Moment of Musk Archives - Throwin' Wrenches Automotive Podcast

Welcome to the auto podcast that didn’t find the cats on the last show. Thanks, Regan!

With some help from our friend Gabe Casey, we will try to find them on this episode.

Remember kids, you can join in on the fun anytime by sending us email at [email protected] or hitting us up on Facebook.

Patreon and iTunes Premium members will get to enjoy an extra hour of material featuring Gabe’s latest escapades and Eric’s health advice for people over 50. You know you want to listen to that, right?

We thought so.

Also, all medical advice is anecdotal and not to be taken seriously. We are not doctors. Heck we’re barely humans. Enjoy at your own risk.

Source: The Wall Street Journal

Source: Automotive News

Move could allow Rivian to sell its electric delivery vans to other fleet and retail customers.

According to a report from The Wall Street Journal citing people familiar with the matter, Amazon informed the EV maker it wanted to buy about 10,000 vans this year. The number was at the low end of a range it previously provided Rivian.

In response, Rivian proposed removing the exclusivity terms, which would allow the company to sell its Electric Delivery Vehicles (EDV) to other fleet and retail customers, increasing revenues. The sources added that the talks are ongoing.

Source: Auto Dealer Today

Source: Auto Remarketing

There has been a stark rise in catalytic converter thefts across the country since 2019 and there’s a chance Russia could make it worse. Each of the metals has faced supply chain issues since the pandemic occurred, but Russia may limit its imports of palladium, according to the Times. As of March 2022, Russia is responsible for exporting approximately 40% of the world’s palladium, the Times reported, citing Moody Analytics.

Source: Auto Remarketing 

A couple of developments surfaced this week after the National Automobile Dealers Association wrapped up NADA Show 2023. First, NADA welcomed the reintroduction of the Preventing Auto Recycling Theft (PART) Act (S. 154) by four U.S. Senators. Then, the association’s workforce initiative received a $30,000 donation from Assurant.

A new law aimed at stopping catalytic converter thefts went into effect in Oregon in 2022. Senate Bill 803 works to stop the spike in catalytic converter thefts by limiting which metal recycling companies can buy them, creating a barrier for people selling on the black market.

Source: Automotive Fleet

Source: The Street

After having downplayed the rollout of the Tesla (TSLA) – Get Free Report Cybertruck, CEO Elon Musk has continued to tweet about it. Cybertruck sightings on public roads have been reported over the last week, and Musk has been popping into the comments of some of these posts on social media.

“Yeah, still many small tweaks to make it better (and the side mirrors are removable by owner), but this is very close to production design,” Tesla CEO Musk said in a Feb. 3 tweet.

Musk hasn’t committed to a specific timeline on any shipments yet, however.

Meanwhile in the Twitterverse…

Source:  Bloomberg via Yahoo! News

Before taking the company private in a $44 billion deal in October, the Tesla Inc. chief executive officer spoke of his desire to make it an even playing field and eliminate bias in the system. Twitter didn’t immediately respond to an emailed request for comment. Musk tweeted liberally about Twitter and its functionality after the publication of the report but didn’t address its content. Earlier, he tweeted a meme suggesting his tweets were going to be force-fed to Twitter users. He also said the company was making adjustments to the algorithm.

This 1959 MG MGA is a black-over-tan roadster that was completed on January 13, 1959 for the North American export market and is said to have remained in long-term ownership in Alabama until 2011 after which it was acquired by the seller as a non-running project in August 2015. Subsequent work included rebuilding the 1.5L inline-four and four-speed manual transmission, replacing the wiring harness, refurbishing the instrumentation, and installing leather upholstery. Additional equipment consists of 15″ wire wheels with chrome knock-offs, chrome front and rear bumpers, dual SU carburetors, a black soft top and side curtains, a tonneau cover, and lap belts. This MGA roadster is now offered at no reserve with parts invoices, a tool kit, repair manuals and literature, a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust (BMIHT) certificate, and Georgia registration.

Source: Facebook Marketplace

1962 Thunderbird M-code

Why does Daryl like stuff that doesn’t run?

Source: Facebook Marketplace

Mostly original, added disc brakes, power steering, tires and rims.

PTO winch, 4×4

It’s in Pekin, so this is close to being feasible.

The post Episode 76: Cybertruck & the Search for Lost Catalytic Converters appeared first on Throwin' Wrenches Automotive Podcast.

Welcome to the automotive podcast that found the low water mark!  Sorry, that was as bit of reference to audio quality (not the guest) on the last ep!  We strive to bring you the best… We will do better.  We promise!

On this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches…

All that and more on this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches Podcast. 

If you have any feedback for us, don’t hold back. We can take it!

Email us at [email protected] or post a review on iTunes and get yourself a snazzy Throwin’ Wrenches sticker.

We talk to Tim at length about the 2022 SCCA Nationals and how he faired with his Ford Escort ZX2.  We talk about the season leading up to the event, along with the logistics it takes to get signed up and ready to race.

All in all, win or lose, SCCA nationals sounds like a great time for newbies to experienced drivers.

We’ll learn about the hidden beauty behind this chassis, Tim’s fabrication skills, and how his passion for the sport has grown over the years thanks to these little cars.

Follow Tim on YouTube

We talk about gas vapors and how dangerous old car fuel systems can be.  We are so glad that Jay Leno is OK and hope he keeps getting his hands dirty working on his old cars!

200 HP Prius?  Yeah, Eric complains about it!  But he would drive it.

Teslas have a “Burning down the house” problem after the South Florida Hurricane that destroyed Fort Myers Beach.  Salt Water and EV batteries do not mix!?!?!  Who woulda thunk that?

Time to buy British! 

1967 Ford Corsair 1500 Saloon

£4,000.00 or $4755.40 (SOLD!) 

