Throwin' Wrenches Automotive Podcast
Here is the automotive podcast from two guys who have knowledge and love of the auto industry and anything car related. Eric Stahl and Daryl Scott. Every episode is chock full of hard-hitting world, national, and local news. We also feature segments off the beaten path from other shows... "Cars of the weak", where we open up our virtual checkbook and mentally purchase our favorite vehicle for sale on Craigslist, Bring a Trailer, or any other online selling portal. Sometimes we break into song with Carlo Goshen... Or have a "Moment of Musk", where Eric gives us the rundown of the current doings of a Mr. Elon. Daryl's "Riffing Zone", where we dig into our inner "get your ball off my lawn" and find something to complain about. We record a few times a month and love feedback. Be sure to contact us with any questions or comments we can discuss on the show.
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Episode 101 - A new SLATE
05/16/2025
Episode 101 - A new SLATE
Episode 101 Welcome to the automotive podcast that is starting with a new SLATE… Get it? On this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches… SLATE is the rage. Do you know about this cheap EV truck? GM recalls half a million vehicles, and says it’s not related to the other possible recall. They think. 100 episodes? What about 100 kids? Its time for a new Moment of Musk. All of that and more on this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches. THEME! Thanks for listening. To join in on the fun of the show, just email us at or post a review on itunes to be heard worldwide! SPOTIFY COMMENTS and polls - About your hosts: Daryl Scott - Some people go to Europe for the history… The culture… The food. Actually, that's what most people do… Unless you are a Scott. Then, you might roadtrip to Terre Haute to see the masked singer traveling show. OK. That's a bit of an exaggeration… But those scotts will pass by all the culture of the old world to hear some of that amazing eurovision music that the kids are all going nuts over. Eric Stahl - When people think of volcanos, salt-cured fish and pop singers with funny hair, they think of the same place this co-host is heading to. I hear Iceland also has cool 4x4’s on monster truck tires that you can drive over the lava with… if you drive quick enough. He’s the biggest “Bjork” fan this side of the Atlantic, he’s Eric Stahl. Sponsors Fort’s Toyota of Pekin Papermapsandcoffee on instagram PATREON - Thanks to our Patreon supporters. Welcome new members! I need to do the rundown with the magic mirror-like romper room! Musician Preshows Itunes Premium - people love it! Full integration into your Apple podcast app. Thanks for listening. Thanks for sharing. Thanks for commenting. THANKS FOR REVIEWING!!!! Projects Eric: MOORE EXPO New 4Runner was pimped Daryl: Took the ‘55 Plymouth out for a great tour to Pontiac, IL and she didn’t miss a beat. Fury dash lights - Or - How to cut your hands and arms on thin sheet metal NEWS: World: Tariffs Tariffs Tariffs. We are not going to get into it. Mostly because this show could be 2 weeks old by the time you hear it, and he could change his mind again. The Foxconn story intrigues me… Front and center at the Foxconn booth here sits a midsize crossover with supersize ambitions. If all goes to plan, the Model C all-electric utility could help catapult the Taiwanese electronics giant into the U.S. market as one of its newest automotive players. Foxconn, best known as the world’s largest contract manufacturer of iPhones, plans to start shipping the Model C to a customer across the Pacific by the end of the year. And if the Trump administration’s tariffs prove too thorny for long-term exports from Foxconn’s factory in Taiwan, Foxconn has a formidable Plan B.The company is rapidly refurbishing a former General Motors plant in Lordstown, Ohio, as a U.S. production hub. The plant, which has capacity for hundreds of thousands of vehicles when fully tooled, could be pumping out vehicles as early as next year. Source: Automotive News Excessive Tech on display at the shanghai auto show Imagine vehicles with holographic instrument panels floating in thin air; cars with see-through doors that allow drivers to see nearby pedestrians and cyclists more easily; biometric health monitoring using facial recognition and various health metrics; and less-costly massaging car seats. This is a small sample of the diverse technologies French auto supplier Forvia is showcasing at the Shanghai auto show beginning April 24. Source: National: GM 6.2L V8 L87 Engine Recall Unrelated To Valve Lifter Issues Source: General Motors recently announced a wide-ranging safety recall involving the naturally aspirated gasoline engine, in the United States. While the recall addresses two potentially serious mechanical defects that can lead to engine failure and a loss of propulsion, GM has confirmed that the recall is not related to the well-documented valve lifter problems experienced by some owners. The recall identifies two specific manufacturing defects at the supplier level, namely potential contamination leading to rod bearing damage, and crankshafts that were either improperly finished or otherwise out-of-spec. As covered previously, the new L87 engine recall impacts a wide array of full-size GM vehicles, including GM trucks and SUVs built between the 2021 and 2024 model years. In total, 597,630 units are impacted in the U.S.,with global recall figures approaching 721,000 units. Used Vehicle Prices & Availability Used-vehicle prices are on the rise as U.S. trade tariffs disrupt the overall automotive market. Prices increased in April at almost double the normal spring rate, according to vehicle data provider Carfax, which said used-vehicle sales more than doubled year-over-year. Used prices rose nationally and in all segments, Carfax found. Pickup trucks and luxury SUVs saw the biggest price increases in April, surging $660 and $600 on Carfax’s website, respectively, according to its data. Source: Dealers should prepare for a shortage of affordable vehicles and manage inventory carefully as the impact of tariffs begins to hit new-car supply, David Greene, principal, industry and marketplace analytics at Cars.com, tells WardsAuto. Two learnings emerge from the Cars Commerce Q1 2025 Auto Market Review: “The most affordable vehicles come from our neighbors to the north and the south, and those are going to be under the most (price) pressure,” Greene says. Source: The 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI continues its legacy as a quintessential hot hatch, blending performance, practicality and the best modern tech that the Volkswagen Group could muster for the enthusiast crowd. While the GTI, introduced 50 years ago in Germany, retains the core elements that have made it a favorite among devotees the world over, the 2025 model introduces several updates and changes that enhance its appeal. Under the hood, the U.S.-spec 2025 GTI maintains the turbocharged 2.0L inline-4 delivering 241 hp and 273 lb.-ft. (370 Nm) of torque. This engine is exclusively paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, as the manual option has been discontinued for this model year. Oh, the pain. Source: WardsAuto Slate Auto Unveils Refreshingly Simple And Small Two-Seat Electric Truck Designed To Be Customized, Starting Under $27,500 Jalopnik After a brief but very buzzy teaser campaign, Jeff Bezos–backed startup Slate Auto just revealed its electric pickup at an event in Long Beach, California. The extremely simple, refreshingly small truck is designed to be a blank slate for owners to easily customize how they want — hence the Slate name — with a wide variety of more than 100 accessories available at launch. You'll even be able to transform the two-seat truck into a five-seat SUV, and the rear-wheel-drive Slate will have a range of up to 240 miles. Slate says the truck will proudly be made in the U.S. "as part of a commitment to re-industrializing America," and it'll cost less than $20,000 with federal incentives factored in when it starts production late next year. At 174.6 inches long the two-door Slate truck is more than two feet shorter than a Ford Maverick and almost five inches shorter than a Honda Civic Hatchback; Slate makes the comparison that it's sized closely to a 1985 Toyota pickup. The Slate is 69.3 inches high, a bit taller than a Maverick, and its 5-foot bed is half a foot longer than the Ford. This is the tiny truck y'all have been begging automakers to build. Slate wanted the design to tug at your heart and be desirable for everyone, plus have the truck be easy to drive and get in and out of. Despite the Slate's diminutive size, it can fit a lot of stuff. There's a drainable frunk that fits 7 cubic feet worth of stuff, with the hood extending to part of the nose to give you a better opening, and the bed has 35.1 cubic feet of volume, with a width between the wheel wells of 42.9 inches and a max width of 54.9 inches. Though the Slate leaves the factory in a singular body style, it doesn't have to stay that way. Slate will offer a flat-pack accessory kit that turns the truck into a five-seat SUV, complete with a roll cage, more airbags and a bench seat. (No word on if the seats can be added to the truck bed Subaru BRAT–style.) There are two different SUV rear ends to choose from, a traditional, squared-off tailgate or a slanted fastback one. You can also choose to drive the Slate without doors on no matter which body style is on. The interior is where I think the Slate gets a little too simple. Don't get me wrong, the rectangular design is great, with a flat dashboard that opens into a huge glovebox and an overall look reminiscent of the really cool stuff IKEA made back in the middle of last century, just with a lot less color. The door panels have cool fabric armrests, and the air vents, steering wheel, climate controls and column stalks have a great '80s vibe. You'll be able to buy all sorts of interior accessories too, like decal kits, different metal or wood accents, and other colors for the interior panels and seat covers. There are also things called Slatelets, cute little badges that clip onto the air vent that runs across the dash. As you'll notice, there's a small display in front of the driver, but no infotainment screen at all. Slate is instead making you get a phone or tablet mount and using your preferred tech. The problem is, you can't just get Apple CarPlay or Android Auto as an app on your phone, so either you're just driving with maps up the whole time, or you're swiping through your actual phone to change the song or respond to a text. There will be a Slate app that works as an infotainment system and is how the car gets over-the-air updates, but again, you've gotta interact with your phone on the dash. It also doesn't come with speakers as standard, offering them as accessories or giving you a mount for your own Bluetooth speaker. A set of Bluetooth controls for the steering wheel and an extra row of auxiliary buttons are found in the accessory catalog, as are a center console with an armrest, door pockets, power windows — it's got cranks as standard. Read More: https://www.jalopnik.com/1843154/slate-auto-electric-truck-suv-customizable-design-specs-details/ The press conference was terrible… Which is refreshing. These people looked like dear in the headlights when it comes to a TED talk. Much better than I could do, so kudos to them for even standing up there and getting uncomfortable. Jeff Bezos-backed Slate Auto announces factory location for its $25,000 electric truck By Personalized Slate EV pickups at its reveal event this month. Greg Doherty/Getty Images for Slate Apr 29, 2025, 3:40 PM CT Slate Auto said it would assemble its $25,000 EV in Warsaw, Indiana. The 1.4 million-square-foot facility was occupied by a printing company until 2023. Slate says it expects to make its first customer deliveries near the end of 2026. , the Jeff Bezos-backed EV startup, confirmed to Business Insider on Tuesday that its $25,000 electric pickup would be assembled at a former printing plant in Warsaw, Indiana. New bill would require speed-limiting tech on cars of frequent speeders By WNYT A new bill could limit how fast delinquent drivers can go in New York state. The Stop Super Speeders Act would require speed-limiting devices on cars that get six or more red light tickets in a year, or any drivers who get more than 11 points on their license in a two-year span. Those devices would prevent cars from going more than five miles per hour over the speed limit. Three states have already passed similar legislation, and the National Safety Transportation Board has even recommended the policy. Bonus Article… ARe we going long???? By Apr 28, 2025 6:30 AM Car Subscription Features Raise Your Risk of Government Surveillance, Police Records Show Records reviewed by WIRED show law enforcement agencies are eager to take advantage of the data trails generated by a flood of new internet-connected vehicle features. Automakers are increasingly pushing consumers to accept monthly and annual fees to unlock preinstalled safety and performance features, from and heated seats to cameras that can automatically record accident situations. But the additional levels of internet connectivity this subscription model requires can increase drivers’ and the likelihood of being caught up in police investigations. A cache of more than two dozen police records recently reviewed by WIRED show US law enforcement agencies regularly trained on how to take advantage of “connected cars,” with subscription-based features drastically increasing the amount of data that can be accessed during investigations. The records make clear that law enforcement’s knowledge of the surveillance far exceeds that of the public and reveal how corporate policies and technologies—not the law—determine driver privacy. “Each manufacturer has their whole protocol on how the operating system in the vehicle utilizes telematics, mobile Wi-Fi, et cetera,” one law enforcement officer noted in a presentation prepared by the California State Highway Patrol (CHP) and reviewed by WIRED. The presentation, while undated, contains statistics on connected cars for the year 2024. “If the vehicle has an active subscription,” they add, “it does create more data.” Local: Stellantis to Build New Truck in Idled Belvidere Plant Jan. 22, 2025 The recommitments follow a threatened national strike by the UAW. Stellantis Says Its Still On Track To Reopen Belvidere Assembly Tariffs or Not, Reopen Is Still On Schedule For 2027 Despite all the chaos surrounding the auto industry lately—tariff battles, production pauses, temporary layoffs—Stellantis says it’s still full speed ahead on reopening its in 2027. That’s straight from the company, which told the this week that nothing has changed regarding the timeline agreed upon in last year’s UAW contract. “The launch timing for the plant has not changed,” said Stellantis spokesperson Jodi Tinson. “We’ll honor the timing indicated in the , so still expecting to launch in 2027.” Super Car News Search Moment of Musk: Atlantic Writer Speculates Elon Musk Could Have ‘100 or More’ Children: ‘Definitely More Than 14’ “Sanity” podcast co-host Alisyn Camerota says “there’s something very dystopian” about the billionaire’s family planning April 26, 2025 @ 10:23 AM Elon Musk is known to have at least 14 children, but the real number could be much higher than that, The Atlantic’s Elizabeth Bruenig told Alisyn Camerota and Dave Briggs on the “Sanity” podcast in an interview . “I believe he has 14 known children, but people who spoke to the Wall Street Journal for their exposé on his childbearing habits suggested the number is much higher,” she said. “I have heard people estimate [it] at 100 or more.” Bruenig is the author of the piece “The Harem of Elon Musk.” Camerota jumped in and added that “the reason we don’t know about “all these other children and women is because he makes his baby mamas sign NDAs and he’s very lawyered up and he’s litigious and he does suit them if they speak” — and Musk pays the mothers of his children a lot of money to stay silent. St. Clair reportedly received $15 million and a $ 100,000-a-month living stipend to keep news of the birth of the pair’s baby quiet, Bruenig added. Cars of the Weak Eric: *** CARFAX GAURANTEED! 75 SERVICE RECORDS! LEATHER! COLD AC! FLORIDA VEHICLE! WARRANTY AVAILABLE! *** Reliability and performance come together with dependability and style in this 2002 Lexus IS300 sedan. This example is extremely clean inside and out and very well maintained by it's previous owner with 75 documented service records. Equipped with a 3.0L V6 engine, Remote Entry, Power Windows, Power Locks, Power Mirrors, Leather, Moonroof, Cruise Control, Dual Power Seats, Climate Control, Rear AC, Traction Control, 17 inch Alloys with Like New Tires. Only $9,995 Cash! 236,160 Miles Daryl: 1948 Kaiser Custom - $8950 Source: Original 6 cylinder flathead motor - 3 speed manual transmission with overdrive - original interior. Located in Emden, IL
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EP 100: Our Better Halves Take the Wheel
04/23/2025
EP 100: Our Better Halves Take the Wheel
Welcome to the automotive podcast that is celebrating 100 episodes! On this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches… We have some special guests You’ve heard their names for 100 episodes… now, meet the Throwin’ Wrenches better halves. God Help us! Yes, you read that correctly. After 100 episodes of automotive news, project car disasters, and countless hours in the garage, we decided to celebrate our centennial episode of "Throwin' Wrenches" in style—by inviting the real MVPs onto the show. Angela Stahl and Sarah Scott join us for a candid conversation about what it's really like to be married to car enthusiasts who can't seem to stop bringing home "just one more car" or participating in "just one more road rally." From their favorite automotive picks to eye-rolling stories about our respective histories of vehicular obsessions, this episode pulls back the curtain on the home lives of your . Highlights Angela and Sarah reveal their actual favorite cars (not just the ones they tolerate in the driveway.) Behind-the-scenes stories from car adventures that we've never shared on air The wives' unfiltered take on living with perpetual internet orders Global listener feedback with fantastic suggestions for future segments We're incredibly grateful to Angela and Sarah for their good humor, patience, and unwavering support as we've built this podcast from the ground-up over the years. Their willingness to put up with oil-stained laundry, parts on the kitchen table, and "quick trips" to car shows that turn into weekend adventures deserves more thanks than we can express. We would also like to thank our listeners and for the continued support. We love hearing from you, and apprecaite all you've done to help us keep things rolling down the highway. Here's to the next 100 episodes! Listen to the full episode now on your favorite podcast platform.
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Episode 99 - Peoria Cars and Coffee
03/10/2025
Episode 99 - Peoria Cars and Coffee
Welcome to the automotive podcast that knows Cars and Coffee This week, we're shifting gears to spotlight the community builders who make Central Illinois car culture thrive! We welcome Preston Lutton and Jacob Walker, the driving forces behind . About Our Guests We discuss their passion for bringing car enthusiasts together, and how much effort goes into each monthly meetup. We also hear about their personal journeys, and get an exclusive preview of what's coming for Cars & Coffee in 2025. Eric also takes us on a surprising detour through Mexico's streets, where Chinese automotive brands like Chery, VinFast, and BYD are making unexpected inroads, while Daryl updates us on his ongoing adventures with his Plymouth Fury, and Cadillac projects, and how a 1964 Ford Galaxie 500 slipped through his hands. Whether you're a regular at Cars & Coffee events or curious about joining the community, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the people who turn a simple concept—cars and coffee—into unforgettable gatherings. Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts! Our Sponsors Special thanks to our sponsor, for their ongoing support of this show.
