A GTX that Stands Tall.

Our friend Gary is not your average car owner. He’s spent years nurturing his pride and joy, a stunning 1968 Plymouth GTX, and now he’s ready to take it to the next level. Join us at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop as we help him refine his classic muscle car, keeping its original charm while adding some subtle performance upgrades and a touch of modern convenience.

Showroom-Fresh Looks You Can Drive Every Day:

  • Polished Beauty: Gary’s GTX is already a head-turner, but we’re replacing the rear window and giving the engine bay a thorough “clean up” to maintain its factory-fresh look.
  • Function Over Form: We’re upgrading the brakes, focusing on improved performance while keeping the classic drum setup for that authentic feel.
  • Safety First: We’re ensuring the door locks function flawlessly for added peace of mind.
  • Cool and Collected: The temperature gauge might be misleading, but we’re tuning the carb for optimal performance and cooler running.
  • Factory Tight: Replacing worn bushings will tighten up the suspension, enhancing handling without sacrificing the original driving experience.

Keeping it Stock, Keeping it Classy:

Gary’s a purist at heart. He wants his GTX to remain in its stock class for shows, and we’re making sure every upgrade adheres to those guidelines.

A Detailer’s Dream:

Gary’s meticulous attention to detail shines through. With 40 years of experience under his belt, he knows exactly how he wants his car to look and feel. We’re proud to partner with him on this project, ensuring his GTX continues to be a source of pride and joy for years to come.

#V8SpeedandResto #1968GTX #MuscleCarLove #DetailsMatter

Stay tuned as we showcase Gary’s GTX transformation, one photo at a time!

Put on your shades and crank up the tunes, gearheads! This week’s V8 Radio Podcast takes us on a sun-soaked California cruise through the epicenter of custom car culture. We buckle up for:

  • The legendary 2024 Grand National Roadster Show: It’s all there – the glistening chrome and mind-blowing craftsmanship of America’s premier indoor car show. We’ll share our highlights, hidden gems, and maybe even some celebrity sightings!
  • Delving into automotive history at the Lions Automobilia Foundation: From vintage racers to Hollywood movie cars, the Lions Foundation has it all.   The facility is just as cool as the cars! 
  • Caffeine and classics at Donut Derelicts: Join us for the iconic Huntington Beach cars and coffee event, where the smell of burnt rubber blends with fresh donuts and the rumble of V8s fills the air. Cruising classics, friendly faces, and endless car spotting – what’s not to love?
  • A peek inside SoCal Speed Shop: We got invited to their open house event, where we chatted with the SoCal team, checked out the shop, peeked behind the scenes of their legendary builds, and soak up the pure passion for hot rods.

That’s not all! We’ll kick things off with some stump-the-chumps automotive trivia, answer your burning car questions, and share plenty of laughs and good times along the way. So, grab your favorite beverage, fire up the engine of your imagination, and join us for a California dreamin’ episode of the V8 Radio Podcast!

https://www.lionsautomobilia.org

https://www.est1946.com/

https://rodshows.com/grand-national/

https://www.donutderelicts.com/

https://www.v8speedshop.com/contact

Subscribe today and never miss a ride!

Bonus: Share your favorite California car memories and photos in the comments below!

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V8 Radio Podcast
2024 Grand National Roadster Show, Lions Automobilia Foundation, SoCal Open House, Automotive Trivia, and Much More on the V8 Radio Podcast
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The V8 Speed and Resto Shop Team has a performance engine machine shop job opening! We are hiring an Engine Machinist Technician for Restoration and Custom Cars at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop in Red Bud, IL!

Are you an experienced engine machinist? Can you disassemble, clean, measure, machine, and reassemble engines and take pride in your precision work? Are you passionate about breathing new life into classic cars? Do you have a keen eye for detail and a thorough understanding of engine operation and how to make power? If so, the V8 Speed and Resto Shop is looking for you! We are a renowned automotive restoration and customization shop with a great Team culture, competitive salaries, and outstanding benefits. We are seeking a talented and experienced Engine Machinist for our in-house Engine Machine Shop.

To apply for this exciting opportunity, please click the application link below. We look forward to speaking with you and welcome an exceptional Engine Machinist like you to our team!

Fill Out Online Job Application Below!