Source: Car Cave (Scotland)

Ford Corsair 1500. RHD Import from South Africa which is fully UK registered. Very very solid car which is a bit scruffy and could do with a tidy up. All tax and duty paid. I have UK V5 in my name

1968 Toyota Crown – $11,995

Cadillac, MI · 333 mi away

1968 Toyota Crown Wagon. This car still runs great and looks great. Fun to drive, all original inside and out. It will need paint, but not too much more. -Vehicle is on consignment and at our client’s home

–Thank you for listening and sharing this show.

Catch you on the next episode!

The post Episode 71 – Calling Escort Nation – Tim Oyer Interview appeared first on Throwin' Wrenches Automotive Podcast.

Download

Welcome to the auto podcast that… is settling in for a cold, hard winter. 

On this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches…  

All that and more on Throwin’ Wrenches. 

Thanks for listening.  To join in on the fun of the show, just email us at [email protected] or post a review on iTunes to be heard around the world!  Seriously, around the world!

PATREON – Thanks to our Patreon supporters, enjoy that 90-minute sales manager conversation we had with Jake prior to this show.   Click here to join and hear all the fun we have.  Plus get some swag.

News

Not really local, but no other place to put it. Sister in law’s fridge went out after a year. It’s an LG. Nice one. It’s still not fixed.  That reminded me of old fridges my friends and family have owned and how some are still running after 50 years. Then I read this article: 

Automakers like GM, Ford, AMC, and Chrysler used to make all kinds of home appliances. Here’s why they don’t anymore.

https://www.thedrive.com/news/cold-start-the-rise-and-fall-of-car-companies-building-refrigerators

Automakers avoid the term “appliance” like the plague, as it’s come to define the kind of characterless car that exists to get people from A to B, nothing more. But that hasn’t always been the case—in fact, there was a time when just about every major American car company was all-in on the appliance business. 

Back in the mid-20th century, your average home was stocked with stoves, washing machines, air conditioners, and especially refrigerators built by various divisions of Ford, General Motors, AMC, and more. It might sound odd today to think of buying an International Harvester fridge or a Chrysler home A/C unit, but it once was a common sight thanks to a unique mix of socioeconomic factors that all converged in the postwar era.

GREAT READ!!

Car makers used to all make fridges (and other appliances). And they made them WELL. Everyone remembers a Frigidaire from their childhood and it’s likely still running in someone’s garage or barn. 

Maybe automakers should get back in the game. There’s money there, and the public wants stuff that lasts, even at a premium. After all, modern cars are just appliances anymore… am I right? 

Oct 23 (Reuters) – Billionaire Elon Musk said in a tweet on Sunday pushed back by a month the date for Neuralink’s “show & tell” event to Tweet:

The chief executive of electric car maker Tesla Inc (TSLA.O) and rocket developer SpaceX said in August that the event would be held on Oct. 31.

Co-founded by Musk in 2016, San Francisco-based Neuralink aims to implant wireless brain-computer chips to help cure neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s, dementia and spinal cord injuries and fuse humankind with artificial intelligence.

Related story: Gizmodo:  Rights Group Claims UC Davis Won’t Release Photos Depicting Tortured Neuralink Monkeys – The group claims UC Davis has 371 photos related to the experiments, with 185 of related to autopsies of monkeys that died during the test procedures. ByMack DeGeurin

 Daryl – 1963 Dodge Dart 2 door sedan – $9,500 obo   Source: FB Marketplace

This is a great running and great-looking “Survivor” car! 170 Slant 6 motor.  Push button transmission.   Runs great, has been featured in an Antique Auto Magazine, Original window sticker, Bill of sale, owner certificate and operating instructions!!

Eric

1976 Triumph tr6 Roadster

12 grand with 1400 miles???  I think I picked one of these before but I still have passionate memories of one of my paper route customers in Fairbury having one of these.

Jacob

Some Chevy truck thing with a big V6 that Eric does not understand, and thus, it will get very little writeup here…  Listen to the show to hear all about it!

The post Episode 70 – Purpose Built appeared first on Throwin' Wrenches Automotive Podcast.

Download Episode 

Welcome to the automotive podcast that is still recovering from Spoon River Drive.

On this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches…

All that and more on this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches Podcast. 

If you have any feedback for us, don’t hold back. We can take it!

Email us at [email protected] or post a review on iTunes and get yourself a snazzy Throwin’ Wrenches sticker.

1989 Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe – $4,800

Source: Facebook Marketplace

1991 Acura NSX – $40,000 (estimated)

Source: Somewhere on the Dark Web

Source: Facebook Marketplace

Kubota 2cyl 4×4 diesel tractor with. Brush hog mower.

Runs and drives and mows great!

High/low and 4 speed PTO.

Is this the one that got away?

-or-

1975 Chevy P30 Taco Truck – $24,500

Source: Facebook Marketplace

Food truck full equipment ready to work 12,000 original miles. I think its legit… but the scams on food trucks are as thick as airstreams.

Buy some tortillas by the case, taco seasoning and a couple of flank steaks.

I will make 1 million dollars a weekend!

Catch you on the next episode!

The post Episode 69 – Deep Fried Delights appeared first on Throwin' Wrenches Automotive Podcast.

Welcome to the auto podcast that… is making for lost time!  

On this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches:

All that and more on this episode.

Post show edit… We are happy to announce that the Railroad strike we were buckling down for did not happen.  Union and corporate lawyers agreed hours before the strike was supposed to happen.  That said, many hazardous materials and time-sensitive shipments were set aside to save from being ruined while sitting in freight yards.  So, like everything lately, it’s still going to muck everything up!

Or did they agree…

U.S. rail agreement was presented as a done deal. Now that they’ve seen it, workers disagree

Read more at: https://www.star-telegram.com/news/business/article266239661.html#storylink=cpy 

1975 Winnebago Brave $7,500 FART BOX ALERT

59k mikes All original. Runs and drives. 523 hrs on the Onan generator.

