatment and more.