TMCP #646: Ask Rick – Memorial Day Muscle, Summer Flip Strategy, and Parade-Ready Classics

In car-market talk, “flip” means buying a vehicle, improving it (often cosmetically or mechanically), and then selling it for a profit. The hosts mention it alongside parades and making money, framing it as a business strategy.

The Dodge Durango is a midsize SUV from Dodge. In this segment, the hosts are discussing whether its sales are actually profitable or just a marketing story.

“EV” stands for electric vehicle, meaning the car is powered primarily by an electric motor and a battery rather than a gasoline engine. The hosts use it to frame how the market is shifting and how that affects muscle-car plans like the Camaro.

The Chevrolet Camaro is a long-running American muscle car. In this segment, the hosts are discussing whether it’s “coming back,” meaning a renewed interest or potential return to prominence in the market.

“Changing gears” is used here as an idiom to signal a transition to a new discussion segment. It’s not describing a specific drivetrain or gear-change event in a car.

The hosts are shifting into the seasonal theme of Memorial Day “muscle” content—classic American performance cars and the culture around them. It’s a framing topic for what they’ll discuss next rather than a technical automotive subject.

The Chevrolet Chevelle is a classic American muscle car that’s especially popular with collectors and restorers. The podcast context suggests a personal connection—someone wants to upgrade their Chevelle, including parts like the gearing—because those changes can significantly affect how the car drives. That’s why it comes up: it’s a platform people keep and modify to tailor performance.

“Pull the engine” means removing the engine from the car to access components that are otherwise difficult or impossible to reach in-place. It’s commonly required for deep repairs (like major leaks, internal work, or drivetrain-related issues).

An engine rebuild is a major overhaul where worn internal parts are replaced or restored—often including components like pistons, bearings, rings, and sometimes the cylinder head. It’s typically done when the engine’s condition or performance goals can’t be met with simpler repairs.

“Chevelle 2.0 plan” is a project nickname for a staged upgrade path—essentially treating the car like a “version 2” with more power and capability than the current setup. It implies long-term planning rather than a quick fix.

Drag racing is a motorsport where cars accelerate in a straight line over a short, measured distance, typically from a standing start. The segment references going to watch drag racing and seeing the cars up close as a key takeaway from attending.

SimpleTire.com is an online retailer where you can buy tires without visiting a physical store. In the segment, it’s presented as the easiest place to purchase the sponsor brands’ tires.

Lexani Tyres is a tire brand sponsoring the Dallas Kibbe Racing Update. Tire sponsors are common in motorsports because tires are a major performance and safety component.

Rolling Big Power Tyres is a tire brand sponsor for the Dallas Kibbe Racing Update. The segment frames it as purchasable online through the sponsor’s retail link.

Lionheart Tyres is another tire brand sponsor for the Dallas Kibbe Racing Update. The mention is part of the show’s sponsor read rather than a technical discussion.

“Loose is fast” is a driving/handling saying meaning the car is set up to rotate more readily (more oversteer) and can be quicker through certain conditions. The host adds the caution that being “on the edge” means the driver can lose control if they push too far.

TurboTires is the parent company behind multiple tire brands. In this segment, the hosts describe it as owning several lines aimed at different customer needs and price points.

SEMA is the Specialty Equipment Market Association show, a major industry event where companies showcase automotive products. The hosts say they met the TurboTires team at SEMA, which is why the sponsorship relationship started.

“Nashville Fairgrounds” is the venue where the finale race took place. Track familiarity and surface/layout differences can strongly affect lap times and tire behavior, which is why the host compares it to another track.

“Highland Rim Track” is the earlier track the host compares against Nashville. The comparison suggests that track layout and driving feel can change how quickly a driver learns and how well the car performs.

“Race-issued tires” are tires provided or approved for competition by the event or series. They’re typically the same spec for all drivers, so the racing outcome depends more on setup and driving than on tire choice.

“Fast lines” are the racing paths through a corner or section of track that maximize speed and minimize time. Learning fast lines usually means finding the best entry, apex, and exit points for the car’s grip and balance.

A “win” is the top finishing position in a race, and it often carries extra meaning beyond bragging rights—such as prestige, sponsorship value, and momentum in a points chase. The speaker emphasizes that earning a win is difficult because the field is competitive and outcomes are hard to control.

“National level” means the competition is organized and judged across a whole country, not just locally or regionally. In motorsports, that usually implies tougher fields, more consistent officiating, and higher stakes for points and wins.

The “Charlotte shootout” refers to a specific stock-car style racing event/series held around Charlotte, North Carolina. In this segment, it’s part of a packed schedule the driver plans to run for multiple weeks.

A “late model” is a class of stock car racing that typically uses purpose-built cars based on production models, often with strong regional followings. A “debut” here means the driver’s first race in that late-model category.