Engine Machinist Technician Job Description:

Technician Responsibilities:

  • Understand all the workings of an internal combustion engine, including design, theory, operation, and performance modifications.
  • Possess knowledge of all engine parts and their functions.
  • Ability to identify failure points and diagnose internal engine issues.
  • Understand engine and valve train geometry, camshaft operation and specifications, seat pressures, head flow, cam timing, oiling systems, and other internal systems.
  • Understand the effects of performance modifications to engines and how to implement them.
  • Possess knowledge of the differences between daily-driver, weekend cruiser, and various levels of high-performance engines.
  • Rebuild vintage and original engines for re-use in restored classic and muscle cars.
  • Have familiarity with aftermarket and high performance engine products.
  • Understand the operation of power adding devices such as superchargers and their internal engine requirements.
  • Be resourceful in finding specifications for vintage engines to facilitate their repair or rebuild.
  • Operate lathe, milling machine, engine parts Operates machine lathes to modify water pump castings, piston heads, valves and other such automotive components.
  • Operate boring and crankshaft grinding machinery.
  • Clean parts, before and after machining in agitator type cleaning tanks to remove grease and oil particulates.
  • Operate lathe, boring, or honing machines to refinish internal surfaces of bearing connecting rods.
  • Verify dimensions using micrometres, calipers and height gauges to ensure adherence to tolerance and specifications.
  • Ability to make recommendations to achieve performance goals of an engine.
  • Apply modern technology to vintage engines where required / requested, such as coatings, sealers, main seals, etc.
  • Grind metal surfaces of engine blocks and cylinder heads using portable and fixed machinery.
  • Repair cracks in engine cylinder heads or other vehicle parts using heliarc welding equipment.
  • Operate drum lathe to resurface brake drums or discs.
  • Operate flywheel grinder to resurface flywheels.
  • Assemble engines in short, long or full assembly configurations.
  • Ability to effectively work with individuals at all levels including management, customers, vendors and co-workers.
  • Ability to work independently.
  • Strong organizational skills.
  • Reconditioning various parts such as heads and connecting rods, assisting with or performing crank, valve and flywheel grinding and the installation of valve seats, helicoils, sleeves and valve guides. 
  • Operate various other shop machines as needed such as drills, lathes, mills and other shop hand tools.
  • Collaborate with our passionate team to ensure every project meets our high standards of quality.

Engine Machinist Technician Skills, Experience, and Job Requirements:

  • Proven experience as an Engine Machinist Technician.
  • A keen eye for detail and a commitment to delivering exceptional results.
  • Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently on projects.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and a passion for overcoming challenges.
  • Excellent communication skills and a customer-centric approach.
  • Passion for custom cars and the automotive culture.

Join Our Enthusiastic Team!

If you have a deep love for classic cars, take pride in your craftsmanship, and possess the skills to bring engines back to life, we want to hear from you! At the V8 Speed and Resto Shop, you’ll have the opportunity to work on remarkable projects and collaborate with fellow automotive enthusiasts.

About The V8 Speed and Resto Shop:

We value the well-being of our Team and their families above all else, and we all focus on generating the best employee and customer experience possible. Our core values center around the way we treat people and would like to be treated. We live and breathe classics, customs, restored and modified muscle cars, restomods, pro-touring cars, and more at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop. We take pride in meticulously restoring and customizing vintage vehicles, and our commitment to craftsmanship and attention to detail sets us apart in the industry. We understand the significance of these cars to their owners and treat them as such. Our team is composed of highly skilled professionals who share a common passion for automotive excellence.

V8 Speed and Resto Shop Purpose:

  • We believe in the importance of classic vehicles not only as historical objects, but for their personal significance to enthusiasts and their families, and for the joy they bring to the world.
  • We believe in the importance of the automobile industry as a workspace where people of all skill sets and in all areas of business can thrive working around special vehicles that ignite their passion.
  • We believe that dream cars can and do exist, and that our team is here to build them.

V8 Speed and Resto Shop Mission Statement:

  • To connect people with the best times of their lives through things with wheels.  
V8 Speed and Resto Shop Core Values

Values Statement:

The V8 Speed and Resto Shop achieves our goals and the goals of our customers by applying the following core values to everything we do:

  • Happiness
  • Quality
  • Respect
  • Honesty
  • Loyalty
  • Teamwork
  • Passion
  • Innovation

V8 Speed and Resto Shop Vision Statement:

  • To ensure that automobile enthusiasts will always have a trusted, talented, and passionate source to provide services they need to enjoy their special vehicles.
  • To always provide a healthy, safe, creative, and respectful workplace where our team can enhance their skills and abilities and enjoy satisfying and rewarding careers.

LINK: ABOUT THE V8 SPEED AND RESTO SHOP

This Engine Machinist Technician position requires experience. This is not an entry level position.