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Episode 98 - Love is in the Air (Unless you are Nissan)
02/10/2025
Episode 98 - Love is in the Air (Unless you are Nissan)
Welcome to the automotive podcast that is sending you an audio Valentine. On this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches… Love is in the air, unless you drive a Nissan. Mazda has a record year. Got cargo? Rivian has you covered! Thanks for listening. To join in on the fun of the show, just email us at or post a review on itunes to be heard worldwide! Sponsors Special thanks to for their ongoing support of our podcast. If you're in the market for a new or used Toyota, or service, please give them a try! We'd also like to thank our dedicated and supporters for helping to make this program possible. World News Nissan to Reject Honda Deal to Create World’s No. 3 Automaker Source: board has determined that terms for a combination of the two automakers are unacceptable, people familiar with the matter said, endangering a merger plan designed to shore up Nissan’s faltering business. In a statement, Nissan said no decision had been reached but one option under discussion was scrapping its December agreement with Honda to aim for a merger. Both automakers said talks were continuing and they aimed to announce their direction in mid-February. Source: The Wall Street Journal National News US Moves to Repeal Biden Administration Vehicle Fuel Economy Standards Source: New U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy signed an order on Tuesday directing U.S. regulators to rescind landmark fuel economy standards issued under President Joe Biden that aimed to drastically reduce fuel use for cars and trucks. Duffy directed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to reconsider the 2022 model year through 2031 model years for cars and trucks. The agency in June said it would hike Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) requirements to about 50.4 miles per gallon (4.67 liters per 100 km) by 2031 from 39.1 mpg currently for light-duty vehicles. Duffy, , also directed NHTSA to reconsider rules for heavy duty pickup trucks and vans through 2035. "Artificially high fuel economy standards designed to meet non-statutory policy goals, such as those NHTSA has promulgated in recent years, impose large costs that render many vehicle models unaffordable for the average American family," Duffy's memo said. "They also put coercive pressure on automakers to phase out production of various models of popular (internal combustion engine) vehicles." Mazda Achieved Record Growth Last Year with Fewer Dealers Source: Increased throughput across dealer network helped the Japanese automaker achieve its highest sales in nearly four decades. “Mazda is focused on pushing more sales through the current dealerships rather than trying to add on more dealers for growth,” Rob Sickel, chairman of the Mazda National Dealer Advisory Council, told Automotive News after the automaker held a virtual franchise meeting on Jan. 30. Mazda has 545 dealers in its network. In 2024, they sold an average of 669 vehicles, up from 625 in 2023. Sickel said 21 Mazda dealers topped sales of 2,000 vehicles last year. Those Super Bowl Ads Won't Pay For Themselves: Insurance Rates Are Up! Source: Car insurance rates are expected to continue to rise this year, though at a slower pace. Rates climbed 15% across the country last year and have jumped a cumulative 42% since 2022, according to insurance comparison-shopping website Insurify. Insurify forecasts a 5% rate increase this year to a national average full-coverage rate of $2,435 by year-end. South Carolina Blocks Scout Motors’ Direct Sales Despite $1.3B Incentive Source: Despite South Carolina granting Scout Motors $1.3 billion in incentives to build its $2 billion EV plant in Blythewood, state residents won’t be able to buy the company’s vehicles when they hit the market in 2027. Due to state laws prohibiting , even the 4,000 workers employed at the facility will have to go out of state to purchase a Scout EV. Scout, owned by Volkswagen, has opted for a direct-to-consumer sales model, similar to and , aiming to provide a more transparent and cost-effective buying process. However, South Carolina is among the nearly 20 states that mandate vehicles to be sold exclusively through dealerships. Other states with similar restrictions include Texas, Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, and Kansas, while North Carolina allows direct sales. Just So Everyone's Clear: Scout And Rivian Are Not The Same Source: What an age of miracles we find ourselves in. The internet is the greatest tool for disseminating information that humanity has ever created, but it also allows anybody to just instantly broadcast whatever is on their mind at any given moment, regardless of how true it is or not. That does lead to the occasional bit of misinformation that news outlets like InsideEVs must correct. Since the recent debut of two new electric concepts from , the American truck and SUV brand revived by the Volkswagen Group, we have noticed more than a few comparisons drawn to another EV truck company: . The comparisons are fair; Scout's two concept vehicles bear a strong resemblance to Rivian's first two vehicles, the R1T truck and R1S SUV. And the lines between the two brands are further blurred by the fact that the Volkswagen Group and Rivian have recently started working together. <snip> While Scout and Rivian have similar designs and will probably compete for the same customer, and Scout will use the new electrical architecture that VW is co-developing with Rivian, the two vehicles and brands are not the same. They do not use the same platform, are built (or rather, will be built) in different places and should have considerably different price tags. Auto Industry Bracing for Further Disruption in 2025, Experts Say Source: Tariff threats, affordability issues and electric vehicle adoption hurdles are among the many dark storm clouds blocking projections of the 2025 auto industry landscape. Analysts, experts and professionals from the auto industry spoke out about their concerns Wednesday at the 31st Annual Automotive Symposium hosted at the Detroit branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago on Wednesday. Some key takeaways from the event include: Affordability remains a key concern, particularly as the average monthly payment for vehicles ticked up above $750, mostly from interest. The proliferation of Chinese vehicle brands — such as — may depend more on federal policy decisions than consumer demand. U.S. light vehicle sales and production are still recovering from COVID-19 disruption. Kristin Dziczek, policy adviser for the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, told guests and assorted news media that everything is changing when it comes to the auto industry — the vehicles sold and what fuels them; the infrastructure needed to support those new fuel sources; the technologies those products use; and how automakers produce them. The potential for disruption is absolute, but really, what else is new? “What never changes is people need a car,” Dziczek said. “The U.S. is a large country.” Local News [caption id="attachment_4315" align="aligncenter" width="863"] Photo Credit: Rivian[/caption] You Can Buy Rivian's Van, But Don't Come A Knockin' On RIVN, Analyst Warns Source: Rivian () has made its all-electric commercial van available for sale to the general public after years of it being only available to Amazon.com (). Late Wednesday, the EV startup officially made the Rivian commercial van available with a starting price of $79,900 with deliveries slated to begin in April 2025. There are two variants, a 500 series and a 700 series, with both getting around 160 miles of range. Rivian signed an agreement with Amazon in 2019 to design and develop electric commercial delivery vans and has prioritized production for Amazon since then. The online marketplace ordered 100,000 of Rivian's electric vans and said in December 2024 it had 20,000 Rivian electric vans in its delivery fleet. Amazon currently has a 15.6% stake in Rivian, according to FactSet. However, Amazon is also looking elsewhere to electrify its fleet. However, Rivian in November 2023 amended its agreement with Amazon to allow the EV startup to sell commercial vans to any other commercial customers. At the end of the third-quarter, Rivian said it expected Amazon to increase its delivery order of vans in Q4 and announced it had launched the Rivian Commercial Van platform for the commercial market. Meanwhile, Bernstein on Jan. 28 initiated coverage of Rivian with an underperform rating and a 6.10 price target, 52% below the current trading level. The firm believes Rivian has built a brand based on adventure and has the resources to scale it, but it faces slower market growth, rising competition and limits to the segments its brand can address. Bernstein analysts wrote that Rivian can succeed in its plan to reach more than 500,000 units by 2030, but that financial success for shareholders is not a given and that Rivian's breakeven is "years away" and the company is facing "mounting risks." The Ferrari Blacklist: What It Is And How To Avoid Getting Your Name On It Source: You've probably heard of the so-called Ferrari blacklist, which is essentially a list of individuals the Italian automaker won't sell cars to. Why does the list even exist? Well, Ferrari and its Prancing Horse logo have a carefully curated reputation, and it remains one of the most exclusive brands out there. You may argue that a car company has no right to tell you what to do with an expensive car you paid for, but it works. Ferrari is one of the , and most of its vehicles can be found in the garages of any avid car collector. You may own the car, but Ferrari owns the brand, and it will go to great lengths to protect it from people like Justin Bieber. Cars of the Weak™ Eric: 1969 Fiat Classic 500 - $16,250 (Best Write-up Award-Winner) Features Driven 4,000 miles Manual transmission Exterior color: Red · Interior color: Black Fuel type: Petrol Seller's Description: Divorced? Single? Lonely? Confidence taken a hit? Never fear, help is here! Cancel that Bumble account, put away those ED pills and grab this once-in-a blue-moon opportunity for permanent MoJo. In fact, once finished digesting this advert, I suggest hitting a furniture store and acquiring a new bed. You can transport it home in your size-substitution pickup and prepare to embrace your new life. Here in sunny Broad Ripple (46220), I offer you this fine 1969 Classic Fiat 500. Imported by myself from Naples (Italy, not Florida), this has been my (occasional) daily driver, and I am hoarse from shouting 'I have a girlfriend'. Powered by an eager 495cc, delivered to the rear (12”) wheel via an agricultural (it’s a 1969) 4 speed gearbox, fun and attention are a guarantee. Proud in Ferrari Red with a black interior, the bodywork is in perfect shape. Drives as smooth as your new girlfriends panties. Like a clown looking for a circus, I have decided, reluctantly to part with it. If it is listed, it is available. 'Is it available?' will be ignored. Low ballers will be forwarded to the MOJO Gods and you will forever sleep alone Daryl: 1957 Oldsmobile 88 Hardtop - $17,900 Seller's Description The 88 is a full-size car that Oldsmobile produced from 1949 until 1999 and was an image leader for GM when first introduced. It was one of the best performing vehicles on the market at the time due to its relatively small sized, lightweight, high compression V8 engine whose performance enabled the Olds 88 to be considered the first muscle car by some even though the title is disputed. Specific to the 1957 model year is the Golden Rocket 88 whose only badging was 88’s under each taillight. It was equipped with a 371ci Rocket V8 rated at 277hp. Styling highlights were more evolutionary than radical, with a three-piece rear window design marketed as the “Twin-Strut Rear Window.” This particular example is a two-family car that the original owner traded for a new vehicle in 1977. The original owner left his name & number for the 2nd owner and they became life-long family friends shortly after. In the early 80’s the 2nd owner repainted it in its original color of Banff Blue. The 2nd owner sold it back to the original owner (and his son) in 1987. The original owner gifted the car to his son in 2016 and his son has been the sole owner since. At just over 100,000 miles the current owner had the original Rocket V8 and 4 speed Jetaway auto transmission rebuilt and both run incredibly. Thanks for Listening! We're close to our 100th episode, so stay tuned for a special celebration.
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Episode 97 - From Mancave to Batcave
01/29/2025
Episode 97 - From Mancave to Batcave
In the heart of Washington, Illinois, lives a true automotive superhero who has turned childhood dreams into a reality. John Bisanz isn't just a car enthusiast—he's a real-life Batman, complete with a meticulously-crafted 1966 Batmobile that would make George Barris proud. In addition, John was one of the most hospitable guests we've ever had, and invited us into his garage/workshop/house combo that any gearhead would be proud to call home. A Passion for Purpose Bisanz's Batmobile is more than just a stunning replica of the iconic television show car that everyone knows and loves - it's a beacon of hope, serving a greater purpose through charitable work with and the . This isn't just a car—it's a symbol of joy and inspiration for many across the Midwest. When Bisanz cruises down the street, he doesn't just turn heads—he creates smiles. Children and adults alike are transported back to the campy, colorful world of the 1960s Batman series. From Lincoln to Legend Starting with a 1977 Lincoln Continental Coupe, Bisanz transformed the vehicle into a near-perfect recreation of the legendary Batmobile. Every panel, every detail carefully modified to capture the essence of the 1960s Batmobile. It's not just a car—it's truly a work of art on wheels. We talk about the history of the Barris Batmobiles and it's glamourous beginning as a Ford concept car from the 1950's to the Hollywood studio backlot of the 1960s. There's also some great legal drama thrown in there for good measure. But That's Not All The unique part about John is that he's not only a Batman fan, he's into all things automotive. He owns a supercharged Dodge Viper, a replica of Barney Fife's Ford Mayberry squad car from The Andy Griffith Show. He also owns a full-blown Dodge Challenger race car and a few other goodies. We sit down for a long chat to learn more about the man behind the myth. About Our Guest Fans can connect with our guest under his page, where he lists his upcoming events and has some great photo coverage. Local journalist Phil Luciano also did a great write-up of John's work in a 2023 article that we highly recommend. Give it a read whenever you have a moment. Catch the full story on this latest episode of Throwin' Wrenches Podcast!
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Episode 96 - Automotive Merger Mania
01/15/2025
Episode 96 - Automotive Merger Mania
Welcome to the automotive podcast that will not be merging with Honda, Nissan and Mitsubushi. In this week's episode, hosts Eric & Daryl dive into the transforming automotive landscape, from industry mergers to electrification challenges. News World News We break down the complex dynamics of the proposed and its implications for the automotive industry and consumers. We cover Understanding the recent work visa suspension and its impact on global expansion We offer analysis of Chinese automakers' growing influence in the European market National News We offer a tribute to in automotive safety and environmental regulations We recap Tesla's unexpected market dynamics: Examining and its market implications Supercar Spotlight We explore two highly anticipated releases: : A deep dive into what could be the most powerful Corvette ever produced! : Examining the controversy and potential of this ambitious EV revival. Projects Eric's Winter Projects Upcoming Western adventure planning and preparations Daryl's Winter Projects Progress on the brake system and an unexpected venture into cuckoo clock repair Cars of the Weak This week's spotlight falls on a meticulously restored 1998 BMW M3 Coupe with DINAN upgrades, representing the perfect blend of classic BMW engineering and modern performance enhancements. And Eric picks a that spent its life on Gilligan's Island. Connect With Us Join the conversation: Email: Leave a review where you can Support us on Visit our Sponsor Catch new episodes of Throwin' Wrenches on all major podcast platforms. Special thanks to for their continued support.
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TW 95 - Christmas 2024
12/22/2024
TW 95 - Christmas 2024
Welcome to the automotive podcast that enjoys bringing you a festive yule log. On this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches… He’s not a setup artist, but he is the guy responsible for this show. Please welcome Dustin "The Voice" Wickoff! As always, thanks for listening. To join in on the fun of the show, just email us at or post a review and we'll read it on the air: Good, bad or ugly! Sponsors Projects Eric has nothing new in the projects department, except for the fact that he's getting back to work after an annual pilgrimage to Italy. He didn't bring us back any prosciutto or anything, so he's persona non grata as they say. We also talked to his travel agent and learned that he's run out of frequent flyer miles and he can't take any more vacations until June, 2025. Meanwhile, Daryl's stuff is tucked away for the winter, which is great. Since Illinois antique vehicle license plates are good for 5 years at a time, all of the license renewals came in for the entire fleet of the Scott Auto Museum at once, so he got that ironed out, along with ordering new brake lines for the ‘55 Caddy. Lines and a master cylinder will be the last hurdle before he's able to drive the thing next year. And finally, our friend Dustin just bought a new car after an unfortunate incident involving a Nissan CVT transmission and a sound that went something like "ka-boink". We're happy that he chose something from the Ford family of fine cars with a conventional transmission. About Our Guest We could spend hours describing our guest for this Christmas show. He's a podcasting legend known throughout the world for his successful shows , , , and most currently, and . If you've never heard of any of these shows, make sure to click through the links above and give a few of them a listen. There's something in there for everybody because Dustin has a great many interests (from craft beer to collecting vinyl and enjoying live music to the appreciation of comedian Jim Varney's entire catalog.) It was one of Dustin's interests that ended up bringing Eric and Daryl together for the first time, and the shared chemistry ended up being the genesis of Throwin' Wrenches Podcast. We'll dive into what that first experience was, learn what other projects Dustin has worked on over the years, and why podcasting is such an enjoyable outlet for folks who consume media at an enviable pace. Christmas Wish It's our tradition to bring you a each year. While this episode is a little light on the yuletide celebration, it did bring 'the family' together again for a short time. We've been wanting to have Dustin on the show for many years, and we were finally able to connect and make it happen in 2024. Even after a few years without doing a show together, we stepped right back into it without missing a beat. We'd like to thank Dustin for being a great friend and inspiration for fellow podcasters everywhere. As we embark on 2025 and nearly 100 episodes of this goofy little automotive podcast, Eric and I would like to wish all of our friends a very Merry Christmas and safe, enjoyable holiday season. May Santa bring you all the car parts you asked for, and may you and your family have a Happy New Year. Thanks for your support, and we look forward to bringing you more content in the new year!