The Carolina Pro Series is a regional racing series the driver is entering for the late-model debut. The host is using it to frame where the driver’s schedule fits in the broader racing calendar.

Lexani is a tire brand mentioned as a presenter/sponsor for the racing update. Tire brands can matter in racing because tire choice affects grip, wear, and consistency.

Lionheart is another tire brand credited as a presenter/sponsor for the racing update. Different tire brands can be selected to match track conditions and driving style.

RBP is listed as a tire brand presenting the racing update. In motorsports, tire supply and selection can influence performance and consistency across events.

NPD (often referenced as NPD) is an aftermarket parts and restoration-focused company that supports classic-car owners and shops. In the episode, Rick Schmidt is described as working with NPD, implying he brings industry insight about parts availability and trends.

“Pro touring” refers to a style of classic-car build aimed at modern handling and driving performance, not just straight-line speed. When the hosts say “high-end pro touring cars,” they’re implying higher-budget builds with upgraded suspension, brakes, and drivability for confident road-course-style behavior.

National Parts Depot is an aftermarket parts retailer/supplier that sponsors the show. The hosts direct listeners to use a link to find parts, which signals it’s a place for restoration and performance components.

“442” is a famous Oldsmobile performance badge historically associated with the 1960s–1970s muscle-car era. In this segment, the host is questioning the idea of branding a different car as a “real 442,” because the badge carries specific performance and model identity. It’s essentially a shorthand for “the real deal” muscle-car heritage.

This is a Ford Mustang GT described as a “6-speed” car, meaning it uses a six-gear manual-style transmission. The phrase “e-drives” appears to be a transcription of a specific Mustang drivetrain/trim wording, but the key point is the speaker bought a new Mustang GT with a six-speed setup for a gift. It’s positioned as a daily-driver car for the recipient.

A “daily driver” is the car someone uses regularly for everyday commuting and errands. It implies the vehicle is practical enough to live with day to day, not just a weekend or show car. In this segment, the Mustang is described as being used when weather and roads are better.

The hosts mention buying a 1937 Buick as a gift for a grandfather. In this context, it’s a specific vintage classic car year from the Buick brand, chosen because it was a clean, drivable example.

“Clean driver quality” describes a classic car that’s presentable and mechanically usable for regular driving, even if it’s not a perfect show car. It’s a common enthusiast phrase meaning the car looks good and can be enjoyed without needing immediate major restoration.

An “auction block” is the stage or platform where vehicles are auctioned off to the highest bidder. When someone says a car was “rolling across an auction block,” they mean it was being sold at auction.

The clutch is the friction connection between the engine and the transmission, letting you start moving smoothly and change gears. The pressure plate is the spring-loaded component that clamps the clutch disc against the flywheel so power can transfer.

When a car sits for long periods, moisture and corrosion can cause parts to seize. In this case, the clutch/pressure plate assembly can effectively “stick,” making it hard to disengage and operate normally when you restart.

Starting in gear means the transmission is already engaged, so the car can move as soon as the engine is running. It’s sometimes used as a workaround when a clutch is stuck, but it can be risky because the car may lurch forward.

Revology is a company name the hosts use in the context of a business model and a visit. In this episode, it’s discussed as a marketplace concept rather than a specific car or part.

“First generation” refers to the earliest production run of a model line. For the Camaro, that typically means the original 1967–1969 era, which is especially popular with collectors.

“RS” refers to the Rally Sport package, which typically adds specific exterior styling cues to a Camaro. “Split bumper” describes the front bumper design where the bumper is divided into separate sections rather than one continuous piece.

The hosts are discussing a business opportunity around classic-style Chevrolet pickup trucks (the “67 to 72 style” idea). In this context, it’s about building or selling modified trucks that look like late-1960s/early-1970s models.

The Corvette is being brought up as an alternative to the Chevrolet truck plan, but the host argues the market is already crowded. That implies pricing and demand may be less attractive than focusing on another segment.

“Volume and market demand” is a business framing: how many buyers exist and how consistently they’ll purchase a certain type of car. In classic-car flipping, it matters because it affects how quickly inventory sells and how stable pricing can be.

The Dodge Challenger is a muscle car known for its bold styling and wide range of performance options. In the podcast, it’s mentioned in a comparison about how many “Revology” Camaros versus “Revology” Challengers exist, which points to how enthusiast builds or special versions may be more common for one model than the other. That’s why it comes up: it’s not just the car itself, but its presence in the enthusiast scene.

DeLorean is the automotive brand associated with the iconic DMC-12. The host mentions “DeLorean” in the context of a current effort to build something similar to what the brand is known for, specifically referencing “the new DeLorean.”

