From Clunker to Summit: Restoring a 1998 Acura Integra for Mount Evans 🏎️⛰️
About this episode
A father-son duo, Rushton and Neil Consel, share their journey of restoring a 1998 Acura Integra, affectionately named 'Teggy'. With the pandemic as a backdrop, Neil's desire to learn stick shift led them to purchase a clunker for $5,000. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of the restoration process, their adventures leading to Mount Evans, and the bond strengthened through this project. The episode highlights the joy of car culture and the personal stories that connect us to our vehicles.
Click here to share your favorite car, car story or any automotive trivia!
"We sat on a rock in the driveway, stared at the car, and thought: What did we just do?" 🛠️🧩.
What happens when a father humors his son’s "crazy idea" to buy a $5,000 project car during a global pandemic?. In this episode, we’re joined by Ruchin and Neil Kansal, the father-son duo behind the book The Kansal Clunker.
Neil shares the incredible story of receiving his driver's license just 24 hours before the world shut down, leading to a deep obsession with a "piece of junk" 1998 Acura Integra named "Teggy". Together, they navigate a ground-up restoration with zero prior experience—learning everything from interior teardowns to wiring via YouTube and the support of a "mafia-like" car community.
In this episode, we discuss:
- 🏎️ The "Teggy" Transformation: Taking a 1998 Integra from a clunker to a machine capable of climbing 14,130 feet to the summit of Mount Evans, Colorado.
- 🛠️ Learning the Hard Way: How to rebuild a car when you’ve never even taken off a tire.
- 🤝 The Power of Shared Projects: How the "Kansal Clunker" became a masterclass in collaboration, vulnerability, and father-son bonding.
- 🚙 The 4Runner Debate: Neil’s shift to a new Toyota 4Runner and his defense of the controversial 4-cylinder turbo engine.
- 🍎 Generational Legacies: From Ruchin’s silver Mitsubishi Galant memories to their current project—a 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Whether you're a seasoned mechanic or someone who just "sat on a rock" staring at a project, this episode is a beautiful reminder that every car tells a story—and the best ones are built together.
Connect with our guests:
🌐 Website: thekansalclunker.com
📖 Book: The Kansal Clunker (Available at thekansalclunker.com/book or wherever books are sold)
🔗🌲 Find all our 70+ episodes, social links, and YouTube video podcasts here: linktr.ee/carsloved
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Mazda Rx7
"Yes. And I see today you're wearing your lovely RX7 shirt. Tell me, tell me a little bit about your R..."
The Mazda RX-7 is a sporty car that many people love because it has a special type of engine that makes it really fast and fun to drive. It's also known for being light and easy to handle on the road.
The Mazda RX-7 is a lightweight sports car that was produced from 1978 to 2002, known for its unique rotary engine and agile handling. It has a dedicated fan base and is often celebrated for its performance and distinctive design, making it a popular topic among car enthusiasts.
stick shift
"that was my intro to um driving stick shift because my friend and friends who were driving stick shift..."
A stick shift is a type of car transmission that you control by shifting gears yourself, instead of the car doing it automatically. Many people enjoy driving stick shifts because it feels more connected to the car.
A stick shift refers to a manual transmission system in a car, where the driver manually changes gears using a gear stick. This type of transmission provides a more engaging driving experience.
rotary engine
"his family had I think 12 different rotary-engined RX 7s over the years..."
A rotary engine is a special kind of engine that works differently from regular engines. Instead of pistons moving up and down, it has a spinning design that helps it run smoothly and powerfully.
A rotary engine is a type of internal combustion engine that uses a rotary design to convert pressure into rotating motion. Mazda is well-known for its use of rotary engines in models like the RX-7.
Acura Integra
"Uh Teggy, our 1998 piece of junk, Acura Integra. That was no longer a piece of junk by the end of it."
The Acura Integra is a small car that many people liked for being fun to drive. The 1998 version is known for being reliable and having good performance, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts.
The Acura Integra is a compact car that was popular for its sporty performance and reliability. The 1998 model is part of the third generation of the Integra, known for its agile handling and available in various trims, including the sporty GS-R variant.
used car
"...we're gonna buy a used car, we're gonna fix it, we're gonna learn how to drive stick shift, and then we'll drive it at a crazy place."
A used car is one that someone else has owned before. They are usually cheaper than new cars and can be a good option if you're looking to save money.
A used car is a vehicle that has had previous owners and is sold after being used, as opposed to a new car which has not been owned before. Used cars can be more affordable but may require careful inspection for wear and tear.
Oldsmobile
"Maybe not the Oldsmobile, but the Volkswagen. So yeah, a lot of a lot of great stories tied back into that."
Oldsmobile was a car brand in the U.S. that made various types of cars for over a century before it was discontinued in 2004. It was known for its comfortable and stylish vehicles.
Oldsmobile was an American automobile brand that was part of General Motors. It was known for producing a variety of vehicles from the late 19th century until its discontinuation in 2004.
trading up cars
"He is the uh expert at trading up cars."
