THIS PROJECT FEATURES:

FRAME OFF RESTORATION

CUSTOM FIREWALL

1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass Convertible Restoration at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop

CUSTOM PAINT

A Trusted Companion Since 1973

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.

Tearing Down To Build Back Up

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.

Renewing The Driveline

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.

Vibrant Green Once Again

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.

New Upholstery And Bright Spoked Wheels

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.

What Can We Restore For You?

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.

BUILD PHOTOS:

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:

V8 Speed and Resto Shop Logo

A unique car with a cool story… it’s going to be a memory-making Meteor!

A car lover just scored a sweet find: a 1963 Mercury Meteor! These beauties aren’t exactly a dime a dozen, so they jumped at the chance to win one at auction, especially since it has a special connection. Turns out, this was their Dad’s all-time favorite car, the one he even drove on his wedding day!

The plan? Surprise Dad with a ride that runs like a champ and looks spiffy enough for a gift. They’re thinking light restoration, whatever fits the budget comfortably. A full check-up is a must, just to catch anything they might’ve missed that needs fixing. The seller mentioned a finicky fuel gauge and some starting trouble if the car sits for too long, but otherwise it seems alright.

Looks-wise, there’s some minor rust they’d love to tackle, and the carpet’s definitely seen better days. Those are the main things for now, but they’re totally open to chatting about more restoration work down the line. Right now, getting it to run smooth and looking decent for Dad’s big reveal is priority number one.

Looking After The Meteor at V8 Speed and Resto

We at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop love cars like these and their stories, and are looking forward to helping the owner reach all his goals.   Follow along as we perform some TLC on this cool Mercury V8 Speed!

V8 Speed and Resto Shop Logo

Now Hiring Marketing and Sales Assistant for Muscle Car Restoration Shop – Full Time

We’re looking for a Sales and Marketing Assistant who is a highly motivated, creative individual with experience and a passion for connecting with current and future customers. That passion comes through as she/he engages with customers on a daily basis, with the ultimate goal of building relationships to help with promoting our company in a positive and exciting manner.

This position works with both the Sales and Marketing Teams.

Sales Assistant Responsibilities Include:

  • Taking calls, providing updates, or messages for sales team
  • Follow up with sales leads, inquiries, and updates
  • Scheduling calls and meetings with sales team and technicians
  • Distributing information to customers and leads
  • Photos
  • Inspection results
  • Video updates
  • Following up with sales leads in generated on social platforms
  • Recording notes from technician inspection calls into spreadsheets
  • Assisting Culture Coordinator with Customer Appreciation Programs
  • Assisting sales team with correspondence distribution

Marketing Responsibilities Include:

  • Daily Marketing department administrative tasks
  • Support marketing executives in organizing various online and in person projects
  • Assist in the organizing of promotional events and traditional or digital campaigns and attend to them to facilitate their success
  • Compose and post online content on the company’s website and social media accounts, including distributing videos to key outlets
  • Working with manufacturers to cross promote
  • Communicate directly with clients and encourage trusting relationships

Skills:

  • Proven experience as a marketing assistant
  • Graphic Design
  • Photography
  • Creative Copywriting / Use of AI tools
  • Social Media reporting/analytics
  • Ability to manage all aspects of events
  • Good understanding of office management and marketing principles
  • Demonstrable ability to multi-task and adhere to deadlines
  • Well-organized with a customer-oriented approach
  • Excellent knowledge of Google Apps
  • Knowledge of photo editing software (Adobe Lightroom preferred)
  • Excellent communication and people skills
  • High School diploma; BSc in Marketing, Business or relevant field is a strong advantage
  • Knowledge of enthusiast automotive market is a big plus

Job Type: Full-Time

Salary: Based on experience

Preferred Experience:

  • Marketing: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: Red Bud IL

On site in our place of business, some remote opportunities

We offer a 40 hour work week with optional overtime available. We pay holidays, vacation, and provide health insurance, 401K, life insurance, dental & vision. Excellent opportunities for training and career growth. Great crew to work with. Excellent working environment with an innovative team ready to set your creativity free!