Ac blows cold. Dual water tanks. Shower inside the bathroom.

Big block 440 on dodge dually chassis. Trade for a boat preferably. 

1985 Jaguar XJ6 Vanden Plas – $6,300

From the Posting: Reluctantly have to sell my 85 xj6 excellent shape all the hard work has been done including inboard back brakes This Jaguar has had a full bare metal restoration have a CD of 160 pictures of that. 

Drives like a dream. Front seats could use new skins, and the other have a stack of receipts of all work done. 55,000 miles everything works as it should. A/C could use a charge or upgrade. Serious inquiries only no tire kickers showing by appointment only! 

The post Episode 68 – Porsche IPO and EV Motorcycles get jilted appeared first on Throwin' Wrenches Automotive Podcast.

Welcome to the automotive podcast that does not comply with California EPA regulations.

On this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches…

To join in on the fun of the show, just email us at [email protected] or post a review on iTunes and we’ll send you a sticker. #BriberyWorks

Fort’s Toyota of Pekin

Gabe Casey for Tazewell County State’s Attorney 

Thanks to our Patreon Supporters for making this program possible. We owe you big time! 

Eric

It went to live on a farm in the country. Or maybe enjoy some future runs down country roads with its new owner dude. 

That dude says he has a friend who owns a body shop. 

Good, he can fix the roof.  

Daryl

Honda Considering Decoupling Supply Chain from China, Report Says

Honda Motor Co Ltd is considering building a separate supply chain that would reduce its dependence on China, the Sankei newspaper reported on Wednesday, in what would be a high-profile move by a major Japanese manufacturer. Many big Japanese companies have built extensive production hubs in China but have recently seen output snarled by COVID-19-related lockdowns. There are also deepening worries about the impact of tensions between the United States and China.

Roof Strength on Older Ford Trucks Called into Question by $1.7 Billion Jury Verdict

A $1.7 billion jury verdict against Ford Motor Co. involving a fatal truck crash called into question the roof strength of older-model Super Duty pickups sold by the company over a roughly 17-year period. On Friday, a jury in Georgia reached a verdict in a case involving a 2014 rollover of a Ford F-250 pickup truck that left two people dead. The Gwinnett County jury determined that punitive damages should be imposed on Ford for selling 5.2 million Super Duty trucks with what the plaintiffs’ attorneys said were dangerously weak roofs that could crush passengers in a rollover accident, according to James Butler, a lawyer representing the plaintiffs in the case.

California bans all new gas-powered car sales by 2035

The state of California has approved a first-of-its-kind rule that will ban the sale of all new gas-powered cars in the future.

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) voted to require automakers to only sell new electric and certain hybrids in the state by 2035.

The action is the strictest ruling banning gas-powered cars in the U.S. and worldwide. The E.U.’s proposal to ban the sale of new gas-powered cars is still being hammered out by member countries.

“The climate crisis is solvable if we focus on the big, bold steps necessary to stem the tide of carbon pollution,” California Governor Gavin Newsom said on Wednesday. Newsom proposed the 2035 ban two years ago with an executive order that directed CARB and others to determine how to implement the plan.

The rule requires automakers to hit milestones along the way: By 2026, 35% of new cars in the state must be zero-emission vehicles and that rises to 68% by 2030.

Peoria may ask state legislators to allow red-light camera installations

The Peoria City Council may ask state legislators to allow for the installation of red-light cameras in Peoria County.

Automated cameras monitoring intersections for motorists running red lights are currently only allowed under state law in eight Illinois counties, all in the Chicago and St. Louis metropolitan areas. Motorists caught running a red light by a camera can be issued a ticket.

Peoria City Manager Patrick Urich said some Peoria council members are concerned about traffic safety and want the county and its municipalities added to the list of eligible communities.

“It’s to try and curtail some of the illegal behavior. And with being nearly 22 police officers short, it’s difficult for us to focus on traffic enforcement when we have other needs that we have to focus on,” Urich said. “So, this would provide the city with some flexibility in terms of how we would go about addressing traffic enforcement using technology, which is being used to great effect in metropolitan Chicago.”

The city installed 16 automatic license plate readers earlier this year as a law enforcement tool. A grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity eventually could fund the purchase of 150 more. ALPRs aren’t used to issue traffic citations.

Urich said while the red-light cameras would generate revenue, the city’s primary concern is cracking down on traffic violations.

“This is not really the intent from the city council at all,” he said. “I mean, the issue more than anything is trying to curtail the behavior of drivers that continue to run red lights and drive well beyond the speed limit throughout the city.”

A memo to the city council from Urich and interim city corporation counsel Chrissie Kapustka argues the only reason most Illinois counties weren’t included in the 2006 red-light law was simply that they didn’t express interest at the time.

If approved by the city council, the request to allow red-light camera installation in Peoria County would be added to the city’s 2023 legislative wish list.

Elon Musk Tells Tesla Owner Don’t Complain About Buggy Driving System

ByCraig Trudell @bloomburg

August 24, 2022 at 4:25 AM CDTUpdated onAugust 24, 2022 at 6:45 AM CD

Elon Musk doesn’t want to hear complaints from customers trying out the driver-assistance system that Tesla Inc. plans to start charging $15,000 for in the coming weeks.

The chief executive officer scolded a Tesla owner who posted videos to Twitter on Tuesday showing that a new beta version of the system marketed as Full Self-Driving at times struggles with right turns and other basic tasks. The customer wrote that he’s spent more than $32,000 paying for the system multiple times.

Musk announced over the weekend that Tesla will start charging $3,000 more for Full Self-Driving, which still requires active supervision and doesn’t make the company’s vehicles autonomous. California’s Department of Motor Vehicles has accused Tesla of misleading consumers about its technology, and the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating whether the automaker’s Autopilot system is defective.