The DeLorean DMC-12 is a distinctive sports car famous for its unusual design and gull-wing doors. The podcast references “parallel businesses” and a DeLorean effort that sounds like it’s being used as an example of someone trying to do something similar in a niche space. That makes it a natural reference point when discussing ambitious automotive projects and how they’re organized.

“AI nonsense” is the host’s dismissal of a claim they saw online as likely generated or exaggerated by artificial intelligence rather than being a credible automotive announcement. It’s used to question the reliability of social-media “news” about cars.

Amortizing costs means spreading a big upfront expense (like R&D and engineering) across many units sold over time. Automakers do this so the per-car cost becomes manageable when they sell a limited number of vehicles each year.

A vehicle platform is the shared set of core engineering pieces—like the chassis architecture, mounting points, and major structural design—that multiple models can use. Using one platform helps a company reduce development cost and adapt the same basic car to different markets.

Pedestrian safety refers to design requirements intended to reduce injury to people outside the vehicle during a crash. Regulations can affect things like bumper shape, hood design, and how the front end absorbs impact.

Left-hand drive vs. right-hand drive refers to where the steering wheel is positioned. Producing both versions adds cost because the car’s controls, wiring, and sometimes safety systems must be engineered and manufactured differently for each market.

To “amortize the costs” means spreading the expense of developing a new platform or vehicle over a larger number of units. In car terms, higher production volumes can lower the per-car development cost and make the program more financially viable.

The Ford Mustang is Ford’s iconic pony car, and in NASCAR it’s used as the brand identity for the race car’s “shape” and marketing connection. The speaker is contrasting how NASCAR ties the racing entry to the production model name.

The Toyota Camry is Toyota’s midsize sedan, and the speaker uses it as an example of how NASCAR aligns race-car branding with the production model name. It’s part of the comparison: Ford uses Mustang, Toyota uses Camry, and Chevrolet’s entry is treated differently.

A “waiver” is an official exception to a rule or requirement. In this context, the speaker suggests NASCAR granted Chevrolet some flexibility for branding or configuration for a couple of years before a more production-accurate model is used.

NASCAR is a stock-car racing series in the U.S. that uses purpose-built race cars based loosely on production models. In the episode, the host is questioning how “stock” modern NASCAR cars really are.

“Development and engineering cost” is the money spent to design, test, and prepare a new vehicle (or major redesign) for production. The segment frames these costs as something manufacturers try to recover by selling the same generation for years.

In manufacturing, “tooling” refers to the specialized equipment and production tooling used to build a vehicle—like stamping dies, jigs, and assembly fixtures. The host is saying those upfront costs are amortized over time when a model isn’t redesigned.

“Break even” is the point where total revenue equals total costs, so the business stops losing money and starts generating profit. In automotive/production talk, it often refers to how long it takes a model’s tooling and development costs to be paid back.

“Challenger” in this context refers to the Dodge Challenger, a muscle car that’s known for high-performance variants. The podcast mentions the Hellcat being available now or coming back, which points to interest in a specific performance trim and its availability. That’s why it’s discussed: it’s about what powertrain options enthusiasts can get right now.

Tariffs are taxes the government places on imported goods. In car-part markets, tariffs can raise costs for imported components, which can ripple into pricing and availability for restoration and aftermarket products.

“Restoration parts” are components bought specifically to return a classic car to its original look and function (or close to it). In the muscle-car world, demand for these parts often tracks how many owners are actively fixing up cars rather than just driving them.

COVID refers to the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted supply chains and also changed consumer behavior. The host notes it caused a spike in restoration activity as people had more time at home to work on projects.

“Parade cars” refers to vehicles used for public events where they’re driven slowly and displayed for spectators. Because the car is on display, owners often prioritize reliability, appearance, and comfort for passengers over outright performance.

“All in” is a budgeting concept meaning the total cost includes everything needed to get the car ready for use (purchase price plus any required fees and immediate expenses). The speaker is setting a constraint so the project stays financially controlled through the summer.

The Ford Thunderbird is a personal-luxury coupe/convertible that Ford produced across multiple generations, and the 1964 model is a classic mid-1960s design. A “convertible” means the roof can be lowered, which is why it’s often chosen for parade use where visibility and showmanship matter.

Earl Scheidt is referenced as the likely source of the paint job style on the car. In enthusiast circles, naming a specific painter/artist often signals a recognizable custom finish or quality of workmanship.

A crate engine is a brand-new engine sold as a complete package (often with wiring, accessories, and sometimes a warranty) that you install into a vehicle. It’s popular for swaps because it can be easier to source and standardize than building an engine from scratch.

The BMW Z4 is a sports roadster designed for a more driver-focused experience, typically with a compact, lightweight feel. In the podcast, it’s brought up alongside a “bright yellow 69 Camaro” and a “Z4 crate engine,” implying an engine swap or crate-engine discussion. That’s significant because it highlights how enthusiasts sometimes mix components to create a specific performance or build goal.