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.00 – $22.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee discount
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance

Schedule:

  • 8 hour shift
  • Day shift
  • Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Fill Out Online Job Application Below!

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

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 Sales and Marketing Assistant job opening now.

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.

This ’65 C10 doesn’t just look cool… check out the factory air conditioning (more in video!)


This stunning 1965 Chevrolet C10 pickup truck isn’t your average classic! This beauty boasts a powerful 350 V8 engine, automatic transmission, AND factory-installed air conditioning – a rare option in these early C10s. Check out the unique center dash vents that kept this truck cool back in the day.

Looking for a classic car or truck restoration shop that can handle the unique features of your vehicle? Look no further than the V8 Speed & Resto Shop in Red Bud, IL! Our team of experts is passionate about preserving the history of classic cars and trucks, with the knowledge and skills to tackle any project, from routine maintenance to full restorations.

In this video, we take a closer look at this special 1965 C10, showcasing its features and the restoration work performed by V8 Speed & Resto Shop. See how we carefully looked after this classic truck, ensuring it continues to turn heads for years to come!

Learn more about this special truck in the video!


Want your classic car or truck to be next? Contact V8 Speed & Resto Shop today!

The V8 Speed & Resto Shop is a full-service classic car and muscle car restoration service ready to perform everything from simple maintenance on vintage cars to full frame-off restorations and modifications. Whether you are seeking a stock restoration, a pro-touring muscle car, or a custom restomod, the V8 Speed & Resto Shop in Red Bud, IL, can help. Contact us today to put the V8 crew to work for you. Transport services are available.

V8 Speed & Resto Shop
817 S. Main Street
Red Bud,IL 62278
314.783.8325

https://www.v8speedshop.com
Email: resto@v8speedshop.com

#c10 #restoration #v8speedshop

Classic Muscle Gets a Modern Makeover at V8 Speed and Resto Shop

This stunning 1968 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442 tribute isn’t just a beautiful recreation of a legendary muscle car; it’s a testament to the expert craftsmanship and innovative approach of the V8 Speed and Resto Shop. While not a numbers-matching W30 car, it captures the iconic look and feel of the era while incorporating modern upgrades for enhanced performance and drivability.

A Meticulous Restoration with Modern Performance Enhancements

The car boasts a meticulous restoration, showcasing the timeless design of the 1968 Cutlass 442. But beneath the classic exterior lies a heart that pumps with modern muscle. V8 Speed and Resto Shop equipped the car with a GM LSA supercharged 6.2L V8 engine, a perfect blend of raw power and contemporary technology. This powerhouse is paired with a 4L85E overdrive transmission, ensuring smooth gear changes and effortless cruising on those long journeys.

Beyond the Engine: A Symphony of Performance Upgrades

The upgrades extend far beyond the engine. 17″ American Racing wheels add a touch of modern aggression, while Wilwood brakes with a Hydratech hydraulic brake assist unit provide confidence-inspiring stopping power. Handling is further enhanced with Hotchkis control arms and sway bars, keeping this classic beauty planted firmly on the road.

A Collaborative Effort: Bringing Your Dream Classic to Life

This 1968 Cutlass 442 tribute is a prime example of the V8 Speed and Resto Shop’s dedication to preserving automotive history while infusing it with modern advancements. It’s a car built to be driven, enjoyed, and admired – a true testament to the passion and expertise that lies at the heart of this renowned restoration shop.

If you’re looking to breathe new life into your own classic car, we’re happy to help at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop! Our team of passionate experts possesses the knowledge and skills to create a personalized masterpiece that reflects your vision and driving desires.