Trading up cars means getting rid of an old car to get a better or more expensive one. It's a way for car enthusiasts to improve their collection or driving experience.
Trading up cars refers to the practice of selling or exchanging a vehicle for a more valuable or desirable one, often with the goal of improving one's automotive collection or experience.
save the manual
"Uh, it's a shame that there aren't more stick shift cars, but you know, there's all these, there's all these memes and whatnot out there about uh save the manual."
'Save the manual' is a saying that means people want to keep cars with stick shifts around because they enjoy driving them. It shows how some drivers feel about the change to automatic cars.
'Save the manual' is a phrase used by car enthusiasts to advocate for the preservation of manual transmissions in an era where automatic transmissions are becoming more prevalent. It reflects a desire to maintain the driving experience associated with manual gear shifting.
Volkswagen Beetle
"So take it. As you've heard, I have an uh a Volkswagen Beetle named Alice."
The Volkswagen Beetle is a famous car that looks very unique with its round shape. It's known for being fun to drive and has been popular for many years.
The Volkswagen Beetle is a classic car known for its distinctive rounded shape and rear-engine layout. It has a rich history and is often associated with the counterculture movement of the 1960s.
Mitsubishi Eclipse
"...we looked at an RX-7 and uh Mitsubishi Eclipse and so on and so forth..."
The Mitsubishi Eclipse is a sporty compact car that was made for many years. It's known for being fun to drive and has different versions, some of which are quite powerful.
The Mitsubishi Eclipse is a compact car that was produced from 1989 to 2011, known for its sporty design and performance, especially in its turbocharged variants.
Himalayan car rally
"...I would watch Himalayan car rally all the time. And in Himalayan car rally, Mitsubishi's were one of the premier uh featured cars..."
The Himalayan car rally is a race that takes place in the mountains of the Himalayas. It's known for being tough and exciting, where cars compete in challenging conditions.
The Himalayan car rally is an adventurous motorsport event held in the challenging terrains of the Himalayas, featuring various vehicles. It showcases the capabilities of cars and drivers in extreme conditions, making it a popular event for automotive enthusiasts.
Mitsubishi Galant
"I love that. And now we had two Mitsubishi galants, poor students with no money with brand new galan..."
The Mitsubishi Galant is a car that many people buy because it's usually cheaper than other cars and gets the job done. It's a good option for those who need a reliable way to get around without spending too much money.
The Mitsubishi Galant is a midsize sedan that was produced from 1969 until 2012, known for its affordability and practicality. It has been a popular choice for budget-conscious buyers looking for a reliable vehicle, often discussed for its value in the used car market.
Ford Mustang
"Uh zinc yellow food Mustang. Okay. Okay."
The Ford Mustang is a popular sports car that has been around for many years. It's known for being fast and stylish, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts.
The Ford Mustang is a classic American muscle car known for its performance and iconic design. It has been in production since 1964 and has undergone several generations of updates and modifications.
installment payments
"...an installment that I thought I could afford once the salary started to come in. And so now we were proud owners..."
Installment payments mean you pay for something in parts over time instead of all at once. For example, if you buy a car, you can pay a little bit each month until it's fully paid off.
Installment payments refer to a method of paying for a purchase in smaller, manageable amounts over a set period of time, rather than paying the full amount upfront. This is common in car financing.
Bmw X1
"...my dad bought me a used uh BMW X1, and I loved that car and it was a lot of fun. We had it for a couple of years until it turbo blew."
The BMW X1 is a small luxury SUV that is fun to drive and has a nice interior. It's a good option for people looking for a stylish and practical vehicle.
The BMW X1 is a compact luxury crossover SUV that offers a blend of performance, comfort, and practicality. It's known for its sporty handling and premium interior, making it a popular choice among small SUV enthusiasts.
turbo
"...until it turbo blew. But I'm also seeing a little bit of a trend here because we got rid of that car and all."
A turbo is a part that helps the engine get more power by pushing in extra air. This makes the car go faster without needing a bigger engine.
A turbo, or turbocharger, is a device that forces more air into the engine's combustion chamber, allowing it to burn more fuel and produce more power. It helps improve engine efficiency and performance.
Toyota 4Runner
"I bought a brand new Toyota 4Runner. Same impulse, no control."
The Toyota 4Runner is a type of SUV that is great for off-roading and has a lot of space inside. It's a popular choice for families and people who like to explore outdoors.
The Toyota 4Runner is a midsize SUV known for its off-road capability and durability. It's popular among outdoor enthusiasts and families alike for its spacious interior and rugged design.
barn find
"...we just started to drive around Connecticut to see what we can find in the barns. Not that we will end up with a car, but we ended up with an alpha..."
A barn find is when someone finds an old car that has been stored away in a barn for a long time. These cars can be special because they might be rare or need some work to make them nice again.