Fiat-Chrysler is killing the Charger & Challenger, and while that sucks… it’s worse that they timed it with news of a Dodge Charger EV Challenger concept… complete with a fake exhaust sound. 

But it sounds more like the Chrysler M4S Interceptor car from the 1986 Charlie Sheen film “The Wraith” 

What a total ripoff. They should have made Clint Howard CEO and have him at the press release for this car.

The future sucks and the present is getting worse by the day. 

Source: Cars from Japan

Cars from Japan wins again!

These little things are cheap, utilitarian, and the khaki color on this just works.

I have some Supra Money burning a hole in my pocket!

Source: Facebook Groups post

Man, I really like this ride. 403 V-8, Silver on Silver with road wheels. One of the nicer-looking GM full-size cars of the 70s. Couch on wheels with an 8-track. Yes, please.

The post Episode 67 – Fake EV Exhaust | A Supra of a Sale appeared first on Throwin' Wrenches Automotive Podcast.

On this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches…

Eric may be selling everything. If anyone needs a nice MkIII Supra or a 4Runner, hit him up.

Daryl is knee-deep in Caddy interior restoration and liking it. Once that’s done, it’s time to focus on the mechanicals for a change and get this old girl running again.

Mercedes-Benz Starts Trial In Class Action Suit over Diesel Tests

Mercedes-Benz went on trial on Tuesday in a class action-style lawsuit that alleges that the German carmaker knowingly manipulated diesel-emissions tests by installing defeat devices.

Germany’s largest consumer protection group, the VZBZ, accused the carmaker of installing devices in its GLK and GLC SUV models that in tests made it appear the vehicles produced lower pollutant levels than they actually did in traffic.

BMW is now charging $18 per month for heated seats in some countries

Imagine for a moment you’re the proud owner of a brand-new BMW 5 Series. One chilly morning, you try to flip on your luxury sedan’s heated seats and… nothing. Your frigid rear end sees no relief.

This scenario isn’t out of the question. BMW is now selling heated seats — and some other basic features — as a monthly subscription in certain countries. Owners who don’t pay up won’t get access, even if their car came with all the necessary hardware from the factory.

The move comes as car companies push to make more money from the software in their vehicles. Through subscriptions and the like, automakers intend to generate a steady stream of revenue (tens of billions per year, some say) that continues long after a car is made and sold.

A handful of car websites noticed this week that heated seats and a heated steering wheel popped up as monthly subscriptions on BMW’s South Korea site. (It appears they’ve since been removed.) The Verge spotted the features on the menu for BMW owners in Germany, the UK, South Africa, and New Zealand.

The heated seats cost around $18 per month, with additional options for 1-year, 3-year, and unlimited terms. A heated steering wheel will run you roughly $10-$12 monthly. Some other subscriptions BMW has on offer and their approximate cost: automatic high-beam headlights ($12/month) and adaptive cruise control with lane centering ($42/month).

Ford’s Mustang Mach-E electric crossover is a hit with industry insiders — that could help it take on Tesla

Ford’s first real attempt at an electric vehicle has been quite a hit with critics. The Mustang Mach-E replaced the Tesla Model 3 as Consumer Reports’ Top Pick in February 2022. It was named the Top Car in the Automobile Association of America (AAA) Car Guide in May. Car and Driver awarded it the magazine’s first EV of the Year award in June 2021. It was named the Utility of the Year at the 2021 North American Car and Truck of the Year awards — one of the most prestigious awards in the automotive industry.

Taking a closer look at Peoria’s plans to bring two-way traffic to two major downtown streets

Adams Street and Jefferson Avenue have been one-way roads in downtown Peoria for more than 70 years, but the city wants to revert to two-way traffic as a way to bring vibrancy back to the area.

It’s a project that will take about three years and cost more than $12 million, but the hope is the benefits for both businesses and pedestrians make that time and money worthwhile.

Peoria city engineer Andrea Klopfenstein said the idea to change the downtown traffic pattern originated out of a need to replace the current pedestal-mounted traffic signals overhead mast arm stoplights.

“That was the real start of the project, but we’re also changing to two-way traffic to keep people in downtown or wanting to be downtown,” said Klopfenstein. “When it’s one-way and you’re going fast, you’re just really directing people through downtown. We want to make downtown a destination that people can come and shop, eat, work, just hang out and be in the downtown area.”

REPORT: Rivian planning layoffs, loss of at least 700 jobs

A new report said Rivian is planning hundreds of layoffs, but it is yet undetermined if that will affect the manufacturing plant in Normal.

Bloomberg reported Monday that Rivian could set a target total reduction of about 5% of its more than 14,000 employees. This would result in at least 700 job losses across the company.

Rivian is the second-largest employer in McLean County, with more than 6,000 workers at its Normal plant.

Since nearly doubling its workforce within the past year, the electric automaker seems to be pulling back production as a result of global supply-chain issues and material shortages, the Bloomberg report noted.

Since the beginning of 2022, Rivian’s shares have fallen roughly 69%.

Bloomberg’s stated that this decision mirrors that of other corporations who may fear a recession. Tesla, for example, is reducing its salaried workforce by 10% in order to protect its manufacturing lines if the economy were to tumble.

Rivian declined to comment on the situation. The corporation is set to release its second-quarter financial results on Aug. 11.

Elon Musk says he hasn’t had sex in ages, no time for ‘shenanigans’

Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk claimed in a recent tweet that he has not had sex in ages. Musk was responding to news reports accusing him of having an affair with Nicola Shanahan, wife of Google’s co-founder Sergey Brin.

While responding to a user, Musk tweeted, “Haven’t even had sex in ages (sigh).”

