The Mayor of Davenport Jeff Grabau #443
About this episode
Jeff Grabau, the self-proclaimed mayor of Davenport, shares his journey from a troubled youth to a successful entrepreneur and family man. He discusses his passion for motorcycles, cars, and the vibrant bar scene in Davenport, including his own establishment, Nubs Bar. The conversation touches on family dynamics, the importance of community, and the unique culture of motorcycle events in the Midwest. Jeff's candid storytelling and reflections on life, relationships, and personal growth make for an engaging and relatable episode.
After spending a day in Davenport, Iowa, I can confidently say Jeff is the Mayor. From a rough start in his early adulthood to building an empire, all while being someone who lifts up those around him! I met Jeff at the Beaver Bash in 2024 while riding around on some choppers. Jeff and his wife just opened up one of the coolest bars in Iowa, Nubs Bar & Microwave!
Jeff's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jgrabau666/
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off-road lighting
"...off-road lighting has become a huge deal in the motorcycle scene but as those trends rise so has enforcement of dot regulations..."
Off-road lighting means special lights that help you see better when riding motorcycles or driving vehicles in dark or rough places, like trails or mountains.
Off-road lighting refers to specialized lights designed for vehicles used in off-road conditions, such as motorcycles, trucks, and ATVs. These lights enhance visibility in rugged terrains and low-light environments.
DOT regulations
"...as those trends rise so has enforcement of dot regulations you don't want to be stuck out on hundreds if not thousands of dollars in lighting that will get you pulled over..."
DOT regulations are rules made by the government to make sure vehicles, like motorcycles, are safe to use on the road. These rules include how lights should work and look.
DOT regulations refer to the standards set by the Department of Transportation in the United States, which govern the safety and compliance of vehicles and their components, including lighting for motorcycles.
Custom Dynamics
"Custom Dynamics has been providing custom lighting solutions to the motorcycle world for over 20 years a small company and team based out of north carolina offering some of the best customer service in"
Custom Dynamics makes special lights for motorcycles to help them look cool and be safer on the road. They've been doing this for a long time and are known for good customer service.
Custom Dynamics is a company that specializes in custom lighting solutions for motorcycles. They have been in the industry for over 20 years, providing products that enhance visibility and aesthetics for motorcycle enthusiasts.
bobber style
"...the word but to understand bobber style yeah they're still chopping you're still chopping frames..."
Bobber style is a way of customizing motorcycles to make them look simpler and more classic. It usually means taking off extra parts to give the bike a cleaner, more streamlined appearance.
Bobber style refers to a type of motorcycle customization that involves removing unnecessary parts to create a minimalist look, often characterized by a shortened rear fender and a stripped-down aesthetic. This style emerged in the post-World War II era and is popular among enthusiasts who appreciate vintage motorcycles.
Harley
"...the Hollister like a modified factory Harley like yeah the stock..."
Harley is a famous brand that makes motorcycles. They're known for their big, heavy bikes that many people love to ride.
Harley-Davidson is an iconic American motorcycle manufacturer known for its heavyweight cruiser motorcycles. Founded in 1903, the brand has a rich history and is synonymous with motorcycle culture in the United States.
hot rods
"...it's the same thing with hot rods i mean it's all it's all motor culture so it's either like old flathead fords or you know they were using whatever they had to make it smaller lighter"
Hot rods are cars that have been changed to make them faster and more exciting. They often have powerful engines and cool designs, and they are a big part of car culture in America.
Hot rods are custom cars that are modified for increased speed and performance, often featuring powerful engines and unique styling. They originated in the United States in the 1930s and are closely associated with car culture and racing.
Ford Flathead
"...so it's either like old flathead fords or you know they were using whatever they had to make it smaller lighter"
The Ford Flathead is a type of engine made by Ford that was popular in the early days of cars. It's known for its unique design and was often used in hot rods to make them faster.
The Ford Flathead is an engine produced by Ford from 1932 to 1953, known for its distinctive flathead design and popularity in hot rods and custom cars. It was one of the first mass-produced V8 engines and played a significant role in American automotive history.
motorcycle culture
"...obviously the motorcycle culture is just embedded into this area but like for you..."
Motorcycle culture is about the way people who ride motorcycles live and interact with each other. It's not just about the bikes; it's also about the friendships and events that come with riding.