  • This position requires big picture thinking and a great attitude.
  • This is a full-time position. Shop hours are 8-5 Monday – Friday (Technician Hours 7AM – 3:30PM optional)
  • This job opening provides many benefits. We provide paid health insurance – PPO Health, Dental, Vision insurance 75% company paid. Paid time off starts accruing on day 1. Paid Holidays, 401(k) 3% matching, Flexible schedule, Company Paid $50K Life insurance, Employee discounts on parts, Provide in-house and out of shop training.
  • Competitive salary based on experience.

The V8 Speed and Resto Shop is a great working environment with awesome teammates and lots of cool tools and equipment to grow your abilities. We have a backlog of work and are always looking to build better, more creative hot rods, customs, and muscle cars. We are located in a small, safe midwestern town of Red Bud Illinois.

If you want consistent, rewarding work every day, every week, building award winning show cars this is a job for you! We are hiring for this auto body shop job opening now.

Flip Through Some V8 Speed and Resto Shop Car Builds:

[dflip id="215882" ][/dflip]

Fill Out This Job Application To Schedule An Interview Today!

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The V8 Speed and Resto Shop is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The V8 Speed and Resto Shop does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.

Tuning a classic.

This 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air arrived at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop on a trailer due to running issues after an EFI conversion. It is a classic beauty – its striking red exterior, complemented by a white top and original style upholstery, exudes the timeless charm of a ’57 model. With a recent small block Chevy engine nestled under the hood, this car is poised to deliver an exhilarating driving experience once all the necessary adjustments are made.

The V8 Speed and Resto Shop team is factory Holley trained on electronic fuel injection systems. This means that the beloved ’57 Chevy Bel Air is in capable hands, ensuring that it receives the precise care and attention required to address its concerns. As the restoration journey unfolds, the photo gallery below captures every moment of the ’57s visit to the shop, providing a glimpse into the meticulous craftsmanship and dedication that goes into reviving automotive legends.

Contact the V8 Speed and Resto Shop To Upgrade Or Restore Your Classic, Custom, Hot Rod, or Muscle Car!

V8 Speed and Resto Shop Logo White Background

Take a lap through the 2023 Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals with us after hours! The 2023 Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals show once again was jammed with unbelievable cars and displays. In this video, we take a walk-through the show after hours where the general public was not allowed to get up close in personal with many of the cars and feature exhibits. We cover the great “Who’s The Boss?” Ford display, the dual engine 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado, then we see the big bodied Buick display, cars from AMC and Pontiac and Chevrolet, special featured 1968 Ford Torino GT 428 Cobra Jet, Saleen Mustangs, and much more.

1970 Oldsmobile 442 W30 Convertible in PLUM CRAZY at 2022 MCACN Show Muscle Car Of The Week

This amazing 1970 Oldsmobile 442 W-30 convertible is wearing an unusual color for an Oldsmobile, it’s actually a factory Chrysler color called Plum Crazy Purple! However, this amazing car was painted by General Motors in this Chrysler color back in 1970 and is considered correct for the car. How can this be? We got the whole story from restore Allan Steinbock at the 2022 Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals show in Chicago.

This is not just a pretty face, as this 442 features the 455 V8 engine with the W-30 performance package, including an aluminum intake manifold, hotter camshaft, tuned carburetor, and other blue-printed engine parts. It also features sport suspension, and the W 27 rear axle as well.

Although it is not a typical car, it is typical of the types of amazing and rare muscle cars found each year at the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals Show in Chicago, we hope to see you there!

https://www.mcacn.com

#442 #mcacn #musclecar

The TMI TRIM Awards at The SEMA Show 2022 set the industry on fire. With the lack of awards from a few companies that are normally at the show, TMI Products stepped up to give the recognition that these builders deserved. Builders from all over the world entered for the coveted title of Best of Show – but only one amazing ride was able to take home that trophy.

ENTER HERE: https://www.tmiproducts.com/blog/tmi-s-trim-awards-2023

Seven other winners were awarded in their respective classes and the TMI TRIM Awards were firmly cemented into the SEMA Show history books. After the week, coverage spread like wildfire of the TRIM Awards and they were seen by over 57 million enthusiasts.

The TMI TRIM Awards pay homage to the craftsmen who hand cut, stitched, and designed all the amazing interiors at SEMA. Too often though, the paint, wheels, or engine received most all of the recognition – no longer is that the case where TMI is now honoring fellow tradesmen who have perfected their craft.