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Episode 94 - Fort's Trail Team 2024
11/08/2024
Episode 94 - Fort's Trail Team 2024
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Episode 93 - Panda versus Rambler
10/10/2024
Episode 93 - Panda versus Rambler
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Episode 92 - Electric Ferrari's and a Trike Showdown
09/04/2024
Episode 92 - Electric Ferrari's and a Trike Showdown
EPiSODE 92 Welcome to the automotive podcast that is keeping it cool… In the hot Midwest On this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches… Trikes! Eric seems to love them… So we race daily kill them! Are you down with byd?? Ya you know me Where is the world is Carlos? All that and more on This episode of Throwin’ Wrenches. Thanks for listening. To join in on the fun of the show, just email us at or post a review on itunes to be heard worldwide! SPOTIFY COMMENTS and polls Daryl wins on the best car of the weak against Jack Allison and i The food truck poll, hot dog carts are a universal win Sponsors Fort’s Toyota of Pekin PATREON - Thanks to our Patreon supporters. Welcome new members! I need to do the rundown with the magic mirror-like romper room! Musician Preshows Itunes Premium - people love it! Full integration into your apple podcast app. Projects Eric: Added to the fleet. Welcome to our new 2024 Prius! Aiden took old prius Celica has a check light… why do charge diag??? Thats dumb Daryl: Got my driveshaft done on Bork, the ‘69 Volvo. Runs great! Fuel leaks in Minerva the ‘55 Plymouth. I’ll sort it out. Drove Oscar the ‘47 Chevy last weekend for the second time this year. Still in love with how simple that car is and how good it runs. It also needs king pins and wanders on the open road… but don’t they all? RACE DAILY KILL! NEWS: WORLD: For the largest global automakers, profits in China have been hit by falling sales as consumers embrace electric vehicles from homegrown brands such as BYD, which last year supplanted Volkswagen as China’s bestselling carmaker. In July, EVs and plug-in hybrids accounted for over half of all cars sold in the country for the first time, while the share shipped to dealers by non-Chinese brands slipped to 33%, down from 50% two years earlier. Source: The Wall Street Journal Electronics Weekly By Posted on 12th August 2024 | Modified on 12th August 2024 Mitsubishi joins Honda and Nissan in EV tie-up Mitsubishi Motors has joined Nissan and Honda in an EV tie-upwhere all three companies share key components and software. Mitsubishi Motors has joined Nissan and Honda in an EV tie-upwhere all three companies share key components and software. Nissan and Honda announced an EV collaboration in March. Nissan CEO Makoto Uchida, Nissan says: “We are very pleased to welcome a new member to the strategic partnership between Honda and Nissan. Mitsubishi Motors has unique technologies and expertise.” Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe, said the industry is going through a “once in a century” period of transformation towards electrification and collaboration would help resolve related issues more quickly. Mitsubishi Motors CEO Takao Kato, said that collaboration is essential to future success in the automotive industry. Former Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn was scathing about the move: “I can’t imagine for one moment how it’s going to work between Honda and Nissan unless it’s a takeover, unless it’s a disguised takeover by Honda of Nissan and Mitsubishi with Honda in the driver’s seat. It’s going to be a takeover, a disguised takeover,” he told Automotive News. By: @ Motor1 One of the most controversial executives in the car industry is not afraid to call things as he sees them. After saying and in a "bad position" while describing the Renault-Nissan alliance as the 70-year-old fugitive now has something to say about the newly formed Honda-Nissan-Mitsubishi partnership. In a new interview with Automotive News, Ghosn said Honda is plotting a "disguised takeover" of Nissan and Mitsubishi. He believes that is by far the biggest of the three Japanese automakers, so it puts the company in the "driver's seat" to take control. Complete details about the new agreement haven't been fleshed out, but the former man in charge of Nissan argues that Honda will call the shots. Mercedes-Benz becomes the first foreign automaker to gain approval to test Level 4 autonomous driving technology in prototype vehicles on selected roads in Beijing. The approval, granted by the Chinese government, is described by Mercedes-Benz as a “crucial step” in advancing its existing Drive Pilot system to a level where it possesses full control from start to finish of any given journey where the conditions and autonomous regulatory framework allow. Source: NATIONAL: Stellantis is halting production for a week at the Trenton, Mich., plant that makes V-6 engines for the Jeep Wrangler and Ram 1500 Classic to whittle down a large backlog. The downtime is because of a need "to balance engine inventories with production," the automaker said. Stellantis has been adjusting its production output and laying off workers, in some cases, amid sliding sales and changes to its vehicle portfolio. Source: Swedish electric-vehicle (EV) maker Polestar moved one step further in avoiding major tariffs imposed on Chinese-made cars on Wednesday when the automaker said it began production of its Polestar 3 SUV in the United States. Steep tariffs recently imposed by U.S. and Europe on cars made in China have prompted many automakers to speed up plans to move parts of their production to other countries. Source: Reuters Ford and Mazda are telling customers not to drive certain older vehicles equipped with faulty air bags that were recalled years ago but never replaced by their owners. The warnings are an urgent reminder of the danger from the largest and most complex safety recall in U.S. history, affecting 67 million Takata air bags in tens of millions of vehicles. Even minor crashes can cause the affected cars' air bag to explode, sending metal fragments that can kill or produce life-altering, gruesome injuries, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Source: Axios Point, Counter Point Most states now levy a dedicated fee on electric vehicle owners. Some also have rolled back other incentives, such as New Jersey’s decision this year to restart sales tax on EVs. Or they have reconfigured registration fees to land more heavily on EVs, as in Maryland. The justification from both Democratic and Republican policymakers for making EVs more expensive is that states are staring down a budgetary cliff. The gasoline tax — long the backbone of transportation funding — has lost potency as vehicles become more efficient. Source: POLITICO “It’s more of an anti-electric vehicle policy than a road funding policy,” state Rep. Frank Hornstein, the Democratic chair of the Minnesota House Transportation Committee, said of states trying to make up gas tax revenue by charging EV owners. States face a balancing act: The more quickly drivers go electric, the more quickly gas tax revenues decline; the more states lean on EVs to make up lost gas tax revenue, the more it weighs down EV demand. “We’re not at a point where electric cars are in any way, shape or form quote-unquote ‘stealing’ from the gas tax,” Hornstein said. “We’re far from that. ... It’s a drop in the bucket.” Super Car News Search: Ferrari Electric Supercar: Everything We Know -elektek Ferrari's first-ever electric car should debut in 2025 and go on sale in 2026. Here's what we know about it. By: Ferrari is set to reveal its first electric vehicle by the end of 2025 and it should be a big deal for the Italian automaker. Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna says that the automaker's first electric car Vigna also pointed out the obvious—Ferrari's first EV "" Ferrari has been testing heavily camouflaged prototypes ahead of the EV's debut, but we don't really know if the test mules will resemble the finished product. What Will It Look Like? Ferrari has turned to and industrial designer Marc Newson to work on the car’s outside appearance. Our friends over at stated the following in regard to the vehicle's design: Our first look at Ferrari’s EV was hiding underneath a heavily modified Maserati Levante body with fake exhaust tips tacked on the back. But just because the prototype is an SUV doesn’t necessarily mean Ferrari’s EV will be one as well. It’s unclear what the final form looks like at this stage of its development, although we expect some light crossover-like features (like minor cladding and a slight lift). What Will It Sound Like? Like some other automakers, Ferrari wants . So, this means that it won't be virtually silent. Ferrari CEO Vigna previously stated, "Electric cars are not silent," but he didn't reveal what sort of non-silence we should expect from Ferrari's first EV. What Will Power It? Ferrari has been working with SK On, a South Korean vehicle battery manufacturer, and the two companies recently . So, it seems likely, though not guaranteed, that the batteries for Ferrari's first EV will come from SK On. We expect the EV to have at least two electric motors, but of course, there's room for more. Perhaps a top-level version will have three or even four motors. How Much Will It Cost? There have been some reports suggesting that Ferrari would price the EV at over $500,000 to start. However, Ferrari CEO Vigna said $500,000 was "a surprise" to him, so we expect a lower figure. It won't be cheap though. Our friends over at Motor1 suggest, "It’ll likely , which starts at around $250,000, but it could cost less than the ." That model starts at over $520,000. There's a lot of space between those two figures. We should find out its price when it debuts. Cars of the Weak Eric: 327-Powered Ford Roadster Street Rod This Ford Model A-style street rod is a steel-bodied roadster that was built at least two decades ago, according to the selling dealer. It is powered by 327ci Chevrolet V8 with a dual-quad induction setup, a Weiand intake manifold, and double-hump cylinder heads. The engine is backed by a Tremec five-speed manual transmission and a Ford 9” rear end, and details include a ’33-style grille, a Hilborn-style air scoop, a removable Carson-style top, and purple paint with pinstriping applied by Bob Behounek of Chicago, Illinois. The car rides on a tubular steel chassis with a four-bar front suspension setup, a dropped front axle, four-link rear suspension, Bilstein dampers and coilovers, Weld Racing 15” wheels, and four-wheel disc brakes. Trimmed in black vinyl, the interior is equipped with a Hurst shifter, Sony AM/FM/CD head unit, banjo-style steering wheel, and VDO instrumentation. Acquired by the selling dealer in 2024, this custom street rod is now offered with a clean Florida title listing it as a 1929 Ford. The channeled steel body and custom-fabricated tubular chassis are finished in purple, and pinstriping was applied inside and out by Bob Behounek. A ‘33-style grille was incorporated into the design, and a Hilborn-style air scoop protrudes through the hood. The front turn signals are mounted in the frame horns, and other details include a shaved exterior, tri-bar headlights, dual exhaust outlets, and aremovable Carson-style black top with an acrylic rear window. Staggered-width Weld Racing 15” wheels are mounted with 145-series Michelin XZX tires up front and 29×15.5” Hoosier Pro Street units out back. The suspension features a front drop axle with four-bar setup, a transverse leaf spring, and Bilstein dampers, while the live rear axle is suspended via a four-link setup, a panhard bar, and Bilstein adjustable coilovers. Braking is handled by four-wheel discs with a Wilwood proportioning valve and drilled rear rotors. The cabin features bucket seats trimmed in black vinyl with color-coordinated carpets. The integrated dashboard and center console are painted to complement the body. A Hurst shifter is topped with a cue-ball knob, and a Sony AM/FM/CD head unit is connected to four speakers. Damage is noted on the door and side panels, which can be viewed in the gallery. The banjo-style steering wheel is mounted to a tilting column, and a bright metal bezel houses VDO instrumentation consisting of a 120-mph speedometer, a 7k-rpm tachometer, and gauges for oil pressure, coolant temperature, voltage, and fuel level. The five-digit odometer shows 19k miles. The trunk houses the fuel tank as well as tubbed wheel houses, and the lid is lined in purple upholstery. The carpeting is discolored and frayed along the seams. The 327ci Chevrolet V8 was reportedly sourced from a 1964 Corvette and features double-hump cylinder heads, a Weiand high-rise intake manifold, dual Holley carburetors, and an aluminum radiator. Polished headers flow into a coated exhaust system with electrically actuated cutouts. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a Tremec five-speed manual transmission and a Ford 9” rear end with 4.10:1 gearing. A safety loop surrounds the driveshaft. The car is titled as a 1929 Ford using the VIN A96020329. Video Gallery Bid on This Listing Current Bid USD $8,600 by Time Left 18 hours, 35 minutes, 20 seconds Bids 14 Place Bid 2,167 views 331 watchers Share BaT Essentials Seller: Location: Listing Details Chassis: 19k Miles Shown 327ci Chevrolet V8 Dual Holley Carburetors Exhaust Headers & Cutouts Tremec 5-Speed Manual Transmission Steel Body & Tubular Chassis Purple Paint Black Removable Top Weld Racing 15" Wheels Four-Link Suspension Bilstein Dampers & Coilovers Four-Wheel Disc Brakes Black Vinyl Upholstery Hurst Shifter Sony AM/FM/CD Head Unit VDO Instrumentation Daryl: 1976 Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon - $21,995 Source: 1976 Cutlass Salon! Very rare model with the manual transmission only 964 ever made!! Yes the mileage is correct only 16,000 original miles! For more information you can drop a comment down below send me a message on here or feel free to call or text me directly. 267 Olds V8 5 speed
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Episode 91 - Food Truck Frenzy
07/24/2024
Episode 91 - Food Truck Frenzy
EPiSODE 91 Welcome to the automotive podcast that does not require a special license to listen to… unless you live in australia. On this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches… Want some shaved ice? A hot dog? How about a hamburger? We might have a business opportunity for you. AI is taking the wheel… Literally Sideshows and joyrides… It must be summer. All that and more on This episode of Throwin’ Wrenches. Thanks for listening. To join in on the fun of the show, just email us at or post a review on itunes to be heard around the world! SPOTIFY COMMENT! About your hosts: Daryl Scott - If dicks-list were a bingo card… he would surely be screaming bingo a few times a season. He’s got too many cars and too few shows… But that wont stop him from looking for a new show whip Eric Stahl - If you’re hungry for adventure, the man across the studio from me is your sherpa. Outdoor adventures, off-roading trips, autocross racing or just grilling up some spicy breakfast tacos. He’s the Indiana Jones of Illinois… he’s Eric Stahl. Sponsors Fort’s Toyota of Pekin PATREON - Thanks to our Patreon supporters. Welcome new members! I need to do the rundown with the magic mirror-like romper room! Musician Preshows Itunes Premium - people love it! Full integration into your apple podcast app. Thanks for listening. Thanks for sharing. Thanks for commenting. THANKS FOR REVIEWING!!!! 33 Five Star Reviews can't be wrong? Projects Eric: Oil leak on Treehugger. Don’t use universal tools!!!! Ready for colorado 2 sets of tires for 2 cars… im broke Throttle body cleaning on green celica. Daryl: Working on the Volvo driveshaft. Enjoying my junk for the time being. Solara brakes DONE. Top FIXED. Interior CLEANED. NEW SEGMENT! ONe time only! Full Time, Part time or Side Hustle. We joke all the time about our retirement job. More often than not, we find ourselves looking being a Good Humor salesman… Remember them? They all have wheels… And some of motors… so it all counts for Throwin Wrenches. Similar style to Race Daily Kill… I want to know what your opinions are on these three different levels of food trucks… Would you quit your day job and make this the full time gig… Maybe its something you might do part time? What about a straight side hustle? What are your choices for… Full time, Part time or Side Hustle? (A side hustle is a secondary job or small business that someone has in addition to their main career to earn extra money or fulfill a passion. Side hustles can offer more freedom and control than part-time jobs, allowing people to choose when and how many hours they work, and to pursue activities that align with their interests. Some people may eventually turn their side hustle into their primary career.) NEWS: WORLD: All Cars in Europe To Be Fitted With Speed-Limiting AI Tech Due to New EU Rule The system slows the vehicle by temporarily reducing engine power rather than applying the brakes suddenly. Taking from the New York Sun, which is so laden with popups and subscribe buttons… I had to switch sites!!!! This next part is lifted from teh US SUn page! ALL cars will now have to be fitted with speed-limiting AI tech due to new EU rules. The new gadget can, in some cases, slow the vehicle down for you if it catches you breaking the speed limit. Speed-limiting tech will be required on all EU cars from todayCredit: Getty Intelligent Speed Assitance (ISA) systems became a legal requirement for motors across the EU as a law passed two years ago came into effect on July 7. ISAs make use of AI, GPS data and even onboard cameras to assess your speed in real time as you drive along. The system will then intervene if you go above the limit it has worked out for the road you are on. For example, the system can assess things like road markings to determine whether you are in a 20mph or 30mph zone. From there, there are three types of ISA which firms could opt to install, with each offering different levels of intervention. First of all, informative ISAs only result in a and sound to alert the driver that they are breaking the limit. One level up from that is the supportive ISA, which works by increasing the upward force on the accelerator pedal to try and make it harder for drivers to speed up. Finally, intervening ISAs are the most active, with the system actually , whether the driver wants it to or not, until it goes back under the limit. NATIONAL: As sideshows gain popularity, police try a range of tactics to stop them in their tracks JUNE 26, 20245:00 AM ET HEARD ON Depending on where you live, you may have already heard of street takeovers: impromptu events, usually at night, in which drivers of muscle cars take turns doing donuts in intersections for cheering crowds. In Alabama, the police refer to it as "exhibition driving." Birmingham officer Mark Jones says it's hard to miss. "You can see the smoke from them burning their tires from several blocks away," he says. Police say the phenomenon grew during the pandemic, but it isn't new. Filmmaker Yakpasua Zazaboi encountered it 25 years ago as a young man in Oakland. Californians call the events "sideshows," and he says it helps to understand the original slang. "When you see young fellas pulling up in their cars and they're trying to look cool," he says, "the way that you kind of lean back and towards the side -- it was generally called 'sidin.' " And he says the sideshow is just a show of show-offs. People showing off their souped up cars, along with elements of style and fashion. He says it was "love at first sight" for him. "[It was] hundreds if not thousands of black faces, all getting along together, all having fun in the middle of the night," he says. But sideshows also disrupt traffic, disturb neighbors and endanger lives. Spectators make a game of crowding in as close as they can around the spinning cars, and the resulting collisions are prime viewing on social media. For coastal automobile dealers, contingency planning for severe tropical weather is muscle memory. But higher insurance premiums are an added pain point this year, some said. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts an 85 percent chance of an above-average Atlantic hurricane season. It expects 17 to 25 named storms. Dealers told Automotive News they are confident in their hurricane readiness, though they plan to closely monitor the weather. Source: Local News: Stolen car joyrides lead to multiple underage arrests in Peoria by: Posted: Apr 23, 2024 / 04:22 PM CDT Updated: Apr 23, 2024 / 04:22 PM CDT SHARE PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — Three 15-year-olds are now in the Peoria Juvenile Detention Center and one in the hospital after officers stopped two cars that were reported stolen early Tuesday morning. According to a Peoria police news release, officers saw two cars traveling south on Western Avenue around 4:30 a.m. One was excessively speeding and the other car following had a missing passenger window. Both cars were reported stolen. One car stopped near AutoZone on W. Proctor while the other continued south. Three 15-year-old boys were inside the stopped car. Officers detained and interviewed the three at Peoria Police Department before they were charged with possession of a stolen motor vehicle and possession of a cannabis. The driver of the stolen car was also cited for no driver’s license. ADVERTISING The second car attempted a left turn on SW Jefferson Street. When the driver saw police, he abandoned the car and ran. He was taken into custody after a brief chase, being taken to a local hospital for a hurt ankle. When released, he will be arrested and taken to the Juvenile Detention Center for possession of stolen motor vehicle, fleeing and eluding, reckless driving, obstructing police and possession of burglary tools. Super Car News Search: Australian Supercar Drivers Will Need Special License South Australia state will require anybody with a car with more than 0.168 hp/pound to take an additional test. Orad and track BY PUBLISHED: JUL 16, 2024 4:00 PM EDT Younger drivers in the United States are already familiar with the restrictions brought by graduated licensing, with the grindingly slow graduation from provisional, probationary, or intermediate status to the glorious freedom that comes with a full license. From that point onwards, you are free to drive any car you can afford and insure. Now one Australian state is set to impose new restrictions on all drivers wanting to drive the most powerful cars, regardless of their age or level of experience. From December this year, anybody in South Australia wanting to operate what is categorized as an Ultra High Powered Vehicle (UHPV) will have to take and pass an additional test to earn a new U-License. Failing to do so will result in a fine of up to $2500 Australian if caught in a qualifying car; that’s nearly $1700 at current exchange rates. Get caught a second time and you face up to a year in jail. Earning the U-License will be done through an online training course followed by a test; there is no practical element to prove any level of driving skills. Much of the course is reportedly dedicated to explaining the function of active safety systems. Cars of the Weak Eric: . das Daryl: 1991 Buick Reatta Convertible - $20,000 Gateway Classic Cars of Atlanta is proud to present this 1991 Buick Reatta convertible. Its red exterior is turns heads while the tan leather interior offers a touch of elegance and sophistication. Under the hood a 3.8 liter V6 engine paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. This Reatta is equipped with power features including power brakes power locks power seats power steering and power windows all designed to provide you with a convenient driving experience. For your comfort the Reatta comes with air conditioning and the AM/FM radio provides a variety of entertainment options for your journey. The manual convertible top is easy to operate allowing you to enjoy the open air at a moments notice. The car also features seatbelts. The leather interior adds a touch of luxury to this classic car. This 1991 Buick Reatta convertible is a blend of classic style and modern convenience offering a unique driving experience. Dont miss the opportunity to own this classic Reatta.