Motorcycle culture refers to the social and lifestyle aspects surrounding motorcycle ownership and riding. It includes the camaraderie among riders, events, and the overall lifestyle that comes with being part of the motorcycle community.
classic cars
"...he built classic cars and I was always grounded so is you want to work in the garage..."
Classic cars are older cars that many people love because they have a special history or design. They are usually at least 20 years old and are often collected by car lovers.
Classic cars are typically defined as vehicles that are at least 20 years old and are often valued for their historical significance, design, and craftsmanship. They are popular among collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate their vintage appeal.
Cadillac DeVille
"...i got his 2004 Deville which is like a $1,500 car but it's one of my prized possessions..."
The 2004 Deville is a big, comfortable car made by Cadillac. It's known for being nice to ride in and has a powerful engine.
The 2004 Cadillac Deville is a full-size luxury sedan known for its spacious interior and smooth ride. It features a V8 engine and is part of Cadillac's long-standing reputation for luxury vehicles.
Hagerty
"...i just actually found out Hagerty has a stated value years no Hagerty has a program for like an extra $30 a year..."
Hagerty is a company that provides insurance for classic cars. They have special plans that help protect valuable cars from being totaled.
Hagerty is a well-known insurance company that specializes in classic and collector cars. They offer unique insurance policies that cater to the needs of car enthusiasts, including options for stated value coverage.
1974 Z28
"...my dad has a 74 z28 that he had since pretty much a new..."
The 1974 Z28 is a special version of the Chevrolet Camaro, which is a sporty car. It has a strong engine and is popular among car enthusiasts.
The 1974 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 is a performance variant of the Camaro, known for its sporty design and powerful V8 engine. It represents a significant era in American muscle car history.
RWD
"...all rwd suspension comes with a lifetime warranty..."
RWD is a brand that makes parts for motorcycles, helping to improve how they ride and handle on the road.
RWD is a company that specializes in aftermarket suspension systems for motorcycles, particularly for touring models. They offer various components designed to enhance ride quality and handling.
rear suspension
"...the rs2 rear suspension and the rs1 front cartridge system offers 12 clicks of compression..."
The rear suspension is the part of a motorcycle that helps it handle bumps in the road and keeps it stable while riding.
The rear suspension is a critical component of a motorcycle that affects ride quality and handling. It helps absorb bumps and provides stability during rides.
front cartridge system
"...the rs1 front cartridge system offers 12 clicks of compression..."
The front cartridge system is a part of the motorcycle's front suspension that helps it handle better and can be adjusted for a smoother ride.
The front cartridge system is a type of suspension component that helps control the front end of a motorcycle, allowing for adjustments to compression and rebound settings for better handling.
compression adjustment
"...offers 12 clicks of compression on the rear and eight clicks on the front..."
Compression adjustment lets you change how soft or firm the suspension feels when you hit bumps, which can make your ride smoother or sportier.
Compression adjustment refers to the ability to modify how much the suspension compresses under load, affecting ride comfort and handling characteristics.
Indian Motorcycle
"...i'm not buying an indian well i don't know some of the indians are kind of cool..."
Indian Motorcycle is another well-known brand that makes motorcycles. They have a long history and are known for their classic designs and strong bikes.
Indian Motorcycle is one of America's oldest motorcycle brands, known for its classic styling and powerful performance. They produce a range of motorcycles that appeal to both vintage enthusiasts and modern riders.
Chrysler Country Town
"...ersion of horn free texas but it's in like an old country town right or like an old western town it's a sick li..."
The Chrysler Town & Country is a family minivan that can carry a lot of people and their stuff. It has nice features to make trips comfortable, like extra space and entertainment options for kids.
The Chrysler Town & Country is a minivan that was produced from the 1990s until 2016, known for its family-friendly features and luxurious touches. It often includes advanced technology and comfort options, making it a popular choice for families looking for a practical yet comfortable vehicle.
clutch
"...is my motor working is the clutch okay is the fucking transmission slipping you know uh..."
The clutch helps you change gears in a car with a manual transmission. It connects and disconnects the engine from the wheels so you can shift smoothly.
The clutch is a mechanical device that engages and disengages the engine from the transmission, allowing the driver to change gears smoothly. It's essential for controlling power delivery to the wheels in manual transmission vehicles.
transmission
"...is my motor working is the clutch okay is the fucking transmission slipping you know uh..."
The transmission helps your car move by sending power from the engine to the wheels. It can be automatic, where the car shifts gears for you, or manual, where you do it yourself.