Haven’t even had sex in ages (sigh)

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 25, 2022

Do people stop when they don’t have stop signs? In Memphis, Tennessee they do.

Eric has a theory on why that’s the case.

1955 Packard 400 Hardtop – $14,000

My neighbor informed me of a woman in Peoria that wants to sell her father’s 1955 Packard 400 two-door hardtop car. It was in storage since 1976 in a garage in Peoria and was brought out in 2021.  It is now driveable but still needs minor repairs to be a show car.  The original owner bought the car new from the dealer in Peoria.  The original owner died in 2021 at 92 years of age.  The car has 51,000 miles, all new whitewall tires, a new fuel pump, a new 12 volt battery, the first year Packard V8 engine, automatic trans, power steering, and brakes.  She is asking $14,000 but wants to sell the car.

The owner wants the mechanic to handle the selling.  He can be contacted by phone or email as follows:  [email protected]  Email is the preferred way as he won’t answer unknown calls.

Thor Motorcoach/Ram Promaster RV

Source: Facebook Marketplace

Start traveling the right way with this motorhome! It features a rear 72″ x 66″ pull-out bed with under-bed storage for extra blankets or other necessities, plus there are large opening side windows at the head and foot of the bed to let in more natural lighting and fresh air. Freshen up each morning in the manual-enclosed wet bath with a cassette toilet and a closet next to it to store your towels. Once you have prepared your best home-cooked meal with the gas two-burner cooktop, you can head to the collapsible dinette table to enjoy them there comfortably and then watch your favorite movie on the 24″ TV!

Each one of these Thor Motor Coach Sequence Class B gas motorhomes are built with a RAM Promaster 3500 XT window van chassis and powered by a fuel-efficient V-6 engine for an easy drive, economical explorer van! Their internal storage capacity is increased by the driveshaft not running to the rear making it possible for the holding tanks, electrical components, and LP systems hidden underneath. They are Thule equipped with a roof ladder to view your destination in a different perspective, a bike rack for two adult bikes, and a lateral arm patio awning with integrated LED lighting. Modern living and convenience is what you will find throughout the interiors with a premium 7-inch touchscreen dash radio, Apple Car Play and Android Auto that connects your favorite music and podcasts through USB or Bluetooth, and TecnoForm S.P.A. Euro-style cabinetry. Plus, there is residential vinyl flooring so you can bring your furry friend along and not worry about messes becoming stains!

The post Episode 66 – Hot Seats and Diesel Cheats appeared first on Throwin' Wrenches Automotive Podcast.

Download

On this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches…

All that and more on this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches.

Gabe: 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302 and a 35-foot sailboat.

Daryl: 1970 Chevrolet Nova and a 1971 Fiat 124 spider.

Gabe: 1991 BMW 325i Convertible and a late 1960s Sierra Trail Boss 6×6.

Gabe: I’m rebuilding carburetors for the new project, and got the Mikuni carbs for the 1971 BMW R50. I had to cut the stock air returns to make them fit, and next I’ll need to sort out throttle cables and tune everything. Then we’ll be back on the road.

I’m still waiting on tires and tubes for 1927 Chrysler roadster.

Oh, and more projects have arrived… so there’s that.

Next, it’s time to get the Volvo out for a bit. Swedish Car show at Bishop Hill at the end of July.

Russian Auto Industry Hit So Hard It’s Reviving an 11-Year-Old Lada with 1990s Tech

Russia has been hard hit by sanctions rolled out after its invasion of Ukraine and the automotive industry has been hit particularly hard. Many auto suppliers shut down Russian operations, and along with sanctions, it’s impacting the availability of used parts.

The government’s response has been to put the “sanction-proof” Lada Granta Classic into production. The Granta first entered production in 2011 in partnership between AvtoVAZ and Renault. The car has been retooled to face new supply chain realities after Renault’s exit. It will now ship with no airbags, satellite navigation, ABS, or seatbelt pre tensioners. The car is expected to only meet 1996 European pollution standards.

Kanye West Wants to Build an American Car Made of Foam

Kanye West is getting into the car business.

The rapping entrepreneur has launched a new endeavor called Donda Industrial Design. The project will be headed up by footwear designer and longtime West collaborator, Steven Smith.

Details have not been released, but an announcement provided to Complex included an intriguing product tease. The vehicle is called the Donda Foam Vehicle and is said to be conceptualized, designed, and manufactured in the United States.

The 2022 Rivian R1S Is the Rightful Heir to the Land Cruiser Throne

Imagine for a minute that you’re a well-to-do car buyer with an outdoorsy bent. You’ve got 90 grand burning a hole in your pocket, and you head to your local Toyota dealership to plunk down your hard-earned cash on a Land Cruiser. But the dealer gives you dire news — the Land Cruiser is dead in the U.S., and your only option is the far more ostentatious Lexus LX 600.

You’re despondent. All you wanted was a full-size luxury SUV to glide through your daily commute and tackle the weekend’s off-pavement adventures, all wrapped up in a stylishly under-the-radar design. You want three-row seating and the finest interior accouterment, but you don’t want the comically oversized grille found on most luxury utility vehicles.

Elon Musk Secretly Fathered Twins With Neuralink Executive, Report Says

Elon Musk had twins in November with Shivon Zilis, an executive at Musk’s company Neuralink, according to court records obtained by Insider on Wednesday, bringing the number of known living children fathered by the world’s richest man to nine.

Musk and Zilis filed a petition in a Travis County, Texas, court in April to change the twins’ names to “have their father’s last name and contain their mother’s last name as part of their middle name,” a request a judge approved in May, according to Insider, which published a copy of the court petition but redacted the twins’ names.

Musk, 51, is co-founder and CEO of Neuralink, a company that develops neural implants with the eventual goal of connecting human brains with machines, while Zilis has been director of operations and special projects at the company since 2017.

