Fully Chromed Corvette is Dazzling Sight To See!

by Andrea L. Algar
Motorheads Performance

I have to admit, I've always been a fan of chrome. Not overdone, because I think it can be, but just nicely decked out chrome in an engine compartment is exciting to see. Many people are attracted to chrome, and for one person, that meant finishing the entire car body in brilliant chrome!



Eye-popping Reflective "Chrome" Vinyl Wrap
Photo Credit: Restyling

Yes, the Lithuanian owner of this C6 Corvette had his ride chromed out with one of the new vivid vinyl wraps available in a wide range of eye-popping colors including chrome! (More about the trendy fad of wrapping in an upcoming article.) While this 'Vette isn't even available to buy in Lithuania, the owner is sure going to get a LOT of attention driving there with his attention-grabbing ride.

Love it or hate it, this car screams, "Look at me" at the top of it's lungs (and speaking of lungs, aren't you wondering just what he may have added under the hood!) His biggest problem, aside from fending off those who would love to stick this Corvette in their garage, is keeping the RPM's in check so the police don't have any more reason to pull him over!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.

Update On I-10 Driver Exceeding 135 mph Caught, Arrested And Facing Multiple Charges

by Andrea L. Algar
Motorheads Performance

Yesterday, I had referenced a local story about a driver involved in a high speed chase on Eastbound I-10 in Gonzales County, Texas. Today, there is an update to the story, and a 24 year old San Antonio woman is in custody and being held on a range of charges.

It has been reported that law enforcement officials from at least four counties along Interstate 10 came together to catch a woman who had been clocked doing speeds up to 135 mph, weaving in and out of traffic, using the shoulder at 110 mph, as well as exiting and re-entering the Interstate in attempt to allude officials. Initial reports that stop sticks were not used was updated with reports that Flatonia police did deploy stop sticks, but the driver was able to successfully avoid them. Also first reported as a black Honda Accord, more recent reports identify the vehicle as a Nissan Maxima stolen out of San Antonio.

In a strange stroke of luck, Ugonna Helen Nwogu, 24, of San Antonio, stopped at the same gas station as a Guadalupe County Trooper involved in the original pursuit. The Maxima rammed a parked car and re-entered the highway, but was apprehended on I-10 about a mile later.

"Nwogu is being held in Seguin on $78,500 in bond facing charges for evading arrest, unauthorized use of a vehicle, an accident involving damage to another vehicle, possession of marijuana (less than 2 oz.) and driving while intoxicated," reported the Gonzales Inquirer.

REFERENCE:
Gonzales Inquirer - Fate Intervenes in 135 mph Car Chase on I-10

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.

Some Drivers Just Love To Drive FAST Others Are Evading The Law

by Andrea L. Algar
Motorheads Performance

Texas has some of the highest speed limits in the country, with many portions of Interstate I-10 having 75mph posted speeds. But this apparently isn't fast enough for some drivers, as was evidenced around 6:45 pm Sunday night along a strip of I-10 in Gonzales County, where Motorheads Performance is located.



1970 Hemi Cuda


No, it wasn't one of the muscle cars we've upgraded with performance parts! It was an unidentified driver of a black Honda Accord. While speeds reportedly reached 135 mph, law enforcement officials from several counties frantically attempted to apprehend the driver. Their efforts were apparently unsuccessful as the evading driver skillfully outmaneuvered officials and alluded capture. As the driver passed into abutting counties on the eastbound lanes of I-10, the driver was reportedly weaving in and out of traffic, using the shoulder, as well as exiting and re-entering the Interstate. Stop sticks were not used, as fear of injury to innocent drivers kept officials from deploying them.

It is unknown why this driver was evading law enforcement officials, and it is not known whether the driver was ever captured. It does cause you to take pause, however. You could be innocently driving along a highway when you encounter a wreckless driver. What do you do? How would you react if a vehicle was weaving through lanes at dangerous speeds?