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Episode 90 - CARSTAR Peoria
07/07/2024
Episode 90 - CARSTAR Peoria
EPiSODE 90 - You might be my lucky… Car Star? (ITs a working title!) How about… The show that knows Jack? Or… You dont know Jack… But soon you will? Welcome to the automotive podcast that will not be talking about Justin Timberlake’s DUI On this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches… We sit down with Jack Allison at his Autobody & Collision Repair shop, CARSTAR of Peoria and talk autobody. Rivian is going MAX at Pikes Peak. Elon is comparing himself to john lennon… And not in a good way. All that and more on This episode of Throwin’ Wrenches. Thanks for listening. To join in on the fun of the show, just email us at or post a review on itunes to be heard around the world! Sponsors Fort’s Toyota of Pekin CARSTAR of Peoria PATREON - Thanks to our Patreon supporters. Welcome new members! I need to do the rundown with the magic mirror-like romper room! Musician Preshows Itunes Premium - people love it! Full integration into the Thanks for listening. Thanks for sharing. Thanks for commenting. THANKS FOR REVIEWING!!!! 33 Five Star Reviews cant be wrong? Projects Eric: Aidens RAV4… Insane to think I picked up 2 factory fit foglights with wire… with bulbs for 40 bucks. Tie Rod was bad… Was making a hell of a racket! Its like new. 1996 celica is leaking oil… badly! Time to pull it in the shop and do the maintenance that is overdue! Daryl: Volvo is in the shop ready to get driveline work, but it’s TOO DAMN HOT. I love my foam cannon. I need to get a shorter pressure washer wand though. Getting the ‘55 Plymouth ready for a little road trip to Western Illinois Saturday. Oil, filter and lube. Something we never hear today. What happened to non-greasable suspension parts? NEWS: WORLD: Car dealerships hit with second day of massive computer system outage Source: A second cyber incident at data provider CDK Global, whose software is used at 15,000 auto dealers, continued to slow operations to a near-standstill Thursday at US and Canada dealerships, the company said in a message sent to dealers. On Wednesday, CDK spokesperson Lisa Finney said in a statement shared with CNN: “We are actively investigating a cyber incident. Out of an abundance of caution and concern for our customers, we have shut down most of our systems and are working diligently to get everything up and running as quickly as possible.” Later that day the company announced that most of the critical computer systems were back online. But Thursday morning, the company sent dealerships another message indicating things had a taken a turn for the worse. CDK operates numerous different products that car dealers use to handle things like keeping records of negotiated deals to scheduling and communicating about service. Not every dealer uses CDK’s products, and even those that do may not use them for everything, but the system shutdown has been a problem for many. This is a big deal, even locally. Our competition is hamstrung by it NATIONAL: Local News: Rivian will race the new 1,025hp Ascend Quad Max R1T at Pike’s Peak this week | Jun 18 2024 - 1:26 pm PT electec Rivian’s new high-powered Ascend Quad Max R1T variant will race up Pike’s Peak, one of the longest-running and most difficult races in the world, this weekend. The Pike’s Peak International Hill Climb is one of the longest-running races in the world, being held 102 times since 1916. It’s a famously difficult race, starting at an already-high 9,390ft (2,862m) in elevation and finishing at 14,110ft (4,300m), with an average 7.2% vertical grade. Until 2011, the track was largely unpaved on dirt or gravel roads, and it is not uncommon for cars to leave the track and crash into the woods or, worse, end up tumbling down the mountain. The race is also commonly stopped by rain, snow, fog, or other inclement weather of the type you commonly get at the top of mountains. In particular, the high altitude nature of the race (which earned it the nickname “Race to the Clouds”) has always been difficult, because at high altitudes there is less oxygen, which means less complete combustion of fuel. This means that gas-powered race vehicles need to have incredibly oversized engines to do well. That difficulty does not apply to electric vehicles since EVs don’t need oxygen for combustion, so for years EVs have overperformed in the race. Currently the all-time record for the 12.42-mile hillclimb is 7:57.148, . And this year, , and Hyundai is , hoping for a record among EV crossovers. Rivian’s entry is a little less wild than those, consisting of what seems to be a stock R1T – but with Rivian’s new upgraded “Ascend Quad Max” trim,. This ups the torque and horsepower to 1,198lb-ft and 1,025hp respectively, much higher than the previous 835hp top-spec. CAR STAR INTERVIEW WITH JACK ALLISON Carstar was previously known as Midwest Auto Salon. They are located in North Peoria near “Auto Row” What is your history with this business? Were/are you a “car guy”? How many staffers? Are there levels of service with body shops? Equipment? ADAIS? How do you train? Let’s talk about tech and how that’s affected the training required for collision repair. (IE: reprogramming bumper sensors, calibrating everything, resetting 10 airbags after a crash, etc.) Let’s talk about environmental concerns (shift to water-based paints, isocyanates, etc) and how they impact the autobody/collision repair industry. Lets talk about insurance companies. How much of the business is driven by them? Who's the best? Who’s the worst? Warranties? Why is rust repair so tricky? Famous or cool rides worked on ??? What’s one thing you wish everyone would understand about your industry? Shill other businesses???? Bar? Accounting? Tiktok?? lol Super Car News Search: Lexus to launch Vantage-rivalling V8 supercar with up to 600bhp Supercar - likely called LFR - will be made to homologate Toyota GT3 racer; is expected to weigh around 1300kg is set to launch a new V8-engined supercar as a rival to the likes of the and Mercedes-AMG GT and a spiritual successor to the legendary LFA. Parent company Toyota’s hardcore GT3 GR concept car, revealed in 2022, has now evolved into a prototype that has been spotted running at Spa-Francorchamps, and its Gazoo Racing motorsport division is expected to have it ready for top-flight competition – including the – in 2026. FIA homologation rules dictate that any GT3 racer shares its basic body design with a related road car, so a toned-down version of the GT3 GR is expected in showrooms within the next two years. Moment of Musk Elon Musk claims ‘two homicidal maniacs’ have tried to kill him, compares himself to John Lennon By NEW YORK POST Patrick Reilly Published June 19, 2024, 5:24 p.m. ET “Two homicidal maniacs” have threatened to kill Elon Musk in the past seven months, the Tesla CEO claimed at a recent shareholder meeting, while comparing himself to the slain Beatles legend John Lennon. During the question and answer portion of the electric vehicle company’s annual shareholders meeting last week, Musk said his high profile has put a target on his back — just like Lennon. An anonymous shareholder asked Musk what he’s doing to make sure he stays healthy and safe, to which Musk acknowledged he should maybe start working out to avoid being “assassinated.” Musk then revealed that Tesla “ actually did have two homicidal maniacs in the last roughly seven months come to aspirationally try to kill me, and a bunch of other people — so it’s not just me. “And then there wasn’t like an actual issue that they articulated, they were just in the homicidal maniac career, so I do need to be kind of careful,” Musk said Musk said he’s been forced to “be a bit more standoffish” as a result and has stopped signing things for fans who come up to him in public. Musk then compared himself to Lennon — who was notoriously shot and killed outside the Dakota Apartments in Manhattan in 1980 by Beatles superfan Mark David Chapman moments after Lennon signed an album for him. “I will endeavor to stay alive,” Musk said. Cars of the Weak Eric: Ever since the Bradley Car show a few years ago I have been intrigued by the Vanderhall. There was a tan one there with some antiqued accents and it gave that British roadster vibe. I have been smitten ever since! 2020 Vanderhall venice gt $21,500 About this vehicle Driven 2,700 miles Automatic transmission Exterior color: Red · Interior color: 1 owner Seller's description 2020 Vanderhall Venice GT in perfect condition. Features heater, heated seats, Bluetooth capability. Windshield wings and rearview mirror have been added. 4-cylinder turbo charged, traction control, cruise control. Totally want to drive one of these sometime. WHY ARE THESE ALL AUTOMATICS?!?!?!?!? Daryl: 1968 Ford Custom 500 2-Door Sedan Current Bid: $950 Source: 1968 Ford Custom 500 2-Door Sedan -V-8 Engine -Runs and drives well -Blue repaint -Front bench seat has some use wear -Clear title -VIN# 8G52F128290 -Odometer Brand Exceeds Mech. Limit *Reduced online buyers premium of 15% on this lot* JACK: 911... Nuff' Said
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Episode 89 - The Chevy Malibu Blues
06/15/2024
Episode 89 - The Chevy Malibu Blues
Welcome to the auto podcast that is looking for supercars…. In Portugal On this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches… We are singing the Mali-Blues Three Words… RACE DAILY KILL Portugal joins the world of sports car producing nations All that and more on This episode of Throwin’ Wrenches. Thanks for listening. To join in on the fun of the show, just email us at or post a review on itunes to be heard around the world! Sponsors Fort’s Toyota of Pekin CIRSCCA - 29 th and 30th of june PATREON - Thanks to our Patreon supporters. For a meer few bucks a month... You get cool swag and extra episodes. iTunes Premium - people love it! Full integration into the Thanks for listening. Thanks for sharing. Thanks for commenting. THANKS FOR REVIEWING!!!! 33 Five Star Reviews cant be wrong? Projects Eric: Celica near-breakdown in ottawa - tensioner installed incorrectly!!! Daryl: Bork is broke. Nearly put the driveshaft through the floor thanks to a center support bushing that disintegrated. Limped it home and need to drop it all and measure to get the correct parts. Hagerty said Volvo 140 series cars are up 15% in value these days, so I should probably repair it. RACE | DAILY | KILL There are 9 generations of Malibu to pull from… How do we choose the best for Race Daily Kill??? 1964 Malibu SS 1978 Malibu Sedan 2024 Malibu RS (9th gen) Engine 283 V8 3.3l V6 1.5l Turbo HP 220 95 163 @ 5700 RPM wheelbase 115 108 111.4 weight 2987 3000 3200 lbs Top speed 109 101 130 NEWS The Chevy Malibu, the brand’s last sedan, will end production By , CNN CNN — The Chevrolet Malibu, the last sedan still sold by General Motors’ biggest selling brand, will end production this year, the company announced. Malibu production will end in November as the factory that builds it, the Fairfax Assembly Plant in Kansas City, Kansas, is reconfigured to build a new generation of the Chevrolet Bolt EV. With the Malibu’s demise, General Motors’ mainstream Chevrolet brand will sell only trucks, SUVs, and the Corvette, a two-seat sports car, in the United States. Fake Airbags, Real Consequences: Used Car Dealership Faces $400,000+ Penalty May 7, 2024 A customer discovered a device in their car that concealed that the airbag had been deployed. A used car dealership in Wichita, Kansas, previously fined for failing to inform a customer that the vehicle they purchased had a deployed airbag, now faces a penalty of approximately $418,000. This comes after the discovery that an additional 13 customers were sold vehicles without airbags. The information was obtained by the from the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office. The issue surfaced when a customer discovered an airbag simulator device in their car, which concealed the fact that the airbag had been deployed. The dealership, now prohibited from operating, is owned by Kayode D. Ajibolade and Abidemi M. Aluko. Ajibolade stated that customers are informed about the vehicle’s accident history and that they do not guarantee anything regarding the airbags. He also mentioned that the dealership was previously fined $20,000 in 2019 due to inadequate legal representation. The recent case was initiated after a man from Olathe discovered that the car he bought for his daughter had deployed airbags. The court has revoked CarNation’s business license in Kansas and issued a permanent injunction preventing them from selling any motor vehicles in the state. All New U.S. Vehicles to Have Automatic Emergency Braking After 2029 May 3, 2024 The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said that all new vehicles sold in the U.S. must be equipped with automatic emergency braking systems by September 2029. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) this week said that all new vehicles sold in the U.S. must be equipped with automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems by September 2029, reports Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a spike in pedestrian traffic deaths, with 2023 seeing a fatality rate higher than any pre-pandemic year since 2008. In 2022, the number of pedestrian deaths rose by 0.7%, marking a new record since 1981. With the passage of the 2021 infrastructure law, NHTSA was directed to implement standards for AEB. After 2029, all cars and trucks must be able to stop and avoid collision with vehicles in front of them at a speed of up to 62 mph. In the event that collision with a vehicle is imminent, AEB must be applied at up to 90 mph. When a pedestrian is detected, AEB must be applied up to 45 mph. NHTSA claimed that the new rule will save 360 lives each year and prevent 24,000 injuries. In 2016 a voluntary agreement was made by 20 automakers, stating that they would make AEB standard on nearly all U.S. vehicles. In 2023, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that all 20 automakers have followed through thus far, having equipped 95% of their products with AEB. Protect your bond: Navigating the effects of rising temperatures on adhesives May 28, 2024 In the summer of 2023, the United States witnessed record-breaking heat waves that underscored a trend of increasingly hotter summers. This climatic shift not only challenges our daily comfort but also puts specialized products like adhesives under unprecedented strain. Adhesives play a critical role in various industries, particularly in automotive collision repair, where their application and strength are crucial. Understanding how extreme temperatures and humidity can impact adhesives is essential for maintaining their efficacy. explores the science behind adhesive performance in scorching conditions and provides a comprehensive guide to safeguarding your bonds against the summer heat. Understanding the 2023 temperature surge The summer of 2023 has been marked by extreme heat across the U.S., with temperatures frequently soaring above historical averages. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), numerous regions experienced temperatures that exceeded the 90 degrees F mark, significantly affecting the performance and application of adhesives. This trend toward hotter summers is not new but reflects an ongoing climatic shift that demands adaptation and informed product usage. Summer's toll on adhesives Understanding how temperature and humidity affects adhesives is just as important as identifying the proper adhesives for your application. “High temperatures can drastically reduce working times, while elevated humidity levels can affect cure rates, especially in one-component products,” says Parker Lord’s Leif Hansson, Fusor - OEM and Automotive Aftermarket Technical Account Manager for North America Adapting practices and selecting products with these factors in mind is a necessity to ensure durable repairs and applications. NEW SEGMENT! Super Car News Search: We have been maligned in the past for digging around the virtual junk heaps of the automotive digital arena for content for the show. Yes… Mid-80s domestics do come up too often here! In this new segment.. We will type in the words “Super Car” in a Google news search and then serve you up the freshest news from the bleeding edge of the industry. This week's candidate… Portugal's first dip in the Super Car arena… The Adamster (Not to be confused withAdam Ant or Ant Music) Furia. FURIA! Hypermasculine naming rules the segment and Furia screams of testosterone injection systems. That said… Can you be Vin Diesel and fit in one of these cars? I always felt these were for the Richard Hammond-sized guys? Here is a link to the Robb Report… I do not go to this sight… EVERY. I thought Robb Report was for casual browning at Barnes and Noble. I feel fancy reading a 20 dollar magazine while my wife browses for some soft core disguised as high art. What a weird bit of writing these guys have. Reviewer, Bryan Hood, must have a second monitor with Thesaurus.com up when he writes reviews. The review mentions Christiano Ronaldo. A hot Portuguese actress? Google says… Soccer Player. Seriously? Who are we advertising for? The hottest Portuguese woman I can find on a quick search is Nelly Furtado. That would be a good reference… For me anyway… How about saying this car “is like a bird”? Or how about… “Whoa Nelly, this chassis can take flight”? Mills? Is that some kind of reference to Engine? When I say “Motor”... I get made fun of. If I say “Mill” I feel like I am opening myself up for attack by the Quaker oat man. Grunt? Thats in reference to HP. Maybe there is an old English Thesaurus? Add this to the list of other great named makes from Portugal. ALBA, Moment of Musk Elon Musk lobbies on X for his $46.5 billion Tesla pay package By Kate Conger and Jack Ewing NYTimes News Service | Saturday, June 1, 2024, 12:05 a.m. Elon Musk, Tesla’s CEO, offered a personal tour of the electric carmaker’s factory in Austin, Texas, to select shareholders this week. “Please let us know if you have any questions about voting your Tesla shares!” Musk wrote on X, the social media platform he owns. 88 Mil a week. Can't argue with that! Cars of the Weak (All Italian edition?) Molto Bene! Eric: Im going APE! First… I was thinking cool little convertible would be nice… How about a 3 wheeler with a sidecar? That would be cool. How about a TUK TUK? Do they sell them in the US? Google says … YES! Ali baba says I can get them for 1800 bucks. Ummmm Not sure that is show up to human scale. Google also says… Texas Tuks Tuks has some! Used classics are cool… Then I found the new! This one has tap handles??!?!?!?! I could side-hustle a beer tap truck!Wait… They have a cafe Tuk Tuk!!!! Hold the phones! They have a whole damn cafe!!! This is how bad ideas get started… I just stare stepped myself from a 10k used TUK to a 33K cafe model!!!! WTF??? Anyone want a Cafe and a Bagette with Brie? That’ll be $14.75. Do that 2372.88 times… And I will have it paid off! Maybe this is not a great idea??? Also… This APE thing… I didnt know APE was a name synonymous with Tuk’s Daryl: 1971 Alfa Romeo Montreal - $87,500 Source: Alfa Romeo received a tremendous honor in late 1966 when it was selected to create a conceptual exhibit of man’s aspiration for the automobile at the 1967 International and Universal Exposition, held in Montreal. Alfa assigned coachwork duties to Bertone, and the project was spearheaded by Marcelo Gandini, the young designer who had leapt to the forefront of the automotive imagination with the Lamborghini Miura. Two identical prototypes were prepared for the exhibition, and Gandini did not disappoint. Channeling many of the same cues that made the Miura so innovative, the new Alfa was wide and low with a shark-like nose extending through a curved fender and shoulder haunches into a truncated tail. The headlight “blinds” and stacked horizontal vents on the C-pillar were attractive, as well as futuristic in concept. Strong customer interest prompted Alfa to develop a production version, which continued to be based on the respected 105 Series chassis, as with the Expo show cars. A new direction was taken for the model’s engine, however. Discarding the 105’s standard twin-cam inline-four, Alfa’s engineers installed a modified version of the competition-pedigreed V-8 from the Tipo 33 Stradale prototype race car. Featuring aluminum alloy construction, dual overhead-cam actuation, and a dry-sump lubrication system, the advanced racing engine provided the new production model with nearly unprecedented power for an Alfa road car. Just 3,925 examples of the appropriately named Montreal were built between 1971 and 1975. It is estimated that as many as 100 examples had made their way to American shores as recently as a few years ago. The landmark design on the resume of the great Marcelo Gandini features one of Alfa Romeo’s most legendary motors, and the Montreal has arguably grown to be Milan’s most iconic road car of the 1970s. According to its Certificato di Origine, this gorgeous 1971 Alfa Romeo Montreal was built on July 29, 1971, and destined for the Italian market. Imported to the US in 2018, the car is a recent Alfa Romeo Owners Club Concours award winner and is offered with its tool kit, certificate of origin, RIAR Homologation Certificate, papers, and literature. Finished in its original color combination of Rosso over Nero interior, it is very well-presented and restored to original specification. The paint and bodywork are quite attractive overall, with just a few minor blemishes picked up from use on the road. Panel fit is quite good, and the detailing is crisp and well defined. A set of proper Campagnolo alloy wheels provides the finishing touch.
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Episode 88
05/03/2024
Episode 88
Welcome to the auto podcast that did not buy a Bentley Continental last week… On this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches… Sony and Honda are making waves with legacy automakers Subaru leaves a lasting Legacy Spring is in the air… and so are auto theft joyrides Thanks for listening. To join in on the fun of the show, just email us at Sponsors Special thanks to our supporters. Projects Eric explains how a trailer toilet works, rattles off some rally time with his son, Aiden, and recaps this year's It sounds like a really cool event and may be worth checking out in 2025. Meanwhile, Daryl is tracking down some tires for his 1947 Chevy Fleetline and preparing for some spring cleaning on all the daily drivers. He needs to get a good coat of wax on everything. News Tesla’s $939 Billion Valuation Lead Over Toyota Is Almost Gone Source: Tesla’s edge over Toyota narrowed to about $83 billion before the start of regular US trading Tuesday. After the close, the electric-vehicle maker is expected to report its first decline in quarterly revenue in four years and a 40% plunge in operating earnings. Toyota has drawn criticism for biding its time on cars entirely powered by batteries and wagering that consumers will be more open to its gas-electric hybrids. Its strategy has paid off in recent months as EV sales growth has slowed. Dealers Raise Concerns About How Scout, Sony Honda Mobility Will Sell Vehicles Source: A group of state dealer associations is pressing Honda Motor Co. and Volkswagen Group not to sell planned electric vehicles from Scout and Sony Honda Mobility outside of the country's franchised dealer system. The Automotive Trade Association Executives, in perhaps the most public display of frustration yet, addressed the issue in a full-page ad in the April 15 issue of Automotive News, calling out both automakers as well as Scout, a brand formed by Volkswagen Group, and Sony Honda Mobility, a joint venture between Sony and Honda that is developing electric vehicles under the Afeela brand. Here are the 5 least expensive EVs in the first quarter Source: Big discounts to move electric vehicles off dealership lots means consumers have a selection of vehicles priced below $41,000. Automakers and retailers offered huge incentives — sometimes five-digit discounts — to sell EVs that lingered on dealership lots for more than 100 days in the first quarter of 2024. They are trying to overcome consumer worries about EV driving range limitations, a lack of public charging stations and high prices. The price-cutting strategy is not sustainable long term, said Stephanie Valdez Streaty, director of industry insights at Cox Automotive. [caption id="attachment_4084" align="aligncenter" width="786"] Photo Credit: Subaru[/caption] 2025 Subaru Legacy to mark end of brand's midsize sedan Source: Subaru said it will end production of its oldest U.S.-built model, the Legacy sedan, after the 2025 model year, citing a shift in consumer preferences away from cars to crossovers and SUVs. The Japanese automaker also said Tuesday that it plans to produce eight electric vehicles globally by 2028. Ending Legacy output at a plant in Lafayette, Ind., would presumably free up capacity for Subaru to produce at least one of those EVs in the U.S., helping it to potentially qualify for EV consumer tax credits. Traffic deaths topped 40,000 last year as NHTSA looks to reduce distracted driving Source: More than 40,000 people were killed last year in traffic crashes, according to released Monday, remaining above pre-pandemic levels but slightly down from their peak in 2021. Traffic deaths spiked in 2020 and again in 2021 and have since declined slightly. Still,they are up 25% since 2013, and the Governors Highway Safety Association found that pedestrian deaths reached in the United States in 2022. The NHTSA said that “distracted driving,” an issue that has grown in urgency with the ubiquity of smartphones, resulted in 3,308 deaths and 289,310 injuries in 2022, and 3,522 deaths in 2021. The agency released the data to coincide with the launch of an April campaign to spread awareness about distracted driving called “Put the Phone Away or Pay,” which hopes to scare people away from texting and driving, but which some advocates call an ineffective waste of resources. Stolen car joyrides lead to multiple underage arrests in Peoria Source: Three 15-year-olds are now in the Peoria Juvenile Detention Center and one in the hospital after officers stopped two cars that were reported stolen early Tuesday morning. According to a Peoria police news release, officers saw two cars traveling south on Western Avenue around 4:30 a.m. One was excessively speeding and the other car following had a missing passenger window. Both cars were reported stolen. One car stopped near AutoZone on W. Proctor while the other continued south. Three 15-year-old boys were inside the stopped car. Officers detained and interviewed the three at Peoria Police Department before they were charged with possession of a stolen motor vehicle and possession of a cannabis. The driver of the stolen car was also cited for no driver’s license. The second car attempted a left turn on SW Jefferson Street. When the driver saw police, he abandoned the car and ran. He was taken into custody after a brief chase, being taken to a local hospital for a hurt ankle. When released, he will be arrested and taken to the Juvenile Detention Center for possession of stolen motor vehicle, fleeing and eluding, reckless driving, obstructing police and possession of burglary tools. Moment of Musk I want my XTV Elon Musk’s X Launches TV App as It Pushes Video Ambitions Source: Elon Musk‘s X platform is continuing its video push, launching a dedicated app for smart TV sets. The X video app launched Tuesday, with the company touting a handful of key features, including a trending video algorithm, artificial intelligence-powered trending topics and cross-device compatibility, so users can start watching on their phone and continue watching on TV. The X TV app will not have any ads at launch, according to a note sent to the company’s corporate partners Tuesday. “We’re focusing on launching this new feature for consumers first, but we do plan to monetize it, and will discuss different forms of partnerships — and that may include ads,” the note said. The company also posted a preview video of the video experience, providing a brief glimpse of the TV app. The videos included in the preview video included Tucker Carlson’s interview with Vladimir Putin and footage of a SpaceX rocket lifting off. SpaceX is also owned by Musk. Video has emerged as a key priority for X, which is led by CEO Linda Yaccarino, a veteran NBCUniversal advertising executive. In addition to letting users upload their own videos, à la YouTube, the company also cut deals with some third parties, like a multiyear deal with Range Media Partners. That deal included a show hosted by sports personality Jim Rome, with the tech company also unveiling shows hosted by Tulsi Gabbard and Don Lemon. Cars of the Weak Eric: - 1997 Toyota Corolla II (JDM) $5,145 Source: Car from Japan for the win this week… Searching for Toyota models from 1928 to 1999 with a max value of 5k. 96 cars showed up… Lots of weird stuff… and one cool hatch. You might be more familiar with this model as a Tercel. Sold in the US with a 2 or 4-door option without the hatch. Daryl: 1958 Pontiac Bonneville - $15,900 Source: Original Colorado barn find. That's all the ad says. Maybe it's a scam. Maybe it's a cool 50's car that should come to the Scott Auto Museum. That's all for this week. Thanks again for your support and we'll catch you on the next episode!