The twins were reportedly born just weeks before Musk and his former partner Claire Boucher, better known by the stage name Grimes, had a second child through a surrogate last year.

Speaking of fertility, Elon took to Twitter this week an pinned a post citing the Wall Street Journal report on the declining U.S. Fertility Rate and how it’s been below minimum sustainable levels for more than a half-century.

Thanks for doing your part, Elon.

Gabe: Rezvani – Tank Military Edition $295,000

Check out this armored-up truck that just might be the ideal daily driver in 2022.

The options list is something out of a post-apocolytic Netflix series!

It includes:

Now tell me you don’t want one?

Daryl: 1988 BMW 635 CSi – $23,750

This clean 633CSi is a great running classic with 55,537 original miles. It is all rust-free and painted in its original Safari Beige paint. It is clear that this survivor has been very well maintained since new. It has its original US-required safety bumpers. All of the exterior electrical is working properly with no problems and the glass is all good as well.

The stainless window trim all has a nice shine throughout and the weatherstripping seals up well. The wheels are the original 14 inch German cross-spoke wheels with BMW center caps which are wrapped with Kumho Solus tires.

The post Episode 65 – The Collection Grows appeared first on Throwin' Wrenches Automotive Podcast.

Download

Welcome to the automotive podcast that always buys the extended warranty.

All that, plus we welcome our friend Regan back for a special 4-time appearance!

Join in on the fun of the show, just email us at [email protected] or post a review on iTunes to be heard around the world!

You may hear him rumbling down the road in his “new” model A hot rod pickup, What drives this man? Clearly to take the title or the most frequent guest on the Throwin Wrenches, as he is now tied with Mr. Casey at 4. Soon to be the king of both the podcast, boats, and Toyota knowledge, Mr. Regan.

We’re hearing lots of support for Eric and the Stahl family. As you know, they are walking through some heavy stuff right now, but your kind comments and encouragement mean so much.

Bottom line: Keep it coming, it’s working! 

You can learn more about their current battle at PlanetStahl.com and support them here if you’re so inclined. Thank you, and we all wish the Stahls continued good vibes and the very best in the coming weeks.

Ford Scaling Back Production This Summer

Source: The Detroit Bureau

Ford is preparing to trim production at four big assembly plants this summer in Chicago, Missouri, Louisville, Kentucky and Kansas City, according to a memo circulated to hourly employees at the company’s Chicago Stamping plant, which feeds part to all four plants.

“Chicago stamping will be implementing a week-to-week temporary starting Monday, June 20. The temporary layoff will continue Sunday, September 11 with the plan to return to full-scale production on Monday, September 12,” according to copy of the memo reviewed by thedetroitbureau.com.

The memo offers employees the opportunity to volunteer for temporary layoffs, which could extend through the summer months. The temporary layoff is likely to appeal to employees with school-age children who are off from school.

These layoffs come as part of the company’s Ford + Turnaround restructuring Plan. The plan aims to gradually restructure to phase into the EV world and bring the workforce in line with upcoming consumer demands for less ICEs. 

GM Dropping Four-Year Degree Requirement for Many Jobs

Source: GM Authority

GM has dropped the four-year college degree requirement for many jobs and will instead transition to skills-based hiring practices for certain roles, Tammy Golden, GM’s executive director of diversity, equity and inclusion, told Automotive News in a recent interview. 

Golden, who is also the Detroit-based automaker’s head of workforce strategy, explained to AN how the automaker has implemented a new three-pronged approach to its hiring practices. The first step involves a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion, which is part of GM’s vision to become the most inclusive company in the world, while the second focuses on workplace innovation and removing biases that may impact an employee’s experience on the job. The third step is workforce design, which focuses on creating clear pathways for employees to join the company that may not have four-year degrees, but have relevant real-world experience.

“From a soft skills perspective, we really needed people who can connect with people,” Golden told AN. “When you focus on what’s required of the job versus, say, a four-year degree, as your ticket in, it allows you the opportunity to open the aperture to another pool of talent.”

Scout Electric SUV and Pickup Teased by VW Speculatively Rendered

Source: InsideEVs

The Scout brand is coming back with these two electric vehicles specifically designed to boost VW’s US presence in the segments. 

Volkswagen is bringing back the Scout brand, known for the International Harvester Scout off-roader, and plans to launch two brand new electric models, one SUV, One pickup that should debut in the United States around the year 2026. The German giant wants to build both of them in the US, possibly at a new (second) manufacturing location that it may build next to its existing facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

The vehicles will have all the features that we’ve already seen on rival models, like rear-wheel steering, adjustable suspension, solar charging, and vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, and according to one report from Germany, the planned annual production target is 600,000 units. Even though this will be a VW company, the goal is to make Scout an American-designed and American-built product on top of borrowing retro design cues from the original.

Elon Musk could become the world’s first Trillioniare by 2024

Source: Chron

Tesla CEO Elon Musk, whose recent business ventures include continued negotiations to purchase Twitter for $44 billion and opening a Tesla gigafactory in Austin, could become the world’s first trillionaire as early as 2024, according to a report from software company Tipalti Approve. The company predicted Musk’s wealth will exceed the $1 trillion mark by comparing his current net worth, which is $263 billion, with his year-over-year income growth since 2017. 

Musk’s net worth is currently about equal to the entire GDP of the Czech Republic, the central European country with a population of 10.7 million, according to data from the World Bank. Were Musk, or any other billionaire, to reach the $1 trillion mark, their wealth would be more than the GDP of the Netherlands, a country with 17.4 million people and home to popular tourist destination Amsterdam. 

With the current world GDP valued at $84.75 trillion according to the World Bank, anyone reaching trillionaire status would have a net worth that is 1.17% of the entire world’s GDP.

