Hang out with Kevin Oeste and Mike “Q-Ball” Clarke with Muscle Car project updates from the V8 Speed and Resto Shop, insights on overthinking your project, muscle car videos, automotive trivia, and much more on the latest V8 Radio Podcast! #carpodcast #automotivepodcast #v8radio #musclecarpodcast
1973 Duster Photos and Video:
https://v8speedshop.com/73Duster
Witness the breathtaking transformation of a barn-find 1973 Plymouth Duster 340 into a show-stopping masterpiece! Here, we delve deep into the meticulous restoration process at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop, where our mission was clear: elevate this classic Duster beyond its original glory while preserving its iconic spirit.
Our client entrusted us with his beloved, yet worn-out, Duster, seeking not just a repair, but a revival. We understand that every restoration is unique, and we pride ourselves on collaborating closely with our clients to bring their visions to life. Whether it’s a faithful stock restoration or a radical custom build, our team is equipped to exceed expectations.
What does a full restoration entail? It begins with understanding your dream. Is it cruising down country roads, dominating the drag strip, or winning prestigious shows? We believe in visualizing your “best day” with your car to guide our process.
We meticulously documented every detail of the Duster’s condition upon arrival, capturing thousands of photographs and precise measurements using digital calipers. This ensured we understood the original factory specifications and identified areas for improvement.
The Duster’s unibody construction demanded precision. We media-blasted the body, mounted it to a custom jig, and meticulously repaired rust damage, including the floors and quarter panels. Leveraging original collision repair data, we ensured the body was perfectly square and true. Our expert fabricators skillfully addressed the challenges of fitting reproduction panels, achieving panel gaps superior to the factory standards.
The original medium blue metallic was reimagined into a custom hue inspired by a Range Rover blue, infused with pearl and other proprietary techniques. This unique color, expertly applied by our painter, Jeff, radiates brilliance, especially when paired with the fresh chrome trim and white interior.
The factory 340 engine, originally rated at 240 horsepower, received a significant performance upgrade. We installed a Comp Cams hydraulic roller camshaft, Edelbrock aluminum heads and intake manifold, a larger carburetor, MSD ignition, and a MagnaFlow 2.5-inch stainless steel mandrel-bent exhaust system. The result? A potent and exhilarating driving experience that far surpasses the original specifications.
The entire underside was meticulously restored. We applied a durable bedliner coating for protection and ease of cleaning. All suspension components, including brakes, ball joints, bushings, and sway bar end links, were rebuilt or replaced. The rear axle was rebuilt with a new gear set, clutch, and limited-slip differential. This comprehensive overhaul ensures a smooth, precise, and enjoyable ride, maintaining the classic Duster feel with improved performance.
The interior underwent a dramatic transformation. The original bucket seats were stripped, recovered in bright white, and paired with matching door and side panels. Black carpeting and a fully detailed dashboard create a stunning contrast. The original rectangular gauge was replaced with a full set of Auto Meter gauges, and Vintage Air was added for enhanced comfort. A polished aluminum steering wheel, reminiscent of the original, completes the refined interior.
The finishing touches included the iconic white 340 stripes, the rear graphic decal, and a set of meticulously restored Plymouth Rally wheels. The precision of the decal placement and the overall fit and finish highlight the attention to detail that defines our work.
Whether you have a classic muscle car, a vintage gem, or a custom hot rod in mind, the V8 Speed and Resto Shop is here to help. Contact us today to discuss your project and turn your automotive dreams into reality.
817 S. MAIN STREET – RED BUD, IL 62278 – 314.783.8325
The V8 Speed and Resto Shop crew performed a complete restoration on this sweet 1969 Chevelle SS. The V8 Speed & Resto Shop team stripped the body, replaced the floors and trunk floor, assembled the body on the restored chassis, and performed bodywork and paint on this award-winning 1969 Chevelle. It’s powered by a big block Chevy V8 and a 5-speed Tremec transmission. The work was done back in 2014, so we thought it would be cool to revisit the car and see how a high-quality complete restoration looks over ten years later.
Fortunately, this 1969 Chevelle street machine still looks fresh today, and the owner takes great care of the car and drives and shows it when he can. Over the years, the car has only required a few maintenance items, but has also received several upgrades like a second set of wheels, Wilwood brakes, and a Tremec 5-speed manual transmission conversion. You can see those upgrades and the original restoration video in the links below.
If you’re looking for a restoration or a restomod Muscle Car, a stock or updated Classic, or even a full custom or hot rod, we’re always happy to chat about making your dream ride come true at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop!
817 S. Main Street
Red Bud, IL 62278
314.783.8325
https://www.v8speedshop.com
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Kevin Oeste and Mike “Q-Ball” Clarke cover the 2024 SEMA Show and Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals, and preview some cool new Black Label concept cars from the V8 Speed and Resto Shop! They pack a ton into this episode, including some new Automotive Trivia contest questions, so clear some space between your ears for the latest V8 Radio Podcast!
https://www.v8speedshop.com/concepts
#v8speedshop #customcars #carpodcast
Be sure to like and subscribe to the V8 Radio Podcast for more episodes!