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Episode 87 - Bridges and Bentley's
04/07/2024
Episode 87 - Bridges and Bentley's
Welcome to the auto podcast that is pondering the question… Do you still want an EV? On this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches… EV’s… Are they still hot? Eric buys a Bentley. Rivian has some new ideas All that and more on This episode of Throwin’ Wrenches. Thanks for listening. To join in on the fun of the show, just email us at or post a review on itunes to be heard around the world! Sponsors Fort’s Toyota of Pekin PATREON - Thanks to our Patreon supporters. Welcome new members! Itunes Premium - people love it! Full integration into the Apple Podcasts Ap. Thanks for listening. Thanks for sharing. Thanks for commenting. THANKS FOR REVIEWING!!!! 33 Five Star Reviews cant be wrong? Projects Eric: Trailer antics for the eclipse Celica title in hand Celica for the weekend. Daryl: In the home stretch for the basement remodel. Most of it anyway. Fixed brake lights on my ‘55 Plymouth, and got the Fury fired up again. Goal is to drive that more this summer and get the ‘55 Caddy going once I wrap this basement stuff. I’m on a roll, baby! NEWS WORLD: BMW AG said its top-end electric vehicles like the 7-Series sedans, X7 and Rolls Royce Spectre will drive profit this year, even as faltering global demand weighs on broader EV sales. The German luxury-car maker expects its priciest models to be key contributors to a 8% to 10% margin for its automotive segment, in line with its long-term target. BMW sees overall sales increasing slightly. Source: Bloomberg Nissan has a Rogue problem — and it's turning to an old playbook to fix it. Even as 2024 Rogues are dropped off at Nissan stores this month, Edmunds data shows that the brand's dealerships have as many as 24,000 previous model-year crossovers on their lots. Nissan has a "big time" issue with its bestseller, said a retailer, one of a half-dozen interviewed by Automotive News. According to a memo obtained by Automotive News last week, Nissan is offering dealers $1,000 on each 2023 Rogue sold if they hit their March sales targets for the compact crossover, which vary by store. Dealers may count 2024 Rogue sales toward the goal, but the bonus is paid out only on last year's models. If dealers miss the target by even one vehicle, they don't get the bonus for any of them. Source: Automotive News China EV push leaves zombie factories in its wake Plants geared to petrol engines are mothballed as foreign carmakers lose market shareSource: In 2017, Hyundai invested $1.15bn in a new factory in Chongqing, south-western China, with the goal of reaching an annual output of 300,000 internal combustion engine cars. But six years later, the rapid switch by Chinese consumers to electric vehicles has stalled sales, forcing the carmaker to sell the factory in December for less than a quarter of the investment value. “The Chongqing plant continued to be in the red and China’s auto market is grappling with oversupply,” said Lee Hang-koo at the Jeonbuk Institute of Automotive Convergence Technology, a South Korean research group. “No one was willing to buy the plant at a high price.” That plant is one of the hundreds of zombie factories that analysts are predicting over the next decade in the Chinese car market, the world’s biggest across sales, production and, since last year, exports. In 2023, China produced 17.7mn internal combustion engine cars, a 37 per cent fall from its peak in 2017, according to data from Automobility, a Shanghai consultancy. While some older factories will be repurposed for plug-in hybrids or pure battery electric vehicles, others will never produce another car, posing a problem for both foreign and Chinese companies. Many carmakers in China, Russo said, ultimately faced two choices: “Leave the factory mothballed or crank out some volume and send it to Russia, send it to Mexico.” That’s right, China is now doing the same stuff other countries used to do to China. NATIONAL U.S. automakers General Motors and Ford will reroute affected shipments after a bridge collapse in the U.S. shuttered the Port of Baltimore, but the companies said on Tuesday the impact will be minimal. The Port of Baltimore is the busiest U.S. port for car shipments, handling at least 750,000 vehicles in 2023, according to data from the Maryland Port Administration. Motor vehicles and parts accounted for 42% of all Baltimore port imports. Source: Reuters CAR FROM JAPAN The Biden administration moved Wednesday to throttle pollution from the nation’s cars and light trucks, imposing tailpipe emission limits so stringent they will compel automakers to rapidly boost sales of battery-electric and plug-in hybrid models. Though the near-term requirements were eased after pushback from automakers, the Environmental Protection Agency’s mandates would nevertheless require manufacturers to make a rapid shift toward zero-emission vehicles. The National Automobile Dealers Association said the regulation outpaces consumer demand, adding the group is “highly skeptical that consumers will adopt EVs anywhere near the levels required.” Source: Electric vehicle owners are noticing vehicle tires wearing faster than those on gasoline-powered vehicles, according to the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Original Equipment Tire Customer Satisfaction Study. Findings from the study highlight EV owners having less satisfaction with the durability of their tires, expecting them to wear similar to gasoline-powered vehicle tires. However, EV tires naturally wear quicker because of greater vehicle weight and higher torque. Source: The average interest rate on auto loans for new vehicles was 7.2 percent in the fourth quarter of 2023, up from 6.1 percent a year earlier, according to Experian. The average used-vehicle auto loan charged 11.9 percent, up from 10.4 percent a year earlier. Cox Automotive Chief Economist Jonathan Smoke told Automotive News anticipation of future rate cuts hurts today's auto market. Source: Automotive News Stellantis uses ‘mandatory remote work day’ to cut 400 white-collar jobs Source: White-collar workers at Chrysler-parent have reason to be nervous if they ever receive a company notice telling them it’s mandatory that they work remotely on a particular day. That’s what to 400 or so of their colleagues on Thursday. They were informed via a notice that the next day the carmaker would be “holding important operational meetings that require specific attention and participation." "To ensure everyone can effectively participate," the notice continued, "we have decided to implement a mandatory remote work day." Employees, it indicated, were “expected to work from home unless otherwise instructed by your manager.” The Car Dealership Guy account the notice on Thursday. The workers in question were salaried, nonunion employees in technology and engineering in the U.S. During the remote meeting on Friday, they were informed that they were being laid off. The automaker—which counts Jeep, Ram, Chrysler, and Dodge among its brands—said in a statement: “As the auto industry continues to face unprecedented uncertainties and heightened competitive pressures around the world, Stellantis continues to make the appropriate structural decisions across the enterprise to improve efficiency and optimize our cost structure.” At least they’re efficient. Moment of Musk The price of has doubled in the last month amid rumours that it could soon be integrated into Elon Musk’s X platform. The tech billionaire, who is a vocal advocate of the meme-inspired , has previously spoken of his plan to that incorporates messaging, marketplaces and online payments. On Monday, he shared an animation from X user DogeDesigner showing his former payments platform X merg ing with the social media app he took over in 2022. “The circle will be complete,” he commented. Cars of the Weak Eric: This 2010 Bentley Continental Flying Spur is powered by a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W12 that drives all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transaxle, and it is finished in Cypress Gray Metallic over beige leather. Equipment includes a Torsen center differential, 20″ twin-spoke wheels, a glass sunroof, bi-xenon headlights, soft-close doors, parking sensors, heated and ventilated front and rear seats, a rearview camera, a 12-speaker sound system, cruise control, four-zone automatic climate control, and infotainment with navigation. The seller purchased the car in December 2012 and has since added approximately 30k of the 39k indicated miles. This Flying Spur is now offered in California with the owner’s manual, a damage-free Carfax report, and a clean Hawaii title in the seller’s name. I love this car for a couple of reasons… Hawaii car. When does that ever happen? W12 engine. 6 liter. Yes, please 39,000 miles MSRP was 177,000 bucks. It qualifies for the additional 5% luxury tax (20,000 extra in tax!) Sold for 34,000!!! 14 years old… Thats 163K in depreciation… Only $11,642 a year! Or… Even better… $4+ per mile. (17 miles to COSTCO from my house… Roundtrip… 136 bucks in depreciation… plus gas) Daryl: 1947 Packard Custom Super Clipper Seven-Passenger Sedan - $42,500 Source: This is a pretty rare and very beautiful 1947 Packard Custom Super Clipper Seven Passenger. You don't see these to often because they only made 1,790 of them! This Packard was restored several years ago, but it still looks incredible! The black acrylic enamel paint still shines beautifully. The interior was completely restored as well using period correct fabrics and materials. The 356 cu in. straight eight cylinder engine runs like a Swiss watch. It was professionally rebuilt with only 500 miles on it currently. The complete brake system was also completely rebuilt 500 miles ago. The transmission is a three speed manual with electromatic overdrive, which was a pretty rare option. The chrome and glass are in excellent condition with the front and rear bumpers also having the custom center bars. It has the rare, four heater option and the front and rear radios as well! It was retrofitted with a modern alternator (original generator included) and an electric fuel pump. Asking $42,500.
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Episode 86
02/17/2024
Episode 86
Welcome to the auto podcast that is not trying to populate the world with narcissistic CEOs. On this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches… Historical Headlines! EVs are falling Hybrids are rising Find out what Ben Franklin and Elon have in common All that and more on this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches. Sponsors Our Supporters Projects Eric I am playing with fire on Bring a Trailer Celicas everywhere Camper wheel bearing redux Daryl Swap meets coming up My sale streak ended but I’ll probably keep buying more parts Solara brakes. Please make me do my Solara brakes in 2024 Historical Headline February 8, 1993 GM Sues NBC For Defamation over Exploing “Side Saddle Gas Tanks” [caption id="attachment_4042" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Image Credit: YouTube[/caption] NBC Admits It Rigged Crash, Settles GM Suit Source: In an extraordinary public apology, NBC said Tuesday night that it erred in staging a fiery test crash of a General Motors pickup truck for its “Dateline NBC” news program and agreed to settle a defamation suit filed by the automaker. “We deeply regret we included the inappropriate demonstration in our ‘Dateline’ report,” said a statement read by NBC News co-anchors Jane Pauley and Stone Phillips Tuesday night. “We apologize to our viewers and to General Motors. We have also concluded that unscientific demonstrations should have no place in hard news stories at NBC. That’s our new policy.” The apology, still being negotiated within five minutes of air time, was part of a settlement of a lawsuit GM filed Monday over film used in a Nov. 17 segment of “Dateline.” In its apology, NBC admitted that it had used incendiary devices to ensure that a fire would erupt if gasoline leaked from the truck being hit by a test car. The 15-minute segment was addressing critics’ charges that GM’s full-size pickup trucks built between 1973 and 1987 are unsafe because their gasoline tanks are on the sides of the trucks, outside the frame. GM has staunchly denied that the trucks have safety problems. News Used vehicle prices will fall 5.7% in 2024, expert says Source: Used-vehicle prices will continue falling this year, but affordability remains an issue for many buyers, said Jonathan Banks, vice president of product development and valuation services at J.D. Power. Speaking at the J.D. Power Auto Summit in Las Vegas, Banks said he expects used-vehicle prices will fall 5.7 percent this year, more than the 3.5 percent decline in 2023, as the market continues to recover from skyrocketing prices during the coronavirus pandemic. [caption id="attachment_4039" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Image Credit: Toyota Newsroom[/caption] Toyota to outshine rivals as more consumers opt for hybrids amid EV slowdown Source: U.S. hybrid sales have been rising as consumers balk at high EV prices and are anxious about the range of electric cars, especially in more rural areas, where there could be long distances between charging stations. Battery EVs are not as widely accepted in the Midwest as they are on the West Coast and other parts of the United States, Davis said. Shelley Zalis: More Women in Auto Retail is ‘Good for Business' Source: Car dealers looking to boost dealership profits might want to consider more inclusive hiring strategies. "If you want to add more revenue to your dealership, do the right thing. It's good for business," said Shelley Zalis, CEO of The Female Quotient, which seeks to advance equality in the workplace and raise the visibility of women across industries, including automotive. Amy Cuddy, a social psychologist and bestselling author, also challenged the auto industry to reimagine their power and how it is conveyed in the workplace. Side Note: Give the a try! Executives and employees from the Toyota Chicago Region have a show and it's pretty great. Taken from the view that women in the automotive industry have as they build careers in a traditionally male industry. Learn More at ‘Seismic shift’: driving unaffordable for many in US amid push toward SUVs Luxury vehicles, production cuts and soaring insurance prices have sent the cost of US car ownership out of control Source: The average new car today sells for nearly $49,000, and the average used car lists at more than $26,000 – representing a 31% increase for new cars and nearly 40% increase for used cars since 2020, according to from the industry group Cox Automotive. These increases have brought the total cost of car ownership to all-time highs in a country where cars aren’t really optional. And that’s despite the easing of inflation and the supply chain issues that snarled the auto industry during the pandemic. So why are consumers still getting squeezed? Here’s a hint: the automakers are doing great. By essentially coordinating an industry-wide production cut, the pandemic gave manufacturers power to demand mind-boggling prices for fewer cars, leading to record profits. As consumers adjusted their expectations, executives saw an opportunity to establish a lucrative new normal. Low inventory is an “opportunity to drive strong margins”, GM’s CEO, in 2022. Ford’s CEO, Jim Farley, went even further, declaring: “I want to make it extremely clear to everyone: we are going to run our business with a lower day supply than we have had in the recent past because that’s good for our company.” Brian Moody, a senior editor at Kelley Blue Book, a car industry publication, says automakers used the pandemic to shift product lines toward higher-margin products. Instead of small cars and base models, they pivoted to luxury cars and SUVs with fully loaded trims, which turn far greater profits per sale. That means “the less expensive the car, the fewer choices you have”, says Moody. Some commentators have called the trend “”. Efforts underway to form union at Rivian EV plant in Normal Source: A union with almost 600,000 members is seeking to expand its ranks by organizing thousands of workers who build electric vehicles and Rivian Automotive in Normal. The unionization effort has gained the attention of U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D - IL), who brought up the topic Wednesday during a meeting in Washington with Rivian founder and CEO RJ Scaringe. The International Association of Machinists (IAM) created a stating that workers at the plant are “demanding fairness, respect and a voice on the job.” Workers are being asked to sign authorization cards. If there’s enough interest, IAM will file a petition with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), which will hold a hearing to determine who at the factory would be represented by the union. The NLRB would then hold an election requiring majority support to form a union. Meantime, Sen. Durbin on Wednesday urged Scaringe to support the workers’ collective bargaining efforts. “Rivian took a chance on Normal, Illinois, and it has paid off. Illinois is a leader in electric vehicle production, but only because of the unrelenting efforts of Rivian and its employees,” Durbin said in a statement. “In meeting with Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe today, I reiterated my support for the company’s mission while reminding Mr. Scaringe that Rivian employees deserve the benefits and security offered by a union if they so choose,” Durbin also said. Moment of Musk Elon Musk Had Twins With His Top Neuralink Executive, But They Never Dated — She Explains 'He Wants Smart People To Have Kids, So He Encouraged Me To' And He's The Person She 'Admires Most In The World' Source: , the visionary behind Tesla and SpaceX, is also known for his distinct approach to family, as detailed in his biography by Walter Isaacson. The book sheds light on Musk’s rationale for having multiple children with different women, emphasizing his belief in the need for intelligent people to procreate. Shivon Zilis, a senior executive at Neuralink Corp. — a company Musk helped to establish — played a pivotal role in this narrative. Initially contemplating sperm donation for childbirth, Zilis was persuaded by Musk to consider him as the donor, a proposal that aligned with Musk’s advocacy for procreation among the intellectually inclined. “He really wants smart people to have kids, so he encouraged me to,” Zilis said. When faced with the choice between an anonymous donor and Musk, whom she greatly admires, Zilis described the decision as straightforward. “If the choice is between an anonymous donor or doing it with the person you admire more in the world, for me it was a pretty f***king easy decision,” she said. This arrangement, according to Zilis, was also perceived as something that would "make him very, very happy." Initially, she said that she didn't expect him to be very involved — he is the father to with two other women. In the biography, she explains she assumed he would take on a more "godfatherly" role to the twins. However, he has been actively involved in their lives. Trending: Here’s what Americans think you need to be considered wealthy. Their decision to have children together, despite not being in a romantic relationship, stems from Musk’s broader concerns about the global decline in population. He has frequently voiced the importance of reversing this trend, especially among those with high intelligence, viewing it as crucial for civilization’s survival. In July 2022, to express his commitment to addressing the underpopulation crisis, posting, “Doing my best to help the underpopulation crisis. A collapsing birth rate is the biggest danger civilization faces by far.” The post was just one day after Insider reported on court documents detailing how Musk and Zilis petitioned for their twins’ names to be changed to include Musk's surname and incorporate Zilis' last name into their middle name, according to Forbes. On Jan. 29, Musk took a significant step with Neuralink, the first successful implantation of a "brain-reading" device in a person, marking a milestone in merging human cognition with technology. This advancement, coupled with his unique approach to family, highlights his multifaceted strategy to foster a smarter, more capable future generation. Musk’s life, straddling groundbreaking technological innovations and personal choices like fathering children with "smart people," reflects his complex approach to solving global challenges, from combating population decline to pioneering brain-computer interfaces. Cars of the Weak Eric: 1994 Toyota Celica SS-I $3,100 Source: From the listing: This 1994 Toyota Celica SS-I is a right-hand-drive example that is powered by a 2.0-liter inline-four mated to a four-speed automatic transaxle and is finished in black over gray cloth upholstery. It is equipped with black-finished 18″ wheels, a sunroof, a rear wing, fog lights, power windows, air conditioning, and an Addzest stereo. The car was acquired by the selling dealer in November 2022 and imported from Japan to the US. This ST202 shows 83k kilometers (~52k miles) and is offered at no reserve with a Texas title. Daryl: 1956 Continental Mark II (Coyote Swap) - Current Bid: $51,000 Source: From the listing: This 1956 Continental Mark II is one of approximately 2,550 first-year examples produced and was modified under prior ownership in 2019–2020 with a 5.0-liter Coyote V8 mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and an 8.8” rear differential. Finished in black, the shaved exterior features narrowed chrome bumpers, flush door handles, and stainless-steel side moldings. A Heidts front subframe has been added along with a four-link rear setup, coilovers, 18” alloy wheels, and four-wheel disc brakes. The interior has been customized with brown leather upholstery, a full-length center console, Vintage Air climate control, Dakota Digital instrumentation, a Jensen touchscreen head unit, power windows, and power-adjustable front seats. Acquired by the current owner in May 2021, this modified Mark II is now offered on dealer consignment in Arizona with a Minnesota title. Thanks for listening, and we'll catch you on the next episode!