The transmission is a system that transmits power from the engine to the wheels, allowing the vehicle to move at different speeds. It can be manual or automatic, affecting how the driver interacts with the vehicle.
Chevrolet Impala
"...you can look at a car and say well that's a 56 Chevy oh that's a 62 impala you know that's a 74 fucking forward once..."
The Chevrolet Impala is a large car that was very popular in the 1960s. It was known for being stylish and comfortable, making it a favorite among many drivers.
The Chevrolet Impala is a full-size car that was first introduced in 1958. It became one of the best-selling cars in the United States, known for its stylish design and spacious interior, particularly popular during the 1960s.
Chevrolet G-Series
"...what's the g-van they do that for 30 fucking years never change the thing on it..."
The Chevrolet G-Series is a type of van that was made for many years. It's known for being strong and useful, often used by businesses or families.
The Chevrolet G-Series refers to a line of vans produced by Chevrolet from 1964 to 1995. These vans were known for their durability and versatility, often used for both commercial and personal purposes.
Chevrolet G10
"...i can get a 95 with all the bells and whistles but i'm like hey i'm slumming it over here yeah you got a g-van i got a g 10..."
The Chevrolet G10 is a smaller van that was part of the G-Series. It was popular for being easy to drive and still having a lot of room inside.
The Chevrolet G10 is a specific model within the G-Series vans, produced from 1964 to 1995. It is known for its compact size compared to other vans in the series, making it easier to maneuver while still providing ample cargo space.
Chevrolet Express
"...0 20 and 30 yeah they're all identical until the express came out it makes it easier i can get a 95 with a..."
The Chevrolet Express is a big van that people use to carry stuff or take their families around. It's known for having a lot of space inside and being strong enough to handle heavy loads.
The Chevrolet Express is a full-size van that has been popular for both commercial and personal use since its introduction in the 1990s. Known for its spacious interior and strong performance, it is often used for transporting goods or as a family vehicle, making it a versatile choice in the van segment.
fender flare kit
"i've got a fender flare kit for that thing i got fender flares i got a all full fender flare"
A fender flare kit makes the sides of a car wider to fit bigger tires. It helps the car look more aggressive and can prevent the tires from sticking out too much.
A fender flare kit is an aftermarket modification that extends the fenders of a vehicle to accommodate wider tires or enhance the vehicle's appearance. This can improve the vehicle's stance and provide better clearance for larger wheels.
lower control arms
"they don't make lower control arms and so we first bought it and was riding around on it it would bottom out and and drag the cross member in the in the lower control arms"
Lower control arms are parts of a car's suspension that help keep the wheels in the right position. They make sure the car handles well when driving.
Lower control arms are suspension components that connect the vehicle's chassis to the wheels. They help manage the wheel's movement and alignment, playing a crucial role in handling and ride quality.
air shocks
"you got to put air shocks on the front and then air them up to make a stiffer"
Air shocks are special parts that help control how a car rides. They can be adjusted with air to make the ride softer or stiffer, depending on what you need.
Air shocks are a type of suspension system that uses air pressure to adjust the ride height and stiffness of the vehicle. They can provide a smoother ride and allow for customization based on load and driving conditions.
Chevrolet Camaro
"the newer cars kind of got cool yeah yeah for sure to this day like a camaro or an el camino"
The Chevrolet Camaro is a sporty car that many people love for its speed and design. It's often compared to other muscle cars.
The Chevrolet Camaro is a popular American muscle car known for its performance and aggressive styling. It has been a staple in the muscle car segment since its introduction in the 1960s.
Chevrolet El Camino
"the newer cars kind of got cool yeah yeah for sure to this day like a camaro or an el camino"
The Chevrolet El Camino is a car that looks like a truck. It was made to carry things but also has a sporty design.
The Chevrolet El Camino is a unique vehicle that combines the features of a car and a pickup truck. It was popular in the 1960s and 70s for its versatility and style.
Cadillac 68
"...we went on a hot rod power tour in my 68 Cadillac to Memphis Tennessee oh that's it that was our first date..."
The 1968 Cadillac is a classic luxury car known for its smooth ride and powerful engine. It's a symbol of American automotive history and is often appreciated by car enthusiasts for its design and comfort.
The 1968 Cadillac is part of Cadillac's lineup known for its luxury and performance features during the late 1960s. It typically features a powerful V8 engine and a spacious, comfortable interior, making it a popular choice for those seeking a classic American car experience.
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