We’re extremely passionate about Hot Rods, Muscle Cars, Customs, Trucks, and all kinds of unique and personalized vehicles here at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop. On this page, we share some ideas for expression cars… one-of-a-kind, bespoke and personalized custom creations reflecting the personality and performance desires of the owner. The examples on this page – penned by talented design partner Murray Komant – are all ready to build, or stand to inspire creative ideas of your own. Our dedicated team of talented craftsman are prepared to bring these machines to life. We invite you to embark on a personalized journey to make your ultimate hot rod or custom a reality!
Black Label customs appeal to a unique personality who is fueled by an exclusive experience. These elements are designed to deliver a one-of-a-kind journey, truly crafted around personal preferences, crafting a vehicle and experience that is impossible to duplicate and therefore the only one of its kind.
Loosely based on a 1932-1934 Ford roadster, this one combines elements of a high-end European sports car with traditional American Hot Rod. An all-steel, highly sculpted and elegant Hot Rod incorporating top-level elements designed to provide a stunning looking ride with hot performance, but with a refined personality.
This stunning 1948 Oldsmobile Futuramic 98 Coupe blends traditional Kustom touches blended with modern technology, comfort, and road feel. In this case, we already own the car and are ready to start the transformation for an individual looking to steal the show and then devour the miles on the wide open roads.
This awesome 1957 Studebaker Golden Hawk concept features a lowered stance on a performance chassis, modern supercharged power, Halibrand-style wheels, and a great retro-themed color scheme. Look closely at the gold in the fins… there’s a lot going on in there! This project, penned by designer Murray Komant, is one of many bespoke Black Label concepts brewing at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop.
Hot Rods are legendary for their rebellious nature. Loud, fast, uncomfortable, and sometimes just plain scary to drive, but there is nothing cooler than a classic Hot Rod. This V8 Speed and Resto Shop Black Label roadster concept pushes things in a slightly different direction with elements from the vintage sports car world weaved into a fresh, stylish, and amazingly well executed hot rod.
With a nod to Deco styling of the era, V8 Speed and Resto worked with Murray Komant to visualize the concept. Starting with a steel 1932 Ford Roadster, the transformation begins to push, pull, stretch, lower, and transform the old Ford into a sporty roadster that is different, but inspiringly familiar at the same time.
The concept is simple… what if a 1932 Ford was intended to be a high-line sports car, rather than an entry level car built for the masses? How would Ford designers and engineers have built an all American speedster to dominate a market held by Jaguar, Bugatti, Cord, Packard, and other high-end, coach-built roadsters? The V8 Speed and Resto Shop Black Label Roadster realizes this vision.
The design combines many traditional hot rod elements, like the chopped top, laid-back windshield, and sectioned body to create the uniquely sleek profile. The body is channeled down over the extended frame, and a custom, sculpted pan smooths the rear view. Hood side louvers are swapped for a polished frame surrounding a precision mesh grille. Narrow wire knock-off wheels recall race cars of the era. Speedy, yet elegant. Fresh, yet familiar. Harmonious and inviting.
One thing Ford knew how to do was build a solid V8. The “flathead” V8 debuted in the 1932 model year, with high performance parts becoming available soon after. Keeping with the Ford DNA, the Roadster relies on a Ford flathead, but topped Ardun overhead-valve conversion cylinder heads, fed by a lycoming supercharger. A multi-carburetor, non-supercharged version could be had featuring 8-stack induction. Wrinkle-red coating on the Ardun heads and covers provide contrast to the polished rocker cover ribs, and engine-turned aluminum accents are found on the firewall and in other details. Modern machining techniques, coatings, electronic ignition, roller camshaft, and current-day assembly methods ensure a powerful and reliable driving experience.
Inside, supple leather bucket seats cradle the driver and passenger, while a crafted zebrano wood dashboard displays chronograph inspired instruments for critical functions. Polished aluminum and stainless styling cues combine for a timeless, deco inspired design that is visually pleasing and equally functional and comfortable to drive.
There is much to share about this stunning project, and we are happy to discuss the build details and start the construction process. Contact the V8 Speed and Resto Shop anytime to chat about bringing the Roadster to life, we are excited to add it to your stable!
The 1948 Oldsmobile Futuramic is a landmark design, featuring a dramatic, fastback style “Sedanette”, completely devoid of extraneous trim and ornamentation. The exclusive V8 Speed and Resto Shop Black Label design enhances not only the look, but also the driving performance and capabilities of this iconic coupe.
The 1948 Oldsmobile 98 Futuramic Sedanette is a great looking car straight out of the factory. Subtle lowering, Cadillac “Sombrero” hubcaps, and wide white wall tires make it into a clean, mild-custom that turns heads. It’s a nice driving car as it is, with the original Oldsmobile straight 8 cylinder engine running smoothly, and the 4-speed Hydramatic transmission shifting smoothly.