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TW 85 - Brockett Built
01/16/2024
TW 85 - Brockett Built
Welcome to the auto podcast that is talking stainless… and we're not talking cutlery. On this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches: Brockett Built is in the house! Actually, we are in his house. We are talking fabrication for the next hour with Marcus Brockett. You'll definitely want to stay tuned. Sponsors Thanks to for their continued sponsorship. We could not do this show without their support, so please consider supporting them if you're in the market for a new or used Toyota. Their service department is pretty amazing, too! About Our Guest Marcus Brockett Owner/Fabricator at Website: Instagram: Facebook: YouTube: TikTok: Email: Eric first met Marcus at an event in Pekin. He pulled up with a Lexus IS wagon that was a little chopped and appeared to be one of those dudes who would be an amazing addition to the “regulars”. Since then, they have been chatting at Fort’s Toyota over the years as he has been trying to get us to do a Supra exhaust. All the while Brockett Built, formerly known as Shade 12 Fab, continues to show off his technical and artistic skills with custom exhaust work on anything with 4 wheels. View this post on Instagram We spent a few hours in Marcus' central Illinois shop to learn more about his history, his current work, and where he wants to take his automotive parts fabrication business in the coming years. From custom Y-pipes and exhaust pieces for the , to SEMA Bronco builds, and even custom hunting knives... Marcus is going places with his many talents. Get to know more about him in this episode. Remembrance We'd like to pay our respects to the late a central Illinois automotive legend. We had the pleasure of and learned a great deal about the automotive sales business. George was a pioneer, a masterful businessman, and a wealth of knowledge about how to sell a quality product to the everyday consumer. We wish his family peace and comfort in the days ahead. Projects Eric Thought about a BZ4X Was the only person in America (or at least Central Illinois) to see the film Ferrari. Daryl Picked up a few NOS parts for the Cadillac this past weekend at a swap meet. Brake light switch modifications for the ‘55 Plymouth are first up to replace the hydraulic switch with a mechanical one for safety & reliability. After that it’s all in on the Caddy. Marcus Hunter series knife GX470 News VW Vehicles to Converse with Drivers via ChatGPT by Mid-Year Source: Volkswagen's voice assistant integrating ChatGPT into its cars will be able to converse with users in a back-and-forth dialogue by the middle of the year, the carmaker said on Monday as it presented the technology in Las Vegas. Volkswagen presented its first vehicles featuring ChatGPT, to be available for customers in North America and Europe from early in the second quarter of this year, at the CES electronics trade fair. Cars of the Weak Eric: 1979 Plymouth Volare Custom Source: This 1979 Plymouth Volare Custom sedan retains its new-car sale and rustproofing paperwork from Crowley Chrysler Jeep Plymouth of Forestville, Connecticut, and remained with its first owner until December 2023, after which the selling dealer acquired it. Medium Cashmere Metallic paint is accented by stainless trim and a color-coordinated full vinyl roof, while tan vinyl upholstery lines the front and rear bench seats. A 225ci Super Six sends power to the rear wheels through a three-speed automatic transmission, and the car is further equipped with 14″ steel wheels, new narrow-whitewall tires, power steering, power-assisted front disc brakes, air conditioning, and an AM radio. This Volare shows 2,400 miles and is offered by the selling dealer with the manufacturer’s literature, receipts, and a clean South Carolina title. Daryl: 1994 Lexus LS400 Anniversary Edition Source: This 1994 Lexus LS400 is one of 1,800 Anniversary Editions produced and is finished in Midnight Indigo Pearl over gray leather upholstery. It is powered by a 4.0-liter V8 paired with a four-speed automatic transmission and equipment includes 16″ Anniversary Edition wheels, Traction Control, fog lights, heated power-adjustable front seats, a power-operated sunroof, cruise control, automatic climate control, a Nakamichi Premium sound system, and a cassette stereo with a remote CD changer. The car was acquired by the seller in 2022 and it now has 87k miles. This LS400 is now offered at no reserve with a clean Carfax report and a clean California title in the seller’s name. Marcus 1985 toyota pickup sr5 4x4 5-speed Source: This 1985 Toyota Pickup XtraCab SR5 is a 4×4 example that has been registered in California since 1990 and was acquired by the current owner in 2020. The truck was repainted white with black graphics under previous ownership, and it is powered by a 2.4-liter inline-four linked to a five-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case. Additional equipment includes 15″ steel wheels, a suspension lift, front disc brakes, a spray-on bedliner, air conditioning, and an AM/FM stereo. Braking and power steering components along with the water pump, timing chain, valve cover gasket, and front main seal were replaced in preparation for the sale. This Toyota pickup is offered by the seller on behalf of the current owner at no reserve with an accident-free Carfax report and a clean California title in the owner’s name. Thank you for listening, and we'd like to wish Marcus Brockett the best in the coming years. Mark our words: This guy is pure talent. You'll definitely be hearing his name quite a bit. Special thanks for him for his hospitality.
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Christmas 2023
12/20/2023
Christmas 2023
Welcome to the auto podcast that is wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. On this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches… It's tradition It's Christmas We have some extra holiday cheer in the form of a list! Sponsors Learn more about Toyota Care Plus and Toyota Service Care packages are on sale for the holiday season. We couldn't do this show without your support. Projects Eric recaps his recent trip to Rome, Italy. It's way more exciting that Rome, Illinois. It's also his ancestral home, and he talks about visiting relatives, eating mountains of carbonara, and taking pictures of every unique Toyota he could find that the U.S. never sees. Rome…. To my favorote travel song. Meanwhile, Daryl is cleaning out the shelves of the Scott Auto Museum and selling stuff on eBay. Perhaps he'll make enough money to finish getting the '55 Cadillac running by summer. News Fear of Cheap Chinese EVs Spurs Automaker Dash for Affordable Cars Source: The rise of inexpensive Chinese electric vehicles has upped the pressure on legacy automakers who have turned to suppliers, from battery materials makers to chipmakers, to squeeze out costs and develop affordable EVs quicker than previously planned. Fears of slowing demand because EVs are expensive has increased urgency to reduce costs. Detroit touts first wireless-charging public road for electric vehicles in US Source: The Motor City can add a new claim to fame, as home to the country’s first wireless-charging public roadway for electric vehicles. On Wednesday, members of the news media got a chance to see it in action. A blue electric Ford E-Transit commercial van was able to charge as it moved over a quarter-mile stretch of newly paved 14th Street, a short distance from the towering Michigan Central Station, thanks to rubber-coated copper coils buried underneath the road surface. Why Electric Cars Could Soon Get Cheaper Source: Electric cars in the UK should finally become more affordable next year because new government rules will levy a fine of £15,000 per car if too few are sold. Under the zero emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which comes into force on January 1, manufacturers will have to ensure that 22 per cent of cars they sell every year are fully electric. The target will rise each year, hitting 80 per cent in 2030. If too few electric cars are sold, the manufacturer will either have to pay a £15,000 fine for each petrol, diesel or hybrid model sold above that threshold, or buy “credits” from rivals such as Tesla, which has an all-electric range. Car manufacturers such as Toyota and Ford will be under intense pressure to sell more electric cars, which account for only 16.3 per cent of the market according to the trade body, the SMMT. They are therefore expected to cut prices, making electric cars a little more affordable. Many people are put off by the price of an electric car, with only nine new models available for under £30,000, compared with 90 petrol or diesel models on sale for less than that price. NTSB Says Car Commercials Encourage Wreckless Driving. Source: Automakers often display a warning in commercials when showing a car executing incredible stunts: "Professional driver on a closed course. Please do not attempt." But with deaths from car crashes rising every year, experts are asking if that kind of boilerplate language, which more or less fades into the background as a vehicle burns rubber on the screen, goes far enough. Last month, , saying the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) should try to determine if there is a link between commercials that show unsafe driver behavior and real-world speeding or reckless driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which is part of the Department of Transportation and is distinct from the independent NTSB, says that deaths in car crashes increased 27% from 2012 to 2021, the most recent year for which it has reported data. "It's becoming increasingly accepted that contributing factors to the increase in road deaths over the last decade or so is largely due to bad driver behavior, or risk-taking behavior," said Zuby. Illinois Right to Charge Law Requires New Homes and Apartments to Support EV Charging Source: Under Illinois' Electric Vehicle Charging Act, new properties must be EV-capable starting in 2024. In addition, landlords and HOAs can't unduly restrict residents from installing EV chargers. Starting next year, new homes in Illinois will be required to support electric vehicle charging stations under a signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker on June 9. Passed by the legislature in May, the Electric Vehicle Charging Act requires any house or multiunit building completed after Jan. 1, 2024, to have "at least one EV-capable parking space for each residential unit that has dedicated parking." (The law also applies to existing multifamily residential buildings that are being renovated.) Originally, the measure required every spot to be fully EV-ready with a charger in place. That was eventually walked back to require them only to be EV-capable, with conduits that would allow a charger to be installed at a future date. Moment of Musk: Multi-Media version ! We share a very special encore of by Jen Fulwiler Worst Christmas Car Gifts Here's the holiday yule log everyone's been waiting for: Our list of the 3 words Christmas 'car" gifts we each received. Eric Radar Detector… Classic situation of a friend who ran a radio shack and supported the decision. 300 bucks later plus the addition of a 12 v splitter that looked like a cow milker… Angela murdered me in 1997. Portable vacuum - they all suck and not in the ways you want. Most of them get you a few uses before they won't charge, you lose parts or they are lost in the truck. Just throw out your garbage when getting gas and use the free vacuums on a cheap 6 buck wash every couple of months!!! The JSCARLIFE Universal Fry Holder for Cupholder - You can enjoy food in the car anytime and anywhere. It is also an excellent organizer of juice boxes, children's crayons, etc. It is convenient and fast, and you don't have to worry about food spilling. Daryl The Stanley Digital Air Compressor- It sucked. Broke the first week. Fixed the solder joints at the motor and it lasted 6 months before the battery peetered out. I smashed it to pieces. Those Seat Belt Cutter / Glass Hammer/ Escape Tools- I’ve gotten about 5 of them over the years. Never know where they end up, but they’re never in the car. Also, does anyone know someone who’s used one in a crash? EVER? The Dash Duster Wand Thingy - Swiffer or a Microfiber does just fine. Cars of the Weak Eric: 1985 Ferrari Mondial Cabriolet - $67,000 Source: From the listing: Clean title in hand. Clean Carfax report, no accidents or damages. 51,0620 original miles. Finished in classic Ferrari red with a beige interior and black convertible top. The Ferrari Mondial was built in Maranello, Italy, and designed by Pininfarina. The QV Cabriolet model was produced between 1983 and 1985 with a small production run of 629 units worldwide. Powered by a 3.0-liter V8 engine rated at 240HP with 4 valves per cylinder. The 4-seat mid-engine Ferrari is equipped with a gated 5-speed manual transmission, air conditioning, power brakes, power steering, power windows, solid wheels, and a soft top with a boot. Daryl: 1925 Ford Model TT Truck - $7000 Source: From the listing: Body is in great condition. Runs great but the transmission will need new bands Currently need to make space and I do not have time for it. Clear clean title in my name Located in Farmington, IL Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays Thank you for spending some time with us in 2023, and we appreciate your friendship. Take care and have a very happy & joyous holiday season!
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Episode 80 - Again, the Toyota Landcruiser 2024
08/29/2023
Episode 80 - Again, the Toyota Landcruiser 2024
see the prvious post. We are idiots
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Episode 80 - The Garage Days
08/27/2023
Episode 80 - The Garage Days
Would you believe that Eric almost lost the show? If you know Eric at all... You probably would believe it. As it turned out... This remote show was lost in the back of a 4Runner for a week before is was found. Fortunately, 100 degree temps didnt melt the memory card and lose this gem of an episode Episode 80 finds Eric and Daryl doing a live remote in the Scott Auto Museum of North Peoria on a pleasant summer evening. You will be soothed by the ambient droll of crickets and cicadas while tuned in. On this episode: Ford is in the software subscription game Polestar goes Chinese New car customers hate their door handles Projects Eric: Sold a car! 98 4runner is burning gas and the title is signed! OOH RAA! Camper madness Black Celica TRD wheels Daryl: Working through some brake work on the Fury. Essex got sold. I got sad. Gabe reminded me we can’t keep them all. Caddy is up next I swear. News Volvo Cars and EV startup Polestar will be tapping into an old U.S. trade program to import Chinese vehicles at a lower cost, giving the Swedish brands a competitive leg up. By using the U.S. Duty Drawback program, the Geely-affiliated automakers can recoup import duties and the 25 percent U.S. tariff assessed on the Chinese-made Volvo EX30 crossover and Polestar 2 sedan against exports of the U.S.-made Volvo EX90 and Polestar 3 crossovers, sources familiar with the matter told Automotive News. Source: The overall quality of new vehicles is deteriorating and nagging problems are on the rise, according to a new study from JD Power. The auto-industry research firm said more technology in cars is partially to blame. Quality declined year over year across all categories apart from driving experience. The two categories where problems increased the most were features, controls, and displays, along with infotainment. Source: Business Insider 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Returns to its Origin SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (August 1, 2023) – Legends never die. Toyota’s off-road icon and longest-running nameplate is making a triumphant comeback to North America for the 2024 model year, returning to its rugged origin Toyota’s longest-running nameplate returns to the North American market after a three-year hiatus and stays true to its heritage as a durable off-roader at a more accessible MSRP in the mid-$50,000 range Exclusively powered by i-FORCE MAX turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain that produces 326 horsepower, 465 lb.-ft. of torque Available 12.3-inch touchscreen displays latest Toyota Audio Multimedia system and Multi Terrain Monitor First Edition grade limited to 5,000 units for North America and comes equipped with round heritage LED headlamps, roof rack, rock rails, and exclusive interior design Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 standard on all models Ford Motor Co. sees revenue from in-car software services, like its hands-free driving feature, surging by 1,000% over the next few years. To harness that growth, the automaker on Monday said it hired Peter Stern, the former vice president of services for Apple Inc., to run a newly created technology-focused unit. Stern is tasked with growing Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free driving system, as well as developing other in-car services to sell to millions of owners. Source: At the NADA Show in Dallas this year, Damian Mills attended a presentation by the National Urban League on a new automotive technician training program it was launching with the car dealer association. Mills immediately decided to take part. The pioneering program in Louisiana brings together two organizations — the National Urban League and the National Automobile Dealers Association — and their diverse resources. The hope is to establish a nationwide network of auto technician training apprenticeships. Source: Automotive News Cars of the Weak Eric: Taking a note from my son.. I am going to pull the ultimate "flex move" at the boat ramp by driving my car straight into the lake or waterway of my choice... And then pulling away in my Amphicar! Its for sale for a cool 75 grand in Arkansas. https://www.facebook.com/tannersclassicautos Daryl: 1933 Packard Super Eight Club Sedan $18,000 Facebook Marketplace
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Episode 77 - Peoria Cars and Crisis
05/03/2023
Episode 77 - Peoria Cars and Crisis
Welcome to the automotive podcast that didn't find the cats on the last show…. but we did find a 1977 Panther. More on that later in the show. On this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches… The year… Was 1977 The Chevrolet Caprice outsells the F150? We’ll explain! Elon has a Chat GPT alternative Remember, you can always email us at or post a review on Apple Podcasts to be heard around the world! Sponsors This show is named in honor of one of the worst cars ever… Presenting The 1977 Panther 6 Base price: $52,000 / Engine: 8.2L twin-turbocharged V8 / Power: 600 hp From Ha! Just when you thought that you’d seen it all when it came to six-wheelers (see ), think again. The British-born Panther 6 is earlier (and therefore more original) take on the more-is-more school of thought and was believed to be a sign of future things to come at the time. Clearly, the idea of driving a car with 4 wheels over the front axle didn’t really end up picking up steam, despite the Panther 6 – having been equipped with a formidable 8.2L twin-turbocharged Cadillac V8 which produced over 600 hp – putting in a good word for it. Only two were ever made, further underlining the ultimate failure of both the car and its message had any resonance. Historical Headlines USA 1977: Chevrolet Impala/Caprice takes the lead, Ford F-Series now best-selling truck After two years of Oldsmobile domination, the Chevrolet Impala/Caprice takes advantage of its downsizing to become America’s best-selling vehicle and passenger car with a whopping 657,151 sales, up 45% on 1976. The Oldsmobile Cutlass is now #2 with sales still up year-on-year, but at a shyer 6% to 527,939 units. In the trucks ranking, the Ford F-Series climbs onto the pole position, and has never looked back since, holding the title of America’s best-selling truck for 34 consecutive years! Back to passenger cars to salute the 3rd place of the Ford LTD, up 5% on last year to reach 380,499 sales, followed by the Chevrolet Monte Carlo, down one spot to #4. There are 3 newcomers in the Top 10: the Ford Granada directly to 5th place with 355,186 sales, the Ford Thunderbird at #6 and 325,153 units and the Buick Century in 10th position with 279,657 sales. World News Porsche 356: 75th Anniversary” Celebrates the Sports Car’s Diamond Jubilee and Doesn’t Shy Away from the Model’s Dark Wartime Past Source: Gordon Maltby bought his first Porsche 50 years ago and his latest just this year. Between those two purchases, he has owned around three dozen cars from the sporting German marque. But he has always been fond of the 356. In fact, he wrote one of the first comprehensive books on the model, Porsche 356 and RS Spyders, in 1991, and for decades acted as the editor-in-chief of 356 Registry, the official magazine of the 356 owners’ club. "The 356, of course, is the original Porsche," he says. Now, Maltby has taken that longtime love of the brand and nameplate and assembled it all into a fascinating, well-written, and beautifully illustrated coffee table book, Porsche 356: 75th Anniversary (Motorbooks, $75). And it's coming out just in time for the bathtub-shaped sports car's diamond jubilee. The book's strength lies in its straightforward writing dosed with just the right amount of technical detail. It also benefits from comprehensive storytelling with plenty of insider anecdotes and delves deeply into the complex history of the manufacturing of the 356, an area that has not been substantially covered in previous accounts of the model's 17-year lifespan. "The book specifically is focused on the relationship between Reutter and Porsche," Maltby says, naming the local German coachbuilder (karosserie) that was responsible for constructing bodies for the 356 and executing the complex and innovative aluminum and/or steel forms. The book is also an excellent resource on the vehicles designed and engineered in the early years of the Porsche consultancy, in the decades before 1948 when Ferdinand and Ferry Porsche released the first car to bear their last name. "I think a modern Porsche enthusiast maybe doesn't have a very good idea of the fact that Ferdinand Porsche worked in the automotive industry for 50 years before the 356 was built." Ford's Oakville plant in Canada will build EVs starting in 2024 Source: Ford Motor Co. on Tuesday said the previously announced $1.3 billion transformation of its Oakville Assembly Plant for electric vehicle manufacturing will begin in the second quarter of next year and take about six months to complete. During that time some of the 3,000 workers at the Ontario, Canada, site will be furloughed, although the company expects to retain virtually all of the employees when the plant comes back online at the end of 2024. Furious drivers resort to stealing traffic cameras ahead of £12.50 daily charge Source: Sadiq Khan's Ultra Low Emission Zone scheme is already estimated to have raked in almost £250 million since it was first implemented in 2019 and more protests have been staged over its expansion. Seething Londoners have been reduced to stealing Ultra-Low Emission Zone cameras and cutting wires as fury mounts over the government's controversial expansion. Major Sadiq Khan is facing more backlash over his plan to include all 32 London boroughs in the idea dubbed a 'pure money-making scheme' by angry protestors. He yesterday defended his detested ULEZ project by claiming it will give men higher sperm counts because of the reduction in air pollution. From August 29, the enlargement will be rolled out meaning an estimated 700,000 more car owners must pay £12.50 daily charge to travel around the capital. ULEZ cameras are reported to have been ripped from their bases and damaged with claims some of the registration detection devices have had their wires cut. City Hall said in a statement: "As of 21 March 2023, there had been 31 instances of vandalism or theft to ULEZ cameras within the expansion zone. Within the existing zone, there had been 12 instances of vandalism or theft. National News Why Leasing an EV Might Be the Smarter Choice Right Now Source: Federal tax credits for electric vehicle (EV) purchases are about to disappear for many models under newly released IRS rules, but savvy shoppers are finding a workaround by leasing, rather than buying, their new car. Why it matters: President Biden's effort to expand EV adoption through newly revised tax credits is proving to be unworkable for many of today's models, creating confusion and frustration for automakers, dealers and consumers. Eric and Daryl break down the recent venue change for and the social media drama that unfolded. Tearing down one another isn't what we need to be doing in this hobby. The moral of the story is people should be more supportive when it comes to local events. If you've got a better idea, get involved or start your own event. Grinding the Gears What do Ice T, Allen Iverson, and Rick Flair have in common? They all pitch Imagine the scene: It's a barber shop anywhere in the United States. A barber needs advice on a repair for his car, so he asks his customer in the chair... Known automotive expert or acting as one… ICE T! What should he do? Thankfully, ICE T has the answer (not the answer answer. )The Answer must have been Allan Iverson's nickname. Do You remember Iverson? The guy who couldn't show up for “”. Suddenly, he now knows a lot about car warranties. If this commercial didn't go far enough into the d level celebrity ditch, another customer in chair chimes in... It's a crazy-eyed Rick Flair doing his best impression of former Democratic leader Howard Dean. YEAHHHHHHHH! Chris Berman is driving around the nation like he's the poor mans John Madden in his CarShield MegaBus doing the worst city tour since Wesley Snipes was a spokesman for H&R Block. OK… Eric made that part up. It would have been better than the Berman Bus! Cars of the Weak Eric: Porsche 911 Source: Facebook Marketplace Daryl: 1986 Dodge Aires LE Station Wagon - $6,999 Source: You can't go wrong with the classics! This vintage beauty is in mint condition with only 98k miles. Take a trip back in time with this wood-paneled station wagon. It will certainly have everyone talking! This car was on BaT and sold for $4,100. Catch you on the flipside!