TMI Products has been hand crafting some of the finest automotive upholstery for over 40 years now. With 40 years in the rear-view mirror, it was time to give back to the community and recognize those special builders. TMI is continuing this new tradition with the TRIM Awards for the 2023 SEMA Show.

Last years Best of Show winner wasn’t even a TMI Products interior, showing how serious TMI is about recognizing the best of the best. In fact, TMI doesn’t even choose the winners; for that, a completely independent panel of six industry veterans go over every inch of the car and then determine the winners.

The expert panel of judges include:

  • Kevin Oeste- The Voice of the SEMA Show and TRIM Awards Host, V8 Speed & Resto Shop Owner
  • Sean Holman- Owner of Use For Adventure and Co-Host of The Truck Show Podcast
  • Sara Morosan- Owner of LGE-CTS Motorsports, 2021 SEMA Person of the Year, Multi-time Ford Design award winner
  • Theresa Contreras- owner of Baja Forged, Multi-time Ford Design award winner, PPG Brand Ambassador
  • Marcel Venable- co-owner of AutoRevolution on Amazon Prime, OBS-Clash, Car Guy Confessions Podcast
  • Jason Mulligan- co-owner of AutoRevolution on Amazon Prime, OBS-Clash, Car Guy Confessions Podcast

The TMI TRIM Awards are designed to not only honor the builds and the craftsmen behind it, but to celebrate them in a public fashion. Wednesday November 1st at Noon all the judges and builders will convene at the stage in the TMI Products booth. Here, the judges will go over some of the highlights and announce winners in front of the entire Central Hall at The SEMA Show 2023.

The trophies are just as unique and custom as the interiors and can easily be hoisted in the air in a show of appreciation and accomplishment during the awards ceremony. While there are a few winners, only one ride will be crowned as the Best of Show!

To be eligible for the TRIM Awards, you need to have a vehicle that’s registered and on display at the SEMA Show 2023. There are categories for TMI-equipped vehicles, and categories for non-TMI-equipped vehicles. Having a TMI-equipped vehicle though does not offer a better chance of winning, as proven by last year’s Best of Show winner, that was not TMI-equipped.

TRIM Awards Categories include:

  • Best Car –Open to any car that features TMI seats
  • Best Truck –Open to any truck that features TMI seats
  • Best Custom SUV or Wagon –Open to any SUV or wagon, either two-door or four-door
  • Best Full Interior –Open to any vehicle of any type that is running a full TMI interior. A full TMI interior includes all the available components from that model line
  • Most Creative –Best usage of patterns, colors, and overall execution
  • Best Color-Matching –Best usage of patterns, colors, and stitching that matches vehicle exterior
  • Best Custom Car Interior (open to all Cars at the show) –Can be any vehicle with any type of custom interior
  • Best Custom Truck Interior (open to all Trucks at the show) –Can be any vehicle with any type of custom interior
  • Fan Favorite (Chosen Online) –Finalists that the TRIM Award Judges have chosen will be voted online by fans worldwide.
  • Best of Show Champion –Judges will vote on their favorite interior of SEMA 2023 and crown it with the TRIM Award’s highest honor

SEE WEBSITE FOR COMPLETE RULES AND INFO AND ENTRY FORM

https://www.tmiproducts.com/blog/tmi-s-trim-awards-2023

Judging for the 2023 SEMA Show TRIM Awards will begin Tuesday afternoon October 31st with the announcement from TMI’s SEMA booth of the top 20 vehicles. Competitors are encouraged to register online to let judges know where to find their vehicles.

The crowning of the inaugural TRIM Champion will take place on November 1st at TMI Products SEMA booth #24477, 12:00 noon PST.

In our previous video, we showed you our 1978 Pontiac Trans Am project and talked about our plans for a high-end pro touring build. This means that we’re designing the car to drive and handle really well, have great power, but also be very comfortable and serviceable anywhere in the country.

FIRST VIDEO: https://youtu.be/WrxW69RGQv8

The 1978 Pontiac Trans Am features a GM Performance Parts LS3 engine swap, along with a Detroit Speed subframe and front suspension. The brakes are Hydratech boosted WIlwood units, and a Heidt’s independent rear suspension will make the Trans Am handle better than it ever did. We’ve added Vintage Air, and American Autowire harness, YearOne 19” Snowflake wheels, and much more to this TA.

In this video, we’re going to focus on the exhaust system. This is a critical part of any pro touring build, as it needs to be able to flow well enough to support the engine’s power output, but it also needs to be quiet enough to be comfortable on long drives.