It also is good cause to pause and remember that public streets are not the place to vent your "need for speed". Remember, in Texas we're fortunate to have a number of great places where even street drivers are able to hop on a track for a few passes down the drag strip. Whether you've got need to satisfy your desire to challenge someone in a grudge match, or just want to see what you're ride is capable of, there are venues to flex your muscle safely and affordably. Guy Algar and I encourage you to visit an area raceway instead of engaging in illegal street racing. Try a day or night of fun at the San Antonio Raceway, or others across our state. 

Stay tuned for ourst of Texas raceways you might enjoy when driving weather returns this Spring!

REFERENCE / RESOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Classic Car News - Visit San Antonio Raceway For A Day Of Fun
Schedule - San Antonio Raceway

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.

Storms And Extremes In Weather Affect Classic Car Industry

by Andrea L. Algar
Motorheads Performance

There's no doubt that 2013 has started with a bang in terms of wild weather patterns across the United States. While some may argue the cause and whether it's all due to global warming or not, those of us affiliated with the classic car industry in certain areas of the country have seen a slowdown of activity, and it's not all financially motivated.

Boston's 2013 Blizzard "Nemo" Blanketed Boston With Snow
Reddit user "Foreverrrrr" Posted Photo Went Viral

What Guy Algar and I are hearing from callers across the country are stories of having to "wait for the weather to clear," before starting up or continuing a planned restoration project. We've also seen delays in part shipments which can really throw off a schedule. Huge amounts of snow has hit the Midwest and Northeast in the last couple of weeks, and this has caused projects to come to a screeching halt for some. Anyone from Boston was mesmerized by Blizzard Nemo, with flashbacks to The Blizzard of '78, and the record amounts of snow it dropped in Connecticut and across the entire Northeast. Hurricane Sandy hitting the Northeast earlier in the year, and odd weather in just about every corner of the country has many just waiting it out.

It has been a tough winter, and in some areas we've still got quite a way to go before warmer temperatures creep back. But, I think what we'll see is a big surge of activity from owners of classic cars, muscle cars, antique cars as well as old vintage trucks. After surviving difficult years like this, it only takes a few days of warm weather to get people thinking of hitting the road again.

Luckily, here in Texas, we usually experience mild winters that don't last too long. It allows us to continue work on repairs, upgrades and restoration work on our customer cars and trucks, and to prepare for what we believe will be a very busy spring.

REFERENCES:
huffingtonpost.com - Boston Blizzard PHOTO: Aerial View of City Post-Nemo

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.

Treat Your Sweetheart To A Ride In Your Classic Car or Muscle Car For Valentine's Day!

by Andrea L. Algar
Motorheads Performance

There's been a lot of talk about unique gifts you can give to your girlfriend or wife for Valentine's Day, but let's face it, most of them are just the same old box of chocolates, teddy bear or lingerie.  Not that there is anything at all wrong with any of these, but wouldn't you like to get extra points for something original and romantic?

Men sometimes miss the point that we don't actually mind the passion you have about the cars you love. It's often that we just feel left out of things, don't always understand "why" you love your car, and most don't understand the language. If you're ok with your woman's silly obsession with shoes, jewelry, clothes or accessories, she's capable of being tolerant of the time you spend with your ride. Showing you can involve her in an aspect of your life that is important to you at the same time you're giving her something that is thoughtful and romantic can be a win-win for all.

So why not give your best girl the chance to share what you like almost as much as her! Try a nice night out in the style of your favorite ride, whether it's your classic car, muscle car, antique car, or even your vintage truck. Take the time to think up a pretty drive route, even though it may be less direct. Dress up the event by having a destination that she'll love. Her favorite restaurant (or one she hasn't tried yet) will do just fine, but remember to get a bit dressed up so she can reciprocate and enjoy the chance to dress up special for you. Plan it right, and you'll have your chance to enjoy the lingerie later on!

Happy Valentine's Day!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.

Classic Car Theft Protection 101: Your Stickshift May Prevent Carjacking Or Theft!

by Andrea L. Algar
Motorheads Performance

It seems that driving a stick shift is a dying art. I've had this conversation with friends for several years now, and a story I read online today confirms what I've seen happening with teens emerging as young drivers. Many simply don't know how to drive a stick shift.