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Episode 76 - The Cyber Truck and searching for lost Catalytic Converters
03/23/2023
Episode 76 - The Cyber Truck and searching for lost Catalytic Converters
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Episode 75 - Tech Talk with Regan - Lets talk techs
02/23/2023
Episode 75 - Tech Talk with Regan - Lets talk techs
Let's talk about tex baby... Or is that Techs? Eric and Regan go head to head and talk about the real state of the industry and what it might look like in 10 years. This is a real conversation these two have been having over the past few years and it has been building to a show. What do you think? Are we ready for the future?
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Episode 74 - Clarkson, Carlos & Uber Cars
01/31/2023
Episode 74 - Clarkson, Carlos & Uber Cars
Welcome to the auto podcast that you deserve. On this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches… Uber wants a car. Would you drive it? Are Renault and Nissan finally over Carlos? Will Jeremy Clarkson ever work again? All that and more on this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches. Thanks for listening. To join in on the fun of the show, just email us at or post a review on to be heard around the world Sponsors We couldn't do this without your support. Thank you! Feedback Thanks to and ARRow7 for sharing reviews of the show on . Your stickers are in the mail, friends! As always: Thanks for listening. Thanks for sharing. Thanks for commenting. Projects Eric shops for tires for Treehugger 3.0, and contemplates a mild lift at the same time. He also talks about his recent plumbing work. Daryl discusses the joys of plastic fasteners while replacing headlights in his Dad’s 2008 Saturn Vue. He also receieves his newly-restored Bendix power brake booster for the '55 Caddy. World News Nissan, Renault near rebalancing of alliance Source: Nissan and Renault are nearing a "historic" rebalancing of their auto alliance, with a deal likely to be announced in the coming weeks, a source close to the talks said Tuesday. The Japanese and French giants have been wrestling with a reshaping of their partnership for months, with discussions including a reduction of Renault's hefty 43.7 percent stake in Nissan. The pair joined forces in 1999, and were later joined by Mitsubishi Motors, but the union has been contentious, particularly in recent years. The source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Nissan's independent directors had "given their green light" to a deal, paving the way for a "historic" agreement. Final details are expected to be ironed out at a meeting in Japan on January 26, with the signing and an announcement the following week, the source added. A Nissan spokeswoman declined to comment on "speculation", but Japan's Yomiuri Shimbun daily also reported the deal was close to completion, and Jiji news agency said Renault's CEO would be in Japan over the weekend. Renault is expected to reduce its stake in Nissan to 15 percent, matching the size of the Japanese firm's stake in its French partner. Ghosn's Daring Escape Cost His Extraction Crew Their Freedom Source: The father and son sentenced to serve time in a Japanese prison for smuggling Carlos Ghosn out of the country in a large musical-equipment case were transferred to the U.S. a week ago, ending another chapter of the corporate saga involving the former chairman of Nissan Motor Co. and Renault SA. Michael Taylor, the father and a former U.S. Green Beret, and his son Peter Taylor were imprisoned last year after they pleaded guilty to helping the auto industry executive flee trial in late 2019 and make his way to Beirut. Ghosn was arrested in Japan in 2018 on charges of underreporting income and other corporate crimes, which he has denied. The Federal Bureau of Prisons flew both out of Japan late in October after the two governments agreed to let them serve the remainder of their sentences in the U.S., according to Peter, who was released soon after arrival. Michael is set to be freed soon, pending procedural matters, he added. A call to a spokesperson for the Tokyo prosecutors office was unanswered on Saturday. “It’s been a long time coming,” Peter Taylor said from Massachusetts, adding that he’s trying to regain some of the weight he lost in prison. “It feels great. It’s difficult to put into words.” With Ghosn out of reach — Lebanon doesn’t extradite its citizens — the pair’s situation became a proxy in Japan for Ghosn and his case. Greg Kelly, a former Nissan director who was detained on the same day as his boss, was exonerated of most charges and left Japan earlier this year. He is appealing the verdict. Michael Taylor received a sentence of two years while Peter Taylor was ordered to serve 20 months in prison. After spending time in jail in Japan, Ghosn was free on bail when he staged his escape. Ghosn traveled to Osaka’s airport on Dec. 29, 2019, by bullet train. From there, he was rolled onto a private jet that flew to Istanbul, where he switched planes and made his way to Beirut. The duo had apologized to prosecutors and Japan’s justice system, saying that helping Ghosn flee was a mistake. Michael Taylor has never denied his involvement in the escape, speaking in court last year about how he organized and carried out the brazen operation. Peter’s role is less clear. Amazon Likely to Part Ways With Jeremy Clarkson After Final Commissioned Shows Go to Air; ‘Grand Tour’ Host Sent Email Apology to Harry & Meghan Source: Amazon Prime Video is likely to be parting ways with Jeremy Clarkson mere weeks after his comments about Meghan Markle were published in British tabloid The Sun. Sources tell Variety that the streaming service won’t be working with Clarkson beyond seasons of “The Grand Tour” and “Clarkson’s Farm” that have already been commissioned. This means that the notorious “Top Gear” presenter likely won’t be appearing in any new shows on Prime Video beyond 2024 (though there’s every chance a final “Grand Tour” episode could carry over into 2025). Prime Video already has a number of shows in the works with Clarkson, which are going to go ahead, but the decision effectively means that “Clarkson’s Farm” will end with Season 3 (expected in 2024). It also means that motoring format “The Grand Tour,” one of Prime Video’s biggest shows, will also come to an end. Variety understands the series will conclude after four more special episodes — the last of which is expected to land in late 2024. In a lengthy statement posted to his official Instagram on Monday afternoon, Clarkson says, “I really am sorry. All the way from the balls of my feet to the follicles on my head. This is me putting my hands up. It’s a mea culpa with bells on.” The extensive apology for his December comments — in which Clarkson suggested Markle be made to “parade naked” through Britain while people “throw lumps of excrement at her” — comes a day ahead of a planned press conference for “Clarkson’s Farm.” (The promotional event for Season 2 of the show, launching on Feb. 10, was scheduled just days prior to Clarkson’s comments.) National News [caption id="attachment_3741" align="alignright" width="275"] Photo Credit: [/caption] Uber wants its future to have three-wheeled cars, face-to-face seats Source: Uber drivers don’t always need four wheels, front-facing passenger seats and top speeds over 50 miles an hour just to drive people or deliveries from one place to another in a city. So Uber is working with automakers to create custom-built cars for urban ride- hail and delivery work, Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said. Custom-made electric vehicles with three wheels, for instance, could “have a much smaller footprint in terms of environmental but also traffic flow” than typical passenger cars, Khosrowshahi said in an interview with the the Wall Street Journal on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The discussion is shown in a video . Uber has said that it will . Uber is to create a a car . In Uber’s custom ride-hail vehicles, Khosrowshahi said, passengers might sit facing one another to ease interaction rather than facing forward as occupants typically do in cars. Many cities, like New York, have low speed limits which make higher horsepower, and, in turn, large and expensive battery packs, unnecessary. Obnoxiously loud car? A traffic camera might be listening Source: After the relative quiet of the pandemic, New York City has come roaring back. Just listen: Jackhammers. Honking cars and trucks. Rumbling subway trains. Sirens. Shouting. Over the years, there have been numerous efforts to quiet the cacophony. One of the latest: traffic cameras equipped with sound meters capable of identifying souped-up cars and motorbikes emitting an illegal amount of street noise. At least 71 drivers have gotten tickets so far for violating noise rules during a yearlong pilot program of the system. The city’s Department of Environmental Protection now has plans to expand the use of the roadside sound meters. “Vehicles with illegally modified mufflers and tailpipes that emit extremely loud noise have been a growing problem in recent years,” said City Council member Erik Bottcher, who heralded the arrival of the radars to his district to help reduce “obnoxious” noise. New York City already has one of the most extensive noise ordinances in the country, setting allowable levels for a host of noisemakers, such as jackhammers and vehicles. A state law known as the Stop Loud and Excessive Exhaust Pollution Act, or the SLEEP Act, that went into effect last spring raised fines for illegal modifications of mufflers and exhaust systems. Most New Car Buyers Are Now Paying Less Than Sticker Price Source: A year ago, record tight inventories meant 80% of buyers were paying more than the manufacturers’ suggested retail price (MSRP), or sticker price, according to data from Edmunds. For decades, car buyers had been able to negotiate a discount. Today, only 36% of buyers are paying above sticker. After paying an average of $700 above MSRP in the spring, buyers paid an average of $300 less than sticker in December. Wyoming Pushes EV Sales ‘Phaseout,' But Senator Behind Legislation Shrugs at Its Prospects Source: Wyoming State Senator Jim Anderson sponsored a bill last week that, if enacted, would phase out new electric vehicle sales in the state by 2035. However, Anderson told Automotive News on Wednesday, he doesn't intend for it to pass, and he doesn't begrudge anybody buying EVs. The bill comes as a number of other states are moving in the opposite direction, eyeing the end of gasoline-powered vehicle sales in favor of electrics and plug-in hybrids. Local News Is it legal to ride in the back of a pickup truck in Illinois? Source: If you grew up in Illinois with someone who owned a pickup truck, chances are you rode in the bed of that truck at least once or twice. There are a lot of reasons one might ride in the back of a truck, especially since it can feel liberating to do so. But is it legal? Although there aren’t any specific laws banning passengers from riding in the cargo area, requires that everyone in the vehicle wears a seatbelt. Additionally, children under the age of 16 must be secured by a seat belt or child safety seat under the Child Passenger Safety Act. It’s also illegal to ride in a tow vehicle on a public highway, such as a trailer, semitrailer, or wagon. In other words, you cannot legally ride in the back of a pickup truck in Illinois, as there are no seatbelts to secure anyone riding in it. Other states also have restrictions on who can ride in the bed of a truck or trailer. For example, transporting anyone younger than 18 in the bed of a truck or on a trailer can face a fine between $25 and $200. Regardless of age, the risk of traveling without a seatbelt still exists, and drivers should be aware of how dangerous traveling with riders in the back of a truck or trailer can be. Cars of the Weak Eric: 2023 Winnebago Class B RV Solis 59P - $99,900 Source: 2023 Winnebago Solis 59P w/ Pop Top, 19’9”, No Slides, 3.6L V6 Gas, 2022 Ram ProMaster Chassis, 220 Watt Flexible Surface Solar Panel, Electric PS, Dash Air, Cruise, Radio/Rearview Monitor System w/ Touchscreen, USB Ports, Digital Rearview Mirror, Push Button Start, Full Speed Forward Collision Warning Plus, Pedestrian Automatic Emergency Braking System, Post Collision Braking, Crosswind Assist, Power Mirrors w/ Defrost, Slide/Swivel/Recline Cab Seats, Front Cab Air Mattress, Side Screen Door, Rear Screen Door, Aluminum Running Board w/ Pet Loop Attachment, Rod & Privacy Screen For Rear Annex, Exterior Wash Station, Truma Combi Eco Heating System, Eco Hot Water System, Heated Drainage System, Monitor Panel, USB Charging Ports, Zipped Window Coverings, 2 Burner Range Top, 3.0 Cu. Ft. (12V) Single Door Compressor Driven Fridge/Freezer, Sink, Dinette Seating (w/ Seatbelts), Removable Pedestal Table, Wet Bath w/ Swiveling Cassette Toilet & Shower, Murphy+ Bed w/ Slat Bed System, Movable Table, Deluxe Powered Ventilator Fan in Bedroom Area, Pop-Top Sleeping Area w/ Froli Sleep System, Sleeps 5, Nomad Interior (Beige), Weathered Teak Wood, Bright Silver Exterior Daryl: 1966 Dodge Coronet 500 Convertible - $54,998 Source: From the listing: Outstanding body! Laser beam straight, the gaps are precise. No rust or damage. The bright red paint is polished like glass. You would have to look really close to find a flaw. It even feels slick like teflon. Bright white power top. Our shop replaced the top cylinder and bled the system. We aligned the windows and repaired the regulators. The Magnum 500 wheels sparkle like new. They are wrapped in reproduction Wide Oval redline tires. Correct 383 big block with a 4 barrel carb. All stock including manifolds, valve covers, air cleaner etc. All the components look like new- alternator, wiper motor, master cylinder, distributor etc. T
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Episode 72 - 10 Pains and 12 EV Trucks of Christmas
12/24/2022
Episode 72 - 10 Pains and 12 EV Trucks of Christmas
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TW 71 - 2022 SCCA Nationals with Tim Oyer - Burning Teslas - Jay Lenos Garage Fire
11/27/2022
TW 71 - 2022 SCCA Nationals with Tim Oyer - Burning Teslas - Jay Lenos Garage Fire
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… We have a guest and it’s not Gabe Casey or Regan! Jay Leno has a fire, and Daryl has the details Teslas are burning after Hurricaine Ian 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 or post a review on and get yourself a snazzy Throwin’ Wrenches sticker. Sponsors Tim Oyer Interview We talk to Tom 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, it sounds like a great time for newbies to experienced drivers. News We talk 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 to not mix!?!?! Who woulda thunk that? Cars of the Weak Daryl Time to buy British! 1967 Ford Corsair 1500 Saloon £4,000.00 or $4755.40 (SOLD!) Source: 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 Eric 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 Tim Some kind of crazy oddball Mercury thing that exudes ooohs and ahhhhs. Because… Tim. –Thank you for listening and sharing this show. Catch you on the next episode!
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Episode 63 - Birthday Boys
06/12/2022
Episode 63 - Birthday Boys
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TW 62 - Jason Daily Interview
05/17/2022
TW 62 - Jason Daily Interview
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