Chopped and lowered Kustoms have long been popular, but the goal of this one is to bled those iconic styling elements with daily-driver reliability and high-end luxury, features, and performance to create a one-of-a-kind ride that not only stops the show, but is also a pure joy when it’s time to go!
Cars from the 1940s drive smoothly, but they don’t compare to the mannerisms of today’s high-end sports coupes and sedans. The V8 Speed and Resto Shop Team will upfit the classic Olds body with current day suspension and power to deliver a comfortable, powerful, and quiet driving experience with vastly improved steering, handling, and braking.
There is much to share about this stunning project, and we are happy to discuss the build details and start the construction process. Contact the V8 Speed and Resto Shop anytime to chat about bringing the 1948 Oldsmobile to life, we are excited to add it to your stable!
A head-turning 1972 Chevrolet Camaro cruised into the V8 Speed and Resto Shop recently, ready for a touch of cosmetic magic and some TLC. The owner wanted to accentuate the Camaro’s gorgeous gold paint with some classic black Z/28 stripes, and let’s just say, we were chomping at the bit to show off the results!
The treatment included a fresh coat on the hood and deck lid, along with the addition of those sharp black stripes. To add a bit of extra flair, we also installed some sleek Ringbrothers hood hinges. But that’s not all – we we took care of a few other maintenance items to keep this beauty running smoothly.
At the heart of the engine upgrade was the installation of a Holley Terminator X EFI system. This modern fuel injection system replaced the original carburetor, providing precise fuel delivery and improved performance. To support the EFI system, several additional components were added, including a Holley fuel pump module, a mechanical fuel pump block-off plate, and a fuel pressure regulator. ARP fasteners were used throughout, and a Lokar transmission kick-down bracket and cable were fitted to ensure smooth gear changes.
To improve the Camaro’s handling and drivability, a new Borgeson power steering gearbox and rag joint was installed. The Borgeson steering box enhances road feel while adding a level of precision to the Camaro’s steering that had eroded over the decades.
This is just the beginning for this stunning Camaro. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to work our magic and elevate this classic muscle car to even greater heights! We can’t wait to share the final product with all of you. In the meantime, if you have a car that’s craving a makeover, drop on by V8 Speed and Resto Shop – we’d love to chat about your vision!
FRAME OFF RESTORATION
CUSTOM FIREWALL
CUSTOM PAINT
The Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme is a mid-range car produced by General Motors for those seeking comfortable, reliable, and stylish vehicles. The Cutlass Supreme was the fanciest version of the Cutlass you could buy, and the 1971 convertible is one of 10,255 built that year.
The owner of this particular car purchased it in 1973 and has driven and enjoyed it ever since. However, over time, the car started to show its age, so he called the V8 Speed and Resto Shop to restore it.
The team at V8 Speed and Resto Shop began by media blasting the chassis to remove all the rust and corrosion, and then powder coated it in a black finish similar to the original paint. They also replaced the original suspension parts with tubular control arms and billet coil-over shocks from QA1, and a Borgeson steering gear for better road feel and steering performance.
The body was stripped in search of rust and damage, and any rust holes were repaired with new steel. The team also repaired the bottom of the door shell to replace some rust holes. Their mission was to use as much of the original GM steel as possible on this car to keep it as authentic as possible.
The original Olds 350 V8 engine was also given a refresh. The engine was disassembled, cleaned, measured, and remachined, and new rod and main bearings, pistons, rings, gaskets, and all new ARP hardware were installed. A COMP hydraulic roller camshaft conversion was installed, which not only added a cam profile designed to increase the engine’s torque output, but also uses roller lifters to reduce friction and the risk of the cam going flat. Once it was all assembled, the engine was topped with an aluminum intake manifold and a Holley Terminator X electronic fuel injection system for increased reliability.
The body was then painted in its original code 43 Lime Green Metallic color, and the team carefully re-mounted the body panels, making sure nothing got bumped or chipped in the process. Once installed, all the exterior surfaces were sanded once again in preparation for sealer and the color and clear application.
After a couple months of curing time, the paint team started the wetsanding and buffing process on the paint to further flatten the surface and bring out the gloss. The restored trim, lettering, and badges were then carefully installed.
The interior was renewed, with the seats, door panels, rear side panels, dash pad, sun visors, carpet, and more being rebuilt or replaced. A new A/C system from Vintage Air was installed, and the dashboard and firewall were bodyworked and painted satin black.
The convertible top mechanism and hydraulics were also restored, and a new white convertible top was installed. The car also got a set of custom made Dayton chrome spoked wheels with white pinstriped tires.
The original gauges were restored and updated with LED lights, and a quartz conversion was installed to keep the original clock hands spinning smoothly. A Vintage Air control panel matches the original brushed aluminum design, and a Retro Sound radio provides modern tunes for the ride.
The car was finally finished and returned to the owner, who was thrilled with the results. The car is now in better-than-new condition, and the owner is excited to make new memories with it.
The V8 Speed and Resto Shop team stands ready to turn the clock back on whatever you drive, restoring it authentically or adding modern performance and convenience features as you wish. Contact the shop today to learn more.
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 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:
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.
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.
