Recent content by SuperDave

If it were me, I would take the Imp to get SIX different body shops for estimates, (pick the top 3 for the judge), with quotes for turn around. Because this was your daily driver, you will also need a rental car while waiting to get the Imp back, hence the need for a written timeline. Then...

Honestly, why NOT consider a gear vendors under/overdrive? It has two modes, automatic where it'll shift into OD on its own at 50ish, and manual that allows you to split shift ALL the gears, basically giving you a six speed close ratio trans. Tach it up to 4500 in low, and toggle the gears, 1st...

Pine needles are the worst! They can and do get thru the cowl screens and are highly acidic, as they break down they greatly contribute to rust. That's why you don't see green turf grass under pines, the soil is too acidic from all the fallen needles. My answer is either park indoors or a car...

The very name, "Low Rolling Resistance" implies less traction. I am assuming to achieve that, manufacturers use a harder rubber compound, stiffer sidewalls to minimize flex and a smaller contact footprint, and higher air pressures. I have my suspicions they are being used for EVs in an attempt...

There is a way to redeem yourself in the eyes of the purists who get upset over cutting the panels: paint the speaker grills to match. The greatest offense to the eyes is the glaring mismatch. I took the sections I cut out to a paint shop and had them match the color, mix me up a pint of each...

From the OP's initial picture, the factory trim plate/bezel appears larger than the replacement radio. I can see this as a problem, the gaps around the side would be visible and allow the radio to flop and vibrate, definitely a no-no for long term usage, not to mention it would it would look...

When I built my 73 'Port, I ran a starter cable (0 gauge?) directly from the battery to the 100 amp alternator, completely bypassing the ammeter. Gauge is defunct now, serves no purpose but as a connecting source to other underdash wiring sources. I use an aftermarket volt gauge to monitor...

I got a car cover for Christmas (yay) for my '73 Newport. However, because of the original 1 piece antenna mast, I must make a hole in the cover for it to fit. I don't really want to do that. So my options are: A) power antenna, B) an antenna with a spring at the bottom and/or a swivel ball...

I'm surprised no one mentioned Ryobi. Maybe I'm the oddball one here, wouldn't be the 1st time. I prefer shopping at Home Depot and that's what they sell. I have several Ryobi tools, same 18v batteries fit them all. The little 2ah slender packs don't last long on an impact, you're lucky to get a...

90 or 91 octane ethanol free here in NE Texas. I won't run corn gas in my hotrod '73 Newport if I can help it. Always with Pro-Long fuel stabilizer, as it may sit for weeks or even months at a time. Lots of boaters out here in my neck of the woods so real gas is plentiful. 400 motor isn't...

It's a shame you didn't grab the trans, wiring harness and computer from the donor you salvaged the gen III Hemi from, then the conversion would be easy peasy. Then all you would need to fab would be motor mounts and trans crossover. That modern engine won't return good mileage behind a 727 or...

When I was building my hot rod Newport, I made my own with a NOS energy drink bottle (24 oz), a hose clamp and some leftover braided hose/fittings. This way when the hood is open, some kid who doesn't know any better can point to it and say, "Oh cool, look! He's got NOS!" And yes, it works...

Back in 2020 when I put Project Turd back on the road, I was concerned about ethanol blended gasoline. With a background/education in auto mechanics as well as chemistry & physics, I knew rubber and ethanol don't play well with each other. So I made it a point to replace every last single inch...

Check for leaks.

Couple years back in our small town (5000 in the entire county) an RV resort park held it's biannual car show. They hired a new manager maybe a month prior to the 2nd show and no one told him to plan for the event. No signage or advertising, the day of the event the owner called up the new mngr...