A “make offer” listing lets buyers submit an offer rather than paying a fixed auction-style price. The speaker contrasts this with auctions, suggesting the listed price may be negotiable.

The speaker is talking about a 1969 Dodge Coronet convertible. They’re evaluating it as a classic “driver” car and pointing out details like the engine and interior/exterior color combo.

“Numbers matching” means the car’s major components—most importantly the engine—have identification numbers that match the vehicle’s original records. For muscle cars, it’s often used as a proxy for originality and can affect collector value.

A “flex radiator hose” is a coolant hose designed to tolerate movement and heat cycling while carrying engine coolant to and from the radiator. The speaker notes it as an easy-to-replace item, implying it’s not a major concern for the car’s overall condition.

Hemings refers to Hemmings, a well-known classic-car media and marketplace brand. In this context, the host is contrasting Hemmings’ auction listings with the fixed-price “cars for sale” listings being discussed.

“Driver quality” is a collector-car term meaning a car that’s presentable and enjoyable to drive, but not necessarily a concours-level show car. It typically implies cosmetic wear or minor imperfections while still being mechanically sound enough for regular use.

“Under 50 all in” means the total cost—including purchase price plus typical additional expenses—stays below $50,000. In car-flipping or buying discussions, “all in” is shorthand for the true out-the-door budget.

“Hold its value” means the car’s price is relatively stable over time compared with other vehicles. In classic-car buying, this usually points to desirable specs (like a popular body style such as a convertible) and strong collector demand.

ROI (return on investment) is a percentage-based way to measure how much profit you make relative to what you put in. The speaker explicitly says they’re thinking about “cash money” rather than calculating ROI.

“Original miles” means the odometer reading reflects the car’s actual, early-life usage rather than being replaced or significantly altered. In collector circles, low original mileage is often treated as evidence of preservation and can strongly affect value.

The speaker frames CR1s as “investments,” meaning they expect the cars’ collector value to rise over time due to rarity and growing demand. This is a market/collector concept rather than a technical automotive feature.

“Triple white” refers to a coordinated all-white look—typically white exterior paint plus white interior and white convertible top (when applicable). The speaker calls it an especially elegant color combination for the Corvette CR1.

A convertible is a car with a roof that can be lowered or removed. The speaker notes that their CR1 is not a convertible, while other Corvettes they mention are, and connects that to why they see certain Corvettes in parades.

A supercharger is a forced-induction device that increases engine airflow, allowing the engine to make more power than it would naturally aspirated. In collector-car talk, “supercharged” often signals a more performance-focused (and sometimes rarer) build.

A “blue-chip car” is a collector-car term for an asset that’s expected to hold value well and attract consistent demand. It’s borrowed from finance language (blue-chip stocks) to describe cars that are seen as safer bets.

“SN95” refers to the 1994–2004 generation of the Ford Mustang (the chassis code used by enthusiasts). The speaker says certain SN95 examples—especially in good colors and condition—are undervalued right now.

“351” refers to the engine’s displacement: 351 cubic inches (a V8 size commonly associated with Ford engines). Displacement is a key spec enthusiasts use to compare how engines are built and what kind of power potential they have.

A “sleeper car” is a vehicle that looks or sounds ordinary but is actually very capable—often because of hidden performance upgrades. The host uses it to describe these rare Mustang builds that don’t get recognized for how special they are.

The speaker is talking about a 1971 Chevrolet Chevelle SS convertible. The “SS” is the Super Sport trim, and the convertible body style is a rarer configuration than a coupe or hardtop.

“502 big block” refers to a large-displacement V8 engine commonly associated with Chevrolet’s big-block family. In muscle-car terms, it’s a shorthand for a powerful engine size and character rather than a small-block setup.

A crate motor is an engine sold as a complete package by a manufacturer or engine builder, ready to install. In collector-car discussions, it often matters because it can reduce “originality” versus an engine that matches how the car left the factory.

A “driver car” is a classic that’s meant to be used and enjoyed rather than kept as a perfect, museum-grade collectible. It typically implies more wear, less strict originality, or fewer collector-grade details.

“LS5” refers to another performance big-block engine option (also tied to Chevrolet muscle-car history). In this context, the speaker is contrasting a verified, original LS5-equipped car versus a more assembled/modified one.

A “put together car” is a car assembled from parts rather than being a fully original, factory-correct example. In collector circles, that usually lowers perceived authenticity and can hurt value compared with documented originals.

Bring a Trailer (BaT) is an online auction platform focused on enthusiast cars, where bidding often accelerates near the end of an auction. The speaker is using BaT behavior to predict a price “tick up” as the sale window closes.