The owner recently acquired this fun 1967 Ford Galaxie Convertible and is eager to transform it into a dependable and stylish family cruiser. While the car’s interior and bodywork, completed 5-6 years ago, are in satisfactory condition, he has a vision for several upgrades to enhance its performance, comfort, and safety.

Under the Hood Enhancements

The current 390 engine is experiencing leaks, prompting the owner to consider replacing it with a Ford crate engine. He’s leaning towards a new 347 stroker engine, aiming for a horsepower range of 300-400, while maintaining an automatic transmission. To improve fuel efficiency and reliability, the V8 Speed and Resto Shop Team will be installing a Ford 4R70W overdrive unit.

Focusing on Comfort and Safety

Since this Galaxie is intended for family cruising, the priority is to create a comfortable and safe driving experience. We’ll be adding Vintage Air air conditioning for enhanced climate control, along with a new radiator and heater core to address any existing leaks. Upgrading the power steering pump and lines is also on the list, ensuring a smoother driving experience.

Addressing Electrical Concerns

The V8 team has noticed that the headlights, brake lights, and turn signals appear dim, requiring some updates to the system.

Enhancing the Look and Feel

For a touch of classic style, the owner desires a new vintage-looking steering wheel. He’s also open to recommendations for suspension upgrades, aiming to improve the car’s handling without compromising its original character.

A Work in Progress

The owner acknowledges that the pictures he’s provided are just a starting point, and he’s open to further suggestions as the project progresses. With a clear vision and the assistance of qualified professionals, his Galaxie is well on its way to becoming a reliable and cool cruiser for the whole family to enjoy.

What’s In Your Garage?

Let us know how we can help morph your old car into a fun family cruising experience! Contact the V8 Speed and Resto Shop today to start the journey.

V8 Speed and Resto Shop Logo

Tune in for a thrilling ride down memory lane with the latest episode of the V8 Radio Podcast, hosted by the dynamic duo of Kevin Oeste and Mike “Q-Ball” Clarke.

This episode is packed with exciting content that will pique your interest, whether you’re a seasoned restoration pro or a casual admirer of automotive history. Here’s a sneak peek at what awaits you:

Kevin’s Creative Hub Revealed: Dive into a tour of Kevin’s brand new creative haven, a space brimming with inspiration and sure to spark your curiosity. What innovative projects are brewing within its walls? Tune in to find out!

Preserving the Past: Resurrecting Old Recordings and Videos: As the V8 Speed and Resto Shop and V8TV gear up for their 20th anniversary, the conversation delves into the fascinating process of rediscovering and digitizing old recordings and videos. This is a treasure trove of automotive history waiting to be unearthed!

The Unveiling of a Beauty: 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Convertible: Kevin Q-Ball touch on the stunningly restored 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme convertible, a long-time family heirloom car brought back to life by the skilled hands at V8 Speed and Resto.

Fueling Your Automotive Knowledge: Automotive Trivia Challenge: Put your car knowledge to the test with a fun and engaging automotive trivia challenge hosted by the dynamic duo. Are you ready to show off your expertise?

And Much More! This episode is just a taste of the exciting content packed into this latest V8 Radio Podcast. Buckle up for laughter, insightful discussions, and a healthy dose of automotive passion.

Don’t miss out on this thrilling ride! Subscribe to the V8 Radio Podcast today and be the first to experience the latest automotive adventures with Kevin Oeste and Mike “Q-Ball” Clarke.

P.S. Share your thoughts on the episode in the comments below! What aspect are you most excited about? What car-related stories would you like to hear in the future? Let’s keep the conversation rolling!

Ed Tillrock Art: https://edtillrockpencilspecialist.bigcartel.com/category/large-painting-prints-giclee-print-selections

Kevin's New Creative Space, Digitizing The Past, the Diamond Golden Apple Cutlass, Automotive Trivia, and Much More on the V8 Radio Podcast!
V8 Radio Podcast
Cruise into Nostalgia with the Latest V8 Radio Podcast: Unveiling a Cutlass Supreme & More!
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