We started at the engine, using Hooker cast iron exhaust manifolds for the LS engine. These manifolds package well and flow very well, making them a great choice for our build. We ran the exhaust pipe underneath the center section of the independent rear suspension, which allows us to keep the exhaust tucked up and out of the way.

We also installed a pair of catalytic converters and a set of mufflers underneath the rear seat. The original muffler on this car was a transverse unit that went left to right over the rear axle well, but there’s no more space for that with the independent rear suspension. So, we modified a set of mufflers by cutting them open, reworking the internals, and making the inlet and exhaust on the same side. This gives us a turbo-style muffler that is still able to flow well and keep the sound down.

Since our customer wanted to keep the signature split exhaust tips of the Trans Am, we needed to find a way to route the exhaust pipes to the back of the car. We did this by making a custom muffler that lives underneath the rear axle. This muffler is filled with perforated pipe and packing material, which helps to reduce noise without killing performance.

Finally, we snaked the mandrel bent tubing from the custom muffler to the back of the car. We wanted to exhaust the car all the way at the back, rather than dumping it in front of the rear wheels. This is a much cleaner way to go, and it keeps the fumes out of the car and preserves the classic look of the Trans Am.

We’re really excited to hear how this exhaust system sounds! It’s been a really cool project to figure out how to make all of the pieces fit together and work properly. It is all mandrel bent 2.5” stainless tubing that is TIG welded together. We’re confident that this system will give us the performance and sound that we’re looking for.

In addition to the above, here are some other things to consider when designing an exhaust system for a pro touring car:

Ground clearance: The exhaust system needs to be routed in a way that avoids any ground clearance issues. This is especially important if you plan on driving your car on rough roads or tracks.

Heat management: The exhaust system can generate a lot of heat, so it’s important to make sure that it’s properly insulated. This will help to protect the car’s interior components from heat damage.

Aesthetics: The exhaust system is one of the most visible components on the car, so it’s important to choose a system that looks good. There are many different types of exhaust tips and pipes available, so you can find a system that matches the overall style of your car.

We believe that we have achieved all of our goals with this exhaust system. It is well designed, durable, and will produce a great sound that is both aggressive and refined. We can’t wait to hear what our customer thinks of it!

If you have a pro touring dream car, a custom car, or a cool hot rod that you need help with, please reach out to us at V8 Speed and Resto Shop. We have the experience and expertise to help you create a unique and amazing vehicle that you will be proud to own and drive.

V8 Speed and Resto Shop
817 S. Main Street
Red Bud, IL 62278
314.783.8325
https://www.v8speedshop.com

#protouring #customexhausts #v8speedshop #exhaustfabrication

SUBSCRIBE: https://goo.gl/RIkdDS

This deep blue 1977 Chevrolet Corvette came to the V8 Speed and Resto Shop for a new driveline including an LS3 V8, a Tremec TKX 5-Speed manual transmission, and more. These Corvettes look cool and handle well, but the often anaemic, low-compression “smog motors” from the mid 1970s leave much to be desired in the performance department. The V8 Speed and Resto Shop installed a Chevrolet Performance LS3 430 HP crate engine and the Tremec TKX 5-Speed transmission from Modern Driveline designed for high RPM shifting. Dakota Digital RTX gauges provide the driver with the vitals without looking like an add-on. Other suspension upgrades, new wheels, tires, and brakes, sidepipes, and a complete interior restoration by V8 Speed and Resto all add up to a great looking and performing Corvette. If you didn’t think you were a fan of mid 1970’s Corvettes… you are now!

This 1968 Dodge Coronet 500 has had extensive metal work done to it, and before it goes to the body and paint shop, the team is test fitting all the trim to make sure it fits properly. This is an important step to ensure that the final product is everything the customer wants it to be.

The video shows the car in the fabrication shop, where it is completely media blasted and sprayed with a gray epoxy primer. Certain areas are bare steel where the team has been doing welding, panel gap fitment, and rust repair. However, the car is now at the point where the team wants to see how the trim fits before it goes to the body and paint shop.

This step is essential because it allows the team to identify any potential problems early on. For example, if a new or reproduction part doesn’t fit properly, the team can make the necessary adjustments before the car is painted. This saves time and money in the long run.

The 1968 Dodge Coronet 500 is a cool project car, and the team at V8 Speed and Resto Shop is excited to see it finished. The car has a 383 engine, 330 horsepower, and 425 foot-pounds of torque. It also has a fresh suspension. Everything on the car will be essentially brand new when it’s finished.

If you have a project car that you’re thinking about restoring or customizing, the team at V8 Speed and Resto Shop would be happy to chat with you! 

Click Here to contact the shop!