Meanwhile on Twitter, the soon-to-be Trillionare was busy creating this gem of a Tweet:

Words certainly hit hard, Elon.

Gabe: Old people who decide in their mid 60’s that rules no longer apply to them. I recently had a lady drive against the arrow and parking slants at Ace hardware for no reason and made me get over and wait for her. Lovely.

Daryl: Whenever I see the carnage from the roads or barely miss running over a crater on the way to work, all I can think of is where is all the money from the marijuana sales going? 

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – Though COVID-19 created obstacles for many local businesses, one industry soared. Illinois cannabis sales nearly doubled in 2021, bringing in $1.4 billion in revenue. Many of those sales came from local dispensaries.

$1.4 Billion. Huh. Well, that money isn’t really going to the roads:

In fact, the only U.S. state with legal recreational marijuana that directly appropriates revenues to the Transportation Fund is Michigan, at 35%. 

With people driving less, and with more fuel-efficient cars or EV’s, it’s time to change the funding formula for how we maintain these 70-year-old pieces of concrete. Everyone just goes on a monthly subscription.

For $50 a month, you get to enjoy the GOOD lane. The left lane on the interstate, or the newly repaved section of the cross-town highway. 

Make road travel tiered as we do with everything else in this country… it will either raise more revenue OR get the average person mad enough to write their elected officials to get something done! 

Daryl: 1975 Chevrolet Cosworth Vega   – $19,900 Buy it Now Price

From the description: These cars are incredibly rare with only 2,061 leaving the factory in 1975. This particular Cosworth is car number 615! It still wears its original Tuxedo Black Paint and Gold Pinstripe! All the factory Decals are present, as well as many items such as Visor Sleeves with Ignition and EFI Operation Instructions and quite a bit of original Documentation. Among that Documentation is its original COPO Registration. Service manuals bearing the signature of Bill Howell. Bill Howell is known by some as the Father of the Chevrolet Big Block engine. In the Early 1970’s Bill Howell was tapped to assist in research and design of a High Performance Vega Engine equipped with a Cosworth Cylinder head. As part of this R&D Process Bill participated in Racing Cosworth Powered Quarter Midgets with Marion Tucker. Tucker would eventually come to own this exact Cosworth Vega after Bill saw to it that it was special ordered for Marion. This is a very special car, from its original paint, to is entirely original interior. It has lived its life stored indoors after Bill promised Marion that “One day it will be worth more than you paid for it” Now immortalized in one of the signatures you see below. Little did they realize how true that statement would become. Magazines of the time lauded praise onto the Cosworth Vega. Its first for a GM Passenger car Electronic Fuel injection, cutting edge Twin Cam cylinder head, great performance and handling. And it still met emissions, and provided excellent fuel economy. The Cosworth would end Production in 1976 with only a little over 3500 total being produced. This has made the Cosworth Vega a rare, fun, and interesting piece of Chevrolet history. This particular example runs and drives well, and is incredibly clean throughout. This Cosworth survives untouched, even down to the factory Bendix Fuel Injection and Emissions equipment.

Gabe: 1995 Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo 5-Speed

Modifications consist of adjustable KYB AGX shocks, AMS Upper Control Arms, Eibach springs, aftermarket bushings, a Jim Wolf Technology ECU, and a Sebring exhaust system.

Sure, we love a good MkIV Supra, but these Nissans are underappreciated and undervalued.

That means we should all try to buy one now.

Regan: 1967 Chevrolet Camaro  

Stock photo.

Knowing Regan, this car won’t stay stock for long.

The post Episode 64 – Regan Rebooted appeared first on Throwin' Wrenches Automotive Podcast.

Welcome to the Autopodcast that always takes the cake. Birthday cake, that is. 

Daryl and our friend Gabe Casey just celebrated birthdays one day apart this month, and their present to you is this special edition of Throwin’ Wrenches Podcast. Sorry. Not sorry.

You could say Daryl and Gabe are twin sons of different mothers. They both appreciate quality automobiles, such as first-generation Volkswagen Rabbits and Toyota trucks. They also appreciate giving Eric a hard time every chance they get.

Well folks, this week we decided to save the jokes for the Patreon Preshow and we went in-depth on why we should be nice to Eric (at least for a little bit.)

In all seriousness, there’s a lot going on in Eric’s part of the world these days, and you can read all about it at his website, PlanetStahl.com. While this automotive podcast means a lot to him, we know that his effort is best spent with his family at this time. He is a devoted father and husband and our thoughts and prayers are with him and the Stahl family at this time. We know he’ll be back soon once things settle down.

In the meantime, if you’d like to support Eric and the Stahl family, please click the link below.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. It truly means a lot.

For those who grew up watching Johnny Carson, you’ll recall a few times when folks like Bob Newhart, Joan Rivers or Jay Leno filled in from time to time. Well, this week, our guest host’s chin actually grew larger and he bought a few hundred more cars to channel his inner Jay Leno. I guess that means he’ll get the permanent gig someday?

He’s the guest host with the most… toys that is.

He’s Gabe Leno. 

I mean Casey! He’s Gabe Casey. 

Everyone should have their stickers. If we suck and forgot you, let us know. We’ll make it up to you, we promise. Hit us up at [email protected] or message us on Facebook.

Gabe’s 1927 Chrysler roadster is getting new tires and tubes this summer.  Oh, and he bought another BMW R50 motorcycle, but this one has a sidecar! It was an incredible find over the Memorial Day holiday weekend, and included a short blast up to northern Illinois to retrieve it. Learn what’s planned for this new addition to the Casey fleet. 

Gabe also is available for light carpentry work on the side. 

Daryl’s new nickname could be “Servipro” because he’s a disaster remediation specialist. He’s been working on cleaning mold and mouse poop removal on the ‘55 Cadillac Fleetwood project. Leather restoration is next, along with some primer on floors to protect it all. It’ll be a hot, smelly, gross summer. Things should be better by fall. 