A 'barn find' refers to a vehicle that has been discovered in a barn or similar storage, often after being neglected for years. These finds are usually sought after by collectors and enthusiasts due to their potential for restoration.
clunker
"...go find a clunker and rebuild it from your book. I don't think you had a lot of car skills..."
A clunker is a very old car that doesn't work well. People sometimes buy clunkers to fix them up and make them better.
A clunker is an old or worn-out vehicle that is often considered to be in poor condition. Enthusiasts sometimes buy clunkers as project cars to restore or modify them.
project car
"...go find a clunker and rebuild it from your book. I don't think you had a lot of car skills..."
A project car is a car that someone buys to fix up and make better. It's usually not in perfect condition and needs work done to it.
A project car is a vehicle that an enthusiast buys with the intention of restoring, modifying, or improving it over time. This often involves significant work, such as mechanical repairs or aesthetic upgrades.
YouTube
"...Was YouTube a factor? Um, I think there were maybe some friendships built out of it."
YouTube is a website where people can watch videos. Many car lovers use it to learn how to fix or improve their cars by watching tutorials.
YouTube is a popular video-sharing platform where users can upload, share, and view videos. Many automotive enthusiasts use it to find tutorials and guides on car repairs and modifications.
Acura Integra
"...he sold me a door handle for Teggy, because he had one that had been totaled out. I and I, you know, I went out there and I I met the guy..."
The Honda Integra is a small car that many people like because it's fun to drive and can be modified easily. It's known for being reliable and has a lot of fans.
The Honda Integra, also known as the Acura Integra in some markets, is a compact car that gained popularity for its sporty performance and reliability. It has a strong following among car enthusiasts, especially in the tuning community.
parts
"...helping continue recycling the parts, right? If you didn't buy that part from them, it would end up in the garbage, probably, right?"
'Parts' are the different pieces that make up a car, like the engine or the wheels. If one part breaks, you can often replace just that part instead of the whole car.
In automotive terms, 'parts' refer to the individual components that make up a vehicle, such as engines, brakes, and body panels. These can be original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts or aftermarket components.
DeLorean DMC-12
"...And um, listeners of the show know I own a DeLorean. If not for the powerful community, you know, they only made 10,000 of those cars or about 6,500 left."
The DeLorean is a unique car made by a company called DeLorean. It's famous for its shiny metal body and doors that open upwards, and it became really popular because of the movies 'Back to the Future.'
The DeLorean is a sports car manufactured by the DeLorean Motor Company, known for its distinctive stainless steel body and gull-wing doors. It gained iconic status from its role in the 'Back to the Future' film series.
Deloreans
"...say to my DeLorean friend who's always fixing car DeLoreans for other people, because there are just some thi..."
The DeLorean DMC-12 is a famous car that looks very different from most cars because it has doors that open up like wings. It's known for its shiny metal body and became really popular after appearing in movies.
The DeLorean DMC-12 is a sports car that became iconic due to its stainless steel body and gullwing doors, famously featured in the 'Back to the Future' film series. Produced in the early 1980s, it represents a unique chapter in automotive history, combining futuristic design with a troubled production story.
Mercedes-Benz ML320
"I think I had a Mercedes ML320, which I bought used, which was kind of a junker."
The Mercedes-Benz ML320 is a luxury SUV that offers a comfortable ride and can handle off-road conditions.
The Mercedes-Benz ML320 is a mid-size luxury SUV that was part of the M-Class lineup, known for its comfort and off-road capability.
Honda Accord
"...elling it, and I just bought a used 1998 Honda uh Accord, which was a fantastic car. And after that, my wh..."
The Honda Accord is a popular car that many people buy because it lasts a long time and is good on gas. It has a comfortable space inside, making it a great choice for driving around town or going on trips.
The Honda Accord is a midsize sedan that has been a staple in the automotive market since its introduction in 1976. Known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and spacious interior, the Accord has earned a reputation as a practical choice for families and commuters alike.
Toyota Land Cruiser
"including Land Cruisers, and put a big lift on them."
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a big SUV that can handle rough roads and is known for lasting a long time.
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a full-size SUV known for its off-road capabilities and durability, making it a popular choice for adventurous drivers.
Lexus ES Hybrid
"So funny, I'm driving a Lexus. No disrespect to the Lexus. Yeah, yeah, it's a Lexus ES hybrid."
The Lexus ES Hybrid is a fancy car that uses both gasoline and electricity to save fuel. It's comfortable to drive and great for getting to work or school.
The Lexus ES Hybrid is a luxury sedan that combines comfort with fuel efficiency. It is known for its smooth ride and high-quality interior, making it a popular choice for commuters.
miles per gallon (MPG)
"It gives me 45 miles per gallon, it's a great commute car."
Miles per gallon (MPG) tells you how far a car can go on one gallon of gas. The higher the number, the less gas you need to drive a certain distance, which saves money.
Miles per gallon (MPG) is a measure of how far a vehicle can travel on one gallon of fuel. Higher MPG values indicate better fuel efficiency, which is important for reducing fuel costs and environmental impact.
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