Manual Stick Shift
Photo Credit:
highperformancepontiac.com


The fact that would-be carjacker's efforts were thwarted because they couldn't figure out how to operate the clutch of a Corvette is a very good thing. The Orlando, Florida man was waiting for his wife outside the Orlando Regional Medical Center at 11PM one night when a group of young men attempted the carjacking, forcing the 51 year old owner out of the car and ordering him to get on the ground. But, they couldn't figure out that they needed to punch the clutch in order to start the car, and ended up abandoning their efforts.

Meanwhile, last month a video surfaced of a daytime carjack attempt of a pickup truck where the driver didn't know how to get the manual transmission into reverse and gave up, fleeing the vehicle in frustration.

Inspired by Keeping Our Rides Safe, my series of articles on preventing vehicle theft, owning and driving a vehicle with a stick shift could very well be an excellent form of theft protection! European drivers still actively drive stick shifts, which account for over 50 percent of auto sales, but for Americans, it seems as if our move towards having everything done for us has taken over with our driving. It is estimated that less than 10 percent of Americans opt for standard drive in their vehicles. That leaves an awful lot of potential thieves who don't know the first thing about manual transmissions and how to drive them - something a lot of classic car and muscle car owners might be relieved about!

Guy Algar, co-owner of Motorheads Performance explains, "When I grew up, all of us who were into cars learned how to drive standard transmission cars. We loved driving cars with stick shifts. There was an element of skill beyond just driving. It was almost a rite of passage to most men who are now over 50. Some would argue it is more 'manly', but we always considered it to be just so much more fun. Those of us who were good at going through the gears could compete for trophies, win races at the track, and even be invited to drive for race teams. Today's youth often don't have the chance to learn to drive a stick because they're parents don't own one."

As the generations of men and women who were faithfully taught to drive manual transmission cars and trucks begin to pass on, and new generations are not taught how to drive standards, it sure looks as if stick shift driving indeed is becoming a dying "art". Certainly the joys of driving with stick shifts are foreign to most young drivers, and that's a shame.

REFERENCE / RESOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION
Classic Car News - New Series Launches on Theft Protection and Prevention
Classic Car News - Preventing Classic Car Theft: The Big Picture
dailymall.co.uk - Carjacking Victim Escapes Because Gang of Thieves Couldn't Drive His Corvette
DMV.org - How To Drive A Stick Shift

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.

Steve McQueen's 1951 Convertible Goes Up On Auction Block

by Andrea L. Algar
Motorheads Performance

Yes, news is that another vintage vehicle belonging to the great actor Steve McQueen is going up for sale in auction on March 22, 2013.


Pawn Stars' Rick Harrison stands before Steve McQueen's
1951 Chevrolet Styleline DeLuxe Convertible


There's no doubt that any vehicle, whether car, motorcycle or airplane belonging to Steve McQueen will draw big bucks in any type of sale. He was know for having amassed one of the largest and most impressive collections in (and possibly even out of) Hollywood.

Even though the movie The Hunter (see official movie trailer below) was not the biggest box office hit when it released in the 1980's, the 1951 Chevrolet Styleline DeLuxe Convertible that was used in the movie will be a big seller if history repeats itself.

Guy Algar of Motorheads Performance explains, "Other Steve McQueen vehicles have certainly fetched top dollar when they've sold. The fact that McQueen reportedly loved this great old classic car and bought it after the movie's production wrapped up, and that he personally used it for four years following the movie, should help to get a great price on the car which was professionally restored 10 years ago. I've followed the sales of some of Steve McQueen's other vehicles, and in particular his rare Indian motorcycles, and the bidding is intense. It should be an interesting auction."

Rick Harrison of television's Pawn Stars is the current owner and is putting it up for auction in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida with no reserve set. The vehicle comes with complete documentation including Certificate of Authenticity. Although formal appraisal estimates it's worth at $45,000 it is thought that the convertible could easily sell for 10 times that amount.

For more information about the auction, visit Auctions America.

REFERENCES/RESOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Auctions America - Auction Info on 1951 Chevrolet Styleline DeLuxe Convertible
Paramount - Trailer of Steve McQueen movie The Hunter

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.