Local News

Source: NBC 5, Chicago

Illinois is one of 10 U.S. states seeing average gas prices over $5 a gallon, which is about $2 more than last year’s average at this time.

According to AAA, the average price for a gallon of gas in Illinois is $5.45 and $5.86 in Cook County. The national average is $4.91, as of Tuesday.

According to Phillip Braun, a finance professor at Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management, the price of gasoline is likely rising across the U.S. due to the Russia-Ukraine war.

“As long as there is a blockade against Russian oil globally, oil prices are going to stay sustained,” Braun said.

The Northwestern professor said gas prices are at their highest price per gallon that they’ve ever been, noting that crude oil prices are currently up around 75% since early December. There likely won’t be relief any time soon, according to Braun, adding that inflation also plays a major role in pricing.

Here’s what other top states are recording:

Source: MyStateLine.Com

House Bill 1896 was introduced by Rep. Thomas Bennett (R-106th) and would amend the Illinois Vehicle Code to remove the required front plate. Once adopted, the Secretary of State would issue only one registration plate instead of two.

Thirty states in the U.S. currently require a vehicle to display a front license plate.

Proponents of the bill say doing away with front plates would save the state $800,000 a year in plate production and preserve the styling of newer and classic cars; opponents, including some law enforcement organizations, including the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, the Illinois Sheriff’s Association, the Illinois Tollway Authority, and the Illinois Secretary of State’s office, cited safety concerns.

Source: Gizmodo

Taco Bell has apparently never heard the phrase “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” The company’s attempt to revolutionize the drive-thru opened this week as “Taco Bell Defy,” where you can order food in Taco Bell’s mobile app, and then immediately scarf down your five Spicy Potato Soft Tacos in the parking lot.

Taco Bell Defy is the newest Frankenstein’s monster from the company that is hellbent on creating as many different food combinations as possible from the same set of ingredients. According to the company, the new drive-thru concept broke ground last summer and has now finally opened in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota as a two-story building with kitchen operations located above a four-lane drive-thru. Defy is Taco Bell’s move toward an emphasis on mobile app orders to reduce drive-thru times: Customers are encouraged to order on the Taco Bell mobile app and scan their order’s QR code when they arrive at the drive-thru line.

Source: Marketwatch

One of the things that the “Back to the Future” movies made famous (aside from certain Nike sneakers) was Doc Brown’s DeLorean.

The iconic car, which was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro and originally manufactured by the DeLorean Motor Co. (DMC), was in production for only two years — from 1981 to 1983 — but it has remained one of the most popular and iconic cars.

Italian studio Italdesign, which designed the newly-announced Alpha5 EV model, drew inspiration from the “Back to the Future” movies, but added a considerable amount of innovative and futuristic features.

Alpha5 will feature four seats, gull-wing doors, a 100 kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery with an expected range of over 500 kilometers (over 310 miles) with one charge and acceleration from 0-60 mph in 2.99 seconds. As a fun throwback to the franchise, the company announced acceleration from 0-88 mph in 4.35 seconds — 88 mph was the time-travel speed in the movies. Top speed for the base model will be 155 mph.

The production of the new DeLorean should start in 2024 at the company’s San Antonio, Texas, factory. The first series will consist of a limited number of vehicles (88, another throwback to the franchise) whose price could start at around $175,000 for the base model.

Don’t expect to see new DeLoreans on the road, though. Joost de Vries, DMC’s CEO, said the first batch will be suitable only for racetracks. Later production runs will make street-legal vehicles.

Source: Washington Post

After a weeks-long impasse, Twitter’s board plans to comply with Elon Musk’s demands for internal data by offering access to its full “firehose,” the massive stream of data comprising more than 500 million tweets posted each day, according to a person familiar with the company’s thinking, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe the state of negotiations.

The move aims to end a standoff with the billionaire, who has threatened to pull out of his $44 billion deal to buy Twitter unless the company provides access to data he says is necessary to evaluate the number of fake users on the platform.

The information could be provided as soon as this week, Musk’s legal team contends the data stream is essential for understanding the amount of spam and bot activity on its platform, a figure that could influence the company’s ad revenue, according to a letter sent to Twitter on Monday.

Turns out that Elon really likes people, as his eloquent June 5th Tweet said: 

Pretty deep, dude.

Pretty deep.

Source: Bring a Trailer 

This 1954 Jaguar XK120 is a left-hand-drive Drophead coupe that was built on July 22, 1953 and dispatched to New York-based importer Max Hoffman on the 18th of the following month. Power comes from a 3.4-liter inline-six mated to a four-speed manual transmission, and equipment includes a tan soft top, an aluminum radiator, twin SU carburetors, and chrome wire wheels. The body and frame were refinished and the seats were reupholstered during prior ownership,

Source: Facebook Marketplace, MO

Gabe picked out a slightly modified one-year-only Porsche 912e convertible that’s been haunting his dreams ever since he first stumbled across it on Facebook Marketplace. Will this actually make it’s way into the Casey Collection in real life?

Stay tuned.

Source: Gary Ufrtring Classic Cars

This 1966 Park Lane is equipped with the desirable Q-code 428cid 4 barrel Super Marauder V8 backed by a Merc-O-Matic 3-speed automatic transmission. The car is painted the original K Code paint called Caspian Blue/Dark Metallic. The top is power with a glass rear window. Power brakes and power steering add to the ease of driving. Factory rare bucket seats with center console, AM radio with dealer add-on FM. The car was originally purchased from Grice Motors of Marion and still has the dealer emblem on the trunk. Factory stickers are still on release handles for the convertible top. Includes original spare tire and jack as well as original boot cover and original trunk mat.

The post Episode 63 – The Birthday Boys appeared first on Throwin' Wrenches Automotive Podcast.